This post is also available in: Français (French)

So, you’ve decided to plan a small, intimate wedding in nature—or maybe you’re dreaming of saying your vows, just the two of you, somewhere that gives you goosebumps just thinking about the view? You’re in the right place. But before you head off on your big adventure, there’s one major question to answer: How do you choose the perfect spot for your elopement in Quebec?

We’ll guide you through the real questions to ask yourselves, with concrete examples to help you find a place that truly reflects who you are—not just one that looks pretty in photos, but one that aligns with your story.

Why Your Elopement Location Matters So Much

The place you choose won’t just be a beautiful backdrop. It will shape your entire experience. It’ll influence the vibe of your ceremony, the activities you do, the light, the weather… and most of all, the feeling of the day.

An elopement on a mountain summit won’t have the same energy as an exchange of vows on a beach at sunset.

That’s why we want to help you figure out how to choose the perfect spot for your elopement in Quebec—so that every moment of your day feels deeply personal and meaningful. We know there are so many breathtaking and magical places in Quebec and beyond, and picking the one to explore with your partner on such an important day can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry—as intimate wedding and elopement photographers, we’re here to help you make a decision that truly feels right.

Start by Dreaming Freely (Yes, Really)

First things first—let’s say it like it is: When you decide to elope, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.

We mean it! An intimate wedding or elopement is all about doing exactly what you want, where and how you want to do it. That’s one of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope in the first place.

No rules. No obligations. Just the two of you—and your wildest dreams waiting to come to life. You can have any kind of ceremony you want, invite whoever you want (or no one at all), and most importantly, get married anywhere you want, no matter how off-the-beaten-path it may be.

So before diving into logistics, take a moment to simply dream.

If you could be anywhere right now, together… where would that be? In the forest? Standing on the edge of a cliff? In a valley filled with wildflowers?

Think about the kind of atmosphere that calls to you. What do you want to feel? To experience?

You choose a place with your heart before you choose it with Google.

Ask Yourselves the Right Questions

Which brings us back to the most important question:

If you could get married anywhere in Quebec—or even anywhere in the world—where would it be?

When it comes to choosing the perfect place for an elopement in Quebec, you have to go deeper than just typing “pretty Instagram spot” into Google. Here are a few real questions that can help you narrow it down:

• Are you okay with hiking to get there? A little, a lot, not at all?
• Are you picturing a morning ceremony, golden hour, or something at sunset?
• Do you want it to be just the two of you, or do you see a few loved ones by your side?
• Are you dreaming of adding something fun, like a swim, a picnic, a campfire?
• Are you comfortable with a super remote location, or would you prefer something more accessible?

So, how do you actually find the perfect elopement location?

It takes some real reflection—but we’re here to guide you through this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process.

When we meet our couples, we take time to really talk things through. We listen to their vision for the day, their must-haves, and their limits—whether they’re physical, budget-related, or anything else we need to keep in mind. Only once we’ve fully understood what they want to experience on their wedding day do we start making suggestions—locations, activities, timelines, vendors, and more.

Criteria to Consider

Here are some of our favorite factors to think about when choosing the perfect spot to get married. We hope this helps spark ideas, narrow down your search, and ultimately guide you to the right place to elope.

Landscape & Views

This is always one of the first things we ask the couples we work with: What kind of views and landscapes do you want to be surrounded by on your wedding day?

Take a moment to sit down and imagine the places that make you feel truly happy and authentically yourselves. What do they look like? What do you see around you? What kind of scenery comes to mind when you feel inspired, grounded, and at peace?

And we’re talking about both natural and urban landscapes here!

Curious to see some of our favorite spots in Québec? Check out our article WHERE TO ELOPE IN QUEBEC: EPIC NATURE LOCATIONS FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING or browse our portfolio by region.

Your intimate wedding location should reflect your personalities.

• Do you feel more drawn to the freedom of wide-open horizons or the intimacy of a deep, quiet forest?
• • Do you love the ocean breeze, salty air and sandy toes — or are you more into mountain trails, cool air and the scent of pine trees?
• • Or maybe you’re architecture lovers and dream of getting married in a city recognized for its historical charm or modern design?

If you’re inspired by more than one type of landscape, that’s totally okay. There are so many places in Québec and beyond where completely different ecosystems exist just a few kilometers apart.

Take Charlevoix, for example — it’s known both for its proximity to the St. Lawrence River and for its dramatic inland mountains. You could say your vows at the top of La Chouenne and end the day with a picnic on the beach in Baie-Saint-Paul. That’s just one example — we have so many ideas like that we’d love to share!

Some cities even offer a mix of urban and nature vibes. Think Old Québec, Vancouver or Edinburgh.

Activities

Is there something you’d love to do on your wedding day?

• A helicopter ride
• Antiquing
• A hike
• Kayaking
• Snowmobiling
• A hot air balloon ride?
• A museum visit

Why not plan to do what you love most on one of the most important days of your life? Thinking about the activities you want to include will help you choose the perfect place to get married.

Accessibility

Accessibility is another key factor when it comes to choosing your elopement location.

• How far are you willing to travel? What kind of adventure are you up for? And how are you planning to get there?
• Will you have guests with you — and do you need to consider accessibility for them?
• If your parents or older relatives are joining you, we’ll help you find spots with direct access or easy, flat trails.
• Would you be up for waking up at dawn to catch the sunrise?

There are plenty of breathtaking places that don’t require a strenuous hike.

And if you can’t imagine the day without your golden retriever Gustave? You’ll want to make sure the spot is dog-friendly. Good news! Dogs are now allowed in most of Québec’s national parks — though some areas and seasons have restrictions.

Also think about when and how you’ll get to your location.

• Do either of you get seasick or have a fear of heights?
• Do you want to fly, drive, take a boat?
• Will the journey include a hike to your ceremony spot?
• Would you consider camping nearby?

Even if you’re eloping just the two of you (no guests, no pup!), these questions still matter. Not to stress you out or make you compromise — just to help you eliminate spots that wouldn’t actually work for your day.

We’ll always be here to encourage you to fully embrace who you are and help you create a meaningful, totally-you experience.

Season

Sometimes it’s not just about where, but also about when.

Why? Because seasons hit differently depending on where you are. In Québec, for example, fall foliage doesn’t peak at the same time in the Eastern Townships as it does in Charlevoix.

If you’re dreaming of a snowy December wedding, you might want to consider a northern region like Gaspésie to increase your chances of real winter conditions.

Some places are simply not accessible during certain seasons. For instance, you can’t visit the islands of the Mingan Archipelago between late September and mid-June.

Season also affects your timeline — the sun doesn’t rise or set at the same time in July as it does in October.

There are lots of questions you can answer just by reflecting on when you want to get married, which season feels right, and what kind of weather you hope for.

Privacy

Let’s be honest — the best elopement locations offer privacy and seclusion.

If you’re set on a popular or public spot, we’d recommend choosing a weekday or going off-season to avoid crowds and keep things intimate.

One of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope is for the space it gives them to truly be themselves — to laugh, cry, and feel it all without holding back. We love that. And we’ll always make sure your space respects that need.

In a world of geotagging and social media, finding a truly private spot can feel harder… but it’s far from impossible.

In fact, Patrick and I spend a ton of our free time hunting down those hidden gems. We’re explorers of backroads and dead-ends — and we’ve got lots of secret locations up our sleeves we’d love to share with you.

Meaningful Location

Discovering a brand new place on your wedding day can be magical. It adds a sense of adventure and makes the day feel even more unforgettable.

But you don’t have to go somewhere new. You can absolutely get married in a place that holds special meaning — somewhere that reminds you of a beautiful moment you’ve shared together. We always encourage our couples to think about places that carry emotional weight for them.

For Patrick and me, the Magdalen Islands are one of those places. It’s where we took our first trip together. We had our first poutine on the beach, under a sky full of stars. It’s where we shared our first lobster feast and made some of our sweetest memories.

Think back to anniversaries, first dates, road trips, vacations, quiet mornings — where did those moments happen?

Getting married in a place that means something to you will make your elopement feel even more intentional, intimate, and unforgettable.

F*ck Trends!

We can’t say this enough: some of the most beautiful elopement locations — in Québec or anywhere else — aren’t popular at all. And if you’ve decided to elope, chances are it’s not because you want to do what everyone else is doing!

Sure, the most popular places are easier to picture — there are thousands of photos out there that help bring the idea to life. But if you’re open to stepping off the beaten path (and away from the planets of Instagram and Pinterest), there are so many more locations where you can create something truly unique.

A lot of couples don’t realize how much wedding planning can influence their way of thinking. Social media plays a massive role. But if you can tune out the trends for a moment and focus on your own list of hopes and dreams, you might just find a location that’s totally original, truly reflects who you are — and is nothing like the “Top 10 Most Instagrammable Elopement Destinations.”

Use Instagram and Pinterest to spark inspiration, sure — but give yourselves space to be creative and to follow your own trail. You never know where it might lead.

Tools to Help You Find the Perfect Elopement Spot

We’d be thrilled to help you find the ideal location for your intimate wedding — but it can also be fun to do a little exploring on your own! Here are some useful tools you can use when searching for that perfect place to elope:

• Google tools (Google Maps, Google Street View, Google Earth Pro)
• Social media (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook)
• Hiking trail websites (AllTrails, Sépaq, Parks Canada, etc.)
• Travel guides (Lonely Planet)
• Road maps
• Local guides

These are just a few of the tools that can help you uncover the best place to elope! And don’t forget — we’re always happy to help with the search.

Check the Logitical Details

Before settling on the location for your intimate wedding, don’t forget to consider a few practical details! They probably won’t change your mind, but it’s always a good idea to double-check these things before making your final decision.

Legalities

Make sure it’s both legal and ethical to hold a wedding ceremony at your chosen spot. Also, check the marriage laws in the province or country where you’re getting married — there might be specific rules around marriage licenses, waiting periods, or who can legally officiate.

Here’s a link to legal information about getting married in Québec.

And if you’re planning to exchange vows abroad, it’s totally possible to sign the official paperwork before your trip to make sure your marriage is legally recognized.

Permits

Reach out to whoever manages the location where you’re planning to elope to make sure you have permission. Some national parks, for example, require a special permit if you’re planning to get married — or even just take photos — within their boundaries. In many wilderness areas, you might also need a permit for backpacking, ski touring, or camping overnight.

Some places even have photography restrictions. Think of the Eiffel Tower at night, certain Japanese temples, or specific museums.

Bottom line? Do your homework and make sure you’ve got all the permits you need to bring your dream to life.

Let Us Help You Find The Perfect Spot

You can totally follow all the advice we’ve shared here and take your time finding the perfect spot to elope. But when you choose to work with Love is Nord, we do all of that for you, and most importantly, WITH you — and so much more.

To learn more about our services, check out our Packages & Pricing section.

If you’re still unsure about how to choose the perfect spot for your elopement in Québec, we’re here to help you get clear — step by step, no pressure. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Key Takeaways

There is no “ideal” place universally. There’s your perfect spot, the one that will make both of you feel alive. The place where you’ll want to say “Yes, I do!” surrounded by nature, looking into each other’s eyes.

And to find it, you must first dream, then explore, and choose with your heart… and a little bit of logistics.

So, are you ready to go on an adventure?