Nobody in the Squamish elopement space talks about money clearly. You’ll find “starting from” prices buried in contact forms, vague “investment” language, and a lot of “reach out for pricing.” We think that’s frustrating.
So here’s a real breakdown of what an elopement in Squamish actually costs — what’s required, what’s optional, and what we charge versus what you’d pay elsewhere.
The Non-Negotiables
These are the costs you can’t avoid if you want to legally elope in BC.
Marriage License: $100 CAD
Both partners apply in person at a Service BC office. The closest to Squamish is right in town (1360 Pemberton Ave) or in North Vancouver. Same-day processing, no waiting period, valid for 3 months. No residency requirement.
Licensed Officiant: $200-$800+ CAD
You need a licensed officiant to solemnize your marriage in British Columbia. Options range from basic Marriage Commissioners ($200-$400 for a short ceremony) to custom-ceremony officiants ($500-$800+).
When you book with us, the officiant is included in every package — Lana is your officiant.
Photography: $1,500-$5,000+ CAD
This is the biggest variable cost. For a Squamish elopement, expect:
- Budget: $1,500-$2,500 for 1-2 hours with a newer photographer
- Mid-range: $2,500-$4,000 for 3-4 hours with an experienced photographer
- Premium: $4,000-$6,000+ for full-day coverage with a top photographer
Again, with us, photography is included — Lana is your photographer and officiant in one.
Our All-In-One Pricing
Because Lana is both your photographer and officiant, our pricing includes what you’d otherwise pay for separately. Here’s what each package costs and what’s in it.
Elopement Package: From $4,500 CAD
- Licensed officiant (Lana)
- Professional photography (2 hours)
- Location scouting and recommendation
- Ceremony planning and design
- Marriage paperwork coordination
- Online gallery delivery
Adventure Package: From $9,500 CAD
- Everything in Elopement, plus:
- Extended photography (4+ hours)
- Full day-of coordination
- Adventure activity integration
- Guided hike or climb to ceremony location
- Sunrise or sunset golden hour session
- Vendor coordination
- Detailed timeline and logistics planning
Expedition Package: From $14,500 CAD
- Everything in Adventure, plus:
- Multi-day coverage (2-3 days)
- Remote location access and planning
- Pre-wedding adventure session
- Second photographer
- Accommodation coordination
- Welcome dinner planning
- Short highlight film
- Premium album
Optional Costs
These are extras you might want but don’t need.
Hair and Makeup: $400-$800 CAD
Squamish has several talented hair and makeup artists. Mobile artists will come to your accommodation or a getting-ready location. Expect $400-$600 for one person, $700-$800 for both partners.
Florals: $200-$800 CAD
A simple bouquet and boutonniere from a local florist runs $200-$400. A more elaborate arrangement with seasonal wildflowers or imported flowers is $500-$800. Some couples skip florals entirely and let the landscape be the decoration — that works beautifully too.
Accommodation: $150-$500/night CAD
Squamish has a growing range of accommodation options:
- Budget: $150-$200/night for a clean, comfortable hotel or Airbnb
- Mid-range: $200-$350/night for a nicer property with views
- Premium: Southside Lodge (our property) from $250/night — a private lodge ideal for elopement couples
Helicopter Access: Not typical in Squamish
Unlike Queenstown, helicopter ceremonies aren’t common in the Sea to Sky corridor. Most of our stunning locations are accessed on foot — which is part of the adventure.
Second Photographer: From $1,200 CAD
If you want a second angle, we can bring a second photographer. This is most popular for adventure elopements where multiple vantage points add to the coverage.
Videography: $2,000-$5,000 CAD
A separate videographer for a highlight film. We offer this as an add-on from $2,000, or you can hire independently.
What About Permits?
BC Parks Commercial Activity Permit
If your ceremony takes place in a provincial park (Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief, Garibaldi Lake, etc.), you need a commercial activity permit. The cost varies by park and activity but typically runs $50-$200.
We handle all permit applications as part of our service — it’s included in every package.
Municipal Permits
Some Squamish locations may require a District of Squamish special events permit. We’ll advise you on this during planning.
Comparison: DIY vs. All-Inclusive
Here’s what it looks like if you book everything separately versus using our all-in-one packages.
DIY Elopement (Separate Vendors)
- Marriage license: $100
- Officiant: $400-$800
- Photographer (3 hours): $2,500-$4,000
- Location permit: $50-$200
- Hair and makeup: $400-$600
- Florals: $200-$400
- Total: $3,650-$6,100 CAD
Plus you spend 20-40 hours researching, contacting, coordinating, and managing all these vendors. And you’re meeting most of them for the first time on your wedding day.
Adventure Weddings (All-in-One)
- Our Adventure Package: from $9,500
- Hair and makeup: $400-$600 (add-on)
- Florals: $200-$400 (add-on)
- Marriage license: $100 (you pay directly)
- Total: $10,200-$10,600 CAD
The price difference buys you full day-of coordination, extended coverage, adventure guiding, the photographer-officiant experience, and zero coordination headaches. You build a relationship with one team instead of managing five vendors.
Where to Save (Without Sacrificing Quality)
If you’re watching your budget, here are honest ways to keep costs down:
Go weekday. Some vendors (including us, for certain packages) offer lower rates on weekdays. The locations are also quieter.
Skip the florals. Seriously. Some of our most stunning elopements had no flowers at all. The mountains are the decoration.
DIY your hair and makeup. If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, that’s $400-$800 saved. Practice beforehand and bring a good mirror.
Choose an accessible location. Shannon Falls, Porteau Cove, and Nexen Beach require no hiking and no guide. Adventure locations (the Chief, Garibaldi Lake) add cost because of the time and logistics involved.
Elope off-peak. May and October offer beautiful conditions with lower vendor demand. You may find more flexibility on pricing.
The Bottom Line
A Squamish elopement can cost as little as $4,700 (our Elopement Package plus a marriage license) or as much as $20,000+ for a multi-day expedition with all the extras.
Most of our couples land between $5,000 and $12,000 all-in — which, for context, is roughly 10-20% of what the average Canadian wedding costs ($40,000-$70,000 in 2025).
The difference is that every dollar of your elopement budget goes toward your experience — not toward feeding 150 guests or renting a venue you’ll be in for 4 hours.
Ready to figure out what your elopement would cost? Talk to Lana — she’ll help you build a plan that fits your vision and your budget.