Dreaming of an Ottawa Elopement?

Ottawa has quietly become one of Canada’s most beautiful cities for elopements and intimate weddings. With historic architecture, stunning parks, riverfront views, and peaceful hidden spaces, couples can create a meaningful wedding experience without the stress — or cost — of a large traditional wedding.

As life gets busier and the cost of living continues to rise, many couples are choosing more intentional and cost-effective ways to get married without sacrificing beauty, emotion, or experience.

As local Ottawa wedding officiants, we completely understand that shift — and we love helping couples design weddings that feel authentic to them.

Over the years, the Merry Fairy Weddings team has officiated elopements across Ottawa in every season, from snowy winter ceremonies to golden summer evenings by the water. Whether you’re dreaming of something romantic, urban, nature-inspired, or wonderfully unconventional, Ottawa offers incredible options for your elopement day.

Below, we’re sharing some of our favourite places to elope in Ottawa — along with answers to the most common questions couples ask when planning an elopement.

---

Can You Get Married Anywhere in Ottawa?

Technically — yes. Practically — it depends.

Many couples are surprised to learn that private venues (including restaurants, hotels, and event spaces) often charge a fee simply to host a ceremony. This may be because they need to open outside regular business hours or schedule staff to set up chairs, manage guests, or coordinate logistics.

That doesn’t mean your dream location isn’t possible — but it’s important to plan ahead.

Our recommendation is to contact the venue directly and share your vision for an intimate ceremony. You may find they are far more accommodating than expected, especially for small weekday or off-peak celebrations.

Another popular option is to hold your ceremony in one of Ottawa’s many beautiful public locations, then celebrate afterward with a private dinner or reception. This approach often allows couples to keep costs manageable while still enjoying an elevated and memorable wedding experience.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Ottawa?

This is a question we get all the time! The short answer is no!

However sometimes — it can depend on the size and setup of your ceremony.

For very small elopements, many couples choose to exchange vows in one of Ottawa’s beautiful public parks without formally reserving the space. If your ceremony is brief, involves only a handful of guests (we suggest under 15), and does not include chairs, décor, amplified music, or alcohol, a permit is not required.

However, public parks remain shared spaces. Without a reservation, the area cannot be made private or exclusively reserved for your ceremony. That said, people that are visiting the park will be mindful that a wedding ceremony is taking place - but they are in no way legally obliged to leave. As we always tell couples, you have to just go with the flow!

If you plan to bring chairs, an arch, décor, musicians, or a larger group of guests, you will likely need to obtain a park permit through either the City of Ottawa or the National Capital Commission (NCC), depending on the location.

Many couples choose a simple and stress-free approach: hosting their ceremony in a scenic outdoor location and then celebrating afterward with a private dinner or reception at a nearby restaurant or venue. Ottawa is beautiful at all times of the year. The winter offers opportunities to get married in a winter wonderland (think Rideau canal!), the Spring is known for the Tulip festival (think how beautiful the pictures would be), the Summer is absolutely blooming with flowers, and last but not least - the fall offers beautiful colors. Getting married in one of these natural settings is completely free!

As Ottawa wedding officiants, we’re always happy to help guide couples toward locations that match their vision while keeping logistics simple and cost-effective. We have so many suggestions, here are some of our favorites.