I get excited anytime I learn someone is planning a wedding in Whistler – my hometown of the last 20+ years. So when Lyndsey and Lewis, long time fans of the Whistler ski season, reached out to let me know they were planning their own Whistler winter wedding, I couldn’t wait to get involved.
Lyndsey and Lewis told me they were drawn to my sense of adventure and ability to capture the natural beauty of Whistler. Immensely flattered, I began thinking of the best spots for their winter wedding. While Whistler is a year-round destination, there’s something so magical about this place when the first blanket of snow falls.
Luckily, that’s exactly what L&L got for their big day!
The perfect backdrop for your winter wedding in Whistler
When Lyndsey first reached out, she told me, “My dream photos for our wedding would capture the feeling of the day and the magic of Whistler, and other than that I’m totally open. We’re down for any crazy location you come up with, drag us anywhere you like!”
Right away, I knew these were my kind of people!
After their first look outside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, I brought Lyndsey and Lewis to one of my favourite spots in Whistler. We ventured out into the fresh snow and captured some of the most incredible images along the river and in the snow-covered forest.
Lyndsey and Lewis were absolute troopers (especially Lyndsey without a jacket!) and couldn’t wait to really embrace Whistler’s natural beauty. We were able to capture more forest photos with their wedding party and do a mini Christmas tree shoot as Lewis and Lyndsey strolled through the twinkling Whistler Village on the way to their reception.
Of course, it wasn’t just the outdoors that made L&L’s Whistler wedding so beautiful. They also picked two venues that I think are perfect for winter weddings!
An emotional ceremony at the SLCC
Lyndsey and Lewis held their ceremony at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), a venue I’ve had the privilege to work with many times. In addition to shooting weddings at the SLCC, I also worked with them on a photo project featuring Indigenous stories called Unceded.
With everyone bundled up in jackets and shawls, Lewis and Lyndsey enjoyed an outdoor ceremony on the Mezzanine Patio of the SLCC. One of their uncles led the ceremony where many emotional smiles, laughs and tears were shared.
After the ceremony, the SLCC made the perfect backdrop for family photos. We then headed inside for cocktail hour in the beautiful Istken Hall. This is one of my favourite rooms as the domed roof gives off a really cozy vibe and the huge windows offer beautiful views of the Lost Lake woods.
A Fairmont Whistler reception full of laughs
From the SLCC, Lyndsey, Lewis and their guests moved onto the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for the reception.
The Fairmont Whistler is another one of my favourite venues in the area. Like the SLCC, I’ve had the privilege of working with the Fairmont not just on weddings, but also on their campaign, Grandest of Feelings.
Lewis and Lyndsey’s reception was incredibly entertaining with hilarious speeches and games, delicious food and drink, and a great party courtesy of their live band, The Hairfarmers. Lyndsey and Lewis shared a first dance, and then invited their parents to join them – a perfect celebration of this new family coming together.
How to find the best venues for your Whistler winter wedding
The SLCC and Fairmont Chateau Whistler are two incredible wedding venues for a Whistler winter wedding. Here’s what to look for when choosing a venue for your own wintertime wedding in Whistler, BC:
Indoor & outdoor options: While winter weddings in Whistler are usually cold, it’s still nice to have a venue with an outdoor option in case the weather cooperates. Some of the most magical photos are created out in the fresh snow!
Venue capacity: Make sure your chosen venue can hold all of your guests. For a winter wedding, guests may not want to head out onto the patio after dinner, so ensure the indoor space is big enough for you. Both the SLCC and Fairmont Whistler can accommodate large groups.
Unique architecture: If the majority of your wedding will be indoors, you should choose a venue that is visually appealing. Look for interesting architectural elements, large windows, raised ceilings, etc.
Photo opportunities: Rain, shine or snow, you want your Whistler winter wedding venue to have lots of options for a variety of photos both indoors and outdoors. The SLCC and Fairmont Whistler offer many diverse photo spots, allowing you to capture different photo backdrops without needing to leave the venue.
Whistler wedding vendors
- Whistler wedding photographer: Logan Swayze Photography
- Wedding planner: Cailey Wilkes at Blue Violet Events
- Ceremony venue: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC)
- Reception venue: Fairmont Chateau Whistler – https://www.fairmont.com/whistler/
- Hair & makeup: Rose Quartz Beauty
- Band: The Hairfarmers
- Ceremony musician: Juan Del Castillo
- Rentals: Blacksheep Event Rentals