The Most Romantic Winter Wedding Destinations in Canada

Quebec City is undeniably Canada’s most romantic city, thanks to its beautiful European-inspired architecture. Combined with the glowing holiday decorations in Old Quebec and falling snow, this destination makes the perfect backdrop for winter wedding photos.
In Old Quebec, there’s nowhere more special to say “I do” than at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which sits like a castle atop the hill overlooking Quebec City. Choose between the Grand Ballroom, Cellier Room, and Salon Rose Room. Alternatively, just outside of the city is Hôtel de Glace, where you can get married in a chapel made of snow and ice.

Vancouver Island is known for its remote and rugged natural landscape, so it’s the best place to set a rustic and romantic winter wedding. There are plenty of destinations to choose from, including the architecturally beautiful Victoria and surfing capital Tofino. Merridale is a cidery and distillery in Cobble Hill with an open (and heated) deck for the ceremony and an impressive farmhouse for the reception. With cathedral ceilings, large windows, and heaters galore, the farmhouse is a perfect place for a rustic winter wedding.
Alternatively, the waterfront Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino is known as one of the town’s most luxurious properties. “Windswept Tofino beaches, bleached driftwood, Vancouver Island old-growth forests, and the Pacific Ocean are a few of the natural elements that make weddings at the Wickaninnish Inn truly unique.” If you’ve always envisioned a beach wedding, even in winter, the Wickaninnish Inn can make it happen.

The Canadian Rockies in winter offers a completely different, but nonetheless breathtaking, backdrop compared to urban winter weddings. Is there anything more romantic than being photographed with snowy majestic mountain backdrops, and then warming up with your new spouse inside by the fire? There are many winter wedding venues within Banff National Park, including in Lake Louise, Canmore, and Banff.
Firstly, there are the Fairmont castles: Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise. Banff Springs’ Scottish baronial castle makes for impressive photos, while Chateau Lake Louise sits directly on the frozen lake, surrounded by mountains. The Lake Louise property also has winter wonderland wedding options, such as ice enhancements (think thrones and bars) and small sculptures. In Canmore, A Bear and A Bison has an outdoor gazebo, which is just as popular in winter as it is in summer, due to its stunning Rocky Mountains backdrop.

Montreal—and in particular Old Montreal—has the same enchanting European charm as Quebec City. “Narrow cobblestone streets are bordered by centuries-old buildings with European accents. The district, dotted by beautiful public areas, monuments, and remarkable photo opportunities from the St. Lawrence River and the Old Port, is the ideal locale to celebrate your love”: this is how Old Montreal Weddings describes the historic district. Favorite winter wedding venues in Old Montreal include Hôtel Nelligan, with its Royal Ballroom and rooftop terrace, and the mesmerizing Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur Chapel.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most charming towns in Canada, thanks to its historic and colorful Victorian buildings. Prince of Wales Hotel is one of the most photogenic, both inside and outside, and you will not find a “more sophisticated fairytale setting than the ballrooms at Prince of Wales.” You can expect chandeliers adorned with sculpted roses, bellboys in red and gold ready to greet your guests, and reception rooms with gold trim accents. In the Niagara Falls region, another outdoor option is the historic church at Ball’s Falls. There is also a rentable Big Barn for ceremonies and receptions, and an Outdoor Natural Ceremony alternative.

Whistler is an excellent ski town for your winter wedding. Snowy mountains surround the area, and rustic cabins and buildings line the streets. Couples can choose to get married on top of the mountain at Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort. There’s also the option to dine on top at the Roundhouse Lodge and Christine’s on Blackcomb.
Back on the ground, Nita Lake Lodge is the ultimate Whistler wedding venue. Its porte-cochère is very popular for winter weddings. It has photogenic views of Whistler Mountain, and its openness means it strikes the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor environments. There are also four reception venue options at Nita Lake Lodge and a waterside dock for photos.

The best thing about a winter wedding in the Okanagan Valley is that there are so many amazing venues from which to choose. Like Whistler, there’s the option of getting married on top of the mountain at Big White Ski Resort. Crescendo is a luxury ski chalet that’s ideal for hosting small weddings and accommodating guests.
Benvoulin Church at Benvoulin Heritage Park is a small yet beautiful chapel located in Kelowna. Sparkling Hill Resort, with its Swarovski crystal accents and views of the Monashee Mountains and Lake Okanagan, is a highly sought-after option. Finally, seeing as the Okanagan is known for its award-winning wines, a winter wedding at Summerhill Pyramid Winery is another option. Couples can choose between venues such as the Summerhill Pyramid, Vineyard Ballroom, and the lawns.