Ottawa is a great location to elope, and many do! There are so many reasons why you could be considering this beautiful city and I would love to share my opinions and knowledge with you.
Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony overlooking Ottawa’s skyline, at the Experimental Farm with the sun shining behind you, an adventure through Gatineau Park to your chosen spot, the classic City Hall elopement, in the comfort of your home, or your favourite restaurant or park… The options are truly endless when it comes to planning an elopement!
Elopements VS. Weddings
I have written out my opinion of some pros & cons to eloping vs. have a traditional wedding… Please keep in mind that I ADORE elopements and some of my “pros” may be “cons” to you, or vise-versa! Everyone has their own preferences and visualizations as to what their fairy tale day will look like to them! 🙂 The biggest difference between the two is the cost and number of family & friends!
Elopements
Pros
- In-expensive & stress free
- Very little planning needed, last-minute
- Short and sweet with the person you love most
- Get married, spend your evening however you wish
- A day you will never forget!
Cons
- Limited number of family & friends
- Shorter duration of celebrations
Weddings
Pros
- Unlimited number of family & friends
- All-day celebration with family & friends
- A day you will never forget!
Cons
- Costly & stressful at times (please hire a planner – it is worth it)
- Time consuming
- Booking vendors must be done at least a year or two in advance
- Little time spent on the day of with your love
Getting Married At Ottawa City Hall
The City of Ottawa offers non-denominational marriage ceremonies that take approximately 20 minutes in their 10-person ceremony room located on the second floor at City Hall. Reservations must be made in-person at the City Hall Client Service Centre at 110 Laurier Ave. West, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 5 pm.
Pricing for civil ceremonies at City Hall…
- Option 1: $156.51 (incl. tax) – Monday to Friday during business hours
- Option 2: $234.76 (incl. tax) – Friday evenings & Saturday afternoons
Requirements for civil ceremonies at City Hall…
- You will be required to provide a valid Province of Ontario marriage License.
- Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
- Government-issued photo identification
- If previously married: court certified copy of the certificate of divorce, final decree or final judgement. Photocopies are not accepted.
LINKS: Marriages, deaths and oaths at City of Ottawa
