Elopement Photographer on Vancouver Island
Intimate weddings and elopements with room to breathe, slow down and be fully present with each other.
Not every love story needs a ballroom. Some couples want a quiet promise on a forest trail, a handful of family on a pebble beach or a simple ceremony followed by a picnic with the people they love most. If that sounds like you, an elopement or small wedding might be exactly right.
I’m Alyssa, a lifestyle photographer based in North Saanich on the Saanich Peninsula. Small weddings suit the way I work beautifully. With fewer moving pieces, there’s more time for real moments: the nervous laugh before your vows, your mom wiping a tear, the long walk afterward when it finally sinks in.
Breathe. Slow down. Bask in each other. That’s what an elopement is for, and that’s what I want your photos to feel like.
Why Elope on Vancouver Island
Living on the Island has its perks, and one of them is how many beautiful places sit close together. On the Saanich Peninsula alone you can find shoreline, forest and hilltop views within a short drive of each other.
Here are a few kinds of settings I love suggesting for small celebrations. Wherever you choose, parks have their own rules for ceremonies and photography, so check the current rules before you go.
- Forest and pebble beach: Coles Bay Regional Park in North Saanich has short trails through old-growth forest down to a pebble beach looking over Saanich Inlet.
- Hilltop views: at the top of Horth Hill, also in North Saanich, the view stretches over the Peninsula toward the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands.
- Your own place: a backyard, family property or garden that already holds meaning for you.
- Somewhere new: a spot you’ve always wanted to explore together. My photo location guides are a good place to start.
Planning a Small Wedding or Elopement
Smaller doesn’t mean less planning, but it does mean more freedom. You can choose the time of day for the light you love, keep the guest list to the people who matter most and shape the day around what feels like you.
We’ll talk through your plans together, from the location and timing to the moments you most want remembered. For a step-by-step look at the details, read my guide to planning a small wedding or elopement on the Saanich Peninsula.
- Pick a time of day first. Softer light near sunset is lovely for open views, while forests often glow in the afternoon.
- Think about your guests. If grandparents are coming, choose a place with a short, easy walk.
- Plan a simple backup in case of rain, such as a covered spot or an indoor space nearby.
- Leave unhurried time after the ceremony for portraits of the two of you.
What You Can Expect from Me
I’ll be with you from start to finish, giving gentle guidance during portraits and stepping back during the moments that should simply unfold. You’ll never need to worry about where to stand or what to do with your hands.
Afterward, your images are individually retouched with true skin tones and delivered in a private online gallery, with full-resolution digitals and printing rights. Prints and albums are available through me too. If your plans grow into a larger celebration, take a look at my wedding photography page.
Questions families ask
What’s the difference between an elopement and a small wedding?
There’s no strict rule. Some elopements are just the two of you, while a small wedding might include a few close family members and friends. I’m happy to photograph either.
Can family members join our elopement?
Yes. Many couples invite parents, grandparents or children. Tell me who’s coming so we can choose a location that’s easy for everyone.
Do we need a permit to get married in a park?
Rules vary from park to park and can change, so please check with the park operator before you finalize your plans.
How do we check your availability?
Reach out with your preferred date, the location you have in mind and a little about your plans, and I’ll get back to you with availability and details.
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.