Ways to Elope on Vancouver Island

There are lots of elopement packages out there, but what I do is very different…I help you celebrate your partnership fully, whole-heartedly and actively. (Although chocolates on the pillow are a nice touch too…:)

Out in Nature

There’s something very profound about getting married on an endless beach, the peak of a mountain, amid giant trees who have seen countless cycles of life unfold in their presence. It reminds us how big and beautiful this universe is. This life is. How fortunate we are to be in it.

Since the beginning of time, many of the elements of nature have been used in ceremony in countless ways. that make perfect sense. (We’re not talking about dancing around in the forest draped in vines, but if you’re really into that, I’ll give it my best shot…:)

Chelsea Dawn Photography

Have an Adventure

Has your life so far been an adventure? Is running away and doing something completely different your cup of tea? A helicopter elopement? Scaling a waterfall? Feeding your bouquet to a bevvy of adoring baby goats? Getting married in a lavender field? Or on a bunjee jump? (I’ll stay on land for that one and use my PA..:)

Or maybe you’re open to adventure. Below, after 11 years and 2 kids together, B&D said “surprise us!” So we did…both ceremony and setting!

Chelsea Dawn Photography.

Do what you are

Is there something that personifies your partnership? Something that feels right and true to you? It will likely come out while we are brainstorming your ceremony. Trust me…:)

www.fb.com/jessehollandphotography

N&K like to walk in nature, so we did a walking ceremony. Since a wedding ceremony has 3 steps, we did each step in a different location. “It was truly magical. It was everything we imagined it could be…. exactly what we set out to achieve in the beginning.”

Modernize your Traditions

There many be centuries old traditions in your family that want to be honoured but don’t seem to fit a modern elopement on the West Coast. We can make them fit you perfectly.

We blended Northern and Southern Hindo traditions in a modern west coast way. Unforgettable images by Tulle and Tweed Photography.

The Perfect Day

What did you do on your first date? Your first anniversary? Are there any rituals that are yours and yours alone? What’s something you’ve always wanted to do together? What might your most perfect day include? Could include a ceremony in it?

Part of the Air Force in Europe, Ivo asked if their witnesses be Air Force folks? Voila, ex-CFB Commander couple (showed up in uniform and even took pics) started a new friendship over a wonderful afternoon.

Have a Handfasting

The original elopement, centuries ago, was often a handfasting ceremony. If you are eloping now and having a large party next year, check out this post.

Elyse Anna Photography

Run Away to the Vow Cabin

This marvellous little elopement package combines all kinds of wonder in a natural relaxed setting. Both magical AND affordable. 2023 dates are now posted!

Contact me about your Elopement Ceremony

Are you a same-sex, trans or gender non-conforming couple? Check out LGBTQ weddings.

How to Get Married in BC

More FAQ

Modern Metaphysical Minister/Celebrant and Wedding Officiant, Vancouver Island. Including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay, Comox Valley and Campbell River.

Barbara Densmore Celebrant

121 Google reviews

Write a review

Alyssa Balmer

2026-09-02

Barbara is absolutely amazing! She truly understood the vision for our wedding ceremony and set the tone for the rest of the evening. We felt grounded and in the moment during our ceremony and her words captured all our emotions. Barbara was so professional with great communication and understanding throughout the whole process. Thank you for everything 🤍

Karen Calvan

2026-09-02

Barbara came highly recommended to us, and from the moment we met her, my husband and I knew she was exactly who we were looking for. She has a wonderful way of making you feel comfortable, understood, and genuinely cared for. One of my favorite parts of the process was the questionnaire she sent to each of us separately. It not only helped her get to know us as individuals and as a couple, but it also became a meaningful keepsake that we can revisit from time to time. Barbara's approach is thoughtful, intentional, grounded, and engaging. She brought such warmth, lightness, and fun to the entire experience, making every interaction enjoyable. We are so grateful to have had her as our celebrant and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone truly special!

Gheorghita Lung

2026-08-31

Amazing work, the attention to detail was flawless and the delivery was amazing

Robert Nugent

2026-08-28

Barbara knocked it out of the park for us. We had a rough vibe we were going for our ceremony and she ran with it perfectly. It was light, fun, meaningful. She put in the effort to incorporate specific details with family and friends which made everyone part of the ceremony. We had many comments from our guest mentioning how wonderful the ceremony was. Barbara was easy to work with and it was obvious that she loves her job. The whole process was a pleasure.

Rebecca Ruiter

2026-08-22

Barbara captured not only the essence of our relationship perfectly, but also celebrated the absolute chaos of our ceremony with our one and two year old’s interruptions and need of the spotlight ;) Thank you Barbara!

Charlene & Justis

2026-04-16

We were extremely lucky to have Barbara as our celebrant at our wedding this past March and the ceremony could not have been more perfect! She was so well organized, professional, warm, and friendly. She fit into our ceremony like she had known us for years, you would have never known that we had only just officially met her shortly before our ceremony that day. She worked hard to put together a detailed questionnaire for each of us to fill out so that she could get an idea of our relationship and then put together the most touching customized ceremony that even included vows to our son and community vows to all of our family and friends that were present. I would recommend Barbara over and over again without hesitation!!

Paula Baker

2026-01-13

We were lucky enough to have Barbara orchestrate our wedding ceremony in December. We couldn't have asked for a more heartfelt, sincere and personal experience. It was an honour to work with Barbara. Her thoughtful questions and wonderful insights helped us create the best day of our lives. Our wedding guests could not stop raving about how amazing the ceremony was! Truly one of a kind. Thank you, thank you, thank you Barbara for the most magical day!

georgia lundy

2025-12-01

Words cannot describe the gift Barbara has when it comes to bringing people together to celebrate love! From the moment we met Barbara, she was absolutely wonderful to work with. She is SO genuine and thoughtful in her approach and we felt so connected and comfortable standing up there with her on our special day. Her work extends beyond the big day itself however, as her process encourages reflection and intention about a partnership and the authenticity of each couple's love story. We are forever grateful for Barbara and could not recommend her enough. Thank you so much, Barbara, you are truly outstanding.

Nicollo Abe

2025-11-27

If you didn't have Barbara officiate your wedding, you should get divorced and re-do it with her 💯!! All jokes aside, we're grateful and fortunate to discover Barbara in one of Paper Heart Film's feature videos. She really stood out among the others for her kind-hearted and warm nature who is always at the ready to provide support and guidance every step of the way. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach to a wedding celebration really helped solidify our unity as a couple and highlighted aspects of our lives that helped define who we are now. She takes note of how deep-rooted connections shaped our lives as well, and has a talent for making everyone feel seen and engaged in the moment. There were definitely tons of teary-eyed moments and laughter during our ceremony! We're blessed to have her officiate our wedding and wholeheartedly recommend her. Thank you Barbara for your love, generosity, flexibility, and great humour!

Hayley Zumkeller

2025-11-03

As a wedding photographer and filmmaker, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing many ceremonies, and few are as heartfelt and memorable as those led by Barbara Densmore. Barbara is one of those rare celebrants who doesn’t just officiate a wedding, she creates an experience. For S & J’s intimate elopement, she crafted a ceremony that was deeply personal, meaningful, and perfectly suited to them. She met with each partner individually beforehand, collecting stories and reflections that she later wove into the ceremony. Hearing those words for the first time, words they hadn’t even shared with each other, brought such genuine emotion to the moment. It was beautiful to photograph and even more powerful to witness. One thing I love is that she is always moving around during a ceremony. As a photographer, it makes the ceremony feel more about the couple, and I can capture even more intimate moments too. Barbara has an incredible gift for connection. Whether she’s leading a ceremony for two people on a mountain or a crowd of 200 guests, she makes everyone feel seen, engaged, and present. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and storytelling ability set her apart. If you’re looking for a celebrant who will make your ceremony feel truly yours, intentional, emotional, and unforgettable I couldn’t recommend Barbara Densmore more highly.