elopements that feel like a nostalgic summer day

35 mm film photo of bride and groom walking along rocky shore barefoot during their Tofino Elopement

Tofino elopement photographer documenting laid-back, outdoorsy elopements on 35 mm film across BC + Alberta

35 mm film photo of bride and groom in funky outfits exploring the coast in Ucluelet during their Vancouver Island Elopement
35 mm film photo of bride and groom embracing on the Vancouver Island Ferry during their elopement. Both wear nordic sweaters.

When you decided to get married, a big flashy wedding never once appealed to you.


Sound familiar? If you’ve found your way here, it means you’ve decided to forgo the traditional, overwhelming wedding you've been to a dozen times and craft an intentional celebration that's uniquely yours. And honestly? I couldn’t be more excited for you! This is the start of an adventure that’s all about the experience, the connection, and the absolute joy of celebrating life on your own terms.

35 mm film photo of bride and groom kissing on the stormy coast during their Tofino Elopement

Welcome, friend! I'm Heather! (they/them)

Vancouver Island Elopement Photographer Heather Nolan smiles serenely as they look off camera. They are wearing a loose linen shirt
Tofino Elopement Photographer Heather Nolan smiles serenely at the camera in overalls and flannel standing beside Takkakaw Falls in Yoho

about me:

and I am obsessed with the wild, untamed feeling of the Pacific coast.


I'm a Tofino Elopement Photographer and Co-Planner and I truly believe in helping you craft an elopement experience that is intentional and true to who you are as a couple. If you'd rather read your vows with the sound of waves crashing nearby, wander through coastal rainforest, or celebrate your love somewhere along the edge of the ocean than have a big flashy wedding, you're in the right place.



Documenting elopements on 35mm film across Tofino, Ucluelet, and Vancouver Island.


35 mm film photo of bride's eyes filling with tears as groom reads his vows on the Vancouver Island coast

Nichole + Hudson

"WORDS CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO CAPTURE HOW MAGICAL HEATHER MADE OUR ELOPEMENT. FROM BEGINING TO END THEY SUPPORTED US IN MAKING DECISIONS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. HELPING US CHOOSE LOCATIONS, FIGURE OUT TIMING AND EVEN SUGGESTING ACCOMMODATIONS AS WE CAME FROM OUT OF PROVINCE."

how to elope in Tofino

sample resources from the blog

Bride and Groom laugh in a meadow by the coast during Tofino Elopement

 

Alexis + Brian

"FROM THE MOMENT WE MET HEATHER THEY INSTANTLY PUT US AT EASE. WE FELT SO COMFORTABLE AROUND THEM AND THEY ACTUALLY MADE US FEEL CALMER ABOUT THE WEDDING IN GENERAL JUST BECAUSE THEY WE SO CALM!"

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Helping couples plan intentional elopements in Tofino, Ucluelet, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

35 mm film photo of bride and groom embracing on rocky coastline during their Vancouver Island Elopement

Why Elope in Tofino?

 

bride and groom hold hands and laugh in the fog by the Ucluelet lighthouse during their Vancouver Island elopement

Tofino is one of the most magical places in Canada for an elopement. Between endless sandy beaches, rugged coastline, and ancient coastal rainforest, it's the kind of place where you can slow down and truly soak in the moment.


Couples come to Tofino to:


+ exchange vows on a quiet beach at sunrise


+ wander through old-growth rainforest trails


+ celebrate with a cozy cabin weekend by the ocean


+ surf, explore tide pools, or watch storms roll in


Whether your day looks like an adventurous hike, a slow beach picnic, or a stormy west coast celebration, Tofino makes space for elopements that feel wild, intentional, and deeply personal.


Your Tofino Elopement Experience

35 mm film photo of bride and groom laughing in the mist during their Tofino elopement ceremony

Here's what booking with me looks like:


+ a beautiful 50+ page custom location planning guide right to your inbox, full of suggestions just for you based on our conversations together, and assistance choosing the perfect location for your ceremony and activities.


+ full assistance planning your elopement day timeline for a stress-free day and easy planning process.


+ not worrying about the weather because I book you a backup day.


+ trusted local vendor recommendations in Tofino + Ucluelet


+ expert local knowledge for your whole elopement trip, from travel logistics to off-the-beaten-path locations.


+ unlimited planning assistance. You will never have to worry about bothering me because I am here for you every single step of the way.

Tofino Elopement Packages

FULL DAY

for couples who want the full experience - having an adventure together on their elopement day including activities, both sunrise and sunset, or splitting the package into two days to see and do the most.

HALF DAY

for couples who value photos that will tell the story of their elopement day, from getting ready, experiencing the day together, ceremony, exploring the landscape, and enjoying either a sunrise or a sunset together in s stunning location.


*most popular package*


MINI

for couples who want photos of the ceremony and portraits.

elopement packages start at $2876 CAD

 

FAQ

Can you legally elope in Tofino?

Yes! Couples can legally elope in Tofino and anywhere else in British Columbia.

To get legally married in BC you will need:

• a BC marriage licence
• a registered officiant
• two witnesses

Many couples choose to hold their ceremony on one of Tofino’s beaches or along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. As your Tofino elopement photographer and co-planner, I help couples navigate the logistics so their day feels relaxed and intentional.

Where are the best places to elope in Tofino?

Tofino and the surrounding Vancouver Island coastline offer incredible locations for intimate elopements.

Some of the most popular spots include: Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay Beach, Tonquin Beach, Ucluelet Lighthouse, Rainforest Trails A+B, and the Pacific Rim National Park.

I'm always happy to chat with couples and help you choose the perfect spot for your priorities!

Do you help plan Tofino elopements?

Yes! As a Tofino elopement photographer and co-planner, I help couples design an experience that feels authentic to them.

This includes location recommendations, custom timeline planning, vendor recommendations in Tofino and Ucluelet, permit guidance, and a custom elopement planning guide full of suggestions of things to see and do and eat in the area!

My goal is to make planning feel super easy breezy so you can enjoy the process!

Can we bring our dog for our Tofino elopement?

I absolutely insist!!! Tofino is super dog friendly, especially for beach elopements, but they have to stay on-leash at all times. I'm always happy to help plan an elopement timeline to include your pups!

Do you need a permit to elope in Pacific Rim National Park?

It depends on the location!

Some beaches in Tofino are within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which may require a permit for ceremonies depending on your group size and setup.

Simple elopements with:

• fewer than ~15 guests
• minimal decor
• no chairs or structures

often have fewer restrictions, but permits can still apply.

If you're planning a Tofino beach elopement, I help couples choose locations and navigate permits when needed.

When is the best time to elope in Tofino?

Tofino is beautiful year-round, and each season offers a totally unique experience.

Spring (March–May): Quieter beaches and dramatic coastal weather.

Summer (June–September): Warmest weather and long sunsets, but much busier!

Fall (October–November): Moody skies, enormous waves, and fewer visitors.

Winter (November–February): Storm watching season — wild weather and cozy PNW vibes.

Many couples love sunrise or sunset elopements to experience the beaches when they are quietest.

How many guests can we bring?

Most Tofino elopements include just the couple or a small group of up to 10–15 guests.

If you’re planning an elopement inside Pacific Rim National Park or on public beaches, smaller guest counts help protect the landscape and make permits easier.

Lots of folks opt to elope privately and celebrate with family afterward with a dinner reservation, hosting family at their airbnb, or saying private vows before meeting up with guests for an activity.

35 mm film photo of a couple playfully chasing each other at golden hour
35 mm film photo of a couple laying in the grass with their dog in the summer evening light in Fernie, BC

celebrating a different phase of life?

Adventure Sessions start at $650, and yes I would LOVE to climb that mountian with you!

 

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@wildflowerelopementco