Where can we get married?

The West Coast offers an abundance of spectacular locations for a wedding. Our 4 Marriage Commissioners are game for just about anything... beaches, rainforest, secluded coves at low tide, an island in the Broken Group Islands of Barkley Sound (near Ucluelet) or Clayoquot Sound (near Tofino), a rocky bluff, a mountainside (Radar Hill), beside a waterfall or a lighthouse --- the options are almost unlimited.

Where do we stay?

The Chambers of Commerce in Tofino and Ucluelet would be happy to provide you with information on accommodation in the area. Some of the resorts that cater to wedding parties in Tofino are The Wickaninnish Inn, Long Beach Lodge, Pacific Sands, Middle Beach Lodge, the Tin Wis Best Western, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and Crystal Cove Resort. In Ucluelet, check out A Snug Harbour Inn, The Cabins at Terrace Beach, Tauca Lea Resort, Reef Point B&B and Ebb Tide B&B. Accommodation on the West Coast ranges from camping to bed & breakfasts, lodges to chateau-status resorts; it's your choice.

Where do we hold a wedding reception?

For groups up to 50, The Pointe Restaurant at The Wickaninnish Inn has a private room, The Salal Room. As well, the Wickaninnish Restaurant at Long Beach and the Tin Wis Best Western can accommodate large private parties.

What is a "normal" West Coast wedding?

There's no such thing! It's your day... you come up with the idea and we'll capture it on film. Just some of the situations we've seen include:

- A black tie wedding in a private cove near Chesterman Beach, complete with five-piece band and a giant tent for the dinner, catered by The Pointe Restaurant

- A beach wedding with 50 guests and a mandatory "no shoes on anyone" rule to encourage everyone to follow the bride and groom into the surf following the ceremony

- An "isle" in the sand lined with shells or tea lights

- Guests issued with bubble-blowing equipment instead of confetti

- A beach wedding with 90+ guests, followed by a cocktail party that occupied the entire Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre and a dinner at the Wickaninnish Restaurant on Long Beach

- A wedding in the rainforest

- A wedding in the Broken Group, with the groom arriving by kayak

- A wedding on Vargas Island, with all guests flown in to land on the beach

- A wedding at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, with all guests ferried in by water taxi

What if it rains?

It does rain occasionally on the "Wet Coast"; that's why we have a rainforest! Generally, cloudy days are the best for pictures anyway, because there are no harsh shadows and nobody squints. But if you're planning an outdoor wedding, it doesn't hurt to have "Plan B" in case it rains. The larger resorts have lobbies and fireplaces that make nice backgrounds; Long Beach Lodge has the Great Room, Pacific Sands has a large wooden gazebo on the beach; and the rainforest does provide a canopy of leaves that reduces the effect of a heavy rain.

Is it unusual to want some Black and White photographs?

Not at all --- in fact black & white has seen a renewed popularity in recent years. It is common to shoot at least one roll of b&w throughout the day, generally of the bride and groom only. Options for enlargements include sepia toning or hand-colouring. We can also produce a b&w print from a colour negative!

What else can we and our guests do during our stay?

If you enjoy kayaking, scuba-diving, whale-watching, nature walks, bear-watching, hiking, float-plane charters, great food, spectacular sunsets, beach-combing, mountain-biking or fishing, the West Coast is the place to be.

If you want to tie your wedding in with one of our many West Coast festivals or events, refer to the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and Tofino Chamber of Commerce web sites for a complete listing.

Both towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are very visitor-oriented, and you can be sure of a friendly, courteous, West Coast welcome.