A Sustainable Autumn Elopement in Ontario

Tips and Inspiration

Fall in Ontario is a magical time of year, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. If you’re planning an elopement during this season, there are plenty of ways to incorporate sustainability into your special day. From choosing eco-friendly vendors to exploring the great outdoors, here are some tips and inspiration for a sustainable autumn elopement in Ontario.

Tip 1: Choose a Sustainable Venue

When planning your elopement, consider choosing a venue that is committed to sustainability. Look for venues that use renewable energy, minimize waste, and source their food and materials locally. This will not only help to reduce your carbon footprint, but also support local businesses and communities. Some sustainable wedding venues in Ontario include the Ecotay Education Centre, the Kortright Centre for Conservation, the Earth to Table Farm and Glen Oro Farm.

Tip 2: Donate, Up-cycle or Repurpose Decor

Instead of using traditional decorations that will be discarded after your elopement, opt for sustainable and eco-friendly decor. Use natural elements like fall foliage, pine cones, and branches to create a beautiful and rustic atmosphere. If you choose to have a few guests, you can also incorporate sustainable materials like recycled paper or fabric into your invitations, place settings, and other decor. You can always repurpose a ceremony rug, twinkle lights and other decor items in your home as keepsake’s too!

Tip 3: Choose Ethical and Sustainable Attire

When choosing your attire for your elopement, consider opting for ethical and sustainable options. Look for dresses or suits made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp. You can also consider renting your attire or buying second-hand to reduce waste. For accessories, opt for vintage or sustainably made pieces, or consider using natural elements like flowers or leaves for a simple and elegant touch.

Tip 4: Explore Ontario’s Beautiful Outdoors

One of the best things about Ontario in the fall is the beautiful foliage and natural scenery. Consider exploring Ontario’s parks and conservation areas for your elopement. Not only will this provide a stunning backdrop for your special day, but it will also allow you to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the season. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash and litter.

Tip 5: Support Sustainable Vendors

When choosing your vendors, look for businesses that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. This includes photographers, florists, caterers, and other vendors. Ask vendors about their sustainability practices and look for certifications like Certified Green, Fair Trade, Organic and Leave No Trace. Some sustainable vendors in Ontario include Perrier Planning (if you’re having over 10 guests I recommend hiring a wedding planner), Evyrose Floral and Event Design, and Local Food Plus.

By incorporating sustainable practices into your autumn elopement in Ontario, you can create a special and memorable day while also minimizing your impact on the environment. From choosing a sustainable venue to supporting eco-friendly vendors, there are plenty of ways to make your elopement a celebration of nature and sustainability.

Sustainable Elopement: A Real-Life Example of an Eco-Friendly Wedding

You can have an intimate ceremony and combine your love with nature in a fun, exciting and accessible way! Rapid Waters Retreat is a private camping AirBnB in Tweed, Ontario where couples can have up to 20 people in attendance or quietly elope in nature. This amazing group of vendors went full force with their environmental practices! The Moody Bloom’s floral arrangements were sustainably foraged and sourced from a local collective. Silk and Sumac uses plant dye to prepare their gorgeous silks while Design In Words drew beautiful calligraphy on foraged leaves, bark and wood. Attia events went on a second hand adventure to find all the decor. The gorgeous Sweets From The Earth coconut cake is completely plant-based. The Loved One hand creates her artisan accessories, they are made to last as heirlooms and be past down for generations to come. Liane Vaz created the rings from recycled metals and The Brides’ Project only carries dresses that are up-cycled with proceeds going to cancer charities. These are  just some of the many ways to integrate zero waste and up-cycling into your wedding! 

Click here to read this photoshoot featured on Wedding Chicks!

Vendors:

• Accessories & Lingerie: The Loved One  
• Cake: Sweets From The Earth  
• Calligraphy: Design In Words  
• Camping Backpacks: Arcteryx  
• Dress & Apparel: The Brides’ Project  
• Bride’s Shoes 1: Doc Martens
• Bride’s Shoes 2: Vera Wang
• Event Planning & Design: Attia Events  
• Flowers: The Moody Blooms  
• Groom’s Bowtie: Vintage Depot Canada  
• Groom’s Dress Shirt: Value Village  
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Jen Evoy Makeup Studio  
• Model: Shaz Gafoor  
• Model: Adam Brihmi  
• Photographer: Liz Gareri  
• Rings: Vaz  
• Textile Artist: Silk And Sumac  
• Venues: Rapid Waters Retreat  
• Videographer: Sonder Films  
• Wedding Dress Designer: Symphony Of Venus  

If you’re thinking about planning an Ontario elopement but don’t know where to start, I’ve got your back!

Still not sure how to choose a location? I’ve written an all-encompassing guide that prioritizes intention to help guide you through the process.

Still not sure where to elope in Ontario? Check out all the places I love and recommend on my blog here.

If you need help getting started with the planning process (and want to make a super chill, down-for-anything friend at the same time), feel free to introduce yourself and your partner in my inquiry form!