A sunset beach elopement in Victoria, BC is a stunning and intimate way to exchange vows. Victoria’s coastlines provide breathtaking views, soft golden light, and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal location for couples looking to elope with the beauty of the ocean and the sunset as their backdrop. The colors in the sky — golden, pink, purple, and orange — create a romantic, tranquil atmosphere ideal for an elopement. Here's what you need to know if you're considering a sunset beach elopement in Victoria.
Timing Your Sunset Beach Elopement in Victoria, BC
Golden Hour Lighting: Sunset elopement photography thrives on the "golden hour", which occurs approximately 30 to 60 minutes before sunset. This soft, warm light is perfect for romantic, flattering photos and creates a magical atmosphere. We will plan your ceremony during this time to ensure you get the best lighting that enhances your portraits and the natural landscape around you. Victoria’s coastal locations offer especially beautiful sunset views, making it a perfect spot for an unforgettable elopement. If we are lucky, our "blue hour" (right after the sun dips below the horizon) will be spoiled with light blue and pink pastel skies for some dreamy cool tones.
Sunset Times: The exact time and location of sunset changes throughout the year. During the summer months, sunset in Victoria, BC can be as late as 9:00 pm, while in the winter, it can be as early as 4:30 pm. Not to mention the direction of the sun in the sky changes from season to season as well. We will check the specific time and direction of sunset with our Lumos Program for your elopement date and work with you to schedule the ceremony. If you are truly hoping for golden hour as mentioned above, the best months to plan your sunset elopement in Victoria BC would be during the late spring and summer where you don't run the risk of rain and/or clouds blocking the sunset. At the end of the day, weather is something that sadly can't be controlled, however we will make our best predictions and plan for the most ideal outcome.
Tide Considerations: Depending on the beach, tide times can significantly impact your ceremony location. Being mindful of high or low tides is crucial as some areas may become inaccessible or less picturesque during certain times of day. Robyn Paige Photography is very familiar with these details and we will help you choose the best spot and time for your elopement.
Best Locations for a Sunset Beach Elopement in Victoria, BC
Victoria is known for its picturesque beaches, each offering unique views and vibes. Here are six of the best beach views to consider for your sunset elopement considering where the sun sets in the sky and how the light hits the landscape:
Dallas Road Waterfront: One of the most popular spots in Victoria for sunset photography is Dallas Road. It offers panoramic views of the ocean, the Olympic Mountains, and Vancouver Island. The location makes for stunning sunsets, especially if you’re able to find a quiet spot near the rocks or in the nearby parks like Clover Point. You can exchange vows with the ocean breeze in your hair and the golden hour light painting the scene much like in the photos featured in this blog post.
Willows Beach: A beautiful, sandy beach located in Oak Bay, Willows Beach provides a romantic setting for a sunset elopement. The calm waters and expansive views are ideal for a serene ceremony. It is also located right next to Uplands Park and Cattle Point which provides versatility for photographs, especially in the late spring when the flowers are in bloom.
Kitty Islet: Located along the coastline of Oak Bay, Kitty Islet offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Gulf Islands, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding ceremony. The view of the ocean stretching out before you, with distant islands and boats dotting the horizon, provides a peaceful and picturesque setting for your vows. It is a relatively small and secluded location, which means your ceremony can be private and intimate.
Saxe Point Park: Located in Esquimalt, Saxe Point offers stunning waterfront views, where you can say your vows with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, rugged shorelines, and lush green landscapes. The combination of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and forests creates an unforgettable atmosphere, perfect for couples who want a scenic, more nature-filled elopement.
Tower Point: A part of Witty's Lagoon, Tower Point is located on a small point of land, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion that makes it an ideal spot for an intimate wedding. The area is often quieter compared to more tourist-heavy locations in Victoria, which allows for a peaceful, serene ceremony without the distraction of large crowds. It’s perfect for couples who want a more personal and intimate wedding experience. The location features dramatic cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and lush green spaces. These natural features make for a unique and memorable setting for your ceremony.
Mount Douglas Park: For a more natural and peaceful setting, Mount Douglas Park in Saanich offers sweeping panoramic views of Victoria, the islands, and the ocean. While not technically a beach, it offers sensational water views from a higher vantage point. It’s a quieter, more secluded location that provides a dramatic backdrop for sunset photos. Keep in mind gate closures during Statutory holidays as well as during heavy snow/ice, otherwise you can drive your vehicle up to the parking lot any day from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
What to Expect from Your Sunset Elopement Photography Session
Location Scouting: Our team will scout the location ahead of time to find the best angles and backdrops for sunset shots. This ensures that you get the most stunning photos without us wasting time figuring out where to stand for your ceremony and portraits.
Natural Poses and Candid Moments: Sunset elopement photography often focuses on capturing the raw emotions of the moment. We will guide you through intimate, natural prompting, and will capture moments of you and your partner enjoying each other’s company while the glow of the sun sets.
Portraits and Wide Shots: We will focus not only on intimate close-ups but also on wide-angle shots that capture the beauty of the landscape. Expect photos of you and your partner framed against the stunning sunset and beach, showcasing both your love and the breathtaking surroundings.
Vendor Recommendations: We love recommending vendors who are professional, kind and passionate about creating a stunning product. The florals showcased in this blog were designed by the sensational Rhubarb in the Garden, a local floral artist who creates bespoke seasonal bouquets. The vow books designed by Petite Paperie are something we always recommend to our couples as they are custom, elegant and a way to eternalize your beautiful words to each other. You may chose to purchase a brand new dress for yourself from a local boutique such as The White Peony or Blush Boutique, however you may also choose to rent dresses from local online storefronts such as Wild and Cozy Closet as showcased in this blog. When it comes to hiring an officiant, we have had wonderful experiences with All Seasons Weddings who offer various elopement packages. Our very own owner and lead photographer Paige used them for her elopement and has nothing but amazing things to say. Read more about officiants below in the "practical considerations" section. If you are wanting a stylist, we recommend reaching out to Mel Baird, Rachel Patterson, Erin Bradley, Erica Harris, or Makeup by Squish.
Ongoing and Reliable Communication: Our team prides itself with our communication. We get to know our Clients, learn about their individuals hopes for their wedding day and ensure we can do everything possible to make their photography dreams a reality. We are consistent, trustworthy and passionate about delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are always just an email away for any and all questions.
What to Wear for Sunset Elopement Photography
Comfortable Yet Elegant: For elopement photos, most couples opt for formal or semi-formal attire. Consider a flowing wedding dress that will move with the wind or a simple, elegant outfit that won’t be too heavy or difficult to move in, especially if you plan on walking or exploring your location. Some folks often go for a lightweight suit, or even a casual button-up shirt with dress pants.
Colors that Complement the Sunset: Light and soft tones like ivory, blush, champagne, and pastel colors tend to complement sunset lighting beautifully. Avoid overly dark colors, as they can clash with the warm tones of the sunset.
Footwear: Many couples choose to go barefoot, but if you prefer shoes, select something comfortable and practical for walking on sand such as sandals or flats. Bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes for walking between shots if you want to rock your bougie heels for portraits.
Layers: It can get cooler as the sun sets, so bring a light jacket or sweater for after the ceremony. Some couples even add scarves or shawls to their outfits for extra comfort.
Practical Considerations for Your Sunset Beach Elopement
Marriage License: In British Columbia, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license before the ceremony. It’s valid for up to three months from the date of issue and can be obtained from any Service BC location. Only one member of the couple is required to apply in person but they must show the primary identification for both parties. The fee is $100 CAD and is non-refundable. You can search for a marriage license issuer here.
Witnesses: You need two witnesses to sign the legal paperwork during your ceremony. If you plan to have guests attend your elopement you can simply choose two of them to be your witnesses, otherwise Robyn Paige Photography will happily be one of your witnesses and we can ask a kind passerby to be your second.
Officiant: A licensed officiant (aka celebrant) is required for a legal ceremony. They are different from a marriage commissioner such that they receive training in crafting personalized vows and experiences, however you may choose what feels right for you. There are companies such as All Seasons Weddings, who specialize in ceremony packages which include an officiant, but you can also hire one separately. Regardless of who you choose, you ought to ensure they are legally allowed to perform ceremonies in British Columbia. Read more about the differences on this Young Hip and Married blog post.
Permits and Regulations: Some beaches and parks in and around Victoria require a permit for wedding ceremonies, especially if you plan to bring additional vendors (like a photographer or officiant) or have a larger group. Contact the local municipality or park authority ahead of time to check if you need a permit. For example, Mount Douglas Park (Saanich municipality) or Willows Beach (Oak Bay municipality) may require permits, while others like Dallas Road do not.
Accessibility: Some beaches in Victoria may be difficult to access, especially if they involve walking down a trail or steep hill. Make sure to choose a beach that suits your needs and mobility level, especially if you or your guests have limited mobility.
Pets: Some beaches allow dogs and others do not, so be sure to contact the local park authority to ensure your pet is allowed on a particular beach before planning your elopement there. For example, dogs are not permitted on Willows Beach between May 1st and September 30th.
Consider a Backup Plan: Worst case scenario, Victoria decides to rain on us. We can either embrace it and get wet, pack some clear umbrellas or plan for an alternate location where you won't get soaked.
Keep the Day Simple: The beauty of an elopement lies in its simplicity. We recommend not over-scheduling your day. Plan time for relaxation and reflection before your ceremony so you can fully enjoy the moment. Overall, we just recommend keeping the day as authentic as possible. If you love it, it's meant to be a part of your day.
Final Thoughts
Victoria, BC, offers one of the most beautiful and romantic backdrops for a sunset beach elopement. Robyn Paige Photography will help you capture every special moment in stunning detail. By planning ahead, choosing the best location, and timing your session perfectly, we will ensure that your sunset elopement photos are timeless and unforgettable. Contact us now to get started on planning your most special elopement.
