Small on purpose
There are no wedding factories here. Mayne suits elopements, micro-weddings and celebrations where everyone actually gets to talk to each other.
Weddings on Mayne Island
Getting Married on Mayne Island
A Mayne Island wedding means a ferry ride, forest and shoreline, and a guest list that turns into a weekend. Here is our local take on planning one, and the island businesses that can help.
Can you get married on Mayne Island?
Yes. Couples hold everything from two-person elopements to full weekend celebrations on Mayne Island, B.C. You'll need a B.C. marriage licence (you don't have to be a B.C. resident), a Parks Canada permit for any wedding in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, and a plan for ferries and guest accommodation.
Our take
Why couples choose Mayne
A built-in getaway
Your guests arrive by ferry, so a wedding here naturally becomes a weekend: a welcome dinner, the big day, and a slow morning walk before the sailing home.
Island backdrops
Arbutus and fir, pebble beaches, farm fields and long views over the water. Golden hour on the shoreline does a lot of the work for your photographer.
Step by step
How to plan a Mayne Island wedding
The island part is the fun part, but it adds a few logistics. Here's what to sort out, roughly in order.
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Get your marriage licence
You don't need to live in B.C. to marry here. One of you applies in person to a B.C. marriage licence issuer, and the licence is valid for three months from the day it's issued. You'll need two witnesses aged 19 or older, and a religious representative or marriage commissioner to perform the ceremony. See the B.C. government's marriage licence page for issuers and current requirements.
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Choose your spot and check permits
Parks Canada requires a special activity permit for all weddings in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, whatever the group size. On Mayne that includes Bennett Bay, Campbell Point and Georgina Point. Allow at least four weeks, and note that professional photography in the park needs its own permit. See Parks Canada permits. For regional or community parks, check with the park operator before you plan. Private venues and rentals are often the simplest choice, so ask what's included.
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Plan the ferries
Most guests will arrive by BC Ferries. Sailings from Tsawwassen can be reserved, and we strongly suggest booking them as soon as dates are set. Sailings from Swartz Bay and between the islands are first come, first served, so build in extra time. Our BC Ferries FAQs cover the basics.
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Book beds early
Mayne has a limited number of cabins, B&Bs and resort rooms, and summer weekends fill fast. Share options with guests early, and consider booking a block. Browse places to stay on Mayne.
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Feed everyone, and plan for weather
Island restaurants, caterers and bakeries can help with everything from a welcome dinner to the cake. See our food and drink directory. Summers here are usually dry and sunny, but always have a covered backup for an outdoor ceremony, and remember that open fires are banned in the parks.
Wedding businesses
Add your businessDo weddings on Mayne? Get listed.
Planners, photographers, venues, caterers, florists, officiants and rentals: add your business to our directory so couples can find you.
Categories (Select one or more):
Accommodations
Blue Vista Resort
Set along Arbutus Drive in a quiet, park-like setting near Bennett Bay, Blue Vista Resort offers nine fully equipped, self-contained housekeeping cottages nestled beneath towering trees. Family-owned and operated since the 1960s, this year-round retreat features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units complete with full kitchens, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and outdoor picnic areas with BBQs. Guests can enjoy ocean glimpses from the property, a children's play area, and dog-friendly options in select cottages, all just a short stroll from the coastline, sandy beaches, and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve trails.
Services & Trades
Folklore Creative Co.
Folklore Creative Co. is a Gulf Islands-based studio specializing in photography, video, and heirloom visual arts made to last. Shot with a slow, attentive eye, their photography services range from weddings, family portraits, and lifestyle sessions to commercial and editorial projects. They offer a unique mix of mediums, combining crisp digital capture and authentic 35mm film with rare, hand-poured 19th-century wet-plate tintype portraits crafted on silver plates. Rooted in coastal BC light, cedar shade, and local landscapes, Folklore brings an analog spirit and artisan care to capturing life's moments on Mayne Island and across the region.
Weddings
Folklore Weddings
Folklore Wedding Company is an all-inclusive wedding planning and media collective rooted right here in the Gulf Islands. Blending thoughtful, end-to-end event planning with artful media production, they specialize in crafting effortless elopements, micro-weddings, and full-scale celebrations. Their talented team handles everything from local coordination and vendor curations to contemporary digital photography, authentic 35mm film, cinematic videography, and rare 19th-century tintype portraits. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a classic west coast celebration on Mayne Island, Folklore brings a deep appreciation for island landscapes and a shared, seamless rhythm to your wedding day.
Services & Trades
Mayne Island Agricultural Hall & Ground
The historic, century-old Agricultural Hall serves as a lively focal point for community gatherings and local events. Operated by the Mayne Island Agricultural Society, the facility hosts the annual Fall Fair every August, the popular weekly Saturday Market throughout the summer, and various live music and arts performances. Featuring high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, an indoor stage, a kitchen, a projection system, and famous acoustics, the hall can host up to 100 guests. The surrounding outdoor grounds and bandshell can be booked together with the building or separately, providing a scenic, versatile space for private functions, weddings, and special events.
Accommodations
Mayne Island Resort
Mayne Island Resort offers an oceanfront getaway tucked along Bennett Bay, featuring cottage and villa accommodations alongside convenient amenities right on site.
Guests can easily set out to explore the surrounding waters with Bennett Bay Kayaking and Dog Mermaid operating right from the resort dock, offering kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals as well as guided tours through the Belle Chain Islets. When it comes to dining, visitors can enjoy waterfront meals and drinks at The Arbutus Grill overlooking the bay, or pop by La Maison Rouge, a charming small cafe on site offering baked goods and light fare (note: hours vary, so checking ahead is recommended). Whether launching a kayak, grabbing a bite, or simply enjoying the ocean views, the resort serves as a full-service hub for island visitors.
Arts & Entertainment
Studio 44 @ The 44
A high-end recording studio, live music venue, and creative space on Mayne Island. Hosting intimate concerts, community music events, and creative gatherings throughout the year, Studio 44 provides a state-of-the-art acoustic environment for artists and local audiences.
Eat & Drink
The Arbutus Grill
Perched along Bennett Bay at Mayne Island Resort, The Arbutus Grill offers tables with a view, casual elegance, and a welcoming coastal warmth. It serves as an inviting spot to enjoy local coastal dining while taking in stunning ocean views. Due to its popular waterfront setting, reservations are recommended by calling 250-539-3122 Ext. 2.
Good to know
Mayne Island wedding questions
Can you get married on Mayne Island?
Yes. Mayne Island hosts elopements, micro-weddings and full weekend celebrations. Plan for a B.C. marriage licence, any permits your ceremony spot needs, and ferry travel for your guests.
Do I need a permit to get married on a beach on Mayne Island?
If the beach is in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, such as Bennett Bay, yes. Parks Canada requires a special activity permit for all weddings in the park reserve, regardless of group size. Apply at least four weeks ahead. See Parks Canada permits. For other parks, check with the park operator first.
Do you have to live in B.C. to get married on Mayne Island?
No. You don't have to be a B.C. resident. One of you applies in person to a B.C. marriage licence issuer, and the licence is valid for three months. See the B.C. government's marriage licence page.
How many witnesses do you need to get married in B.C.?
Two witnesses, both aged 19 or older.
How do wedding guests get to Mayne Island?
By BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) or Swartz Bay (Victoria), or by floatplane. Tsawwassen sailings can be reserved and should be booked early. Sailings from Swartz Bay and between the islands are first come, first served. Our BC Ferries FAQs have more.
Can I hire a photographer for a wedding in the national park reserve?
Yes, but all commercial photography and filming in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve needs a Parks Canada film or photography permit, applied for at least 20 business days ahead. Recreational drones aren't allowed. Ask your photographer whether they've arranged one. See Parks Canada permits.