Planning a wedding, even a small ceremony or elopement, can be stressful. There are so many moving parts and details to consider, often in a short timeframe. If you’re like me and dream of an outdoor location that isn’t a traditional venue while staying within budget, this can add even more pressure to the planning process. That’s why I’m excited to share one of the best-kept secrets I discovered while planning my own wedding: You can get married in Algonquin Park!

Why Choose Algonquin Park?

Algonquin Park is a provincial park located in the Muskoka region, just outside Huntsville, with an astounding 7,630 km² (or 2,946 square miles) of space, making it the largest provincial park in Ontario. This gorgeous park offers stunning views that are breathtaking and unique at all times of the year.

We had always dreamed of getting married outdoors, ideally with a view, but we assumed it would be expensive and complicated to hold the ceremony in a provincial park. However, on the suggestion of a family member, we reached out and were astounded to learn that Algonquin doesn’t charge any fees to get married in the park—just the daily vehicle permit required for parking. They did ask us to keep it “small and low-key” and to avoid obstructing other visitors, which felt like a reasonable request given the park’s popularity.

Choosing the Right Trail

Finding a trail was our next big task since Algonquin has a total of 91 trails throughout the park, many located along the Highway 60 corridor. Since we were traveling from Huntsville, we hoped to find a trail not too far into the park. My original hope was the Track & Tower Trail’s lookout, but I didn’t realize it was about 4 km in and involved a steep 270-meter climb. While that view is unforgettable, the rigorous hike wasn’t suitable for our ceremony, especially since not all guests would be up for the challenge.

After some research, we found two trails that fit our needs: the Algonquin Lookout Trail and the Hardwood Lookout Trail. Both trails are fairly short, under 2 km, and offer gorgeous views at the top. We especially loved the Hardwood Lookout Trail, which overlooks Smoke Lake and features benches facing the view—an ideal setup for a small ceremony.

Our Perfect Ceremony

We chose the Hardwood Lookout Trail and couldn’t have been happier! Since it was the week of Thanksgiving, the trail was busy with tourists eager to see the fall leaves. However, most people didn’t stay long at the top, as the trail is short, and many wanted to explore more of the park. We were mindful of others, and everyone seemed to respect each other’s space.

Traffic can get heavy on weekends, especially during holidays from May to the end of October, so I recommend arriving early. We found that visiting during the week resulted in lighter traffic, allowing us extra time to walk the trail and capture the photos we wanted before the ceremony began. Our small ceremony included just eight people, including our officiant. This felt like the perfect number to avoid overcrowding the lookout area while still creating an intimate atmosphere. While the park didn’t impose a strict capacity limit, I recommend keeping the guest list to 15 people or fewer, including the couple and officiant.

A Unique Experience

I love recommending getting married in the park to others because it’s a completely unique idea for couples who want to incorporate their love of the outdoors into their special day. It’s perfect for adventurous couples who want to say goodbye to tradition and have a ceremony that truly reflects their personalities. While we chose a fairly basic trail to accommodate our needs and those of our guests, Algonquin offers a massive variety of trails that would provide stunning backdrops for an elopement or small ceremony.

Is Algonquin Park Right for You?

So, are you considering Algonquin Park or another provincial park for your special day? Use the checklist below to help decide:

• Do you and your partner love the outdoors?
• Do you dream of an intimate outdoor ceremony?
• Do you plan on having a small number of guests (15 or less) or none at all (other than witnesses)?
• Do you want a unique view and experience?
• Do you want an outdoor venue while staying within budget?

Planning an elopement in Algonquin Park offers a truly unique experience, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil lakeside ceremony or an adventurous trek through the forest, the possibilities are endless. If you’re considering an outdoor wedding in Algonquin or elsewhere in the Muskoka region, feel free to check out my Weddings & Elopements page for more details on how I can help capture the intimate beauty of your special day. I’d love to work with you.