It’s so much fun helping couples celebrate their wedding, elopement, or engagement with a photoshoot, and choosing the perfect backdrop can affect the entire vibe of the end picture. So I thought I’d take the opportunity to talk about some of the best natural Vancouver wedding locations that are a joy to photograph, as well as showing off the couple and giving them an awesome result!
Anywhere SKY Helicopters takes you!
This one might be a bit obvious, but if you have the budget to hire SKY Helicopters, then you’re going to have an amazing experience! The team of top-notch pilots all have great locations just a short flight away from their hangar in Pitt Meadows, BC (about a 45 min drive from Downtown Vancouver). Whether it’s a mountain top, a remote lake or a beautiful creek bed, you’re guaranteed privacy and you guaranteed to not be disappointed! I’ve recently partnered with SKY and you can find out more information about pricing here.
Stanley Park
Lush rainforest, pristine pines, mountain views, and beautiful beaches, Stanley Park really does have it all. There are even cherry blossoms in April! Given the ridiculous amount of beauty on offer, there can be crowds (particularly on the beaches), but if you’re clever with the day/time you choose, you’ll have no problem snapping the shot you’re after in privacy. And while it’s not natural, Stanley Park features a seawall also makes for some epic photo opportunities.
Grouse Mountain
I’ve photographed weddings at Grouse Mountain before and have talked about it as a location in my blogs because nothing quite captures the majesty of your big day like the alpine peaks and sweeping forest landscapes. Plus it’s just as breathtaking in winter as it is in summer, so you’re spoiled for choice!
Cleveland Dam
Not only does Cleveland Dam showcase picture-perfect mountain landscape and the impressive Capilano Lake, it has a selection of locations that are amazing for holding wedding ceremonies themselves. The spectacular views and waterfront are gorgeous for capturing those first happy moments after the “I do”s, and photos are best when done at around noon since that’s when you’ll be able to take the best advantage of any sunlight.
Whytecliff Park
An ideal spot for a west-coast wedding, Whytecliff Park brings a unique elegance and drama to photos with its seascapes, famous rockfaces, and elegant forest greenery. Capturing couples in the glow of golden hour here is just magical, but the ocean sings at any time of day.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
It’s hard to go past a garden for bringing that intimate sense of joy to a photo shoot, and the VanDusen Garden is no exception. While it does boast some lovely man-made structures (the Korean Pavilion, in particular, is so decorative and colorful), it’s the natural draping greenery, a variety of elegant flowers in bloom all year round, and pattering waterfalls that celebrate together in the background of any photo.
There’s something truly special about highlighting nature in your wedding or engagement photos, and Vancouver is overflowing with natural beauty, but I can guarantee that any of these locations will help you and your pictures shine!