With Covid-19 still hindering a lot of wedding plans it can be hard to come up with alternative plans. Many regions are opening up weddings to a limit of 10 people (or 50 outside). Engaged couples are opting to elope instead of having a large wedding because of this. To help you I created this list of places to elope.
The locations/venues on this list all adhere to the current maximum guest count in Phase 2 regions. These are only a handful of some of the most stunning places in Ontario to have an elopement. It can be an amazing way to marry your best friend in one of these stunning locations. I hope this gives you some creative ideas and new places to think about!
Elopement Locations
01. The Guelph Arboretum
"The Arboretum, University of Guelph, encompasses 400 acres of plant collections, gardens, walking trails, natural woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Adjacent to the university’s main campus, The Arboretum is free to the public and open dawn until dusk – we welcome you to visit!"
Key Features
•Close to Downtown Guelph
•Forest and Field Spaces
•Unique Garden Sculptures
02. Family Property
For backyard weddings it's best to send a letter to your neighbours. It should include the date and times and be sure to include the ceremony time. to avoid any unwanted noise during. You can even include a phone number to call if a guest blocks a car or another issue arises.
You will need to acquire a permit from the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission to sell alcohol at your private residence. It's also a great idea to check with the fire department and police to let them know of your wedding on the property. Every area is different though so be sure you follow the guidelines set out by them
Key Features
•Located in a familiar Area
•Budget friendly
•Allows more flexibility than venue
•Adds extra meaning to your day
03. Rockwood Conservation Area
Towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes, including one of the world's largest, are a few of the natural wonders at Rockwood. You can view them from hiking trails on both sides of the Eramosa River or in a rented canoe.
The park's unique setting makes it a popular location for television shows, movies and photography shoots. The ruins of the Harris & Co. Rockwood Woolen Mill are fun to explore, book for photographs or other group events.
Key Features
•Located 15 mins outside of Guelph
•Caves, cliff ledges and stunning views
•Surrounded by water
•Outdoor Reception Area
04. Muskoka
Muskoka is Ontario's cottage country and the heart of many childhood memories for me. It boasts thousands of km of shorelines, a bunch of historic towns and countless lakes. Not to mention some of the best hidden gems to have an elopement or intimate wedding.
The Muskoka region has been named one of the best places to visit in Canada by tons of publications the world over.
Key Features
•Located 2 hours from Toronto
•Mix of campsites and hotels
•Heart of cottage country
•Tons of festivals and events
05. Whispering Springs Wildernes
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is on 200 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of Northumberland County. When designing and envisioning Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat the Corcoran’s aim was very simple: to create a place in which individuals could slow down and reconnect with family, friends and the great outdoors. Understanding that the traditional camping experience is not for everyone, Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat bridges the gap between camping and the desire for comfort, allowing individuals to experience the great outdoors in style and sophistication.
Key Features
•Located 1.5 hours east of Toronto
•Elopement packages come with officiant
•Accommodations for 10 guests
•Outdoor chapel in old growth forest
06. Algonquin
I grew up going backpack camping in Algonquin Provincial Park and it holds a special place in my heart. The area and park itself is a bounty of options in terms of where to get married. You can canoe, backpack, hike and stay in log cabins. Whether it's right at the park entrance or a multi day trip you won't be disappointed. It's the perfect place if you are an avid lover of the wilderness and outdoors.
Key Features
•Located 4 hours north of Toronto
•Campsites and cabins available
•Forest and lake views
•Stunning all year round
07. Hampton Barn
One of the best parts of the Hampton Barn is that it is located deep in the Belwood Lake forest providing an incredibly private feel. It has two levels with charming rustic details inside. Fully working bathrooms and kitchen area make it a breeze to set up with no additional needs. Its balcony overlooks a sprawling pond bordered by large willow trees. It's a short 15 minute drive from Fergus, Ontario and all its beautiful historic buildings. With lots of Air BnBs in town plus a camp grounds it's perfect for an out of town wedding.
Key Features
•Located at Belwood Lake
•Private location
•Use of barn and grounds
•In the middle of the forest
08. Aisling Lakehouse
If you want to combine nature in all its abundance with your wedding celebrations, then Aisling Lakehouse, located in Muskoka-Parry Sound is a perfect choice! Set on a hill, surrounded by thousands of acres of uninhabited Crown territory, this beautiful, green venue is a nature lovers experience. Boasting lake views, garden, forest, and great accommodation, Aisling Lakehouse features all the modern amenities with pristine, stunning ambience to create a great venue, where you can hold all your wedding related functions.
Key Features
•Private
•Can sleep 24 people
•Outdoor tented reception
•Extra amenities
09. Niagara
Niagara is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Canadians and Americans alike. Not only can you get married right next to the falls themselves but the area outside the city is just as magical.
The area of Niagara is known for its Wine Routes, crazy nightlife and a natural wonder of the world ; the falls.
Key Features
•Lots of accommodations
•In wine country
•Mix of city and wilderness
•Unique natural landscapes
10. Cranberry Creek
Cranberry Creek Gardens is a picturesque event venue in the small hamlet of Lynedoch. Surrounded by farmland in southern Ontario, our historic white chapel, rustic barn and lush gardens are the perfect backdrop for any special event. We offer onsite accommodations and both full service and DIY event options to ensure your day is exactly what you dreamed of.
Key Features
•Located in Delhi, Ontario
•1881 wooden built church
•Inn on site
•Sprawling gardens
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