A guide for the perfect elopement in Quebec

Why choose to elope?


It's the very first step you need to take. Why do YOU want to elope? Like really. Be true to yourselves. Otherwise, you may have regrets later on. And I don't want that for you.


Eloping is suitable for you if :

  1. You want a no-pressure, super relaxed day.
  2. You want to create an entire experience around your day.
  3. You want to do something extra special for a long time but didn't take it further. - Now's the time; you have the ultimate excuse! 
  4. You desire to spend the entire day lost in your love bubble.
  5. You would like to focus your day on your couple and your love instead of the big party.


Eloping might not be the right fit if :

  1. You want to get married without breaking the bank.
  2. You think elopement has less value than a traditional wedding.
  3. You only do it for the 'Gram - Sure, it's a nice bonus but shouldn't be the only reason. 
  4. You need to be a people pleaser.
  5. You are dreaming about an epic 3 days-long party.


Telling your loved ones


I would love you to stop worrying about announcing your decision to your loved ones. I'm sure you literally can't stop thinking about it since you've set your heart on eloping. You are not ALONE. Almost every of my couple shares the same apprehension. I am actually in the process of creating a blog post dedicated entirely to how you can sweeten the pill for them.


It's completely normal to feel the way you do. We are all conditioned to please everyone, especially the people we love the most.


But... you definitely should only think about your and your partner's happiness and desire on your day.


You are free. Free of enjoying your day with 200 guests or only the two of you.


I am here to tell you that having an elopement isn't a selfish decision, and it also doesn't mean you have to hide in secret while planning it. You absolutely can include friends and family, and here are some ideas on how to do so:


  • Go shopping together - You definitely need some advice on your outfit for the day.
  • Live-stream your ceremony - Thankfully we all are better at technology now.
  • Invite them to help you get ready.
  • Invite them to your after-elopement brunch.
  • Create some DIY projects for your day. - for more inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.
Bride and groom casualy walking in Montreal streets during their elopement in Canada
Bride and moroccan groom happy dancing during their city elopement in quebec canada.

Timeline tips


To create the best timeline possible, I love to start from the ceremony hour. Usually, the ceremony is the first thing we put down in our schedule. Do you want it to be at sunrise? Noon? After 3 pm? At the golden hour? If you have some flexibility, think about the place where it will be held - does it get crowded at a specific time of the day or harder to access? - and give a little extra special attention to the lighting. Light is the critical element to consider if you want magical photos - just think about dreamy sunrises and sunsets you saw. If possible, avoid any fully exposed areas with no shade if you are planning a ceremony between 12 pm and 3 pm in the middle of summer. The reason is, you won't be very comfortable: your eyes will close and/or cry, and you will feel the heat.


Some extra thinking:

  • What are you planning for after your celebration? - A brunch? A picnic? A swim? A bonfire?
  • What do you want to do on your day, any activity? - Doing an 8km hike and having your ceremony at 9 am aren't really compatible if you don't want mountain climbing in the dark of the night.
  • Where will you sleep? - Sometimes, check-in has exact hours. 
  • If your ceremony is officiated by a loved one, count about 20 minutes. If you choose to have a professional officiant, it will take more around 30 to 40 minutes.


For the getting ready photographs, I love to have about 45 to 60 minutes with each of you. That amount of time does not include any transportation. Suppose you're not getting ready at the same place. In that case, I strongly advise doubly transportation time, especially if you are eloping in the city.


First look?

Now, you need to think about doing or not a first look - you know, that moment where the couple discovers each other before the ceremony?. I absolutely love them! It's a moment that allows you to really sink in and savor the moment, taking the time you need without being pressured. BUT if you need to have the magical Disney moment when your eyes meet while walking down the aisle, then a first look isn't an option at all - in my own opinion.


Yes! You can absolutely have a first look even if you are eloping only the two of you. I had a couple who chose to exchange their vows on a top of a mountain. We did a super cute first look in the forest before hiking up to the actual ceremony location. Doing the first look before makes the hike way more manageable if you decide to go up in your wedding outfit.


For a first look, the time frame is approximately 15 minutes. If we do your couple session right after, it can last as long as you want - usually somewhere between 45 to 90 minutes, excluding hiking and transportation.


Got it! Now, when's the best light?

My favorite hours are 30 before and after sunrise, the famous golden hour, and the still underrated blue hour. Keep in mind the actual hours of these moments will change according to your date and season.

Timeline tips


To create the best timeline possible, I love to start from the ceremony hour. Usually, the ceremony is the first thing we put down in our schedule. Do you want it to be at sunrise? Noon? After 3 pm? At the golden hour? If you have some flexibility, think about the place where it will be held - does it get crowded at a specific time of the day or harder to access? - and give a little extra special attention to the lighting. Light is the critical element to consider if you want magical photos - just think about dreamy sunrises and sunsets you saw. If possible, avoid any fully exposed areas with no shade if you are planning a ceremony between 12 pm and 3 pm in the middle of summer. The reason is, you won't be very comfortable: your eyes will close and/or cry, and you will feel the heat.


Some extra thinking:

  • What are you planning for after your celebration? - A brunch? A picnic? A swim? A bonfire?
  • What do you want to do on your day, any activity? - Doing an 8km hike and having your ceremony at 9 am aren't really compatible if you don't want mountain climbing in the dark of the night.
  • Where will you sleep? - Sometimes, check-in has exact hours. 
  • If your ceremony is officiated by a loved one, count about 20 minutes. If you choose to have a professional officiant, it will take more around 30 to 40 minutes.


For the getting ready photographs, I love to have about 45 to 60 minutes with each of you. That amount of time does not include any transportation. Suppose you're not getting ready at the same place. In that case, I strongly advise doubly transportation time, especially if you are eloping in the city.


First look?

Now, you need to think about doing or not a first look - you know, that moment where the couple discovers each other before the ceremony?. I absolutely love them! It's a moment that allows you to really sink in and savor the moment, taking the time you need without being pressured. BUT if you need to have the magical Disney moment when your eyes meet while walking down the aisle, then a first look isn't an option at all - in my own opinion.


Yes! You can absolutely have a first look even if you are eloping only the two of you. I had a couple who chose to exchange their vows on a top of a mountain. We did a super cute first look in the forest before hiking up to the actual ceremony location. Doing the first look before makes the hike way more manageable if you decide to go up in your wedding outfit.


For a first look, the time frame is approximately 15 minutes. If we do your couple session right after, it can last as long as you want - usually somewhere between 45 to 90 minutes, excluding hiking and transportation.


Got it! Now, when's the best light?

My favorite hours are 30 before and after sunrise, the famous golden hour, and the still underrated blue hour. Keep in mind the actual hours of these moments will change according to your date and season.

Think about having a wedding planner


An intimate wedding doesn't mean that your marriage is less important than a ''bigger'' one. In fact, I believe there's no such thing as a small or a big wedding. Every celebration is and, no matter the size of the party because they're really all about one thing: your love.


Often I see couples having a hard time wording their sentiments, feelings, or envies for their day. A wedding planner is so used to it: it's the perfect person to help you navigate every possibility and create the best custom day for you. Bonus: they are all about serving you on your day. You'll feel like royalty!

Fresh wild flowers bouquet on a rock at Domaine Jolivent during an intimate wedding in eastern townships

Amazing vendors for elopement in Quebec


bride and groom hugging each other at blue hour at the end of their micro wedding at forest and stream club montreal

Small wedding & elopement venues


Quebec is such a vast territory that no matter how much I'd love to, I can't have enough of one life to explore every corner of it. But here are some of my favorites venues ready to host your intimate wedding or elopement. Something is telling me that other articles will come on here soon for wilder locations. Stay tuned!


To elope in the city:


To elope in the countryside:


Small wedding & elopement venues


Quebec is such a vast territory that no matter how much I'd love to, I can't have enough of one life to explore every corner of it. But here are some of my favorites venues ready to host your intimate wedding or elopement. Something is telling me that other articles will come on here soon for wilder locations. Stay tuned!


To elope in the city:


To elope in the countryside:


How to choose the right photographer for your experience


Choosing your photographer is never an easy task. But it's a touch harder if you have an elopement. Your photographer will be the one in your love bubble for the entire experience - from the start to the D-Day. Needless to say, having someone there for you, of which you love his work and personality, is critical!


Here are some questions you should think about when choosing your photographer:

  • Does he. she have experience in elopements?
  • Does he. she have a plan B in case of rain or unexpected event?
  • Does he. she gets involved in the process? If yes, until what point?
  • Does he. she have photos of the spots you can choose from if you can't visit yourself before?
  • Can he. she provides you with a list of essentials to think of, bring with you or give you any extra tips and tricks for your day?
  • Is he. she respectful of the environment?


There's a lot to think of when it's time to choose. It's super important to know your priorities, take your time and trust your guts!

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