From the Mountain to the Lake: Plan a Naturally Beautiful Canadian Wedding

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A destination wedding is often considered a far-flung affair—perhaps on a white-sand Caribbean beach or a remote part of Europe. It can be. But a Canadian wedding is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem.

Our neighbors to the north—while nearby, at least relatively speaking—offer all sorts of charm. The Canadian Rockies draw adventure-seekers and outdoor lovers keen on skiing and mountain biking. Whether you've never met a black diamond you couldn't master or are more of a cocoa-in-the-lodge type, it's easy to fall head-over-skis for the idea of a mountain wedding. The red rocks and rugged coastline in Prince Edward Island, as well as luxury hotels and boardwalk entertainment at Halifax Waterfront in Nova Scotia, add to the diverse landscapes. Cities, including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, offer hopping nightlife, delectable meals, professional sports and swoon-worthy city skylines.

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While Canada isn't as far-flung as Kenya, like all destination wedding locations, it requires some extra navigation. For instance, you'll need to become familiar with Canada wedding venues and vendors, likely from your couch. You'll want to read up on currency exchange rates and obtaining a marriage license in Canada if you wish to marry there legally. Whether you're dreaming of saying "I do" overlooking turquoise waters at a Lake Louise wedding or are hoping for an intimate chapel ceremony in Ontario, we have a venue for you. Planners also shared tips for pinpointing your dream backdrop on a budget you can live (happily ever after) with.

Canada Wedding Planning Tips in this Article:

• Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Canadian Weddings
• The Top Destination Wedding Venues in Canada
• Canadian Wedding Legal Requirements
• Canadian Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love Canadian Weddings

A Canadian wedding isn't one-size-fits-all. Couples of many stripes can find a venue and location that fits their definition of charm. "Canada offers stunningly diverse landscapes as backdrops for weddings, from mountains and glaciers to charming coastal towns and vibrant cities," says Aurelie Gilles, an Elsewhere by Lonely Planet local expert in Canada.

While you may think of Canada as a winter wedding destination, Gilles adores the foliage in Nova Scotia in September and October and the mild weather (and thinner crowds) of British Columbia in the spring. Banff National Park's views of Lake Louise and hiking opportunities are in peak form each summer.

In short, it provides day-of beauty and between-party entertainment for couples and guests alike. And when Gilles says Canada is a place for all couples, Gilles means it. "Beyond the scenery, Canada boasts a welcoming and inclusive culture where marriage equality is celebrated," Gilles said. Canada was the fourth country worldwide and first in the Americas to legalize same-sex marriage in July 2005.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for Canadian wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Top Destination Wedding Venues in Canada

Canada's wedding venues and backdrops are as diverse as they are stunning. Couples can have waterfront or mountainside ceremonies. A glamping destination wedding in mountainside log cabins? That's a possibility. So are traditional affairs at wedding chapels in Ontario, followed by a luxury resort reception. Wedding venues in Canada also offer various services and perks, like planning, complimentary stays for the couple and packages, so you'll want to weigh all your options.

Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, BC

Being "on edge" on your wedding day takes a positive turn at Wickaninnish Inn, a five-star Tofino wedding venue and hotel off the Pacific Rim Highway. Tofino, set on the peninsula's tip in a small district in Vancouver, has fewer than 3,000 residents but waterfront views for days. Wickaninnish Inn's spot on Chesterman Beach is no exception. Ceremonies can take place by the ocean, with waves providing an au natural soundtrack and backdrop. The inn can host anything from intimate elopements to larger receptions, including an exclusive buy-out. A team will help you plan everything from ceremony details to between-party activities, like TLC sessions at the on-site spa, yoga classes or surf lessons.

Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC

Adored for its famous Whistler Blackcomb ski resort and venues that hosted events during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, a Whistler wedding is a dream come true for couples envisioning a mountain backdrop. Chateau Whistler provides that in spades. Exchange vows in a rooftop chapel that fits 200 guests before dancing the night away in a ballroom. Ceremonies can also occur on the lawn, seemingly a stone's throw from the slopes. All of these sites have mountain vistas. More intimate dinner parties can retreat to a private chapel that seats 60 guests for dinner. Catering professionals will work with couples and wedding planners to develop menus and put you in touch with vendors who can execute your vision to *chef's kiss* perfection.

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel is in the middle of the buzz of the seaport city that doesn't skimp on natural beauty. Its central location offers easy access to a diverse city brimming with all-season charm, from an annual Christmas Market to an aquarium with more than 65,000 residents. Guests will have no shortage of things to do when they're not watching you and yours tie the knot. Speaking of which, giant windows in ceremony and reception spaces give way to vistas of it all (from a comfortable distance). The hotel can host large bashes of up to 450 guests, and planners can work with couples every step of the way, including for Persian, Asian and other cultural fetes.

Banff Springs, Alberta

Nicknamed "Castle in the Rockies," this hotel in UNESCO World Heritage site Banff National Park is perfect for couples planning a fairy-tale-style Canadian wedding. An outdoor terrace with sweeping mountain views and a hall with high beams and a chandelier are just two of the ceremony spaces at Banff Springs. Planners can also connect you to local vendors (streamlining your search) and plan activities for guests. Some don't require them to leave the grounds. This hotel—considered one of the best Banff wedding venues around—is also home to a championship golf course, skiing, snowshoeing tours and a spa. Plus, it's within walking distance from Bow Falls and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. It's unlikely guests will get bored.

Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta

Situated by Lake Louise within Banff National Park, Chateau Lake Louise provides contemporary comforts and turn-of-last-century elegance. Celebrations at this Banff wedding venue are grand affairs. Breathtaking doesn't do the lakeview terrace ceremony space justice—it's the most scenic overlook for Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. An indoor ballroom and sunroom are also at your disposal, as is a knowledgeable staff well-connected with local vendors and ready to work with you on all of the little details you're dreaming of for a Canadian wedding.

Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta

Couples and guests alike will delight in the numerous accommodation options that turn a destination wedding at Jasper Park Lodge into a true experience. There are luxe guest rooms and suites, but parties can also go glamping in rustic cabins by the mountains and the Lac Beauvert's emerald green waters. Couples will have access to a team of seasoned specialists and indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations, including a golf course and tucked-away lawn space by Treefoil Lake and Pyramid Mountain at this elevated Jasper wedding venue.

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, Muskoka, Ontario

To-be-weds who consider cottage-core a forever aesthetic will want to consider a wedding in Muskoka, Ontario. Hailed as "cottage country," its idyllic homes and rugged—yet seemingly untouched—surroundings feel remote and exclusive. Ditto for JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa. Its spacious grounds still leave plenty of room for intimacy for couples and their guests. It helps that in-house wedding planners provide personalized assistance as you plot out your lakefront nuptials. An on-site spa and nearby golf course will keep guests plenty busy.

Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Pillar and Post Inn & Spa is a warm, intimate spot in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. As the name implies, the southern town is at the mouth of Lake Ontario. It has celebrated wine and a quaint old town, which are ripe for exploration if you have time. The inn has seven spaces full of whimsical charm, including a barn, an old library and a second room ideal for pared-down receptions of up to 24 guests (the maximum capacity for a wedding at Pillar and Post is 250 guests). Wedding packages include ones for summer weekends, winter in wine country and a glamorous New Year's Eve bash.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec

Quebec draws visitors hoping to experience the St. Lawrence River, Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec and shopping in Quartier Petit Champlain. Chateau Frontenac offers easy access to all of them and castle-like digs designed for couples seeking a fairy-tale-style start to their happily ever after. Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site Old Quebec, Chateau Frontenac offers numerous indoor and outdoor settings. Think an elegant wine cellar with high ceilings, access to the outdoors and room for 100 dinner-party guests. A Grand Ballroom is ideal for pairs rolling deep—its dinner capacity is 500 guests. An in-house planner and chef will ensure the look, feel and taste of your wedding exceeds expectations.

Inverary Resort, Nova Scotia

Billed as an "ocean playground," Nova Scotia is a small yet mighty (and densely populated) maritime province with a seemingly endless coastline. Inverary Resort's 11-acre waterfront property includes cottages and a hotel dating back to the mid-19th century. The Bras d'Or Lake vistas and Cabot Trail are timeless. Weddings here can be, too, especially with a lakefront ceremony location. A professional team will assist with set-up and menu, dotting every I as you focus on tying the knot. For added relaxation, prewedding pampering in the spa is a must.

Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland

Feel like you're starting your new beginning at the end of the world at Fogo Island Inn. Set on an off-shore island of Newfoundland and Labrador, it's loved for its contemporary sleek—yet slightly daredevil—design (it sits on stilts), sustainability and penchant for showing guests the Northern Lights. The hotel is ideal for intimate elopements of small affairs of up to 60 guests. A wedding package includes a three-course meal (sans alcohol), custom-made cake and use of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a gathering hall with a crackling fireplace and North Atlantic views at every turn.

Pro tip: As you consider Canadian wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Canadian honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

Canadian Wedding Legal Requirements

Whether you're getting married beside a snow-capped mountain or turquoise lake, you'll want to ensure your nuptials are legal. This process may involve getting a marriage license in Canada for some couples. Others may prefer to legally say "I do" in their hometown before jetting off to Canada for a ceremony full of pomp and circumstance but without red tape.

Importantly, Gilles says each province and city handles the issuing of marriage licenses in Canada, and there may be nuances. You'll want to read through websites (like Service Ontario and Discover BC) thoroughly. Additionally, Gilles says a wedding planner can help couples with the logistics. The Consulate General of the United States in Canada has general information (but not legal advice).

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

Couples can have a symbolic or legal ceremony. Both are memorable and beautiful, but there's a key difference. "A symbolic ceremony is a commitment ceremony without legal status," Gilles explains. "It can be personalized and doesn't require legal paperwork. You can choose any officiant, location and format you like. Many couples have a legal ceremony at home and then a symbolic destination wedding."

A legal wedding is officially recognized. "This is a legally binding ceremony that meets all the requirements of Canadian law," Gilles says. "You'll receive a marriage certificate that's valid in Canada and internationally. A marriage legally performed in Canada is generally recognized in the US."

Required Legal Documents

You'll want to double-check your city or province's requirements. However, couples will generally need to present two forms of valid identification, like a passport or an original copy of their birth certificate. Any member of the couple previously married and divorced must either present a Foreign Divorce Authorization (if the person isn't a Canadian citizen) or an original or court-certified copy of the certificate of divorce or divorce decree. You'll also need to submit an application for a marriage license.

Legal Marriage Timeline

Since requirements and costs vary by province, Gilles says choosing a wedding location in Canada is the first step to completing the legal process. Then, you'll gather your identification and documents, apply for a license and pay the fee. Gilles says ceremonies require officiants and two witnesses, and marriage licenses are typically valid for 90 days. Once you say "I do," Gilles says your officiant will file the paperwork, which two witnesses must sign first.

Notably, Quebec does things a bit differently. Couples must get married in public places, like a place of worship or a courthouse. Ceremonies must also occur during certain hours (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. any day but Sunday or a holiday at a courthouse and between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. at other qualified locations).

Quebec also doesn't require a marriage license. Instead, it uses publishing banns to confirm there's no legal reason why a couple can't get married. People have 20 days to "speak now," so you'll want to ensure it's published at least that long before your wedding day.

Legal Marriage Cost

A marriage license in Canada depends on the province but typically costs between $100 and $200. It's $100 in British Columbia, for instance. Often, this fee isn't refundable.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Canadian wedding location, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guests can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Canadian Wedding Planning Tips

Once you've squared away how to make your marriage legal, you can get down to other practicalities of planning, like transportation and budgeting. A wedding planner who specializes in Canadian destination weddings is an invaluable resource. Still, we asked some pros to share insights on money matters and more to get your wheels turning.

How to Get to Canada

Unlike most international destination wedding locations, it's possible for some couples and their guests to road-trip to Canada. Generally, though, most people will fly. The time spent in the air depends on where you're flying from and to. Luckily, direct flights to Toronto are common from most major US airports. A New York City pair can get to Toronto in 90 minutes, and those traveling from San Francisco can touch down in under five hours. However, a New York couple can take 20 hours or more to trek to Yukon (with layovers in Calgary and Vancouver).

Major cities offer mass transit, taxis and ride-sharing, and many places can be explored by bike or foot. However, a four-wheel option (a rental car) is another popular pick for convenience.

Best Months to Marry in Canada

The best time to tie the knot in Canada depends on your vision. If you're hoping for a winter wonderland-style Whistler wedding, December, January or February are your best bets. Spring and summer are ideal for pairs hoping to hike and bike between parties and host outdoor ceremonies sans hats and gloves. The foliage is a sight to see each fall—and temperatures often remain mild in September.

Canada Wedding Venue and Vendors

It's not as simple to vet Canada wedding venues and vendors when planning a destination wedding. Technology has made finding quality places and pros—like the dreamiest Halifax wedding venue and photographer—easier. But old-fashioned word of mouth reigns supreme for Alexa Tepperman, a principal event planner for Duet Events. Tepperman suggests finding a local wedding planner or asking your venue coordinator about their experience working with vendors to ensure quality and reliability.

From there, virtual tools, including venue walk-throughs and video calls with vendors, are important for establishing a connection and gauging how comfortable you feel with a pro. Ask to see examples of a pro's work, such as via an e-portfolio. "Instagram and social media are great places to view vendor portfolios in areas you are considering as well," says Ellie Eccleton, the creative director of Muse Events.

Fitting in an in-person visit can put your mind at ease, let you play out your dream day in advance and work out any kinks beforehand. "We always do at least one visit to our client's chosen location to meet key vendors and finalize details," Tepperman says. "This can also serve as a trial run for services like catering or hair and makeup, so we make a fun trip out of it."

If you're looking for help finding top Canadian wedding venues and vendors, peek at The Knot Vendor Marketplace. There, you'll find a comprehensive list of travel specialists with expertise in destination weddings.

Budgeting Tips

Generally, the destination wedding cost is competitive with—if not less than—what you'll find in the US. However, it's typically more expensive (and with fewer all-inclusive options) than a fete in the Caribbean or Mexico (Gilles is partial to the diverse landscapes of Canada, though). "You could have a small, intimate wedding for under $10,000 or a lavish affair for $50,000-plus," Gilles says.

Gilles says $15,000 to $30,000 is average. In the end, your Canada wedding venue of choice, decor, vendors and date will all factor into the final price tag. The good news? "US couples often benefit from a favorable exchange rate when planning a wedding in Canada, effectively making their dollar go further," Tepperman says.

However, Tepperman explains that it's still something to monitor and recommends using credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees. "Keep a buffer in your budget to account for potential changes in currency value," Tepperman says.

While you can't control currency fluctuations, you can take steps to stay within budget. "Although difficult, trimming the guest list is the quickest way to save, so consider hosting a smaller celebration if the budget is limited," Eccleton says.

Tepperman suggests choosing off-peak seasons or weekdays to lower costs. You can also save by using locally sourced, in-season blooms.

Or? Lean into the natural beauty—there's no shortage of it in Canada—and go light on decor. "Embrace the stunning scenery as your backdrop and minimize the need for excessive decorations," Gilles says.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details, including your Canada wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.