An Aylard Farm wedding gives you three West Coast landscapes in one place: an open meadow, a mossy forest and a rocky Pacific shoreline. Aylard Farm in Sooke is the main day-use entrance to East Sooke Regional Park, and it is one of our favourite places on Vancouver Island for elopements and small ceremonies. Here is what we have learned photographing there, including Kasha and Justin's rainy Aylard Farm elopement.
What is Aylard Farm?
East Sooke Regional Park is managed by CRD Regional Parks and covers a large stretch of rugged coastline on the Juan de Fuca Strait. Aylard Farm is the park's most accessible area: a parking lot, a grassy former farm meadow with picnic space and old fruit trees, and short trails down to a small beach and out along the coast. From there, trails continue toward Creyke Point and further along the coast toward Beechey Head.
It is a working public park, not a wedding venue. That is part of its charm, and part of why planning matters.
Permits and park rules
CRD Regional Parks has its own requirements for ceremonies, gatherings and commercial photography. Those requirements can change, so always confirm current permit and booking rules directly with the CRD before you set a date. A few general courtesies apply either way:
- Stay on established trails and keep the shoreline and plants as you found them.
- Skip confetti, petals that aren't native, balloons and anything that could be left behind.
- Remember other park visitors. Small ceremonies fit in naturally; large set-ups do not.
- Respect cultural sites in the park and the traditional territories of the T'Sou-ke and Scia'new peoples.
Our favourite photo spots
The meadow
The open lawn near the parking area is easy for guests and great for a ceremony with a backdrop of trees. Old orchard trees give lovely texture and shade on bright days.
The forest trails
Short trails pass through tall conifers, ferns and moss. On grey days this is where the magic is: soft, green, glowing light that wraps around you.
The beach and rocky shoreline
A few minutes from the meadow you reach the water: a small pocket beach, driftwood, smooth rocks and long views across the strait. Wind-blown veils and crashing waves come naturally here.
Light and seasons
| Season | What to expect | Photo notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fresh green, wildflowers, changeable weather | Soft light, vivid greens, pack layers |
| Summer | Drier, busier, long evenings | Plan portraits for late golden hour |
| Autumn | Cooler, mist and moody skies | Atmospheric forest and ocean photos |
| Winter | Wet, wild, early sunsets | Dramatic surf, very cozy feel |
The shoreline faces broadly south over the strait, so on clear days the sun moves across the water through the afternoon. Midday sun on the rocks can be harsh; the forest is your friend until the light softens. Use our golden hour calculator with the Sooke setting to see exact times for your date.
A sample elopement timeline
Here is a simple shape that works well for a small Aylard Farm wedding on a summer evening. Adjust it around your sunset time:
- Arrive and settle (about 2.5 hours before sunset). Park, unload, walk to the meadow and take a breath.
- Ceremony in the meadow or forest (about 2 hours before sunset). Twenty to thirty minutes, with family and a few friends.
- Hugs, toasts and family photos (15 to 20 minutes). Keep the list short and clear.
- Forest portraits. Soft light under the trees while the sun is still high.
- Shoreline at golden hour. Head down to the water as the light warms and the shadows stretch.
- Walk back before dark. Trails get dim quickly under the canopy; bring a headlamp just in case.
Our wedding timeline planner can build a version for your exact date.
Getting there and parking
Aylard Farm is reached via Becher Bay Road in East Sooke, roughly 45 minutes to an hour from downtown Victoria depending on traffic. The parking lot can fill on sunny summer weekends, so weekdays and early or late timing are easier. Carpool where you can and give guests clear directions; cell coverage can be patchy in places.
What to wear for the terrain
- Walkable shoes for the trails, with your nicer pair in a bag for the photos.
- Dresses that can handle a little mud. Lighter fabrics and shorter trains are easier; a bustle helps.
- A warm layer. It is often cooler and breezier at the water than in the parking lot.
- Earthy or soft tones look gorgeous against green forest and grey ocean. See what to wear for photos for more ideas.
Thinking about guests
If you are inviting family, think about mobility. The meadow is a short, fairly level walk from parking, which makes it the friendliest spot for grandparents and little ones. The shoreline trails are steeper and uneven, so it often works best to hold the ceremony in the meadow and slip away to the water for portraits on your own. Bring folding chairs only if your permit allows them, and pack out everything you bring in.
Your rain plan
On this coast, rain is part of the experience. Clear umbrellas, a cozy blanket and a sense of humour go a long way, and the forest canopy offers some shelter. Overcast light is flattering and the colours go deep and rich. Our rainy day wedding photo tips cover the rest.
Plan your Aylard Farm day with us
We love helping couples shape a simple, meaningful day here, from timing the light to picking the quietest trail. Try the elopement location finder to compare it with other island spots, read our elopement photography page, or email info@evergrey-photography.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have a wedding at Aylard Farm?
Small ceremonies and elopements in East Sooke Regional Park are possible, but the park is managed by CRD Regional Parks and has its own rules. Confirm current permit and booking requirements directly with the CRD before you plan.
How far is Aylard Farm from Victoria?
It is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from downtown Victoria by car, via Sooke Road and East Sooke Road to Becher Bay Road, depending on traffic.
What is the best time of day for photos at Aylard Farm?
Late afternoon into golden hour is usually best. Midday light on the rocks can be harsh, so use the forest for shade until the sun softens.
What happens if it rains?
Rain and mist make East Sooke look its most West Coast. Bring clear umbrellas and a warm layer, use the forest canopy for cover, and keep the timeline flexible.
