In my nearly 10 years of travel, I have always loved returning home to Ontario. This province has such a diverse landscape, with gorgeous cliff tops, rich forests, beautiful blue waters and exciting urban centres. If you’re looking to elope in Ontario, there is no shortage of places to do it. It all depends on what you and your partner connect with most. That’s why I put this list of best places to elope in Ontario; to get you inspired for your own elopement!


This is not an exhaustive list by any means. In fact, you could easily elope in your backyard. But for those souls out there that love adventurously, this list of best places to elope in Ontario will be a great resource for your upcoming nuptials. All you have to do is imagine it, and we can make it happen!


Best Places to Elope in Ontario

Here is a list of the best places to Elope in Ontario if you are considering doing a non-traditional wedding.

At a National Park


Did you know that there are six national parks in Ontario? Each one offers a unique setting and gorgeous scenery. For those that love turquoise waters, then Bruce Peninsula National Park would be for you. 


For those who want to get out on the water, then Georgian Bay Islands or Thousand Islands National Parks would be a great place to say I do.


If you want urban amenities with a touch of nature, then Pelee Point National Park or Rouge Urban National Park would be perfect for you. 


If you want an all-out adventure, then Pukaskwa National Park, my personal favourite, is a gem. You can hike out to a point overlooking the gorgeous sparkling waters of Lake Superior and say your vows in one of the least visited parks on the eastern side of Canada. 


If you want to get married in a National Park, there are rules and permits that need to be acquired.



At a Provincial Park


With over 300 provincial parks and reserves across Ontario, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to elope. In fact, Ontario Parks makes it super easy to elope, since there are no permits required except for a day pass. After you exchange vows, you could even stay at one of the cabins or yurts they have! 


My favourite parks and parks that would be incredible to elope in are:

  • Algonquin Provincial Park
  • Lake Superior Provincial Park
  • Kakabeka Provincial Park
  • Killarney Provincial Park
  • Killbear Provincial Park
  • Quetico Provincial Park
  • Sleeping Giant Provincial Park


In a Local Forest


We are so lucky to live in some of the most pristine forests, from the Carolinian forests of the southwest and the Boreal forests of the north. No matter where you live, there are so many amazing managed forests nearby that make for such a lovely, and usually secluded, area to elope in Ontario.

Along the Longest Freshwater Beaches in the World


Did you know that Ontario is home to not only the longest freshwater beach in the world but also the second longest freshwater beach? That’s right Wasaga Beach and Sauble Beach take those top two accolades and make excellent beachy backdrops for an elopement. These places are a good alternative to a Caribbean destination wedding! 


Since these places can get rather busy during the summers. There are also some more beaches, like Point Farms Provincial Park, or any beach near Port Elgin.



At a Waterfall


With so many lakes and rivers in Ontario, we have some incredible waterfalls that are perfect for an elopement ceremony. Many of them you can get up close and personal with, like Ragged Falls, the aptly named Bridal Veil Falls and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.

At a Scenic Lookout


The first thing I do when researching a new place to visit is to find a scenic lookout. There’s something so special about feeling on top of the world. I’ve found nearly 10 scenic lookouts that are definitely worth being the best places to elope in Ontario and 30+ lookouts that just make amazing hikes.

In Ontario’s Cottage Country


There’s no denying that Ontario’s Muskoka region is one of the most beautiful regions in the province. It might have something to do with the gorgeous landscape dotted with more lakes than you can count and spectacular rock islands. Anyone up for a sunrise paddle to a remote, uninhabited island to say your “I dos” because I would be so down!


Muskoka also has a tonne of gorgeous A-Frame and log cabins that make cute locations for backyard weddings.



In an Orchard or Vineyard


Good things grow in Ontario, and we have such a lovely place for vineyards and orchards. Grey County is known for its apple orchards that make delicious ciders. Places like Coffin Ridge, Spy Cider House and Georgian Hills wineries are perfect for intimate elopements. 


While Niagara-on-the-Lake comes to mind when you think of Ontario vineyards, there are also some stellar places in Prince Edward County and Norfolk County that are lovely places to exchange vows in a small ceremony.

At a Quaint Chapel


If you’re still looking to add in a traditional flair to your elopement, Ontario has a number of small venues that are quaint chapels! Here are just a few to think about:

  • Best Little Wedding Chapel, Grey County
  • Mill of Kintail outdoor chapel, Almonte
  • Little Log Wedding Chapel, Niagara
  • The Living Water Wayside Chapel, Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Maplewood Wayside Chapel, Peterborough
  • DTK chapel, Kitchener
  • Little White Chapel, Tweed


A small unique venue


Some of the best places to elope in Ontario are places you might not have considered before. These urban locations offer intimate spaces for a small elopement with all the urban amenities! 


A brewery: Many breweries will accommodate small parties and even ceremonies!


A library: Many libraries will work with you to accommodate an elopement so you can live out your bookworm dreams. 


A cute motel: Over the last few years, motels have become the new boutique hotels and there’s some really cute ones like the June Motel and the Penny Motel that offer wedding packages. 


A Gallery, Museum or Botanical Garden: Just like with libraries, many venues like art galleries, museums and botanical gardens will work with you to arrange a small ceremony. 


City Hall: You can’t mention eloping without mentioning city hall venues! Many city halls in urban centres have a historical aspect to them and make great places to elope in Ontario