Ready to run away and tie the knot with the love of your life? Eloping is a great way to get married and when you do, why not let the land of maple syrup and Mounties play host to your special day? As the saying goes, “Go big or go home” – and Canada is nothing if not big! It’s a land of dazzling cities, lovely people, nature, and breathtaking vistas that can all be perfect for planning an intimate wedding celebration with a difference.
Let’s talk the why’s of Canada elopements, the land of friendly folk, infinite adventures, and vibrant landscapes! Eloping has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable elopement experience. While traditional weddings can be stressful and costly, elopements offer a chance to exchange vows in a more personal and meaningful way. Among the world’s most enchanting destinations, Canada stands out as an elopement option with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, welcoming atmosphere and the list just goes on!
How To Elope In Canada
+ Whistler Elopement Packages by Amore Adventures at the end!
Steps for getting married in Canada
Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s: Get acquainted with the legal requirements for marrying in Canada, like grabbing a marriage license, as costs can vary by province or territory. This guide will cover it all for you.
- Finding a location that fits the vibe
Figure out what you want your elopement to look like, and what you want to do with your day
Choose the time of year that fits with what you want to do and what your vision is
Find your Canadian elopement photographer, planner and other vendors
Get yourselves ready for a epic Canada elopement
Gather marriage license, and any permits needed
Celebrate!
Pros + Cons of eloping in Canada..
Most definitely the most beautiful and romantic places you can choose to tie the knot in (were not bias at all).
- Can be cheaper to elope in Canada if you are from another country as the dollar can be of lower value.
To determine the affordability of a specific location in Canada, it’s best to research and compare prices, reach out to local service providers, and consider your overall budget. Additionally, consulting with a wedding planner or elopement specialist like Amore Advenutres who is familiar with the area can provide valuable insights and assistance in finding affordable options. Canada’s iconic scenery is gorgeous for photos.
The seasonal changes offer variety for your photos, and are mostly predictable within their particular seasons (i.e. the summers are mostly sunny, September to December usually has the most rain, etc.)
Accommodation is easy to find, with kind and happy folks running the outfits.
There are multiple options for planning your ceremony or “excursion” elopement if you will.
- You may not be able to include everyone on your list depending on how you choose to elope.
During the busy season or if not planned far enough in advance it can be at times difficult to find available vendors.
What do you want your Canada elopement to look like?
Eloping is already so incredible with all the endless options, just think about how vast those options could be when you choose a country as large as Canada!! Have you always dreamed of getting married on top of a snowy mountain? Maybe you’ve pictured yourself at the backdrop of a rushing waterfall or maybe even shredding down the slopes in your wedding gear!? Or maybe its in the Canadian sand dunes or even the deserts! Whatever you’ve dreamed of, I have a feeling you can pull it off in Canada, with the right resources.
Weddings in Canada are very unique since the venues themselves are like so original! From the heart of Canada in the parries, all the way to the outskirts of the ocean beaches.
Canada has deserts, mountains, forests, lakes, golden ocean beaches, fields, and even small town city feels! Your pretty much set whether you’d like to see the sights from up high or stay grounded in town. Just You, Me and The Maple Leaves. Who needs all that traditional wedding hullabaloo when you can celebrate your love just the way you like it? With Canada’s wide-open spaces, you can create your own intimate, distraction-free love bubble.
It can be hard to decide what to do. My best advice is to dig deep, close your eyes and think about your wedding day. What comes to mind? Whos there, if anyone? What does the earth beneath you look like? What does the air around you smell like? Where are you? It may seem corny, but the best thing about a elopement and intimate weddings is that you can really do whatever the heck you want to. Which means you can get super dreamy and creative! Some people hone in on their hobbies, like taking a Jeep tour or taking their own 4×4 vehicle up to a scenic location and adventuring around. Think about your hobbies, and what you and your partner do together — could you turn it into a radical elopement?! Brainstorm with your partner the way you want to feel on your elopement day, and the things you want to experience! There is nothing quite like starting your marriage by doing something that resonates with you!
Helicopter your way up to a glacier, peak, or exclusive location
- Desert dreamy ceremony
- Horseback in the mountains
- Hike to a alpine lake or view
Take a small or huge hike to spectacular scenery
ATV or Jeep tours for a sunset ceremony
Check out the ice caves
Mountain bike your way to a special spot
Bungee jump tandem style
The possibilities are really endless!
We offer all inclusive, you plan nothing, packages including all these adventures!
Where to Elope In Canada
Ready to Discover Canada’s Best Elopement Hotspots?
Canada’s as diverse as a bag of assorted candies, offering everything from buzzing cities to mountain hideaways and seaside retreats. High-demand spots like Banff or Vancouver, and slow quiet settings like the Cariboo of BC or anywhere Saskatchewan, eh? With Canada, your elopement is not just a wedding, it’s an adventure! From the majestic mountains of Banff to the charming streets of Quebec City, it’s a journey filled with romance, intimacy, and oh-so-many Instagrammable moments.
Seasons of Love: Summer sun or winter wonderland, each season brings its own price tag. To keep costs low, consider saying “I do” during the shoulder seasons or quieter times of the year.
A Note From Us: Sleep Tight, Wallet Light: From swanky hotels to quirky yurts or train carriages, you’ve got a world of accommodation options in Canada. Shop around to find the best fit for your budget and style. Prices can vary based on location and the level of comfort you desire. Researching and comparing different options in your chosen area can help you find affordable accommodations.
Say hello to some of Canada’s most breathtaking elopement locations!
Helicopter your way up to a glacier, peak, or exclusive location
- Desert dreamy ceremony
- Horseback in the mountains
- Hike to a alpine lake or view
Take a small or huge hike to spectacular scenery
ATV or Jeep tours for a sunset ceremony
Check out the ice caves
Mountain bike your way to a special spot
Bungee jump tandem style
The possibilities are really endless!
We offer all inclusive, you plan nothing, packages including all these adventures!
Banff National Park, Alberta
Picture postcard perfect, with its turquoise lakes and mighty peaks, Banff is a slice of heaven on earth. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are simply the cherry on top!
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Craving dramatic coastlines and wild beauty? Cape Breton Island’s got you covered. The Cabot Trail, with its sweeping ocean views, is pure romance.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Mix the vibrant city life with lush rainforests and stunning beaches, and you’ve got Vancouver Island. Try The Butchart Gardens or the Pacific Rim National Park for an extra sprinkle of magic.
Quebec City, Quebec
Looking for a European vibe for your big day? Quebec City’s cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and the iconic Château Frontenac are sure to make your heart flutter.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler has the “wow” factor with its serene lakes, stunning mountains, and luxury accommodation. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for a honeymoon adventure!
What time of year is best to go elope in Canada..
Picture-Perfect Vistas: Imagine standing next to your love, all set to say “I do”, amidst the rugged Rockies or by the tranquil lakes and emerald forests of Ontario. How’s that for an unforgettable best day ever?
Calling all thrill-seekers and romantics, Canada’s got the adrenaline and the atmosphere for you! Hiking through its lush national parks or whale watching on the coast, this elopement is going to be the roller-coaster ride of a lifetime. Each season that passes in Canada uncovers a new season for elopement activities. There is no RIGHT or WRONG time to elope in Canada!
Photography, planning, and other vendors!
You’ve done the magic of picking what you want to do, or maybe you haven’t and you need help — that’s where those vendors come in! Finding vendors is important, and something sometimes overlooked! There is so much importance of being comfortable with the people you choose to have be apart of your day. Think about how vulnerable you are being, saying your vows, shedding a tear, starting your married life! You for sure don’t want someone who doesn’t get you to be there for all those moments, and certainly not a photographer you don’t vibe, since sometimes we get up in your business to get those killer shots!
Those who service Whistler can get pretty booked up, so make sure to start this process asap!
If you don’t know much about Whistler, your going to want someone who does to help make this as seamless as possible. Luckily Amore Adventures does all inclusive whistler elopements or offers a team of vendors to work with you for your day (we have a planner, photographer, videographer, etc.)
So overlooked but such a wonderful vendor to have, especially if you don’t have any family or friends there! Sometimes your photographer will have someone they love working with, feel free to ask them!
Find a wedding celebrant or officiant to conduct your ceremony, help with the necessary paperwork, and make your union legit. Make sure to find one who aligns with your elopement and/or adventure!
Whistler has a few great ones to choose from, or ask your other vendors who they enjoy working with and recommend!
If your wanting your hair and make up done, you’ll need to start looking soon! These vendors also book up rather quick.
Some locations need permits, so you’ll need to book those if needed!
Check if you need to rope in a couple of bystanders during your ceremony. Nobody ever said no to helping with such a joy-filled moment so if you need witnesses they are easy to find if you have no wedding guests. Alternatively your photographer, videographer, pilot, or planner can sign!
Getting yourselves ready to get hitched!
Now, Let’s Get Legally Wedded in Canada! While the process may differ slightly from province to province, here’s your legal wedding checklist.
Time to think about you! What do you and your partner plan to wear? Are you going classical or do you want to try something new?! Who says you have to get married in a formal wear! Same way there is endless options on HOW you can elope, there is so so so many options on what you can wear! To start bring storming what you want to wear you really need to think about what fits with what you are doing. If you are doing a winter hike, your going to obviously need warmer clothing. If you have chosen a summer helicopter tour you could probably get away with converse. If you picked a excision style elopement you’ll want to check in with your adventure provider to see what they recommend wearing.
TIP: You don’t have to wear your dress to the location, you can slip away and throw it on at almost all the locations I have ever photographed! We can even bring blankets to cover you up and help the changing process. Of course for big dresses this doesn’t work as well, but for smaller less puffy dresses you can fold them up without wrinkling, or bring them in a dress bag! I’ve seen it all.
Licenses + Permits!
Don’t forget to bring your IDs, birth certificates, or passports, and pay the marriage license fee at a local government office. In most provinces a license can be picked up in a insurance office or some stores like London Drugs!
Waiting Game: Some areas require a cool-off period between getting the license and saying “I do.” Plan ahead, lovers!
If you are from out of province this may look a bit different for you! Check with your planner or commissioner to find out what type of licensing you will need to get and anything else you need for out of province/country marriages.
You wont necessarily need a permit, depending on your location.
Some places may require a permit that can run up to $400, so you really need to research if you haven’t chosen a vendor that can do the research for you (planner or all inclusive package).
Many areas groups/gatherings under 15 do not require permits, but do check with your vendors and the location in which you wish to elope!
Time to celebrate!
Lastly, time for y’all to figure out if you want to celebrate right after your elopement or a few days later. This looks different for everyone, some people hit the town for a beer, while others meet their family and friends at dinner to celebrate. Sometimes (and this is one of my favs) couples will throw a party a few days or weeks later to celebrate, especially if the marriage was a surprise to anyone!
Remember that you marriage is about you, so how you celebrate should be too!
Do something that makes you feel happy and comfortable.
Thinking, “Canada, You’re My Dream Elopement Spot, But Can I Afford You?” Canada can be a budget-friendly place to elope, depending on various factors such as the specific location, time of year, and your personal preferences. Amore Adventures has options for luxury all inclusive packages and as well wallet happy packages!
Thanks for reading! The Amore Adventures team looks forward to hearing from you!
