Lakeside Elopement • Brannen Lake Estates
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The Magic of Eloping Lakeside at
Brannen Lake Estates, Nanaimo BC
There’s something undeniably enchanting about saying your “I DO’s” near the waters edge. It reflects not just light, but emotion — turning fleeting moments into something timeless. That’s the magic of eloping lakeside at Brannen Lake Estates in Nanaimo, BC. It’s not just a location. It’s a feeling — a kind of quiet, natural spell that wraps around your day and makes it unforgettable.
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Lisa and Kevin inquired with me and booked almost immediately. They had never been to the island, as they live in Austria, but found it online and immediately knew they needed a Canadian adventure. Once they were booked in, we came to the portion of narrowing down locations. As we are on an island, most people are drawn to the water on either the rugged side of the island, or the sprawling beaches of Tofino. These two requested a lake. I went through many different options of a lake that is central enough for vendors and air bnb’s and finally we settled on Brannen Lake Estate in Nananimo, BC.
Tucked away just outside the hum of the city, Brannen Lake Estates feels like discovering a hidden chapter of your love story. As you walk hand-in-hand down to the water’s edge, time slows. Here, the anxiety and anticipation of the day fades into stillness — replaced by laughter echoing over water, heartfelt vows, and tequila shots on the dock. It’s intimacy, embodied by nature itself.
There is a true magic in these moments. No distractions. No timeline pressure. Just connection. Just you and your person, surrounded by something older, deeper, and beautifully alive.
Lisa and Kevin decided to prolong the magic of their day and their elopement experience by writing vows to each other before their ceremony and with a longer portrait session to get to enjoy all the parts of Brannen Lake Estates. From the lakeside, to the fields with tall grass, all the way up to the rock wall, which is handsdown my most favorite spot on the property, there’s a reason so many love stories unfold on this property.
Lisa and Kevin’s lakeside elopement reminded me of why I created Vancouver Island Elopement. To provide a space for the couples that say ‘screw it’ to tradition and ‘NO’ months of prep and stress over a guest list or seating plan. I love creating experiences for couples to just be themselves, to elope without putting on a performance or veering from waht is true to their hearts. Cheers to the couples like Lisa and Kevin for choosing presence over performance, saying yes to slowing down, to tuning into the rhythm of nature, and to letting your day unfold organically. That’s what makes it feel like magic — because it truly is.
✨ Thinking About Eloping at Brannen Lake Estates?
Let this be your sign. If you crave an elopement day that’s more soulful than stressful, more grounded than grand — this place was made for you…. I also host pop-up elopements there once a year if you want literally all of the thinking done for you!
Come just as you are. Say your vows with bare feet in the grass and mist rising off the lake. Let the natural world hold you in that moment. And leave knowing you didn’t just get married… you experienced something truly sacred.
Because love — real love — belongs in a place like this.
Elopement Vendors
Planning: Vancouver Island Elopement
Photography: Elyse Anna Photography
Makeup: Remy Martin
Celebrant: Celebrations by Sherri
