Toronto Elopement 
Guide

Choosing Your Elopement Style

Before diving into the details, decide on the overall style:

• Ultra-intimate: Just you, your partner, an officiant, and two witnesses
• Micro-wedding or Pop-up wedding: A small gathering with up to 10 close friends or family members
• Adventure elopement: Incorporating outdoor activities or unique locations

Legal Requirements

To legally marry in Toronto, you'll need:

1. A valid marriage license (obtained from a municipal office)
2. A registered officiant to perform the ceremony
3. Two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate

Apply for your marriage license at least 3 months before your planned elopement date. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

Choosing Your Elopement Date

Toronto, and much of Ontario, experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique opportunities for your elopement:

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms
• Summer (June-August): Warm weather, perfect for outdoor ceremonies
• Fall (September-November): Stunning foliage and comfortable temperatures
• Winter (December-February): Magical snowy landscapes for cozy, intimate ceremonies

Consider local events and festivals when selecting your date to elope in Toronto – you will want to avoid crowds or potential venue conflicts. Remember, temperatures can range from highs of 35°C in summer to lows of -40°C in winter, so plan your attire and location accordingly.

Selecting Your Elopement Location

Eloping in Toronto and Ontario means a diverse and near limitless number of stunning locations. Here are some popular picks:

In the City

• Toronto City Hall and Osgoode Hall
• High-End Local or Hotel Restaurant
• AirBNB

Out in Nature

• Toronto Parks: Permit required
• Vineyard: Permit Required
• RC Harris Water Treatment Plant: No permit required
• Private Beach: No permit required. (P.S. We know the perfect private beach that’s hidden out of view in the Toronto area and best of all it’s FREE!)

When choosing your location, consider:

• Permit requirements and associated costs
• Privacy levels
• Backup options for outdoor locations in case of inclement weather

Looking for more unique places to elope? Take a look at our guide to the Best Toronto Engagement and Proposal Locations, many of these spots are perfect for elopements as well!

Creating Your Elopement Timeline

A typical elopement timeline might look like this:

• Getting ready (2-3 hours)
• First look and couple portraits (1 hour)
• Ceremony (30 minutes)
• Post-ceremony portraits (30 minutes - 1 hour)
• Intimate celebration or dinner (2-3 hours)

Adjust the timeline based on your specific plans and preferences and remember to hire a photographer to capture your most important moments!

Hiring Vendors

While elopements are simpler than traditional weddings, you will still need to hire some key vendors:

• Officiant: Choose a registered officiant who aligns with your values and ceremony style.
• Photographer: Capture your special day with a professional elopement photographer. Look for someone experienced in elopements and familiar with Toronto locations. At Ether Photography, we offer custom elopement packages. Contact Us to learn more.
• Florist: Even for a simple elopement, flowers can add a beautiful touch.
• Hair and Makeup: Although you can do this yourself, we always recommend getting this professionally done so you will look stunning for your special day.
• Transportation: Consider renting a luxury or vintage car to add a touch of elegance.

Attire and Accessories

Your elopement attire can be as formal or casual as you like. Consider the following:

• Traditional wedding attire
• Cocktail or semi-formal wear
• Casual, comfortable clothing for adventure elopements

Don't forget accessories like:

• Comfortable shoes (especially for outdoor locations)
• Weather-appropriate items (umbrella, shawl, etc.)
• Meaningful jewelry or family heirlooms

Elopement Announcement

Plan how you'll share the news with friends and family:

• Send elopement announcements after the ceremony
• Host your post-elopement celebration
• Share your photo or video montage on social media the day after the elopement

Budget Considerations

Toronto and Ontario elopements can range widely in cost. Here's a rough breakdown of potential average expenses:

• Marriage license: $140
• Officiant: $300-$800+
• Photographer: $1,500-$3,000+ for elopement coverage (approximately 3-6 hours of coverage)
• Flowers: $200-$500+ for a bouquet and boutonnière
• Attire: $500-$3,000+ depending on your choices
• Hair and Makeup: $300-$600+
• Celebration meal: $200-$1,000+
• Accommodation: $200-$500+ per night

Elopement cost: $3,400 - $10,000+
Wedding cost: $70,000

Remember, these are rough estimates and can vary significantly based on your choices. Although this may seem expensive, a full wedding celebration in Toronto averages $70,000 and by eloping you can put the $60,000+ savings into buying a home! Curious why Toronto’s weddings are so expensive? Find out in our article on How Much Does a Wedding Cost in Toronto.

Final Thoughts

Eloping in Toronto offers couples a uniquely intimate and personal way to celebrate their love. Unlike the stress and high costs of a traditional wedding, eloping allows you to focus on what truly matters: your commitment to each other. The simplicity and affordability of eloping mean you can avoid the hassle of extensive planning and family drama, creating a day that is truly about the two of you. Plus, the significant cost savings can be put towards your future together, making eloping not only a romantic choice but a practical one as well. Choosing to elope in Toronto ensures a beautiful, stress-free start to your married life, centered on your love and shared adventures!

P.S. Do you need an elopement photographer in Toronto? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us here.

Pro Tip: Download our Elopement Checklist below to start planning your elopement!