Gabriola Island Weddings
Why Gabriola Island is the Perfect Destination for Your Dream Wedding
When it comes to tying the knot in an unforgettable location, Gabriola Island stands out as a serene and breathtaking choice. Nestled among the Gulf Islands on Canada’s West Coast, Gabriola offers an enchanting combination of natural beauty, intimate venues, and relaxed island charm.
For couples seeking a unique destination wedding experience, Gabriola Island—and specifically The Haven or Dragon’s Lodge —offers everything you could dream of for your special day.
As of 2025 I will be spending much of my summer season on Gabriola Island with my family and will be available for elopements, weddings and portraits on Gabriola Island so please reach out if you would like to enjoy these amazing scenes for a photo session or your dream wedding day. I am quickly becoming a part time local photographer on Gabriola Island and exploring at every chance we get.
Check out the sandstone formations that shape many corners of the island. The views are endless, the sunsets are dreamy, and sometimes we are even rewarded with Orca Whale visits off in the distance. You can find everything from “the Tunnel” canopy of evergreen trees lining the road, to paddleboard perfect lagoons, white sandy beaches and even local farms for your ideal wedding photo scenery.
Malaspina Galleries at Sunset
Orca Whales on the Dodds Narrows shoreline from Drumbeg Park
Dodd’s Narrows is an Orca Whale passage way through out the year
Family Photos on one of the many unique beachfronts
The Haven Waterfront Venue
Drumbeg Provincial Park
Stunning Backdrops for Your Wedding Photos
Gabriola Island is a photographer’s paradise, offering countless stunning backdrops for capturing your wedding memories. One standout location is the Malaspina Galleries, a natural rock formation that looks like a wave frozen in time. This iconic spot provides dramatic sunset views over the water, creating the perfect setting for magical golden-hour photos.
One of the best Vancouver Island sunset locations, just a little off the island to see it!
Beachfront Wedding at the Haven on Gabriola Island
Golden Hour views near the lighthouse
How to Get to Gabriola Island
Traveling to Gabriola Island is a seamless experience thanks to its proximity to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. BC Ferries operates a short 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Terminal to Gabriola’s Descanso Bay Terminal. Ferries run frequently, making it easy for your guests to arrive on time.
For those flying in, the Nanaimo Airport and seaplane services offer convenient options for reaching Vancouver Island. From there, it’s a quick drive to the ferry terminal and you only pay for the one way trip on the way over. The way back from Gabriola to Nanaimo, you’ll just wait in line and head right on the ferry. Once on Gabriola, the island’s friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere will make your guests feel right at home.
Even the ferry ride is scenic and beautiful from the top deck viewpoints looking out to Nanaimo and Protection island.
Why Choose Gabriola Island for Your Wedding?
The Tunnel tree corridor on Gabriola Island
Gabriola Island combines natural beauty with top-notch amenities, making it a standout choice for couples seeking a West Coast destination wedding. With its charming venue at The Haven, stunning photo opportunities, and easy accessibility, Gabriola provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration. Dragon’s Lodge on the other side of the island also provides a perfectly beautiful west coast wedding venue.
While there are only a couple restaurants on the island, there are many ways to enjoy the island with a more picnic and pack and go approach including Gabby’s Cider where you can get some snacks, Madronas Cafe or Ground Up Catering for Breakfast, lunch and takeaway items, or find many farmers market bakery items and food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer season. There’s also an amazing Woodfire Pizza restaurant with a brand new patio. Bruno’s catering operates out of the Haven for any special requests booked in advance as well.
Ravenskill Orchard and Gabby’s Cider
Ready to start planning your Gabriola Island wedding? Contact me at Vancouver Island Photography to capture every special moment of your big day. From candid moments with family to breathtaking sunset portraits at Malaspina Galleries, we’ll ensure your wedding photos are as unforgettable as the island itself.
Find out more about my wedding packages and portfolio here.
For additional tips or inquiries about our wedding photography packages on Gabriola Island, feel free to reach out—I would love to be part of your love story!
The Haven: A Perfectly West Coast Casual Wedding Venue with cabins by the sea.
The Haven is a hidden gem for couples planning a family-focused wedding. Known for its tranquil setting and oceanfront views, this venue offers an ideal mix of comfort, casual accomodation and stunning oceanfront scenic views for your ideal ceremony backdrop. It’s also uniquely positioned for the ideal spot to catch sunset on this side of the west coast, that sun comes down right in front of the beachfront, or you can retreat to Malaspina Galleries for a view just like this.
Whether you're hosting an intimate ceremony or a large celebration, The Haven provides a versatile space that can accommodate groups of all sizes. Shelly and her events team are well versed in hosting wellness retreats, weddings and events for big groups, and their indoor banquet hall is the perfect setting to dance the night away after a feast from the catering team.
Key Features of The Haven:
Breathtaking Setting: Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and the Salish Sea, The Haven offers a picturesque location for wedding ceremonies and receptions and is ideally located if you want to enjoy formal photos at the legendary viewpoint Malaspina Galleries.
Accommodations: On-site lodging is available, making it easy for your guests to stay close and enjoy the festivities without worrying about transportation.
All-Inclusive Packages: With catering, event planning services, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, The Haven makes wedding planning relatively easy on this semi-secluded island retreat.
Wellness & Relaxation: Guests can unwind with spa treatments or enjoy the venue’s serene walking trails, ensuring your wedding weekend feels like a rejuvenating retreat.
If you are a West Coast nature lover and looking for a scenic and peaceful wedding vibe, Gabriola Island is your ideal spot.
naturally abundent sea life on Gabriola Island. These mussles accumulate in a heavy tidal current area and pile up between the sandstone shoreline
