Barefoot Tofino Elopement | Rachel & Manmeet

Ok ok, I’d be lying if I haven’t been dreaming of shooting a barefoot Tofino elopement for years now, and back in May, I finally got to do just that. For those of you that don’t know, I had the absolute privilege of calling the little surfing town of Tofino my home for 6 years. Although I have lived in Whistler for 15 years now, I feel most at home when I too, am barefoot on the beach.

Rachel & Manmeet had quite the journey to get here. They had booked their dream wedding at the Wickaninnish Inn. Sadly, there were some issues with permitting for the beach use, causing them to delay their wedding a year. After waiting and hoping that things would be resolved, the hotel sadly lost the ability to host weddings on the beach. This ultimately forced them to reconsider their plans, as the beach was the vision for their day, and so, they had to postpone another year.

Now, their plan B, is dreamy! As I write this blog, they are in Italy, where they will be celebrating their wedding with a much smaller group in Tuscany. Back in May, they met me in Tofino where their original plan stemmed, and we did the legal bits, as they eloped in a place that they had initially intended to celebrate their long union. It was perfection. Yes, we didn’t get that glorious sunny Tofino day, but it didn’t rain, it wasn’t cold, and these two were game for anything.

We first met at Chocolate Tofino, as they went for ice cream on their first date, so it was sentimental. We then headed to Tonquin Beach to frolic barefoot in the sand. They were more than keen to run through the ocean, kicking up salty water (Rachel thrifted this beautiful dress for $100 and was keeping her dress for the main event). We then headed to Tofino Brewery for a quick local beer before they went back to Long Beach Lodge to freshen up.

We timed their elopement ceremony for sunset. It was a rather grey day, but mid way through their vows, the clouds started to part ways, and this incredible light began to shine down on them. I think I audibly gasped with excitement. A little bit more running around along the tide line after, and Manmeet carried his bride back to the hotel for them to depart for a late night dinner to celebrate at Roar.

Thinking of doing a barefoot Tofino elopement yourself? Or any Tofino wedding really? If you so, I have some ideas! The place is magical.