Inspiration for amazing places to elope in the Okanagan!

Welcome to a thoughtfully curated collection of picturesque and unique venues, back country adventures, and epic outdoor elopement locations. First, some brief advice on how to elope:

HOW TO ELOPE IN THE OKANAGAN

1. Think of the best ever day: Imagine the funnest, happiest, adventurous, or romantic date you could possibly have together and elope all in one day. Maybe zip lining at Zip Zone in Peachland; perhaps breakfast at Bohemian Cafe; you could even get a tattoo together; go for a swim in the lake (we have Skaha Lake in Penticton, Okanagan Lake, and Kalamalka Lake in Vernon + so many tiny lake across the Okanagan!); a stroll to Bright Jenny or Sprout Bread for coffee and a scone; Parlour or Amore Mio (my fav) for ice cream; and maybe even a helicopter ride or a rock climbing session at the Boulderfields in Kelowna or Skaha Provincial Park in Penticton!
2. You will need a marriage license to make it official. Marriage licenses can be obtained at London Drugs for $100; you will need primary identification such as your birth certificate, IMM/immigration form, permanent resident card, citizenship car, valid driver’s license or, a valid passport
3. To find and marriage commissioner/officiant/celebrant…
   – Check out my page of vendors I love to work with,
   – Search for your local commissioners on BC’s Marriage Commissioner site. This is often the most affordable way route.
   – Reach out to pastors or leaders at the local church, many of them are authorized to perform legal ceremonies, or
   – Find an officiant through private companies such as Young, Hip & Married and All Season Weddings.
4. Send me a message. We will get to know each other + discuss the important logistics to make sure your elopement is the best day ever.
5. We’ll adventure around the destinations you picked, have a good old time, create memories, get married, and I’ll photograph the whole dang thing. It’s gonna be so good (:

1. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Vernon BC

Rattlesnake Point is an easy 20 minute walk up that is doable for most skill levels! This 360 degree view is one of the most stunning vistas around. In the summer, the lake turns an incredibly vibrant turquoise.

2. Knox Mountain Park, Downtown Kelowna

Where the locals go! Knox is a Kelowna classic with several different entrance points that offer different views, from Downtown, the northwest end of the lake, and wildflower fields in the warmer months.

Things to consider when eloping in the Okanagan:

Choose a location that fits your vibe and vision. For some people, the best day ever is hiking in to a epic view, for others, it might be saying your vows at the edge of a winery. Choose what you love.

The weather: Might seem over-obvious – but be prepared for scorching hot days from June to August (I’ve photographed weddings at near 40°C), perfect for a post ceremony dip in the lake. As the Okanagan is a desert, Spring and Fall months are temperate and usually quite lovely. From December to February, expect temperatures of 0°C to – 20°C, and decent amount of snow.

3. Jack Smith Lake, Kelowna BC

This unique hidden gem’s changing landscape means you will be treated to different sights through the seasons. Although you will likely wave hello to some friendly dirt bikers, the open fields, rolling hills, wide open sky, and tall grass are what make this place so beautiful

4. 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Lake Country

Will never forget my first sunset at the Infinity Pad at 50th Parellel. The insane mountain/lake/vineyard views screams OKANAGAN. The food is to die for, the people & service is incredible, and the views are to die for.

5. Kuipers Peak, Kelowna BC

Don’t let the name intimidate you. If you want epic views of Kelowna, the lake, and the mountains, but you’re limited on time or don’t want to hike in a big dress, Kuipers Peak is just 10 minutes up to the top.

6. Kalamalka Lake Viewpoints, Lake Country & Vernon BC

Remember that turquoise lake I mentioned earlier? This is the same one, but without the extra travel time and hiking time. Along the lake, there are a few pockets off the side of the road that offer the same incredible views

7. Black Mountain Viewpoint, Kelowna BC

Literally a black mountain. Totally unique and equally stunning, with views of the farmland and the road to Big White in the distance.

8. At a Private Residence or your Parent’s Backyard

AirBnB and other vacation rentals are a great way to find a location that offers the convenice of a tidy house and good lighting + beautiful outdoor private space for your ceremony and celebration.

9. Bertram Creek Regional Park, Kelowna BC

Yes, we can go swimming. Bertram Creek Park is near the end of lakeshore drive. I love this spot for the variety in beach rocky terrain, and private views 🏔

10. Otter Lake, Armstrong BC

Just a cute little lake hiding in the neighbourhoods of Armstrong (:

11. The Beach, in Penticton, Summerland, Peachland, Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon.

WE GOT ALL THE BEACH BABY. Let me take you for an adventure!

12. Sanctuary Gardens, West Kelowna BC

If you want a calm, intimate, vineyard romance, you want Sanctuary Gardens. Surrounded by gardens and greenery, you can get married under under the quaintest gazebo you ever did see.

13. Mount Baldy, Kelowna BC

No, not the ski resort in Oliver. This is little Mount Baldy – at the top of the giant hill, you will have a 360 degree view of Kelowna. I’ve been here at sunrise, sunset, and blue hour and every single hour was glorious. At the bottom of the hill, you can frolick and run through the paths, tall grass, and pick some wildflowers!

14. James Lake, Hydraulic Lake, Postil Lake, Chute Lake, Beaver Lake, Rose Valley Lake, back country lakes all over the Okanangan Valley

In addition to the giant Okanagan Lake, if you’re willing to adventure beyond the city and get your tires dirty, the Okanagan is home to many smaller lakes up Forest Service Roads. Many of them even have wilderness lodges or resorts!

15. Kalamoir Regional Park, West Kelowna BC

Forest, lake view trails and funky beaches make this a MUST 🌟 If climbing around rock faces like a kid makes you smile, you may want to consider this spot.

16. Big White Ski Resort, 40 minutes outside Kelowna

Accommodations, views, entertainment, and food all in one place! You can count on Big White if you dream of a sparkly winter nuptials.

17. Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon BC

Can I pick favourites? Ok! Ellison is an absolute gem and I am in love with the rocky terrain and coastal feel. It doesn’t take much to walk to the highest spot for a view of tiny paddle boarders. & yes, if you want to go paddle boarding on your elopement day, me + my waterproof camera case are 100% in.

18. Quails Gate Winery, West Kelowna BC

I’ve been to my fair share of wineries in the Okanagan, so my expert opinion is that Quails Gate has one of the dreamiest view from the picnic lawn. Check out the Lake House if you want a luxury lakefront vacation too!

19. Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Kelowna BC

Cedar Creek is tucked in to the side of the mountain, and you’ll be treated to the stunning views of Okanagan lake, with parks like Bertram Creek, Cedar Creek, Okanagan Provincial Park, and other cozy little pull offs just down the road. The architecture at Cedar Creek is so unique!

20. Okanagan Beach Club Resort, West Kelowna BC

OBC offers a private beach perfect for a ceremony steps from the water! In the same stretch of beach, imagine an intimate candlelit dinner by their in house chef with your closest friends and family. Sounds dreamy to me (:

I’m so spoiled to live in the Okanagan and be treated to beautiful landscapes everyday. If you’re ready to elope and need further help choosing the best spot for you, or require further clarification, hi, I’m here to help! Send me a message. Can’t wait to hear from you (:

* Disclaimer: some locations require a wedding permit, some do not, some locations may not offer a permit. I’m not saying you can get married anywhere, but I’m also not saying you can’t either 😉 Send me an email if you’re unsure about your ideal location. There is most often a work around.