Top 10 locations for an enchanting wedding photo session in Sooke and Victoria
If you are looking for the best locations for a magical wedding photo session in Sooke and Victoria, this is the right place for you!
The spectacular scenery, panoramic views, golden sandy beaches, breathtaking natural environment, and lush green forests will create the perfect backdrop for your big day. Being an engagement and wedding photographer in Sooke and Victoria, I can give you my top recommendations for your dreamy photo session. Have a look:
1. Botanical Beach
Overlooking the port of San Juan, Botanical Beach is an amazing location for a wedding photo session in Victoria. The spectacular views, tidal pools, and other natural features that this spot offers are absolutely phenomenal. Have a golden hour inspired engagement or wedding photo session here for gorgeous pictures.
This is probably my favourite place to photograph elopements and small weddings because it’s so wild and remote. There is no cell service within an hour of this location! Luckily, cell service is slowly being brought out by Rogers Communications, so there may be some small spots of service in 2023. There is also good wifi in the accommodations in town, so you’re not completely cut off, but you do need to have some good plans and prior communication in place.
Botany Bay at Botanical Beach Provincial Park in Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Black Bear mother and her cub at Botany Bay
Botanical Beach Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
2. Mystic Beach
Running along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mystic Beach boasts cascading waterfalls and panoramic landscapes that make it a perfect place to tie the knot. The spectacular views of the Pacific coastline and lush green mountainous forests make for a wonderful backdrop for wedding pictures.
Mystic Beach
Forest at Mystic Beach for the adventurous couple!
3. Prestige Boat Launch
Those who have limited time for adventure can easily access the public boat launch in front of the Prestige Hotel in Sooke. This location is easily to get to for those who need someplace accessible, too. You can drive right up to the dock. There is also waterfront right next to the dock if you want to climb down a few rocks to get there. There is so much you can do here with limited time!
4. Fishboat Bay
A dreamy location outside of Sooke, in another remote location! Fishboat bay is about a 25 minute drive past Sooke, but it’s also 10 minutes from one of the best pizzerias (Stoked Pizza) and only 2 minutes from a fine dining restaurant (Point-No-Point Resort). It’s a hidden gem! There are a lot of steep stairs to get down to the beach, but it’s worth it for the seclusion and sandy beach. You will have to plan around low tide for this one.
5. Private or Secret Beaches in Sooke/Victoria
In my decade as a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve been lucky to photograph some amazing places that are private, secret, and secluded! Let me know if any of these places interest you. If you know of a place that is special to you, let’s make it happen!
6. Island View Beach
The Island View Beach is an amazing spot for a wedding photo session in Victoria. The location offers breathtaking views of the eastern shores of the Saanich Peninsula and Haro Strait, and there is also a recreational park. With that in mind, it’s less private than the other locations listed here. One of the benefits of this location is that it will accommodate large weddings, too!
7. Jocelyn Hill at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
You will no doubt get jaw-dropping wedding photos to treasure forever if you opt for the beautiful Jocelyn Hill Provincial Park. This location is not for the faint of heart! You have to be comfortable around heights and cliffs. It’s also a great spot to elope: quiet, peaceful, birds flying around you, incredible views, and guaranteed isolation. The climb is steep and can take about an hour to get to, so consider that when packing all your clothing and decor. For a sunset elopement, you will also need to bring some flashlights for the hike back down. The final climb to the top passing through the Ridge Trail is definitely worth it for the shot you can get at the top!
8. Trafalgar Park
Imagine having wedding photos on magnificent glacier striations or the Canadian Rocky Mountains. How does that sound? Trafalgar Park is home to lush green botanical forests, glaciers, and mountain landscapes. You will be spoiled for choice here for your session! The breathtaking views of Trial Island and the Salish Sea make this spot a very well-known one for wedding photography.
9. Elk Lake Regional Park
Saying “I do” while standing along with the lakeside sounds remarkable. Am I right? Have this special moment photographed in the Beaver Lake in the Elk Regional Park. I am sure having the deep blue turquoise water and panoramic views of the lake captured, while you and your beloved are exchanging vows, will be a beautiful keepsake of your special day.
10. Tower Point Park
Tower Point is located in Metchosin. It’s a public park that has so much variety and scenery! What a great place to take creative photos together between your ceremony and reception. To get the most out of this location, you will want about 1.5 - 2 hrs and some travel time. You will find sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, open fields, and greenery!
If you are looking for a photographer to capture your wedding photo session in Sooke or Victoria, get in touch with me today. I’m looking forward to documenting this important stage of your love story in these dreamy locations.