Free wedding venues in Nova Scotia are actually a lot easier to come by than you might think! You can get married in many public spaces for free in Nova Scotia. These spaces include parks, beaches, and some really stunning landscapes!

You don’t need to go big and spend 15k on a wedding venue.

Your wedding day should be about you and your love, not how much money you spend for other people. Experience is much more valuable than things. What you choose to spend your wedding budget on should be for you. After all, it’s your relationship that you’re commemorating!

I have been photographing intimate weddings for over a decade in Nova Scotia. I’m excited to show you the best free places for your wedding in this gorgeous province!

Want to also see low cost/budget friendly options?
SUPER BUDGET FRIENDLY NOVA SCOTIA WEDDING VENUES

YOUR GUIDE OF FREE WEDDING VENUES IN NOVA SCOTIA

PROVINCIAL PARKS

Nova Scotia has a long list of provincial parks where you can have your ceremony for free. You do need a permit (apply here), but as long as you request one in advance you are good to go! Generally receptions aren’t allowed, but picnics are! It’s not exactly private. However, if you want to avoid crowds, you could choose a weekday for your ceremony. Off season dates are also a good option.

Popular Provincial Parks

(CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST)

Point Pleasant
Long Lake
Blomidon
Five Islands
Annapolis Basin Look Off
Dollar Lake
Taylor Head
Graves Island
Smugglers Cove
Clairmont Provincial Park
Beaver Mountain
Cape Smokey
Mabou Park
Uisge Bàn Falls
Cabots Landing
Whycocomagh Park

FREE MUNICIPAL PARKS

Nova Scotia also has a small number of other parks that do not require a paid permit (an unpaid permit may still be required) for small events. Most municipal parks have a permit fee attached (see these: budget friendly Nova Scotia wedding venues), but these ones don’t! Generally receptions aren’t allowed, but picnics are! Like provincial parks, events are not private. However, if you want to avoid crowds, you could choose a weekday for your ceremony. Off season dates are also a good option.

Free Municipal Parks

Bell park
Burntcoat Head
Cape d’Or Coastal Park
Findley Park
Garden Meadows Trail System
McInnis Trail

BEACHES (PROVINCIAL & MUNICIPAL)

Like Provincial Parks, it’s not possible to have your wedding completely private and you do need a permit for all provincial beaches (apply here). You do not need a permit for non-provincial beaches (unless stated by that specific municipality). Nova Scotia has A TON of beautiful beaches where you can have no set limit of guests. They are perfect for everything from medium to small gatherings to intimate elopements. And if you have your wedding on a weekday or off peak season, it’ll be a lot less crowded!

Popular Beaches

(CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST)

Crystal Crescent Beach
Rissers Beach
Conrads Beach
Hirtles Beach
Carters Beach
Martinque Beach
Clam Harbour Beach
Lawrencetown Beach
Mavillette Beach
Summerville Beach
Chimney Corner Beach
Dingwall Beach

Want More? BEST BEACHES FOR ELOPING IN NOVA SCOTIA

EPIC PUBLIC LANDSCAPES

The best part of getting married on public land is that there is no permit required, and it’s completely free! A lot of these places only require short hikes (less than 20 mins) to get to the views, and are super accessible. All you need is an officiant, photographer, and 2 witnesses!

Amazing Nova Scotia Landscapes

High Head Trail
Baxters Harbour
Duncan’s Cove
Gaff Point
Blue Rocks
Peggys Cove
Cape Split
Cape Chignecto
Meat Cove Overlook
Gypsum Quarry Mines
Egypt Falls

That’s all for free wedding venues in Nova Scotia BUT I do have more wedding locations on the blog!

See More: AMAZING LANDSCAPES FOR INTIMATE WEDDINGS IN MAINLAND NS
See More: AMAZING LANDSCAPES FOR INTIMATE WEDDINGS IN CAPE BRETON
See More: COST TO ELOPE (UNDER 30 GUESTS) IN NOVA SCOTIA

There are also a lot of low cost options for wedding ceremonies, that involve pretty much just the cost of a permit or small rental fee. This includes Historic Sites, National Parks, Municipal parks, and more! See a comprehensive list on the blog:

BUDGET FRIENDLY NOVA SCOTIA WEDDING VENUES

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