Some of my favorite winter wedding venues in Nova Scotia are not going to be what you think! I’ve been photographing weddings and elopements in Nova Scotia now for over 10 years, and lived here most of my life. You could say I’ve definitely been around the wedding venue block, and I know my stuff! I’m so excited to share my knowledge with you all.

First off, yes, it’s cold in Nova Scotia in the Winter. Yes it might rain instead of snow. But that just makes it unique!

Nova Scotia is an extraordinary little place, full of history, nature, warmth, and kindness. It’s no wonder that we have some really stunning winter wedding venues. Not to mention, through the off season (November – April) most venues have lower prices!

Annnnnddd if you want to save even more money, let’s talk about some of Nova Scotia’s incredible landscapes as potential ceremony options. Trust me, they are super underrated and an amazing option. Usually they are even better than your typical venue!

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So you want a winter wedding in Nova Scotia, but have approximately 47 tabs open trying to find the perfect venue? Been there. 😂❄️

Good news, friend! You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I help couples find their kind of magic, whether that’s a cozy cabin in the woods, a seaside inn, a rustic lodge, or a snowy wilderness adventure. Whether you’re planning a micro wedding with your favourite humans or a just-us kind of day, we’ll find somewhere that feels like you.

Come tell me what you’re dreaming up, and let’s kick things off with a FREE planning consultation! 🎉

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THE BEST WINTER WEDDING VENUES IN NOVA SCOTIA

Citadel Hill National Historic Site

This provincial historic site in downtown Halifax is one of the most unique places to hold your wedding, and I’ve seen it be used in a number of ways! Firstly, the architecture is just stunning, and there are several historic rooms (including a soldier’s library!) available for dining and reception, some of which are separated across the inside square. There are also 4 unique casemates all connected, which can be tailored at your specific request. Think bar room, dance room, snack room, game of thrones room, anything your heart desires! It’s also a photographers dream, since there are so many unique places for portraits, and such a beautiful view all round the top of the Hill. It’s a very interesting and cozy space for any Winter Wedding.

Best For: Couples who love history, or are into historical architecture, stonework, and want the convenience of being in the city.

Pro Photo Tip: The casemates are awesome for photos as the walls are all lighter, making it easy to use flash that looks natural while still maintaining the neat atmosphere. Bring fairy lights for decor to add more depth and background lighting!

Ocean Stone Seaside Resort

One of my favorite Winter wedding venues in Nova Scotia, this oceanside venue comes equipped with several charming cabins for lodging, which means everything is all in one place! It’s also gorgeous without snow, since there are evergreen on the property, and beautiful ocean views.

You also don’t have to do much travelling, which takes a little stress away from your day. On top of that, this venue has the most incredible view of the water, and the whole place is only 5 minutes from Peggy’s Cove, so there is plenty of opportunity for beautiful portraits. Also, since April through to November is off peak season, there are discounted prices on their wedding bookings for couples as well as guest accommodations. Bonus!

Best For: Couples who want accommodations for their guests (up to 70!) and want ocean vibes with the simplicity of having the venue take of catering, decor etc for them.

Pro Photo Tip: A ceremony during sunset here is amazinggggg. And in the winter, it happens nice and early anyway!

Harbour Mist

This smaller venue is located in Blandford, NS. It’s perfect for weddings/elopements with 25 guests and under. It’s a beautiful Chateau on the oceanfront just South of Chester, NS. The estate is a stunning french-victorian home with a gorgeous interior, spiral staircase, and stunning rooms. You can get married on the property beside the ocean, or have it inside next to the beautiful fireplace. Easily one of the most unique and lovely properties in Nova Scotia!

Best For: Couples who have a guest count under 25, want some family/friends to stay overnight with them, and are into the private villa aesthetic.

Pro Photo Tip: You can have your ceremony inside or outside, as the main sitting room is enough space for a small number of guests, has great light, and is super beautiful! Want the winter look? The exterior grounds have expansive ocean views and loads of space!

SIDE NOTE: AIRBNBs are an AMAZING options for intimate winter weddings. They cost a lot less than a traditional venue and offer really unique and beautiful properties for indoors or outdoors!

Baxters Harbour

Into the great outdoors? Baxters Harbour is very accessible and boasts a 50+ foot waterfall. In the Winter it semi-freezes and provides the most stunning backdrop for an outdoor small wedding or elopement. And the best thing about it? It’s completely FREE, and there’s not even a permit required!

If you’re into the outdoor vibe for your ceremony, Nova Scotia has some pretty amazing landscapes perfect for intimate weddings or elopements (under 30 guests) any time of year.

Best For: Couples who don’t mind a little cold or are willing to stick it out for the experience, adventure, and epic photos!

Pro Photo Tip: Bring layers, and choose locations where you don’t have to walk a ton so you can do 10-15 minute portrait spurts! It makes it a lot easier when you pop in your car for a little warm-up between taking pics.

Also, bring hot tea or hot chocolate and enjoy a warm drink outside together!

SEE MORE: BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN NOVA SCOTIA

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The August House

This boutique Inn is amazing for a winter wedding. It has a 60 guest capacity, and is located in Windsor, NS. It has 3 options for your ceremony – 2 outdoors and 1 inside. With vineyards, breweries, and cute towns nearby, it’s an amazing place for an intimate winter wedding. The Inn also has 12 rooms for in-house accommodation, as well as catering on site so you can have it all in a one-stop-shop.

Best For: Couples who love charming Inn vibes, and want some of their guests to have a place to stay as well.

Pro Photo Tip: Make sure your photographer doesn’t just do “natural light” photography. Make sure they know how to use flashes, lighting, and have shot inside venues before. This is so important in Winter especially as it gets dark so early!

White Point Beach Resort

This one is pretty special for me, and I know first hand it’s an amazing winter wedding venue. I photographed my brothers wedding here in 2018 in late January, and there is SO much variety in photo potential. There is beach, there is forest, there are campfires, there are rustic cabins, and beautiful fireplaces in the main lodge. Even if you don’t get snow, there is (s)no(w) shortage of photo opportunities – hehe.

Best For: Couples who love a rocky beach and just want to be near the ocean no matter how cold it is!

Pro Photo Tip: I said it before and I’ll say it again, bring layers! Get a gorgeous cloak and rock the cooler weather, then cozy up inside and get photos with just your dress by the fire place.

Halifax Central Library

Are you looking for more modern and intimate winter wedding venues in nova scotia? The top floor of the Halifax Central Library can be converted into a stylish ceremony location, with a beautiful view of a wintery city below. The staff here are so lovely, and we can’t recommend working with them enough. Even if you’re tying the knot after dark, this space has so much potential. There are many spots in the building for a unique portrait session. As long as you hire the right photographers, creating beautiful light is no problem!

Best For: Couples who love the modern architecture and urban vibes.

Pro Photo Tip: This space is only available after closing hours for events, and in Winter it will be dark by then. Make sure you have a photographer who can shoot in darker venues and low light, and still make the photos look awesome. Ask for sample galleries!

ALL NOVA SCOTIA PARKS

You can get married in ANY Nova Scotia park (national, provincial, or municipal!). Most of them require a permit – which is either free or less than $100. YUP, that’s right. And the event permit is really easy to get. You just make an application for a letter of authority, and boom! You’re good to go. You technically aren’t allowed receptions in public parks, but picnics and mingling is completely fine. And of course, ceremony is allowed. The number of guests depends on the park itself.

Best For: Couples who want the simplicity of a park background, and don’t mind if there are other people out and about around them.

Pro Photo Tip: You will be tempted to go into a gazebo but for the love of all good wedding photos DON’T do it! If you inside the gazebo, you will be in shadow and everything behind you will end up overexposed. The best thing to do is stand in front of the pretty gazebo, then you are wonderfully lit and you can see the gazebo in the photos too!

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Related Reading:

Small Wedding Venues in Nova Scotia
Cost of an Elopement in Nova Scotia vs Wedding
How to Elope in Nova Scotia

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HI, I’M SEBRINA