Meet Rachael – The Story Behind The Whistler Elopement Company
People often ask me how I became a wedding planner.
The truth is, I never planned to become one.
If you’d met me in my twenties, you would have found me chasing winter, teaching skiing and searching for my next mountain adventure—not planning weddings.
It All Started With the Mountains
I grew up in New Zealand, where I worked as a ski instructor before heading to Canada in search of another adventure. After spending a season in Banff and a brief year living in Vancouver, I realised something important—I wasn’t a city person.
I missed the mountains.
I missed the outdoor lifestyle.
And I missed the sense of community that comes with living in a small town.
So in 1996, I moved to Whistler.
Thirty years later, I still can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.
What I love most about Whistler is that it truly offers the best of both worlds. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, lakes and forests, it feels like a world away, yet Vancouver is only a scenic drive down the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s the perfect destination for couples looking to escape the ordinary while still being easily accessible for family and friends.
How Music Led Me Into Weddings
Ironically, weddings found me just as unexpectedly.
I graduated with degrees in French, Political Science and Music, and it was music that first opened the door to the wedding industry. As an accomplished pianist, I began playing for wedding ceremonies through my local church while my children were young.
Before long, couples began asking if I could help with other aspects of their wedding day.
One wedding became two.
Two became ten.
And before I knew it, I had founded Sea to Sky Celebrations.
What began with playing the piano grew into a full-service wedding planning company, and for more than twenty years I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of couples celebrate one of the happiest days of their lives.
A Changing Wedding Industry
The 2010 Winter Olympics changed Whistler forever.
Almost overnight, this mountain town became recognised around the world, and so did its incredible potential as a wedding destination.
Until then, most weddings took place during the summer months. Suddenly, couples were dreaming of snowy mountaintop ceremonies, winter wonderland elopements and intimate celebrations surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
At the same time, I noticed another shift.
More and more couples were telling me they didn’t want a large traditional wedding. They wanted something smaller, more personal and focused on what really mattered.
Why I Created The Whistler Elopement Company
In 2013, I introduced our all-inclusive Whistler elopement packages to make planning from afar simple and stress-free. Instead of coordinating multiple vendors, permits and timelines themselves, couples could simply arrive, relax and enjoy the experience while my team and I took care of every detail.
The response exceeded anything I had imagined.
As elopements continued to grow in popularity, it became clear they deserved a company dedicated entirely to them.
In 2019, The Whistler Elopement Company was born, becoming Whistler’s first business focused exclusively on creating all-inclusive elopement experiences.
More Than Just Weddings
Although weddings have become my career, I’ve never lost sight of the lifestyle that brought me to Whistler in the first place.
I’m still passionate about skiing, travelling and exploring new places. Learning Spanish became a personal goal through my love of travel and Mexico, and today it’s exciting to be expanding our services to include destination elopements in Puerto Vallarta.
CrossFit has also been a huge part of my life since 2012. Beyond keeping me active, it’s taught me resilience, preparation and the value of showing up every day—qualities I bring to every wedding I plan.
Giving back to the community has always been equally important. Over the years I’ve volunteered with Whistler Blackcomb, served on the Board of Whistler Animals Galore, spent 15 years as an elected School Trustee, played piano for local choirs, and proudly supported many community events through Sea to Sky Celebrations.
Why I Still Love What I Do
People sometimes ask if I ever get tired of weddings after all these years.
The answer is always no.
Every couple has their own story, their own vision and their own reason for choosing Whistler. Getting to know them and creating a celebration that reflects who they are is still the most rewarding part of my job.
Looking back, it’s funny how life works.
I came to Whistler for the mountains.
I stayed because of the community.
And somewhere along the way, I found a career that I genuinely love.
Every time I watch a couple exchange vows with Whistler’s mountains as their backdrop, I’m reminded why I chose to build my life—and my business—here.
That feeling never gets old.
If you’re dreaming of an intimate Whistler elopement or mountain wedding, I’d love the opportunity to help you create a celebration that’s relaxed, personal and unforgettable. I hope this little glimpse into my story has helped you get to know me a little better, and I look forward to helping you begin the next chapter of yours.
