Usually when I think about an elopement I think about the Rocky Mountains or the ocean and honestly not Ontario. I only considered that elopements in Ontario can being amazing recently. COVID and lockdowns and all the government restrictions have made everyone start thinking about alternative options to big weddings.

COVID-19 has made a lot of people with up their wedding plans but there are so many other reasons to elope! Whether eloping is something you’ve always dreamed of or something that you’ve had to pivot into having it be just the two of you or just a few of your closest family and friends can be such a beautiful option. Elopements can be so much more intimate than a big wedding. You get to slow down, take all the moments in and feel all the feels and actually spend time together. With big weddings couples can often feel like they don’t spend much time together on their wedding day because there are so many guests that want their attention. You can also save so much money!! You can spend more on a few key things like your attire and accessories, an air bnb, a big floral arrange and intimate dinner table setting. I am so for eloping! You could even elope now and plan a big reception for the future when there are less restrictions. This list is meant to inspire!

Need help eloping? I would love to help you plan your dream elopement?

Back to the Cabin

The dreamiest Scandinavian inspired A-Frame cabin located in Varney, Ontario. It is simple, cozy, charming, and partially off grid in the cooler months. So perfect for an elopement in any season! There are so many options for photos both inside and all around the cabin. An air bnb is a perfect location for an elopement because you can stay there afterwards! Be sure to ask permission from the owner before making plans.

Terre Bleu Lavender Farm

Get all the France vibes at Ontario’s largest lavender farm! Located in Campbellville, Ontario. A stunning vibrant purple backdrop for your elopement. You can follow the Yellow Bench Trail to 20,000 more lavender plants and their famous yellow door. 'Nestled amongst the Grand River Conservation Area, the Yellow Bench Trail winds through a 200 year old cedar forest teeming with wildlife and beautiful native plants.’

Cabin on the Nine

A beautifully secluded cabin nestled in the pines on a little lake. Located in Mono Mills (near Toronto), this tiny cabin has a rustic feel. The inside would be so perfect for getting ready photos and the whole property would be amazing for your elopement ceremony and portraits.

The Cape

The epitome of style and elegance. Built in 1863, ‘meticulously restored and renovated, the CAPE's reception rooms, stunning facade, veranda, ballroom and extensive garden create the perfect canvas for your dream’ elopement. Located in Prince Edward County.

Dundurn Castle

I found this historical neoclassical mansion/ castle online while searching for a location for one year anniversary photos for clients of mine who got married at a castle in Scotland. When their inquiry came into my inbox I immediately searched ‘Ontario castles’ and found this beautiful building. I could hardly believe my eyes! It’s located in Hamilton, Ontario. It is 18,000 square feet and took three years to build and cost $175,000. It has forty rooms and gas lighting and running water. Construction was completed in 1835. I can only imagine the elegant and lavish events that took place here! It was would be so perfect for a giant wedding (post COVID) or an intimate elopement.

The Armstrong Estate

A unique luxury eloping experience. Located in Spencerville, Ontario. The Armstrong Estate offers all inclusive curated elopement packages to suit all your needs. All you have to do is show up with the love of your life, your wedding license, attire that makes you feel like a million bucks and four guests if you wish! You can leave the rest up to them!

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

How amazing would it be to elope here with this breathtaking view of Lake Superior from the Top of the Giant Trail and Thunder Bay Lookout?? There is also a stone arch called the Sea Lion and the Tree harbour is so pretty! There are full service cabins to rent year round.

Allan Gardens

A conservatory and urban park located in the garden district of Toronto. There are a total of six greenhouses. An oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a perfect location for an elopement. Please note that you will need a photography permit to shoot an elopement here. You can find more information on that here https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/weddings-ceremonies-commercial-photography-in-parks/.

Bruce Peninsula

Located between Georgian Bay and the main basin of Lake Huron. A personal favourite of mine! I’ve camped here many summers with my sister. I definitely recommend the summer because it gets very cold and icy and there for slippery in the winter. There are lots of trails, beaches with sand and beach with rocks, forests and lakes. It’s about a 15 minutes walk from the paid parking lot to this spot. The parking lot fills up exceptionally fast durning the summer so I advise arriving in the early morning. Or booking a camp site and walking in from the campground. The walk is the same 15 minute walk.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Located on Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County near Picton. There are many spots for an elopement here. I recommend going to the Dunes beach. The parking lots are paid here and fill up very quickly as well during the summer. There are often very very long lines of traffic for kilometres all trying to enter the park at the same time. I definitely don’t recommend going on a weekend in the summer.

Rock Dunder

Located in Lydhurst, Ontario. The hike is a 4km loop with a lookout over a 90 meter cliff. This hike is very popular. The hike is easy and takes around 1.5 hours deeding on your pace. This look out is a perfect spot for vows and portraits. For any elopement I recommend being aware of the sunrise and sunset times as the best light for portraits is 1.5 hours before the sunsets and the same for the morning starting at sunrise up to 1.5 hours after. I also personally recommend starting to walk back before the sun is set. There are often animals that come out at dusk to be aware of and it’s easy to trip and fall or get lost in the dark. I would suggest bringing a headlamp and making sure phones are fully charged. It’s always best to be over prepared and ready for any situation that could arise.

Eagles Nest

Located near Calabogie, Ontario. A moderate hiking loop 2.7km in length. I recommend looking at the app All Trails and the Parks Canada website for additional information on any and all locations that require a hike. This look out is absolutely stunning and such a perfect spot for vows.

Mont Tremblant

The area is so beautiful! The summit it the best view though! You could also fly over top with Heli Tremblant. I highly recommend, I surprised Adrian for his birthday with a Heli Tremblant tour. It’s very affordable and such a cool experience that not a lot of couples get to experience on their wedding day). There are so many cool air bnb’s in this area as well for your wedding night and or honeymoon. A perfect location if your’e a skier or snowboarder. I shot an engagement session at the summit a few years ago and it was -30º without the windchill. We had to go inside the cafeteria at the top a few times to warm up. I highly recommend bringing a blanket to warm up in for winter elopements . Hand warmers!! A fur coat could be a stylish option for staying warm (I wore one for my winter wedding). Also warm boots. From experience I can tell you that you will be so much happier whether it’s warm or cold if you dress according to the weather. That way you’re free to enjoy the moment and not worry about being uncomfortable.

Algonquin Provincial Park

The opportunities are ENDLESS. Algonquin Park is so vast with different landscapes and 1,500 lakes! It’s perfect for a forest and or lake elopement! There are also many campgrounds so you could camp for your honeymoon!

Bridal Veil Falls

I’ve always dreamed of shooting an elopement under a waterfall! Located near Kagawong on Lake Huron's Manitoulin Island. Bridal Veil Falls is 35 feet fall and so majestic!

Mint Room Studio

A 15 minute drive form downtown Toronto, Ontario. Mint Room Studio and the Preto Loft have a variety of differently styled rooms. I highly recommend this location if you’re looking for an indoor elopement option! They can be set up minimally or extravagantly. They are always elegant and classy!

Sol Atelier Toronto

Located in Toronto, Ontario. An other great location for an indoor elopement. I had my photo taken here and the light is so nice as well as the highly sophisticated room styling and furniture. I highly recommend and have been hoping to shoot an elopement here for a while now.

Cressy House

This property is waterfront onto Lake Ontario and has a vineyard of it’s one! There is a main house, a guest house and a converted barn. There is a big patio out back with a pool and big fireplace. There is an indoor fireplace as well. There are so many locations on the property that would be perfect for a ceremony and the deck is a perfect spot to feed and entertain your closest family and friends. There are options for both warm and cold weather elopements. And so many amazing local Prince Edward County vendors!

Morrison’s Quarry

This is such a unique location! The rock makes it almost look other worldly. There are also the brightest blue pools of water! You can also bunny jump and scuba dive here. As always make sure to ask permission from the appropriate people when thinking about eloping on private property.

Photo by: Megan Renee Photography shooting for Chelsea Mason Photography

St Raphael Ruins

Serious castle vibes! The light was so beautiful for this wedding! This national historical landmark is located in Williamstown, Ontario. I was able to shoot this wedding as a second shooter for Chelsea Mason Photography. When we showed up there was an other couple just finishing up their photos. For more information on how to reserve a date you can check out their website here https://saintraphaelsruins.com/news-events/.

Meeche Lake

A beautiful beach for a summer elopement. Meeche Lake is also perfect for a winter elopement once the lake freezes over and it’s a safe thickness to walk on. This view is stunning especially during golden hour as the sun is setting. I can also imagine it with falling snow! Gatineau Park has so many naturally beautiful places to elope! There are so many lakes and hikes. There is a short super easy walk through a wooded area to the beach from the parking lot.

Your own backyard or cottage

What’s better than not having to pay a venue fee and not having to leave the comfort of your own home? I’m a big believer that any space can be made beautiful!

Disclaimer: I didn’t want to limit myself only to locations that I’ve photographed, so I added photos by other talented photographers to show you the location.

Best Places to Elope in Ontario