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How To Get Married in BC Without A Ceremony

Get married in BC without a ceremony – The Guide.

Not everyone dreams of a big wedding with all the bells and whistles—and that’s totally okay! Heck, were an entire company built on the foundation of doing whatever the ✨✨✨✨ you want! So if you’ve been thinking “how can I get married in BC without a ceremony”… Here is our guide to legally tie the knot in BC without a ceremony! Whether you’re after a low-key elopement, a budget-friendly alternative, or just want to make it official without the fuss, there are plenty of ways to do it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
How to legally get married in BC without a ceremony
💰 Where you can cut financial corners
💡 Ways to make the day feel special without the frills

Ready to keep it simple? Lesssgoooo!

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Why a wedding day with no ceremony?!

Eloping alone gives you the freedom to create a day that’s YOU. Intimate, meaningful, and stress-free—without the expectations or price tag of a traditional ceremony and giant wedding.

Here are four reasons to elope your way and some unique ideas to make it unforgettable:

Ultimate Privacy & Intimacy

No pressure, no audience—just you and your partner soaking in the moment. An elopement allows you to focus on what truly matters: your love.

💡 Idea: Exchange vows at sunrise on a secluded mountaintop, or under the stars with just a cozy campfire.

Save Money & Spend It Where It Counts

Weddings can be expensive, but eloping lets you skip the venue, catering, and seating charts—so you can invest in what actually excites you.

💡 Idea: Put the savings toward an epic honeymoon, a dream home, or a photographer who captures your love story in a way that makes your photographs feel alive.

No Rules—Do It Your Way

Forget outdated traditions. Want to wear a black dress? Get married on horseback? Say your vows mid-hike? It’s your day, your way.

💡 *Idea: Have a sunrise coffee elopement in your PJs or exchange rings while cliff jumping—whatever feels like you!

Less Stress, More Adventure

No seating charts, no guest lists, no family drama. Just an adventure built around your love and your happiness.

💡 Idea: Elope in a national park, by a roaring waterfall, or even at home with a simple, heartfelt moment over breakfast.

At the end of the day, your wedding should feel right for you. If that means skipping the traditional route, go for it—your love story deserves to be told exactly how you want. ❤️

Eloping in BC is easier than you think! Whether you’re skipping the big wedding to save money, avoid stress, or just do things your way, here’s everything you need to legally elope in British Columbia – because nope you can’t just hit up town hall anymore!

1. Get Your Marriage License

Before you say “I do,” you’ll need a BC Marriage License, which you can get from a Vital Statistics agent (I got mine at London drugs ).

Only ONE partner needs to be present to apply
Valid ID required (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate)
Cost: Around $100 (non-refundable, but you can bring it in and exchange for a new one)
Valid for 90 days

2. Choose Your Officiant

To make it legal, you need an officiant authorized to perform marriages in BC. We love Fraser Valley Officiants for their ability to make wonderful and unique ceremonies, quick or long! Your options:

  • Marriage Commissioner (government-appointed, civil officiant)
  • Religious Officiant (if you want a spiritual element)

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to keep it truly private, you can legally marry anywhere, so you can do a office or Starbucks and celebrate your way afterward!
(Katey and her husband signed at a Starbucks).

3. Pick Two Witnesses

You NEWD two witnesses to sign your marriage documents. If you’re eloping alone, don’t stress—you can ask:

  • Your officiant or photographer to help find witnesses
  • Friendly strangers at your elopement location
  • Your photographer, pilot, make up artist, etc can all legally sign!

4. Sign the Marriage License & Register Your Marriage

Once the ceremony is done and the paperwork is signed, your officiant will submit it to Vital Statistics. A few weeks later you will have a Marriage Certificate (needed for name changes, legal documents, etc.).

Optional: Make It Special (Your Way!)

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean it can’t be magical!

Write personal vows to make it meaningful
📍 Choose a unique location—mountaintop, beach, backyard, courthouse—your call!
📸 Hire a photographer to capture the moment
🥂 Celebrate afterward with a special dinner, adventure, or honeymoon

Eloping in BC is simple, legal, and stress-free—the way a wedding should be! 💛 Ready to make it happen? We offer All Inclusive, Stress Free, Just Show Up, No Worries Wedding Packages!

Click here for the guide on changing your name after marriage!

READY TO BUILD YOUR
ALL-INCLUSIVE
ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE?

FROM “MADE FOR YOU” PACKAGES TO CUSTOM REQUESTS, EACH
ELOPEMENT IS HANDCRAFTED BY OUR TEAM
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