The Best Places To Elope In Ontario
Beauty is abundant in Ontario, with endless outdoor elopement locations just waiting to be the site of your celebration. As an Ontario local, elopement photographer, and lover of all things outdoors, nature, and the environment, I’ve written a guide on all the best places to elope in Ontario!
Bruce Peninsula
01. Bruce Peninsula National Park
One of Canada’s most beautiful and popular National Parks, Bruce Peninsula National Park sees nearly half a million visitors each year and features some of the best places to elope in Ontario. Along with a variety of hiking trails, beaches, coves, and overlooks, this park is also home to some amazing outdoor activities like kayaking, camping, stargazing, and more! You and your partner will be able to check a beautiful National Park off of your bucket list while saying “I Do,” in one of Canada’s most beautiful forest and beach landscapes.
02. The Grotto
My favourite location inside Bruce Peninsula National Park is The Grotto, a natural limestone cave on the shoreline of Georgian Bay. The waters at this spot are crystal-clear, glowing turquoise when the sunshine hits the bay just right. It’s a picturesque cliffside location for a vow ceremony, especially at Sunrise and Sunset. If you’re interested in eloping at this location in Summer or early Fall, I recommend a weekday ceremony at The Grotto because it’s so popular. Parking reservations are needed, which you can learn more about here.
03. Tobermory
Tobermory is a charming, small town outside Bruce Peninsula National Park. You and your partner can unwind and relax after your elopement with a wide variety of activities and accommodations. The town is also full of delicious restaurants, coffee shops, and bars!
04. Flowerpot Island
Located just 6.5 kilometers off the coast of Tobermory lies Flowerpot Island. You and your partner can catch a ferry from Tobermory to this beautiful elopement spot and adventure around the island along a designated hiking loop. The loop will take you past all the best sites; the flowerpot rock formations, cave, light station, and picnic area. A few campsites are available on Flowerpot Island near Beachy Cove if you want to add a camping experience to your elopement itinerary! You can learn more about camping and ferry reservations here.
Provincial Parks
There are 340 provincial parks in Ontario, all offering a variety of beautiful landscapes. Here are some of my favourite provincial parks to visit if you plan to elope in Ontario!
01. Algonquin Provincial Park
Celebrate with a colourful elopement during Fall as the Autumn colours fill and brighten the hiking trails of Algonquin —— located in southeastern Ontario.
02. Killarney Provincial Park
Known as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Ontario from a reason 😉 Spend the day exploring the white quartzite peaks of the La Cloche Mountain Range before celebrating with a calm and clear Sunset lake or beach elopement —— located along Georgian Bay.
03. Arrowhead Provincial Park
Hike the Mayflower Lake Trail and say your vows while overlooking a beautiful waterfall called Stubb’s Falls —— located north of Huntsville, Ontario. Check out this Stubb’s elopement for inspo!
04. Lake Superior Provincial Park
Spend the night camping and stargazing at either Agawa Bay Campground or Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground before your Sunrise waterfall elopement at Sand River and Agawa River —— located along the northeastern shores of Lake Superior.
05. Sandbanks Provincial Park
Relax in the crystal clear water at Outlet Beach before celebrating with a Sunset elopement near large sand dunes. Afterward, take time to explore the cute and quaint area of Prince Edward County, home to some world-class wineries and lively breweries —— located on Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County.
06. French River Provincial Park
Go canoeing in the French River and then say your vows at a waterfall on the Recollet Falls Trail —— located near Bon Air.
07. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Hike the Top of the Giant Trail with the love of your life and then say your vows on an overlook with panoramic views of Sleeping Giant —— located on the Sibley Peninsula in Northwestern Ontario.
08. Killbear Provincial Park
Experience the best of both worlds at Killbear Provincial Park by hiking the Lighthouse Point Trail with your partner and exchanging vows at the rock formation scenic overlook with stunning views of Georgian Bay. You can have a romantic sunset picnic beside the iconic Whispering Pine to elevate the experience.
09. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo Provincial Park is home to Mazinaw Rock, a 1.5-kilometre long sheer rock face that rises 100 metres above Mazinaw Lake. The park offers an opportunity for couples to hike to the top of the rock and exchange vows with a stunning view of the surrounding wilderness.
10. Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a beautiful location on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe in Ontario. The park offers stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of recreational activities, making it a perfect location for a wedding or elopement with a lakeside backdrop. For those looking to not travel far from Toronto, this can be a great wedding location that’s close to the big city.
Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world, located in Lake Huron, just a short drive along Highway 6 over the Little Current Swing Bridge. Couples can enjoy paddle boarding, hiking, kayaking, sightseeing, camping, swimming, canoeing, and more. This island is one of the best places to elope in Ontario if you want to see a waterfall and the Northern lights all in one day!
01. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is an incredible location for Summer and Early Fall elopements. The hike to the falls is short and easy. While it can get crowded at peak times, it’s the perfect spot for a weekday ceremony if you value privacy! The falls flow down a cliff’s overhang at 34m high. You and your partner can get close to the falls’ base for pictures and vows and even go for a swim!
02. Gordon’s Park Eco Resort
From August to October, couples can visit Gordon’s Park Eco Resort in the evenings and witness one of Ontario’s most beautiful showings of the Northern Lights. Gordon’s Park was Canada’s first designated commercial Dark Sky Preserve. The eco-park has an open viewing field and stargazing camping accommodations like campsites, cabins, tipis, and a bunkie!
Moosonee
Moosonee is a port town located in Northern Ontario. The town offers beautiful views of the sky due to the lack of light pollution. Sunrises and Sunsets along the Moose River are breathtaking, and it is known as a Northern Lights viewing hotspot. Couples can enjoy river excursions and learn about the town’s rich culture and history through local activities like the Polar Bear Express. The port also offers beluga whale and seal-watching boat tours into Hudson Bay!
01. Moose River Docks
Couples can gather along the shore or docks of the Moose River in Moosonee to view the Northern Lights in a place known as “The Gateway To The Arctic.” Showings of the Northern Lights are the most prominent in this area from late August to October.
Toronto
Toronto, often referred to as ‘The Heart of Ontario,’ is a dynamic urban hub that offers an abundance of elopement possibilities for couples seeking a unique blend of city life and natural beauty. Situated along the northern shore of Lake Ontario, this city provides an array of distinctive elopement experiences. From exploring diverse neighborhoods to basking in the mesmerizing city skyline, Toronto offers an incredible backdrop for your intimate celebration. You can exchange your vows in lush urban parks, with the iconic cityscape as your witness, or within the historic charm of its venues. Toronto’s inclusive spirit creates the perfect canvas for your unforgettable elopement adventure, where the options are as diverse as the city itself. Read more here about my fave Toronto places to elope!
1. High Park
High Park in Toronto is a serene and picturesque urban oasis, offering a captivating backdrop for intimate elopements. With lush landscapes, ponds, cherry blossoms, and convenient city access, it’s an ideal choice for nature-loving couples.
2. Scarborough Bluffs
Discover the natural beauty of Scarborough Bluffs, a stunning locale for intimate elopements. With its towering cliffs and lakeside views, it offers a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Explore the scenic trails and secluded spots for a memorable celebration in Toronto.
3. Guildwood Inn
Guildwood Inn is a charming elopement venue in Toronto, offering elegant gardens and historic architecture for your celebration. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere amidst the lush greenery and timeless charm, making your special day truly magical.
4. Rouge Park
Rouge Park, a natural wonder in Toronto, is an idyllic setting for your elopement. Its diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rivers, provide a variety of stunning locations for your vows. Embrace the tranquility of nature and capture unforgettable moments on your special day.
5. Evergreen Brickworks
Evergreen Brickworks is a unique and eco-friendly elopement destination in Toronto. This industrial-chic venue features sustainable gardens, historical buildings, and a picturesque pond. Celebrate your love in a creative and environmentally conscious setting, ideal for couples with a passion for sustainability.
6. University of Toronto
Experience the grandeur of the University of Toronto as a distinguished backdrop for your elopement. With its historic architecture, lush courtyards, and academic charm, it offers a unique and intellectual atmosphere for your intimate celebration. Choose from picturesque locations around the campus, including stately buildings, gardens, and elegant libraries, making your elopement a memorable and scholarly affair.
The Best Accommodations In Ontario
Ontario has some of the most beautiful accommodations in all of Canada, many of which are quiet, private retreats located amidst forests, near lakesides, or along beaches. Ontario is full of endless lodging options with both charm and character. They’re so loveable you may even consider hosting your elopement at your accommodation! Here’s a list of some of the best accommodations across Ontario.
Forest
01. The Baltic Luxury Treehouse
A wooden, sustainable treehouse with a modern, cozy interior and outdoor hot tub — located in an evergreen forest of the Haliburton Highlands near Algonquin Provincial Park.
02. Geodesic Domes at Glen Oro Farm
A luxurious camping eco-retreat built for stargazing and reconnecting with nature — located on a farm between Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe.
03. Muskoka Log Cottage
A private, Scandinavian Scribe Log Cottage with a rustic interior hot tub and pool — located in Huntsville near Lake of Bays and Arrowhead Provincial Park.
04. Cozy Cabin for 2 Nestled in the Pines
A Scandinavian-inspired cabin retreat with a bonfire pit and outdoor sauna — located in a pine forest about an hour from Algonquin Provincial Park.
Lake
01. The Water’s Edge Treehouse
A beautiful treehouse nestled on the shore of Hammell’s Bay — located in the Muskoka Region of Ontario.
02. Eco Dome on Little Lake
A romantic, cozy getaway with luxury amenities, canoe, and lake access — located on Little Lake.
03. Rowan Cottage Co. on Oak Lake
A stylish and modern cottage that lies on a lake beach near Havelock — located on Oak Lake.
04. Lake of the Woods Dreamy Getaway Cabin
A large luxurious cabin that sleeps up to 12 guests, right on the lake’s edge in Lake of the Woods —located on Regina Bay.
Beach
01. Port Perry Treehouse
A private oasis surrounded by forest and ponds, just minutes from Port View Beach and Gerrow’s Beach – located near Port Perry.
02. Luxury Romantic Glamping Geodesic Dome
A relaxing, high-end glamping dome with a water view, fireplace, hot tub, and fire pit — located near Port Colborne and Camelot Beach.
03. The Summer House Beach Cottage
A bright, boutique Summer cottage less than a 10-minute walk from the beaches of Lake Huron —located just an hour from Bruce Peninsula National Park.
04. Escape to Cedarwood Cabin
A breathtaking accommodation with a sauna, coffee bar, electric vehicle charging station, close beach access, and more — located on Northern Bruce Peninsula near Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory, and the Grotto.
Tips For Booking The Best Accommodations In Ontario
- Book your accommodation as early as possible, ideally 1-2 years in advance for popular lodging locations.
- Consider arranging a weekday ceremony to secure a popular, in-demand accommodation with ease and at a better price.
- Talk with the owner(s)/manager of desired accommodation and review accommodation policies to ensure your elopement plans align with the lodging location’s rules (especially if you plan to celebrate your ceremony at the accommodation).
Leave No Trace
The beauty of eloping lies not just in the simplicity and intimacy of the experience but also within the location where it’s celebrated. We want to keep that scenery beautiful during your elopement, so generations to come can also enjoy Mother Nature and all her amazing wonders. Leave No Trace is an organization that focuses on educating people on sustainability, and I’m proud to be a Leave No Trace Aware Photographer. I’m proud to practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace and want to encourage you to do the same!
The 7 Principles:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
You can learn more about Leave No Trace on my Leave No Trace blog.
Need Help Picking The Best Place To Elope In Ontario?
If you’re overwhelmed by all the exciting elopement locations Ontario has to offer, I’m here to help you find the perfect location to say “I Do!” You can fill out my contact form and tell me a few things about you, your partner, your love story, and your vision for your elopement. You can also check out my travel page to see when I’m in Ontario! To learn more about how to elope in Ontario, you can read my Ontario Elopement Guide here. I can’t wait to help you pick the perfect place to celebrate your love story!
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