Why More Couples Are Choosing to Elope in Canada

Eloping doesn’t mean cutting corners — it means creating something focused, meaningful, and deeply personal. These Canadian elopement locations are not only stunning and intimate, but they also won’t blow your budget. And every one of them is vetted by photographers who know how to turn natural light and raw emotion into lifelong memories.

Tofino, British Columbia

Where the rainforest meets the Pacific, Tofino is pure west coast romance.

• Public beaches are often free to use (permits may apply in protected areas)
• Forest trails, sea stacks, and moody skies create cinematic photo ops
• Best time to elope: May to October

How to Plan a Tofino Elopement (coming soon)

Banff or Kananaskis, Alberta

Iconic peaks. Turquoise lakes. The ultimate alpine escape.

• National Park elopement permits start around $150
• Weekdays and sunrise elopements = fewer crowds
• Kananaskis offers similar scenery with less tourism

See the Top Wedding Photographers in Alberta

Photographer Insight: “There’s nothing like a mountaintop first look with no one else around. It’s peaceful, personal, and unforgettable.”

Prince Edward County, Ontario

Wine country charm just two hours from Toronto.

• Affordable weekday or off-season elopement packages available
• Lakeside ceremony spots and golden vineyard backdrops
• Great for a cozy, boutique-style mini-honeymoon

See the Top Wedding Photographers in Ontario

Charlevoix, Quebec

A French-Canadian gem with rolling hills and European flair.

• Less touristy than Mont-Tremblant or Quebec City
• Scenic St. Lawrence River views and historic villages
• Ideal for couples who want culture and countryside

How to Get a Marriage Licence in Quebec

Peggy’s Cove or Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Coastal drama at its finest.

• Lighthouses, waves, and wide-open skies
• Fewer restrictions than national parks
• Gorgeous in fall with fiery foliage and calm tides

Top Wedding Photographers in Nova Scotia

Free or Low-Cost Elopement Options

Think Outside the Venue

Want to save even more? These options are intimate and nearly free.

• Provincial Parks – often only require low-cost permits
• Family Cottages or Private Land – personal, scenic, and free
• Airbnb Elopements – just confirm with your host
• Urban Elopements – rooftops, riversides, or murals in cities like Montreal, Winnipeg, and Victoria

Budgeting for a Destination Wedding (coming soon)

Elopement Permits & Legal Requirements

Keep It Legal and Simple

Don’t let paperwork spoil your plans.

• Check local rules for ceremonies on public or protected land
• Apply for your marriage licence early → How to Get Your Marriage Licence in Canada
• Hire a local officiant or bring a licensed celebrant

Ask about drone or photography restrictions in advance
 

Photographer Insight:

“Affordable doesn’t mean forgettable. Some of the most emotional weddings I’ve captured happened on docks, cliffs, or in backyards. Simplicity creates intimacy.”

Why These Elopement Destinations Cost Less

• Lower or no venue permit fees
• Nature = built-in decor
• Fewer guests = fewer costs (food, rentals, transportation)
• Flexibility on dates improves vendor rates and availability