Nomad Journal

Stories, Guides & Real Moments

Location guides, planning tips, and real stories from behind the camera.

3 Vancouver Pre-Wedding Photo Locations We Love
Location Guide 3 Pre-Wedding Locations We Love
How to Plan an Elopement or Micro-Wedding in Vancouver
Planning Guide Elopement & Micro-Wedding Guide
A&A's real wedding at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Real Wedding A&A at Sun Yat-Sen Garden
5 Things to Do Before Your Photoshoot
Tips 5 Things to Do Before Your Photoshoot
Location Guide

3 Vancouver Pre-Wedding Photo Locations We Love

(And the vibe each one brings)

Pre-wedding photo at Terra Nova, Richmond
Location 01

Terra Nova, Richmond

If you're picturing wide open skies, golden fields, and a quiet stretch by the water, Terra Nova is the perfect place to start. This former wetland park is home to long wooden boardwalks, swaying reeds, and skies that turn a warm gold at sunset — creating images with an effortless, laid-back feel. It's especially well-suited for couples with a relaxed, nature-loving energy.

Best time to shoot: Early morning, when soft golden light rolls across the fields and the park is still quiet — or an hour before sunset, when the light turns warm and golden again, perfect for silhouettes too.

Good to know: Free parking is available and it's easy to get to. Weekends can get busy, so if you're after quieter backdrops, weekday sessions or earlier time slots work best.

Location 02

UBC Rose Garden

Perched above Point Grey with a sweeping view of English Bay and the mountains beyond, the UBC Rose Garden brings a completely different mood — romantic, classic, and a little bit storybook. Manicured rose bushes line the terraces, and on a clear day, the ocean view behind you turns every frame into something straight out of a period film. It's ideal for couples drawn to a more elegant, timeless aesthetic.

Best time to shoot: Roses are in full bloom from June through September — that's when the garden is at its most photogenic. Late afternoon light works beautifully here, with the sun catching both the flowers and the water in the background.

Good to know: Campus parking is paid, so budget a little extra time to park. Since this is UBC property, professional shoots may need a simple permit — worth checking with campus services ahead of your session.

Pre-wedding photo at UBC Rose Garden
Pre-wedding photo at Nomad Studio, Richmond
Location 03

Our Studio, Richmond

Not every couple wants the outdoors — and that's exactly what our studio space in Richmond is for. It has a cozy, homey feel, more like stepping into someone's living room than a formal studio set. That makes it the perfect option for couples who tend to feel a bit self-conscious in front of the camera — without the pressure of being out in public, most people relax into the space almost like they're just hanging out at home, and that ease really comes through in the photos.

Best time to shoot: Anytime — that's the beauty of shooting indoors. Midday sessions work best, when natural window light is at its softest.

Good to know: The studio is based in Richmond, BC (exact address shared upon booking). It's also a great backup option if the weather doesn't cooperate on an outdoor shoot day.

Which One's Right for You?

There's No Wrong Answer

Outdoor and open (Terra Nova), romantic and elegant (UBC Rose Garden), or cozy and low-pressure (our studio) — just the one that feels most like you. If you're still not sure, that's exactly what a quick consultation call is for.

Planning Guide

How to Plan an Elopement or Micro-Wedding in Vancouver

More couples are choosing to skip the big guest list and go small — just the two of you (or a handful of your closest people), a meaningful location, and a day that's actually about the marriage instead of the logistics. Here's how to plan one, step by step.

What Counts as an Elopement or Micro-Wedding?

An elopement is typically just the couple (sometimes with a witness or two), while a micro-wedding usually means under 20 guests. Both skip the big production — but that doesn't mean skipping the meaning. If anything, couples often say it felt more present and personal than a traditional wedding day would have.

Intimate garden setup for a small elopement in Vancouver
Small can still be beautiful — an intimate garden setup for two.
1

Pick Your Date

Any date that actually means something to you

2

Licence & Officiant

A BC marriage licence (valid 3 months) + a commissioner

3

Choose Your Location

Somewhere that truly feels like you

4

Book Your Photographer

2 hrs with Cinematic Union, capturing it as it happens

Need inspiration for step 3? See our favourite Vancouver pre-wedding spots — they work just as well for the ceremony itself.

Quick Checklist

Before the Big (Small) Day

  • Pick a date that means something to you
  • Apply for your BC marriage licence (valid 3 months)
  • Book a marriage commissioner or officiant
  • Choose a location that feels like "you"
  • Book your photographer/videographer
  • Decide who (if anyone) is coming, and let them know what to expect
Real Wedding

A&A at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

A&A's wedding ceremony at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

When they were planning their wedding, A&A told me they just wanted something that truly represented who they are.

"We just want a wedding that truly represents who we are," they said.

No standard church, no traditional scripts. Just a western gown and suit, walking under ancient rooftops to say "I do."

This wasn't a calculated cultural clash. A&A just followed their intuition for what felt right.

Surrounded by the people who mattered most, they said their vows right beneath the rooftops that inspired the whole idea.

Pen in hand, signing the register — the room went quiet for a second, but neither of them stopped smiling.

This is why we love documenting weddings — not a choreographed perfect shot, but the real moment two people lean into each other.

A&A signing the marriage register at their wedding
Tips

5 Things to Do Before Your Photoshoot

(So you don't look like you're being held hostage)

1

Talk to Your Photographer First

Strangers don't take good couple photos — they take hostage negotiation photos.

2

Dress Like You Like Yourself

The camera can tell if you're wearing your backup outfit.

3

Sleep

No amount of editing fixes "we fought about parking for twenty minutes before this."

4

Stop Trying So Hard

The moment you relax is the moment you stop looking like a passport photo.

5

Just Have Fun

Everyone who overthinks this ends up looking like they're posing for a ransom note.

Save this before your next shoot 📌 Half of what makes a photo good has nothing to do with the camera.

Cinematic couple portrait

Ready to plan your session?

Whether it's a quiet Tuesday at home or the biggest day of your life — get in touch and let's start planning.

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