Gonzales Hill Observatory
A 1914 weather station on a rocky bluff with a 360° view over Oak Bay, the city and the mountains.
PermitsRegional park — check with the CRD.TipThe best first-look spot in the city. Ten minutes from Abkhazi Garden.
Fly in, marry on a bluff above the ocean, and be at dinner downtown by seven. The city’s lookouts and beaches are small, quiet and ten minutes apart.
Best monthsApr–Oct
Driest monthJuly
Ferry from Vancouver1 hr 35 min
Marriage licence$100
Where to say your vows
Moss Rocks Park
A Garry oak meadow on bare rock above Dallas Road. Blue camas carpets it in April.
PermitsCity park — check with the City of Victoria.TipSpring couples: book your photographer here for the third week of April.
Fisgard Lighthouse
The first lighthouse on Canada’s west coast (1860): white tower, red brick, a causeway over the rocks.
PermitsNational historic site — you need a Parks Canada permit.TipPair with Hatley Castle — they’re five minutes apart.
Ogden Point Breakwater
An 800-metre granite walk straight out into the strait, ending at a small lighthouse with the Olympic Mountains behind.
PermitsPublic walkway — keep it small; ask the harbour authority.TipGo 40 minutes before sunset and walk to the far end for a clean horizon.
Dallas Road Waterfront
Six kilometres of cliffside path, driftwood beaches and kite-flyers above the Juan de Fuca Strait.
PermitsCity waterfront — check with the City of Victoria.TipWindswept veils and long lenses — bring a jacket for everyone.
Willows Beach
A sandy, sheltered beach with a view across to Mount Baker on clear days.
PermitsPublic beach — check with the District of Oak Bay.TipA cold-water farewell swim is a very Victoria way to end a weekend.
The paperwork
Getting legally married in BC is simple. Here’s the whole process.
01
Get a licenceBuy a BC marriage licence from an issuing office. It’s valid for three months.
02
Book an officiantA marriage commissioner, or a religious representative registered in BC.
03
Bring two witnessesBoth need to be there for the ceremony. Your photographer can be one.
04
Order your certificateYour officiant registers the marriage; order the certificate from BC Vital Statistics afterwards.
Small venues for the dinner after
Castles & Heritage · Oak Bay & Rockland Fairholme Manor On request · 20 guests Downtown & Dining · Westshore & Metchosin Janevca at Rosemead House All-inclusive $2,000 · 24 guests Downtown & Dining · Downtown & Inner Harbour Swans Hotel and Brewpub All-inclusive $3,600 · 35 guests Gardens · Downtown & Inner Harbour Abkhazi Garden and Teahouse Venue only $2,500 · 36 guests Waterfront & Resorts · Saanich Peninsula Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa All-inclusive $3,500 · 40 guests Downtown & Dining · Downtown & Inner Harbour DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria Partly included On request · 40 guests
Photographers & planners
Sell your elopement packages here
Couples planning an elopement come here first. List your package and they’ll send the enquiry straight to you.