Lake-side ceremony for Ontario Parks elopement | Danielle & Brad

Danielle and Brad’s lakeside ceremony in Ontario’s Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park was more than just an exchange of vows; it was a reflection of their love for each other and their deep connection with the outdoors. This unique celebration of their union was a testament to their adventurous spirits and their desire to break away from the conventions of a traditional wedding.

The couple’s journey to this “non-wedding” began in the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and dramatic cliffs, that Brad proposed to Danielle during a hiking and wild camping trip. The Isle of Skye, known for its raw and untamed beauty, was the perfect backdrop for this milestone moment. It was a place that resonated with their shared love for adventure and the outdoors, making it the ideal setting for such a meaningful occasion.

“Danielle has this extraordinary way of keeping me both surprised and fascinated,” Brad said of his partner. “She is constantly keeping us focused on how our life together is going to progress and grow while still maintaining the little things that keep us both happy, like a little dance or sing-along while grocery shopping. These are the things that keep me falling in love.”

This sentiment captures the essence of their relationship—one built on spontaneity, joy, and a mutual understanding of what truly matters. They didn’t want a traditional wedding; they wanted something that felt authentic to who they were as individuals and as a couple.

For Danielle, Brad was the perfect partner. “I love how thoughtful and patient Brad is,” she shared. “He always puts his family first. He loves to take care of people. He always helps to keep me grounded and feels like my safe space. It truly feels like he was born to love me because the way he does it is so perfect in every situation.”

Their decision to have a commitment ceremony, rather than a conventional wedding, was born out of their shared love for the outdoors and a desire to create a day that felt uniquely theirs. The idea for their “non-wedding” took shape around a campfire at Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park, where they dreamed up a celebration that would honor their love and their connection to nature.

They envisioned a day where they could exchange vows in a place that held meaning for them, surrounded by their closest family and friends. They chose to say their vows beside the lake within the park, a location that not only offered stunning views but also provided a serene and intimate setting for their ceremony.

Eloping in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

Over a year later, their dream became a reality. They booked a group of campsites along the water, where their friends and family could gather and immerse themselves in the beauty of the park, away from other campers. On the morning of their ceremony, Danielle and Brad started the day with a hike, accompanied by their two beloved dogs, Hank and Oden. It was during this hike, overlooking the Mattawa River, that they privately exchanged rings, a deeply personal moment that set the tone for the rest of the day.

While the couple was out on their hike, their friends were busy preparing the ceremony site. Simple decor was hung, and a path was cleared in the pine needles on the forest floor, creating a natural aisle for Danielle to walk down. This touch of nature, combined with the couple’s personal elements, made the ceremony feel both intimate and magical.

As the ceremony began, Danielle’s brother-in-law played the guitar, serenading her and her father as they walked down the forest path-turned-aisle. The couple exchanged personal vows, each sharing the same story as an example of their love, a beautiful coincidence that highlighted their deep connection. The ceremony concluded with the sun hitting the water, creating a stunning backdrop that illuminated the couple as they were pronounced partners for life.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests shared a meal under the forest canopy. The park’s picnic tables were pulled together, and simple, outdoorsy decor was set out, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. As the sun set, the lights were turned on, and Danielle and Brad shared their first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young, a moment that perfectly encapsulated the beauty and simplicity of their day.

This lakeside ceremony was more than just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, adventure, and the things that truly matter. Danielle and Brad’s decision to break away from tradition and create a day that felt uniquely theirs is a reminder that weddings don’t have to fit into a mold. They can be as unique and personal as the love they celebrate.

Ontario Parks Elopement

Eloping in Ontario’s provincial parks offers couples the chance to create a wedding day that is as unique and meaningful as their love story. With breathtaking landscapes ranging from serene lakesides to dense forests and rugged cliffs, these parks provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate and personalized ceremony. 

Whether you're drawn to the tranquil waters of Algonquin Park, the dramatic cliffs of Bon Echo, or the lush greenery of Samuel De Champlain, Ontario’s parks offer a sense of privacy and connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. Eloping in these natural settings allows couples to focus on what truly matters—each other and the commitment they are making—while surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors. It's an opportunity to start your marriage in a place that resonates with your shared passions and the essence of who you are as a couple.

Thinking about eloping in an Ontario Park? Let’s connect!