Nestled in the heart of Parksville, BC, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is one of Vancouver Island’s most beloved destinations. Spanning 347 hectares (857 acres), this scenic park offers nearly 200 campsites, many of which are within a short walk to the shoreline. The park’s history dates back to 1886, when Irish gold prospector William Rath and his wife Elizabeth settled the land. After William’s passing in 1903, Elizabeth and her children transformed the property into a campground, adding the "Trevor" for flair to create "Rathtrevor." Since becoming a provincial park in 1967, it has remained a cherished retreat for locals and visitors alike.
Located just minutes from downtown Parksville, the park is surrounded by an array of restaurants, accommodations, and shops, making it an easily accessible yet serene wedding venue. With its expansive sandy beach, rich forested trails, and breathtaking views, Rathtrevor Beach is a dream setting for outdoor weddings.
What Makes This Venue Unique?
Rathtrevor Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Its 2-kilometer stretch of sandy beach features tidal shifts up to 1 kilometer, offering an ever-changing and dynamic setting. Guests can explore the vast beachfront, wander along lush forest trails, or enjoy the striking views of both sunrise and sunset from this special geographic location. Whether exchanging vows beneath towering trees or beside the lapping waves, couples are sure to have a picturesque and unforgettable ceremony.
Why Choose Rathtrevor Beach for Your Wedding?
Rathtrevor Beach is an ideal choice for couples who want an intimate, nature-filled wedding experience. The combination of forest, fields, cherry blossoms, and ocean views creates a stunning and versatile backdrop for any wedding style. While most couples choose to host only their ceremony here, the park does offer rentable picnic shelters for small receptions. Just a short drive away, Parksville’s resorts and event venues provide ample options for post-ceremony celebrations.
Key Features & Amenities:
- Stunning beach and forest landscapes
- Rentable picnic shelters for receptions
- Ample camping accommodations for guests
- Close proximity to downtown Parksville
- Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views
Best Fit for:
- Intimate weddings (30 guests or fewer)
- Elopements and small ceremonies
- Nature-loving couples who want a scenic and serene setting
Guest Experience
Guests at Rathtrevor Beach are treated to a one-of-a-kind experience, from the wide sandy beach to shaded walking trails. The venue’s accessibility ensures comfort for all attendees, with ample parking and a wheelchair-friendly ramp leading to the packed sand. Whether basking in the coastal breeze, exploring the forested pathways, or simply soaking in the panoramic ocean and mountain views, visitors will find no shortage of beauty at this venue.
A Photographer’s Perspective
Rathtrevor Beach is a dream location for wedding photography. From the windswept coastline to the dappled light filtering through the forest, there’s no shortage of breathtaking photo opportunities. In the spring, cherry blossom trees create a stunning pink canopy, while driftwood-strewn beaches offer a rustic, romantic setting. The park’s expansive space ensures that couples can always find a quiet, intimate spot for their photos, even on busy weekends.
Best Photography Locations:
- Cherry blossom trail (March–April)
- Scenic curved beach with distant mountain views
- Large driftwood pieces for natural, artistic shots
- Forested pathways for soft, shaded portraits
Weather Considerations:
Rathtrevor Beach is exposed to Vancouver Island’s variable weather. While the forest offers shelter from rain and wind, the beach itself is more exposed. In challenging conditions, photographers often start in the wooded areas before moving to the shoreline to capture dramatic, moody images.
Rathtrevor Beach Wedding Stories
Laura & Brad’s Spontaneous January Wedding
Laura and Brad planned their Rathtrevor Beach wedding in less than a week, embracing the unpredictable January weather. With her five adult sons and 90-year-old grandfather in attendance, Laura stunned in a sparkling blue tulle dress as they exchanged vows on the sandy shore. The dramatic winter lighting made for unforgettable photos, and after a quick, intimate ceremony, the family celebrated with a dinner in town.
Cayley & Riley’s Intimate August Elopement
Cayley and Riley’s elopement took place on a smoky August afternoon, with the warm glow of BC wildfire haze creating a uniquely ethereal backdrop. The couple chose a quiet, secluded side of the beach, walking down a long forested trail to reach their ceremony spot. As Cayley’s father teared up escorting her down the aisle, their two-year-old son played nearby, adding a sweet and sentimental touch to the occasion.
Petra & Jim’s Secret Beach Elopement
Petra and Jim eloped at Rathtrevor Beach while vacationing in Parksville, with only a few close friends and Petra’s daughter, Alexandra, who had secretly played matchmaker for them years earlier. The couple kept their attire casual, all dressed in soft pink tones that complemented the beach’s natural hues. Against the quiet coastal backdrop, their love story came full circle in an intimate and heartfelt ceremony.
Additional Tips for Couples
- There are two popular wedding access points: the main parking lot at the end of Rath Road and the quieter, pebbly beach area at the end of Shorewood Drive.
- Tigh-Na-Mara Resort is a fantastic nearby option for receptions and accommodations.
For couples seeking an unspoiled, natural setting for their wedding, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park offers a stunning and versatile venue with breathtaking scenery at every turn. Whether saying “I do” on the sandy shores or beneath the forest canopy, this beloved Vancouver Island gem provides a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
Visit the BC Parks website for more information
Written by Canadian Wedding Photography Deanna Veerman
About the Photographer
Devee Photography is owned and operated by Deanna, a passionate wedding photographer who has called Vancouver Island home for nearly her entire life. Inspired by the island’s rugged beauty and the uniqueness of the people she meets, Deanna’s approach is deeply personal and rooted in empathy.
When she’s not behind the camera, Deanna loves exploring the outdoors with her partner Yannick, indulging in craft beers, and hiking the island’s stunning trails. Her cats, whom she lovingly refers to as her “kids,” are never far from her heart.
Deanna’s personal experiences, including the loss of her parents, have shaped her profound appreciation for the power of photographs. To her, photography is not just about creating art but about preserving the fleeting moments that make life extraordinary. Her ability to see and capture the beauty in people’s lives has made her a trusted storyteller for couples across Vancouver Island.
To see more about Deanna visit: Deveephotography.net
