When it comes to choosing the perfect spot for your engagement session, couples session, or family photoshoot, Elk Lake is One of Victoria’s Best Photo Locations. It is a hidden gem that offers something truly special. With its peaceful lakeside trails, golden light at sunset, and mix of forest and water, it’s one of my go-to spots for capturing meaningful, natural moments — whether it’s your wedding day, an elopement, or a mini session in the summertime.

If you’re looking for a location in British Columbia, Canada that reflects your laid-back love story while giving you beautiful backdrops and soft light, Elk Lake (and nearby Beaver Lake) might be your new favourite spot.

Natural Beauty Meets Versatility

Elk Lake is part of a larger park system, shared with Beaver Lake, and together they offer a stunning variety of scenery — tall trees, winding trails, soft sandy shores, and calm waters. Whether you’re planning a romantic engagement shoot, a relaxed couples session, or an elopement with just a few close friends, this location brings a quiet magic to your images.

During golden hour, the light filters through the trees and reflects off the water, casting a dreamy glow that’s absolutely perfect for candid, emotional moments. It’s one of those places where you don’t have to force a pose — the beauty of the space invites you to just be together, and I’ll be there to capture it all.

Why I Love Shooting at Elk Lake

As a Victoria-based family photographer and wedding photographer, I’ve spent many evenings at Elk Lake photographing everything from surprise proposals and engagement sessions, to cozy family snuggles and even a few adventurous elopements. Here’s why it continues to be one of my favourite photo spots:

• Privacy & Space: There’s plenty of room to explore, which makes it easy to find quiet corners away from the crowd.
• Perfect for Movement-Based Prompts: The forest trails and sandy lakefront are ideal for movement-based photo prompts that make your session feel fun and natural.
• Gorgeous in Any Season: While summer time is especially beautiful with long golden evenings, the lake is equally stunning in fall and spring, with soft colors and gentle light.

Planning Your Elk Lake Photo Session

Whether you’re newly engaged and dreaming of an engagement shoot, planning a spontaneous elopement, or booking a mini session for your family, there are a few things to keep in mind for this location:

• Timing is everything: To catch that dreamy golden hour light, we’ll want to schedule your session about 1–1.5 hours before sunset.
• Dress for the elements: Elk Lake has everything from dry forest trails to lakeside sand, so wear something comfortable and bring layers if needed.
• Let go and have fun: The best candids happen when you’re relaxed and enjoying yourself. We’ll walk, laugh, play, and I’ll guide you through it all.

Elk Lake is One of Victoria’s Best Photo Locations; Your Love Story at Elk Lake

One of my favourite engagement sessions at Elk Lake involved a couple who wanted to bring their canoe and recreate one of their first dates on the water. We captured them paddling along the lake at sunset, barefoot and laughing — completely themselves. That session reminded me why I do this: to document real love stories, in places that feel like home.

Another time, I met a family at Beaver Lake for a mini session, and their toddler couldn’t stop giggling as they tossed stones into the water. It’s those little in-between moments that bring your photos to life — and Elk Lake is full of opportunities to capture them.

Let’s Tell Your Story

Whether you’re planning a grand wedding day, a peaceful elopement, or a sweet engagement shoot, Elk Lake in Victoria, BC is a beautiful backdrop for your memories. I’d be honoured to capture your story in this special spot.

Want to chat more or start planning your own photo session at Elk Lake?
Let’s connect for your Victoria Photo Session.

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