how to elope
in nova scotia + Atlantic Canada
Soooo, eloping sounds amazing, but how do we do it?
legit you have so many options! nova scotia has everything from waterfalls, rugged coasts, green forests, rocky cliff sides, islands, and more!
see MY BLOG: places to elope in ns
FOR MORE DEETS
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Pages on pages of elopement tips, tricks, inspiration and more from someone who's been doing this for 10+ years!
YOU CAN ALSO Download my free INTERACTIVE PDF HERE:
the ULTIMATE nova scotia elopement guide
HOW TO ELOPE IN NOVA SCOTIA + Atlantic Canada
If you’re considering Nova Scotia for your elopement, this page walks you through everything you actually need to know:
what even is eloping these days?
legal requirements
WHERE CAN YOU ELOPE WITH ME
Locations
ACTIVITY IDEAS
COSTS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE
and how to structure your day
You're all about experiences over things!
You've never been that traditional and ya'll just have ideas of your own
You don't want the stress of a big wedding! Or the stress of planning a big wedding!
You don't want none of that family drama!
You aren't comfortable being the centre of attention
You want to celebrate YOUR OWN WAY without the influence of others
DOES ANY OF THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?
THEN YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
MODERN ELOPEMENTS HIT DIFFERENT
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ELOPE IN NOVA SCOTIA
WHY NOVA SCOTIA IS SO UNDERRATED
MODERN ELOPEMENTS HIT DIFFERENT
Let's clear up some myths!
let's clear up some myths!
With or without guests
Throwing away tradition
Focusing on experiences over things
Doing what makes you feel the most celebrated without the influence of others
And yes, you can include some guests for all or part of it!
Marriage laws are in Canada are pretty simple compared to many international destinations. You do not need residency, and there is no waiting period once the paperwork is complete. Most couples simply apply for a marriage license once they arrive.
legally Getting married in Nova Scotia
CANADIANS:
NON-RESIDENTS
You only need to apply for a marriage license, and have 2 witnesses. It's that easy!
Want more detailed info?
Can Americans get married in Nova Scotia (internal logistics guide)
You will need:
Valid passports
Marriage license (issued in province)
An officiant authorized in the province
Two witnesses (yes, we can do that for ya!)
That’s it. There is no requirement for residency, and no complicated visa process for the purpose of marriage alone.
Where Can You Elope With me?
I specialize in Atlantic Canada, where wild landscapes and rugged coastlines make every wedding day feel like an adventure.
(but without the crowds)
NOVA SCOTIA
newfoundland
prince edward island
new brunswick
Dramatic coastlines
Secluded beaches
Fairytale forests
Waterfalls
Fishing villages
Winding coastal roads
Lighthouses
Big cliffs
Endless ocean
Colourful coastal towns
Landscapes that feel wonderfully remote
Red cliffs
Sandy beaches
Rolling farmland
Quiet coastal roads
A little softer, but no less beautiful.
Bay of Fundy coastlines
Forests
Waterfalls
And the highest peak in Atlantic Canada
you do not have to hike for hours to get amazing views in nova scotia, Or any of the atlantic provinces
in fact, you can see some amazing landscapes with less than 10 mins of walking!
WHERE TO ELOPE
LET'S EXPLORE Some of THE OPTIONS
cape breton island
best places to elope on cape breton island
WHERE to elope in nova scotia: a guide
BEST BEACHES FOR ELOPING IN NOVA SCOTIA
WANT SOME NOVA SCOTIA ELOPEMENT INSPO?
I AM here for those couples who like ME, want to celebrate their love WITHOUT the traditional cookie-cutter wedding.
NOVA SCOTIA INTIMATE WEDDING & ELOPEMENT ACTIVITY IDEAS
activity IDEAS
HELICOPTER ADVENTURE & PICNIC
whale watching
boat tours of the halifax harbour and beyond
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE over the valley
KAYAK THROUGH SEA CAVES
RENT THAT DOPE CAR YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DRIVE
4x4 Landscape Tours in Cape Breton
Want help planning your Nova Scotia elopement OR INTIMATE WEDDING?
Get full guidance + location ideas
for your nova scotia wEDDING DAY
see WILD HORSES AT POLLETS COVE
excursion to cape split
Stroll through botanical gardens
get your fav dessert and watch the sunset
RELAX IN A HOT TUB
PLAY A GAME TOGETHER (VIDEO/BOARD/OR LAWN!)
VINEYARD/distillery TOURS
EXPLORING QUAINT SEASIDE TOWNS
DO ACROYOGA/MEDITATION
HIT UP YOUR FAV CAFE
hAVE A ROMANTIC PICNIC
casual & fun
for the adventurers
HOW MUCH DOES THIS ALL COST?
The average cost of a wedding in North America is $30k- $40k.. but this ain't no traditional wedding day!
VENUE - FREE
(Most stunning landscapes cost nada, and often no permits required!)
ACTIVITIES - FREE to 2k or 3k
LEGAL CEREMONY - $200
PHOTOGRAPHY & PLANNING - 5k to 15k
FOOD - JUST FOR YOURSELVES
(no need to feed an army of guests!)
A dream elopement is less than half that, and every penny you do spend is FOR YOU.
See more of an in depth cost breakdown:
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE FOR YOU
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
OUTLIER MONTHS
(NOV, DEC, MARCH, APRIL)
Spring on the east coast of Canada brings blooming wildflowers, budding trees, and cool temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F). The rains make it Waterfall season here! It’s also much quieter than summer, making it one of the best times of year to elope.
Temps can reach up to 40 C (104 F), with long days, beautiful sunsets, and less chance of rain, making it a stunning season for an elopement. It's also peak tourist season, so quieter rural locations are often the best choice for a more intimate experience.
October in the Altlantic provinces is peak fall colours, with bright oranges, reds, and yellows. Colours are best from early to late October. September offers warm weather without the summer humidity, along with warmer ocean temperatures and a slight dip in crowds.
Winter on the east coast is very quiet and peaceful, making it a great choice if you don’t mind cold and wind. January and February may bring snow, frozen waterfalls, and beautiful sunsets, but the weather can be unpredictable with possible travel delays. When the snow does arrive, it creates a stunning, fairytale-like setting.
Eloping here during the off-season months is definitely possible, but the landscapes are less vibrant with bare trees, brown grass, and cooler, wetter weather. The upside is fewer crowds, lower accommodation costs, and still-beautiful coastal cliff scenery. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so conditions vary quite a bit.
Want more seasonal details?
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Nova Scotia
PLANNING A NOVA SCOTIA or Atlantic Canada INTIMATE WEDDING DAY
your eAST cOAST elopement photographer and guide
HEY, I'M SEBRINA
I help couples plan and photograph elopements across Atlantic Canada's wildest landscapes. Most couples I work with are coming from the U.S. and are looking for a day that feels relaxed, intentional, and connected rather than rushed or overly structured.
A big part of the planning process here is simply understanding how the light, weather, and locations work together, which is where most couples appreciate having my expert guidance. I was born and live in Nova Scotia, and have spent years exploring it's gorgeous hidden gems.
If you’re considering a Nova Scotia or Atlantic Canada elopement, you can check availability for your date here
WHAT AN ELOPEMENT DAY TIMELINE CAN LOOK LIKE IN SIMPLE TERMS
Most elopements here are intentionally slow and experience-based rather than rushed ceremonies.
A typical day might look like:
MORNING
Getting ready in a coastal cabin or small inn
Slow start with coffee, no rush
MIDDAY
Exploring locations or scenic drives
Light hiking or beach wandering
GOLDEN HOUR
Ceremony in a quiet coastal location
Vows with ocean wind and soft light
EVENING
Dinner, private celebration, or bonfire
Sunset portraits along the coast
The idea is to allow the day to flow naturally and really focus on the experience. This way you can actually be present with one another, not perform for anyone else.
typical 12 hour day/Split over 2 days
DAY 1 TIMELINE
DAY 2 TIMELINE
typical 12 hour day/Split over 2 days
Coverage 4 hours (4:00pm - 8:00pm)
4:00pm
Photography coverage starts, getting ready and first look
4:30pm
Official Ceremony with guests
5:00pm
Short Hike to look off
6:00pm
Portraits together and celebratory picnic
8:00pm
Photography coverage ends
DAY 1 TIMELINE
DAY 2 TIMELINE
Coverage 8 hours (12:30pm - 8:30pm)
12:30pm
Photography coverage starts, meet at trailhead
Short hike and portraits ensue
2:30pm
Private Vows and Handfasting Ceremony
3:30pm
Special activity together (boat tour, beautiful hike, wine tasting, whale watching, helicopter adventure, 4x4ing, you name it!)
8:30pm
Photography coverage ends
real elopement TIMELINE EXAMPLES
typical 4 hour day
3:00pm-7:00pm
Sunset/Golden hour 6:00pm-7:00pm
3:00pm
Photo coverage begins, getting ready photos and cute airbnb portraits
4:15pm
Change into your wedding clothes, snap some photos around the cottage/outdoors with the scenic cliffs
5:00pm
Head to the beach and spend about 45 mins - 1 hour here taking portraits and dinner picnicing!
6:00pm
Head back to the cottage for the cake and champagne dessert during golden hour/sunset
7:00pm
Photography Finishes
1:00pm-9:00pm
Sunset/Golden hour 8:00pm-9:00pm
1:00pm
Photo coverage begins, getting ready at cute airbnb and first look
2:00pm
Travel to Meat Cove (30 mins)
2:45pm
Hike to the overlook (25 mins relaxed hike + time for photos - 1HR total)
3:45pm
Final touch-ups, Ceremony, celebratory prosecco, cake, portraits and return hike (2.5 hours)
6:15pm
Travel to South Harbour Beach (45 mins)
8:00pm
A swim and beach photos and guitar playing time during golden hour/sunset with picnic (2 hours)
9:00pm
Photography Finishes
1 location
2 locations+
typical 6 hour day
2:00pm-8:00pm
Sunset/Golden hour 7:00pm-8:00pm
2:00pm
Ceremony and Photos at Baxter’s Harbour
3:00pm
Travel to Blomidon Provincial Park (snack and hydrate in the car) 1 hour
4:00pm
Picnic and Photos at Blomidon Provincial Park
5:00pm
travel to Burntcoat Head
6:00pm
Photos and bubbles and exploring with lanterns at Burntcoat Head as the sun sets
8:00pm
Photography Finishes
2 locations
typical 8 hour day
Pages on pages of elopement tips, tricks, inspiration and more from someone who's been doing this for 10+ years!
And don't worry, I shan't spam you. 1 email a month or less, I pinky promise!
PS: Check your email/spam for your high-res download! If you use Gmail, be sure to check your Promotions tab and drag my email into your Primary inbox so you never miss a guide!
want something you can fill out and make your own?
Download my free INTERACTIVE PDF:
the nova scotia elopement guide
A wedding day where your budget is spent creating meaningful experiences instead of on stuff (feeding a small army, a giant venue, etc)
To have an intimate experience away from the crowds
The ability to say NO to a big stressful day & stressful planning
Freedom to be your complete, silly, authentic selves on the day you get married.
Freedom to have YOUR wedding exactly reflective of you and your relationship.