In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Canada.
Weddings in Canada: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding in Canada could be a truly magical event.
From the moment you and your guests arrive, you will be swept away by the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape.
Whether you are exchanging vows in front of the majestic Rocky Mountains or on the shores of a pristine lake, you will create memories that will last a lifetime.
And with so many incredible venues to choose from, finding the perfect setting for your big day will be easy since there are a variety of options to choose from, including resorts, hotels, rental homes, and even private castles.
There are a number of things to consider when planning a destination wedding in Canada, including the time of year, the location, and the type of venue.
The best time to get married in Canada depends on the region, but generally speaking, the summer months are the most popular.
No matter what you’re looking for in a destination wedding, Canada has something to offer.
But first: you need to know where in the world Canada is…
Where is Canada?
Canada is located in the north of the North American continent extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It borders the United States to the west and south.
Area: 3,855,103 sq mi (9,984,670 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 37,424,000. Capital: Ottawa.
Canada Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Official Tourism Website: https://thecanadaguide.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Canada for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Canada
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Canada:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Canada or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Canada wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Canada:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Canada
Canada Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Canada:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Canada?
- What are the marriage requirements for Canada?
- What is the weather like in Canada?
- What should you pack for a trip to Canada?
- What things are there to do in Canada?
- What are the best Canada wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Canada Cost?
The cost of a marriage license in Canada ranges from $125 to $160, depending on the municipality of application.
Both parties must present proof of identity in the form of 2 pieces of government-issued identification – a valid passport, a government-issued birth certificate (including any change of name certificates), or a valid driver’s license.
One piece of identification must include your photo.
You will need to visit a local town hall, city hall or municipal court office to apply for the marriage license.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Canada
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 16 years old.
- According to Canadian law, 2 witnesses are needed who must have the mental capacity and language skills to understand what they are witnessing and signing.
- A marriage license in Canada is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and there is no waiting period.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Canada, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Canada?
The best time to go to central and southern Canada, where the main cities are, is from late summer to early autumn (i.e., from late August to late September). At this time, you may escape the country’s severe weather conditions (such as the cold in winter and the potentially hot days in summer), find fewer mosquitoes (which, in summer, are a plague throughout most of the country), and take advantage of the region’s tranquil and often sunny weather (the so-called Indian summer, which sometimes lasts until October).
In addition, if you visit the forests of maples and other types of trees around the end of September, you will be able to witness the breathtaking fall foliage.
It’s also possible that the weather will be nice from the end of spring until the beginning of summer, namely from the end of May to the end of June.
Even though it may become rather warm in the middle of summer (July and August), which also brings the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, you shouldn’t completely avoid those months.
The worst time of year, along with midwinter (December to February), is likely the thaw, which in central and southern Canada often happens around April. During this time, snow melts into mud, making travel difficult, at least outside of cities.
Summer is the only time of year in the northern areas when the temperature rises beyond the point of melting, however traveling may be easier when all the ground is frozen. In June, you may experience white nights in high latitudes, and depending on your latitude, outside of the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets for a longer or shorter amount of time. Even if the vast northern lands are still frozen at Easter, the days are already long enough. However, the days are much shorter in the winter, particularly in the month of December.
What should you pack for your trip?
During the winter, it is essential to pack clothing appropriate for very cold temperatures, particularly if you will be traveling to the north. This includes warm boots, synthetic thermal long underwear, a fleece, a parka, and a wind jacket. T-shirts or other light shirts are appropriate clothing for use in indoor conditions that are too hot.
Bring along some warm clothing, a coat, and either an umbrella or a raincoat for the Vancouver region and the rest of the west coast, where the weather is often warmer.
In the summer, while traveling to the main cities of the south, you should pack light clothes, T-shirts for hot days, a jacket and a sweater for the evening and for colder days, as well as a raincoat or an umbrella. Warm clothing, a warm jacket, gloves, and a raincoat are essential items to bring on an expedition to the Arctic area and high mountains, as well as trips to the northern seas and glaciers.
Canada Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Canada:
Average Temperatures in Canada
The table below shows the average temperatures in Canada each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | -9.2 | -1.7 | -5.4 | 15 | 29 | 22.2 |
| February | -9 | -0.8 | -4.9 | 16 | 31 | 23.1 |
| March | -4.3 | 4.6 | 0.2 | 24 | 40 | 32.3 |
| April | 1.9 | 11.9 | 6.9 | 35 | 53 | 44.5 |
| May | 8.5 | 19.6 | 14 | 47 | 67 | 57.3 |
| June | 13.9 | 24.6 | 19.3 | 57 | 76 | 66.7 |
| July | 16.6 | 27 | 21.8 | 62 | 81 | 71.2 |
| August | 15.8 | 26 | 20.9 | 61 | 79 | 69.7 |
| September | 11.6 | 22 | 16.8 | 53 | 72 | 62.3 |
| October | 5.7 | 14.4 | 10.1 | 42 | 58 | 50.2 |
| November | 3 | 7.6 | 4 | 33 | 46 | 39.2 |
| December | -5 | 1.5 | -1.8 | 23 | 35 | 28.8 |
| Year | 4 | 13.2 | 8.55 | 39.1 | 55.7 | 47.5 |
Average Rainfall in Canada
The table below shows the average rainfall in Canada each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 85 | 3.3 | 19 |
| February | 65 | 2.6 | 16 |
| March | 75 | 3 | 15 |
| April | 85 | 3.3 | 13 |
| May | 85 | 3.3 | 13 |
| June | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
| July | 80 | 3.1 | 11 |
| August | 80 | 3.1 | 10 |
| September | 105 | 4.1 | 11 |
| October | 100 | 3.9 | 14 |
| November | 90 | 3.5 | 14 |
| December | 95 | 3.7 | 18 |
| Year | 1035 | 40.7 | 166 |
Sunshine Hours in Canada
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Canada each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 3 | 90 |
| February | 4 | 110 |
| March | 5.5 | 165 |
| April | 7 | 205 |
| May | 8.5 | 260 |
| June | 9.5 | 285 |
| July | 10 | 305 |
| August | 8.5 | 265 |
| September | 7 | 210 |
| October | 5 | 160 |
| November | 3 | 85 |
| December | 2 | 70 |
| Year | 6 | 2210 |
Lake Ontario Temperatures in Canada
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Canada each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 3 | 37 |
| February | 2 | 36 |
| March | 2 | 36 |
| April | 3 | 37 |
| May | 7 | 45 |
| June | 13 | 55 |
| July | 19 | 66 |
| August | 21 | 70 |
| September | 19 | 66 |
| October | 14 | 57 |
| November | 9 | 48 |
| December | 5 | 41 |
| Year | 9.8 | 49.6 |
What To Wear in Canada? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Canada so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Pack plenty of warm clothing, as the weather can be quite chilly even in the summer in some regions.
- Comfortable shoes: You should also pack comfortable walking shoes, as you will likely be doing a lot of walking.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera! Canada is full of beautiful scenery!
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Canada
There are many different things to do in Canada, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Old Montreal
- CN Tower
- Stanley Park
- Niagara Falls Canada
- Notre-Dame Basilica
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Parliament Hill and Buildings
- Great Bear Rainforest
- Yoho National Park
- The Butchart Gardens
- Moraine Lake
Best Canada Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Canada?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Canada
- The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary
- Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland
- Morrin Centre in Quebec City
- Hôtel de Glace in Quebec City
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City
- Cambium Farms in Ontario
- The Drake Hotel in Toronto
- Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden
- JW Marriott the Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa in Minett
Hotels in Canada
- Hotel le Priori – Quebec City
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia – Vancouver
- Hôtel Uville Montréal
- Paradox Hotel Vancouver
- Sterling Inn & Spa – Niagara Falls
- Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary
- The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
- Park Hyatt Toronto
