The sheer beauty of BC’s rugged Rocky Mountains, expansive Vancouver Island beaches, and golden Okanagan landscapes makes it easy to understand why the province draws visitors from all around the world. But how do you choose the destination for one of the most important days of your life? In my opinion, the real question is, how do you want your story to feel?
As a wedding photographer based in Golden, I’ve put together a few of my favourite wedding destinations BC has to offer to help you find a spot that speaks to your soul.
GOLDEN
This list wouldn’t feel complete without including my hometown of Golden. I promise, celebrations here are never just another mountain wedding. Golden has a way of bringing out the most authentic reflection of the souls standing in front of my lens. Like Banff, Golden is tucked between several national parks and mountain ranges, and is on the iconic powder highway. The area possesses the same raw, dramatic energy that draws couples to Banff, but without the hustle. Golden is a real community. Our up-and-coming little town is filled with tight-knit vendors who will work together to make sure you have the absolute best time!
Speaking of vendors, there’s no reason to source your vendors from outside of Golden. We have an amazing pool of talent right here in town. We love this beautiful outdoor playground we’ve chosen to call home, and I think I speak for everyone who lives here when I say, we are so proud to share it with you for your celebration. I really enjoy showing off my secret spots, like the most picturesque high river valley. It gives you that high in the mountains vibe, but without a hike. It’s wide open and perfectly quiet, letting you just enjoy the moment while I capture the magic. Another favourite spot of mine is along the banks of the Kicking Horse River. During golden hour, as the light slips behind the mountains, everything goes silent, and it feels incredibly expansive and deeply intimate at the same time.
Golden is definitely the type of BC wedding destination where you can turn your weekend into a full-blown adventure. You can partake in world-class white water rafting, adrenaline-filled zip-lining, ride the mountain coaster, or take a gondola to the grizzly refuge. Whether you are into mountain biking, fly fishing, or just grabbing a flight at Golden’s local breweries and distilleries, there is so much here to explore. If you’re looking for a weekend wedding getaway that is equally wild and welcoming, Golden, BC, is your place.
BEST GOLDEN, BC WEDDING VENUES
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Hillside Lodge and Chalets offer vastly different experiences, but both showcase the beauty of Golden, BC.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the easiest way to show your guests some of the most epic and sweeping views in Golden. Weddings here are stunning and refined, while still bringing in warm and personal touches. What could be more memorable than whisking your guests up a gondola to your mountain top party?
Dreaming of a mountain top wedding? Read my blog on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort here.
Hillside Lodge and Chalets
If you are dreaming of a wedding in a purely relaxed and joyful setting, Hillside Lodge and Chalets might just be your venue. It encourages connection and celebration in a way that feels easy and unpretentious, and it’s the kind of place where you can host a beautiful garden party, laugh a lot, and truly be yourself.
Insider Tip
Put all your trust in your Golden, BC wedding vendors when it comes to timelines and the season. They will have the best intel on how to handle things like the incredibly late summer sunset and the potential for smoke during wildfire season. To snag the best venues and vendors, you’ll need to book at least a year in advance.
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Yoho National Park is for couples who want an intimate wedding weekend tucked away with their most cherished loved ones. The park is defined by endless breathtaking views and nostalgic Canadian Pacific Railway buildings. To me, Yoho National Park is simply one of the best little hidden gems in the Rockies.
In my opinion, one of the best things about Yoho National Park is that it forces you to slow down and soak it all in. I highly recommend leaning into the seasons during your stay. In winter, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the pristine snowglobe winter wonderland before warming up in front of a crackling fire. During peak season, you can canoe across the glass-like lake and bask in the jaw-dropping sunsets, where the mountains are mirrored perfectly on the lake’s surface. If your timing is just right, you might catch the wildflower bloom on your hike through the park’s alpine meadows. Year-round, you can enjoy long, beautiful dinners at the on-site restaurant, lounging by the lakeside firepits, and visiting iconic spots like the Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls.
Before you lock in your date, here’s a little wisdom that I’ve learned from experience: consider the snow coverage. Mountain weather can be drastically different than what you would expect, and snow and slush can linger well into June. If you’re not sure, you can always lean on vendors that have experience working in Yoho National Park (like yours truly) for advice.
Since I have captured quite a few weddings in Yoho National Park, I’ve found some incredible off-the-beaten-track spots for photos. The first is towards the back end of the lake and away from any crowds. The second is just a short, quiet walk from the Natural Bridge. If you book me for your Yoho National Park wedding, there’s a good chance I’ll share it with you.
BEST YOHO NATIONAL PARK WEDDING VENUES
Yoho National Park is incredibly remote, so venue options are limited, but it’s well worth the planning for the solitude and views you get in return.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge has absolutely everything you need for your Yoho National Park wedding. While everyone flocks to Lake Louise, Emerald Lake offers similar teal water (some people even say it’s more beautiful) with a fraction of the tourists. The lodge is a completely unplugged experience, ensuring you savour every moment of your celebration.
Considering an Emerald Lake Lodge wedding? Have a look at my blog here.
Other Yoho National Park Wedding Venues
Although technically in Alberta, in Banff National Park, Storm Mountain Lodge is another venue to consider if you love the vibes of Emerald Lake Resort and want an unplugged micro wedding escape.
For very small micro weddings or elopements, there is also Cathedral Mountain Lodge. It’s right on the banks of the Kicking Horse River and very close to Takakkaw Falls.
Insider Tip
One very important thing to keep in mind is that because Yoho is a National Park, you’ll need to have all the necessary permits lined up! You, your guests, and vendors will all require a National Park Pass, and your vendors will need a valid Parks Canada business license to work within park boundaries. Depending on where exactly you choose to get married, you may also require a special events permit. Your vendors can walk you through the process; we’ve been through it plenty of times!
OKANAGAN
If you are dreaming of a celebration where you can savor slow sun-soaked days, amongst elegant vineyards and soft golden fields, you are going to fall in love with the Okanagan. The stunning scenery here invites you to take a big exhale and stay a while.
The Okanagan suits couples looking for a destination that is laid back yet refined and is ideal for a full weekend experience. No matter which wedding venue you choose, your time will be filled with wine tastings, lakeside swims, and relaxed dinners. Many couples choose to plan pre- and post-wedding events for their guests to enjoy, such as welcome gatherings, boat days, or post-wedding brunches.
One consideration when planning your Okanagan wedding is the soaring summer temperatures. I recommend being thoughtful about your timeline. Avoiding the hottest part of the day will make the experience just that much better for everyone. Personally, I think that June and September are the best months to get married here, with slightly cooler temperatures and softer light.
While the Okanagan is drastically different from the other BC wedding destinations on my list, I really do love it! I am hoping to spend more time here, and (wink, wink) I may just be willing to waive my travel fees for bucket-list destinations like this one!
FAVOURITE OKANAGAN WEDDING VENUES
The Okanagan offers so many choices for wedding venues, you’re sure to find a spot that suits your style and budget.
Cedar Creek Winery
Small, intimate, modern, and chic, Cedar Creek Winery is perfect for couples who are after an editorial vibe. The venue manages to be contemporary while staying grounded in the landscape. Some wedding venues in the Okanagan can come off a little bit cookie-cutter, but Cedar Creek feels boutique and exclusive.
Chateau Okanagan
Everything you need for a wedding is right here. Chateau Okanagan has stunning lake views and a European, luxury feel. Because you’ll have the 44-acre estate to yourself for a few days, it encourages a slow celebration with time spent by the pool and dinners under the stars.
O’Rourke Family Estate
O’Rourke Family Estate is arguably one of the most ambitious winery projects in North America, and capturing a wedding here is a total “pinch me” moment. It’s built right into the cliffs and includes over 300 metres of underground wine caves. It is ultra-luxurious, with sculptural and clean architecture, featuring lots of glass, heavy timber, and stone.
Insider Tip
Book early! The Okanagan is a very popular wedding destination, especially for summer dates, and the best venues and vendors will book up quickly. Securing your key vendors early gives you much more flexibility with dates, timelines, and overall vision, making your timing process just that much easier and relaxed.
