Yesterday on my Instagram Live I spoke about my top five places to elope or host a micro wedding in 2021. And to be honest I have a long list of adventurous niche spots that didn’t make the list but are amazing options for couples who crave that unique intimate wedding or ceremony spot. If you’d like to hear the full Live, click this link, select my profile and click the little IGTV button. There you will see all my recent lives including “Ontario Covid Restrictions for Weddings in 2021”, “Quebec Covid Restrictions for Weddings in 2021”, “My Predictions for Covid and Weddings in 2021” and so much more….
I absolutely love micro weddings. It allows us vendors to really create something truly unique and detailed to our clients which is unreplicable. There is no other experience like small micro weddings and elopements. It allows you to really slow down, live in the moment and truly enjoy being a guest at your own wedding. My hope, even without a pandemic, small intimate weddings are here to stay. So without delay, here are my personal top 5 places to elope or host your micro / petit wedding in Ontario and Quebec.
OTTAWA ART GALLERY": ALT/AR Luxury Wedding Ceremonies
IMAGE: Lace & Luce
YOU DESERVE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL You've found the love of your life, you're read to say "I Do". But the world had other plans. ALT/AR - is a new collaboration between Ottawa's top luxury wedding vendors, offering everything you need for the unique, intimate, wedding ceremony of your dreams. A complete wedding ceremony package for you and up to 20 guests. A stunning, award-winning venue, design and styling by with editorial-worthy photos are just the beginning. The best part? All you need to do is show up and let their dedicated team take care of the rest.
THE ALT/AR ceremony package: INVESTMENT: $3600 + HST
IMAGE: Joel & Justyna
FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER
I’ve been planning weddings at the Chateau Laurier for over a decade and I am privileged to be one of their preferred wedding planners. During the pandemic I experienced the Chateau in a completely new light. With the halls empty and not a guest in sight, for an elopement- it felt as though our couple had the castle to themselves. We planned their elopement in Suite 458, which design wise has not been changed since the hotel was built. Dark wooden paneled walls, asian patterned wallpaper, deep burgundy curtains, antique furniture and a gorgeous fireplace gave way to a beautiful transformative Victorian Era experience for the bride and groom. The ceremony for two took place in the Suite’s living room with pictures in the seemingly abandoned ballroom and dinner back in their suites dining room. The Chateau also has The Karsh Suite which is more creamy colored and newly furnished, The Prime Minister’s Suite and also the Quebec Room which is perfect for a micro wedding. The presidential suites I have mentioned all have a living room and dining room which can seat up to 10-12ppl. Depending on restrictions you are able to order your dinner from Zoe’s and have the wait staff drop-of your f&b just outside your door. Currently they are not permitted to enter any guest rooms. Since I was already present, I set the dinner table for my couple. Another note to consider is that the hotel will always be open, so if we fall into a red or grey zone, though your service may be different- you likely will never need to cancel or postpone your elopement. If you are having a micro wedding with guests, additional restrictions would apply.
FOREST & STREAM CLUB
For over 130 years, The Forest & Stream Club, one of Canada’s premier clubs invites both members and non-members to host their weddings on their beautiful property on Lake St. Louis in Dorval Quebec. The Club is a 20-minute drive from downtown Montreal. This Mansion was built in 1880 and offers the capability to have your wedding elfresco, tented or indoors with bridal suits for getting ready. I haven’t planned any events at this location, however it checks all the boxes for a private lakeside mansion elopement or petit wedding. All the english countryside charm is sure to transport you to feeling as though you’re in Europe.
IMAGE: cepstudio.com
IMAGE: The Wander Resort Website
WANDER THE RESORT, PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
Imagine it’s your wedding day, you’ve scheduled an early morning yoga session with your bridal party on the sandy beach. As the Club House prepares your breakfast charcuterie boards and mimosas you take your pup to their DOG PARK!!! Your private modern scandinavian cabin and beauty team awaits for you and your bridal party to get ready. Ceremony beach side, dinner alfresco, in your cabin or at the Club House, ending the night with a bonfire, live music and smores. Your weekend micro wedding retreat in Prince Edward County. This newly built resort is beautiful all season round. It’s the perfect setting for a modern alternative couple looking to escape the everyday.
IMAGE: Julia Garciaprat
LE PONT COUVERT
I have fallen in love with this quaint boho wedding venue quite literally built atop a bridge. Nested in the heart of the Bucolic village of la Conception, Le Pont Couvert is located 10 minutes from the renowned Tremblant Resort. With a ceremony outside the venue or a quick flip inside, this venue would be perfect for a micro wedding under 30 ppl. Imagine all the possibilities. Hanging florals or twinkle lights… Le Pont Couvert also has a green policy in an effort conscious waste reduction, plastic straws, water bottles plastic , the confetti non-compostable , the floating & flying lanterns are prohibited. If you’re an eco-friendly bride, this might just be what you're looking for!
IMAGE: The Wakefield Grand Website
THE WAKEFIELD GRAND
30 mins or so from the Ontario border, in Wakefield is a precious and unique boutique hotel owned by le Belvedere. It’s swiss and scandinavian aesthetic provides and intimate getaway in a charming village. It beautiful pergola lends itself for the perfect ceremony backdrop or outdoor dinner. Complete with a firepit and indoor dining space. The Grand is the perfect place for small weddings of 10 to 20 persons. This is the closest you’ll find to a close retreat like wedding within the Ottawa area.
Intimate Wedding Package Includes:
Overnight Accommodation
On-site Ceremony
Complimentary Champagne Toast
Post Ceremony Canapés
5-course Gourmet Plated Dinner
Late night Fireside Snacks
Complimentary espresso, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks
Price Includes 15% Service Charge
Price per person is $375 (+ tax)
IMAGE: Paul Sanderson Photography