How to Elope in Ontario
Why Elope?
There are many reasons why people choose to elope, one of the most common right now being COVID-19 restrictions. Choosing to elope doesn’t have to be a down grade from your original plans. An elopement can be every bit as special and can be even more intimate and meaningful! With the added bonus of saving the money you would have spent on dinner for your third cousin and their four kids. Besides saving some money you can return the focus to your marriage. You can plan something super stress free and it can be exactly what you want. No more need to follow traditions that mean nothing to you. You can pick and choose everything, including your guest list and it can be as limited as you want. You can go as luxurious or laid back as you like. If you know that you want to get married this year no matter what an elopement may be the right choice for you! If you need any help planning it please reach out, I would be so happy to help! I’m not a wedding planner but I LOVE elopements and have a photographers eye and lots of experience with timelines etc.
How to Make it Official in Ontario
Fill out the Ontario Marriage License Form
Apply in person together. Make sure you bring all the required documentation. You can find all the information you need here.
Pick your officiant and witnesses. You need two witnesses (I can totally sign as a witness for you, I’ve done it in the past and it’s always such an honour).
Elopement Checklist
Photographer
Officiant
Witnesses/ guests (I would consider an elopement to be 10 guests or less.)
Florist (bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom). You could do a floral instal for your ceremony and a centre piece for a sweetheart table as well.
Hair and make up depending on how comfortable you are doing your own and how remote your elopement location is.
Wedding attire (wedding dress and suit, shoes, jewelry, veil etc)
Keepsakes (Velvet ring box, vow books with your hand written vows, love letters, antique stamps, perfume, invitations)
Caterer (you can have an intimate dinner for the two of you or you can include a few of your closest family and friends)
Videographer. Video adds an extra depth that photos can’t capture (sound and movement). I always highly recommending a videographer!
It’s always important to talk to your vendors ahead of time and make sure you’re all on the same page and you all get along well. Interaction with vendors on and before your elopement day can make or break your entire experience. Make sure that they have the same vibe that you want your day to have (For example if you’re super laid back don’t hire a vendor who is going to boss you around all day. If you like to keep to a strict schedule hire someone who will help keep you on time.) I always recommend doing an engagement session before your wedding so that we can meet in person and get to know each other ahead of time. I always take my best photos when the people in front of me are relaxed and comfortable!
Best Elopement Locations in Ontario
I recommend choosing a location that has meaning to you or that inspires you. You can get so creative with elopements!! Ontario has so many beautiful locations in both nature and the city! If you know you want to elope in Ontario but aren’t sure what location to choose you can check out my blog post with a list of all The Best Places to Elope in Ontario! It’s also really important to check ahead of time to see if your elopement location requires any permits, it is the couples responsibility to find this information and apply for any permits that are necessary.
