Best Elopement spots in Ottawa
If you are planning an elopement or a small intimate wedding in Canada, finding a good venue can be challenging since many of them are booked in advance and charge extra fees for wedding ceremonies. An unexpected alternative comes in the form of public spaces. Let’s take a look at some of the locations in Ottawa that you can choose for your wedding ceremony. Pro tip: visit these locations a couple of times ahead of your elopement to scout and save the coordinates of several spots in case they are taken on the day of.
Britannia Beach
A public park in the west of Ottawa - a very popular picnic and beach destination in the summer. However, due to its large size and tall trees, it can provide a secluded place for your ceremony. And you do not need a permit to have your ceremony in a public park in Ottawa. Going there in the morning on a workday will help you avoid the crowds and the music so that you could have a quiet and private moment.
Pictured: Britannia beach in June, on a workday, 9:00 am
Maplelawn Garden
Another public park, this time in Westboro - a small and quiet area with lots of flowers! Choose the middle path if you want sunlight or hide in the shades of tall trees on the sides of the garden. Also included some benches for your guests to rest.
Pictured: Maplelawn Garden in June, on a workday, 3:00 pm
Ornamental Gardens
Located right in the center of Ottawa, Ornamental Gardens occupy a big territory and include winding paths in the trees, fields of flowers and arches. You can host up to 15 people, including the couple, photographer, officiant, etc. You do not need a permit to have a ceremony there and the gardens cannot be reserved, so you will share the location with the public.
Pictured: Ornamental Gardens in June, on a workday, 4:00 pm
Arboretum
Just across the street from Ornamental Gardens, the Arboretum covers a huge territory with fields, hills, lots of trees, bushes, flowers and a lake. A scenic bridge crosses a canal right in the middle of the Arboretum, making it a great place for photos.
Pictured: the Arboretum in June, on a weekday, 5:00 pm
National Arts Centre rooftop
Located downtown, NAC offers their rooftop to be rented for the events. It offers the views of Parliament, Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Rogers Centre and Rideau Canal. NAC also allows indoor rooms to be rented for ceremonies. Check with the National Arts Centre for more information.
Pictured: NAC wood terrace in June, on a weekday, 6:00 pm
Major’s Hill Park
Right between the canal and Fairmont Chateau Laurier, there is a huge terrace, popular with elopements in Ottawa. The terrace later merges with Major’s Hill Park where a lot of newlyweds go to take photos after getting married.
Pictured: Major’s Hill Park terrace in June, on a weekday, 6:00 pm
All of these locations offer unique, secluded and intimate spots for an elopement in Ottawa. Please check with the city for public park use requirements as they are subject to change.