Imagine wandering through towering Canadian evergreens as you stroll hand in hand with the love of your life toward an intimate, magical location that opens up to a roaring waterfall. You can hear the soft crunch of moss underfoot, birds calling overhead, and the distant hush of rushing water. The air smells of pine and promise. Ontario and all its natural wonders await you and your partner for your dream elopement.
If you’re thinking about planning an Ontario elopement but don’t know where to start, I’ve got your back. As a wedding photographer and now flower farmer, I’ve had the chance to witness every kind of wedding — from big banquet halls to quiet elopements in the woods. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that what feels right for one couple might be completely wrong for another. This guide is full of tips, inspiration, and logistical know-how to help you create an elopement that feels like you.
If you're looking for a quick checklist version, head over to this Ontario elopement checklist. Or, if you’re still deciding if eloping is even the right path for you, I’ve written a blog to help you sort through that too: Should I elope or have a wedding?.
1. Set a Budget
Talk to your partner about financial expectations early on. Elopements are often more affordable than traditional weddings, but costs can still add up depending on what you want. A typical Ontario elopement might range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. Here's a rough idea of how that budget might be broken down:
-
Photographer: 30–50%
-
Travel & Accommodations: 15–25%
-
Officiant & Legal Fees: 5–10%
-
Flowers: 5–10%
-
Outfits & Accessories: 10–20%
-
Food or Celebration Meal: 5–10%
Eloping gives you the flexibility to splurge where it matters most to you and skip things that aren’t a priority. Want to spend half your budget on your dream photographer? Go for it. Prefer to wear something you already own and put more toward a once-in-a-lifetime meal? That works too.
2. Choose a Date
Think about both the time of year and time of day. Each season in Ontario offers something different:
-
Spring: Lush and green, but often rainy and muddy. Wildflowers are starting to bloom. Have a good backup plan for wet weather.
-
Summer: Long days and lush scenery, but can be hot, humid, and buggy — especially in forests. Late evening elopements are best for golden hour light and cooler temps.
-
Fall: My favourite time. Mid-September through early October offers stunning colours, comfortable weather, and fewer bugs.
-
Winter: Peaceful, quiet, and magical with snow — but make sure everyone’s dressed warmly and the location is accessible.
Time of day matters too. Morning light is soft and lovely, and sunrise elopements can feel sacred. But that might mean hiking in the dark! Afternoon can be harsh and hot in summer. Evening often brings cooler temps and soft, golden light.
If you’re choosing a popular location, a weekday date might mean fewer crowds and more privacy. And think about what kind of experience you want — a relaxed afternoon picnic, a morning hike, or a candlelit sunset ceremony?
3. Choose a Location
Ask yourself what kind of elopement you’re dreaming of. Forest, cliffside, beach, cabin, city? Ontario has it all. Here are some things to keep in mind:
-
Accessibility: Will you need to hike? Is it stroller or wheelchair accessible if you're bringing guests?
-
Permits: Some conservation areas and parks require photography or ceremony permits. Your photographer might handle this or guide you.
-
Privacy: Some locations can be packed on weekends or during peak season. Look for quieter, lesser-known spots.
-
Backup Plan: If it rains, do you have a covered option nearby?
Here are some of my favourite elopement locations in Ontario.
4. Sort Out the Legal Stuff
To get legally married in Ontario, you’ll need:
-
A valid Ontario marriage license (about $150, varies by municipality)
-
A registered officiant (check the Ontario officiant directory)
-
Two witnesses (your photographer or a passerby can often step in)
Make sure your officiant is licensed in Ontario. You’ll sign your license after the ceremony, and the officiant will submit it. You’ll receive a record of solemnization and can request an official marriage certificate later.
5. Hire a Photographer
Photography is often one of the most important elopement investments. You want someone who understands your vibe and makes you feel comfortable. I’ve written a full post on what to ask when hiring your elopement photographer.
When I photographed elopements, I loved the intimacy, the wildness, and how I always left feeling like I’d known my couple for years. Choose someone who makes you feel seen and supported. Bonus if they’re experienced with outdoor shoots and know how to handle changing light, weather, and last-minute plan shifts.
6. Think About Flowers
You don’t need much — just enough to mark the moment. Maybe a bouquet and boutonnière, or a flower crown. Unlike big weddings, there’s no need to decorate a whole venue.
The average Ontario elopement couple might spend $100–300 on flowers. You can choose fresh, artificial, or dried. I’ve written about the differences in this blog post.
At my flower farm, I grow and assemble dried bouquets that match your colour palette and can be customized with a boutonnière. Dried flowers are long-lasting, travel-friendly, and make a perfect keepsake.
If you're wondering how to choose flowers specifically for an elopement, check out this guide.
And for help hiring a florist for your elopement, I’ve got you covered there too.
7. Book Accommodations
Where will you spend the night?
Options might include:
-
A cozy cabin in the woods
-
A boutique hotel near your ceremony site
-
An Airbnb overlooking a lake or vineyard
-
A glamping site if you want to stay close to nature
Book early, especially during fall colour season or summer weekends. Some couples choose a cabin large enough to host a small meal afterward, others prefer total seclusion and plan a fancy dinner out instead.
8. Include Family and Friends (In Your Own Way)
This can be one of the hardest parts of eloping — especially if family members expected a traditional wedding. There’s no one right way to handle it, but here are a few ideas:
-
Invite a few close people to be present for your elopement
-
Host a celebration dinner or backyard party after the fact
-
Share a video or photos soon after the ceremony
-
Visit important people afterward and treat them to a meal out
The most important thing is to communicate. Be honest, be kind, and remember this day is about the two of you. If you’re thoughtful and intentional, most people will understand — even if it takes time.
9. Decide on Wedding Attire
You can keep things simple or go all-out. There’s no rulebook.
For attire, dress for the season and location. If you’re hiking to a waterfall, bring boots and change at the top. If you’re planning a city elopement, maybe you wear a tailored suit or a flowy dress that swishes in the wind.
Ontario weather can shift fast. Bring layers — even in summer. Think shawls, umbrellas, backup shoes. I’ve seen many white shoes get muddy fast, and dresses pick up leaves and dirt. It’s part of the magic, but it’s worth planning for.
For rings, some couples shop together, others surprise each other. Either way, give yourself enough time for sizing and delivery.
10. Write a Packing List
Set aside a designated elopement bag early on and add to it over time. That way, nothing gets forgotten in the last-minute rush. Here’s a full elopement packing list. Some essentials include:
-
Marriage license and IDs
-
Rings
-
Vow books or printed vows
-
Wedding outfits and shoes
-
Undergarments and accessories
-
Hair and makeup essentials
-
Bouquet or boutonnière
-
Snacks and water
-
Weather-appropriate layers
-
Small mirror, tissues, and lint roller
-
Phone, charger, and travel documents
Most of all, don’t forget to have fun and celebrate your love. An elopement isn’t just a simplified wedding — it’s a chance to write your own story. And Ontario, with all its wild places, makes a pretty unforgettable setting for that story to unfold.
P.S - here are my top picks for elopement venues and vendors in Ontario to help you narrow your search, or at least give you a starting point.