How to Plan Your Algonquin Park Wedding

Algonquin Park Weddings – my absolute favorite!! The landscapes are so unique and beautiful, so it’s no wonder that many people choose to have their weddings and elopements here. I have had the honor of documenting endless weddings in Algonquin Park, and hope to continue to do so for years to come.

Your Guest Count

Not all locations in Algonquin Park are easily accessible for guests with disabilities, such as hiking a trail. And if you have a large guest count, you will need to consider using one of the beautiful venues the Park offers, versus having your ceremony at a lookout or trail. You do not want to disturb or harm the landscape or hinder the other park guests experience.

Plan logistics and accommodations

When it comes to planning a wedding inside the stunning Algonquin Park, there are a few special considerations you must make. Firstly, the style of wedding you want. This particular wedding I am sharing today is a one-of-a-kind, boho, and totally immersed in nature type of wedding. If hiking to your ceremony location and renting a group campsite isn’t for you – Algonquin Park still has many options for your wedding, which you can view in the lists below.

Algonquin Park does host a few unique wedding venues. These area’s can all host your wedding, provide amazing views and locations for portraits, and even have accommodation options for you and your guests! Some of my favorites include:

Bartlett Lodge
Arowhon Pines
Camp Arowhon
Voyageur Quest
Algonquin Eco-Lodge
Camp Pathfinder

Book your vendors

There are plenty of amazing Muskoka-based vendors that also service Algonquin Park. You will need to watch for travel fee’s for some vendors if they are not close by already. Some vendors you will need include: officiant, photography, videography, florals, hair & makeup artist, and a planner/coordinator. Some vendors you may or may not need include: catering, dress/suit rentals, tent rental, accommodations, etc. Please feel free to reach out for our preferred vendor list.

Want to know how much photography coverage to book? Click HERE to read our blog about coverage and sample timelines!

Pick Your Locations

You have SO many beautiful styles of landscapes throughout Algonquin Park. What type(s) of scenery do you want in your wedding portraits? Do you love the tall pines? Lakes? Or stunning lookouts? All of these are options that are accessible to you. It is my job to help you find the perfect spots! What is important to me is that we follow my Leave No Trace policy when photographing in certain delicate areas while creating magical imagery for you.

The Details

Your details can be as minimalistic or maximalistic as you choose. For this couple’s details shown in the photo, they chose very few sentimental items. Getting married in Algonquin Park was important, and rock lake was their favorite place. So I found these books, opened it to rock lake, and captured the brides ring with these details that *technically* were not theirs, but I knew they would LOVE!

Details to consider remembering for your photographer:
> Your Wedding Attire
> Rings
> Florals
> Any Jewlery
> Any personal/sentimental items

The Ceremony

Your ceremony details will depend if you are choosing a traditional venue within the Algonquin Park borders, or if you are going the non-traditional route such as saying your vows at the top of the lookout trail. You must be mindful to leave no trace when using the trails, and also of the other visitors in the park! Certain area’s will be busy, so if you want solitude, pick a not-so-popular location or go early in the morning. As an expert of the park, I am happy to provide recommendations!

The Portraits

I was so honored to bring this couples vision to life with my immense knowledge of Algonquin Park! We travelled to mutiple very easy accessible area’s to get a variety of scenes! I would love to hear in the comments which scenes you love the most!

The Reception

Again, following either traditional or non-traditional ways of a wedding reception. If you are at a venue in Algonquin Park, then you already set your location for a meal and dancing. This option is by far the “easiest” versus using the Park as a whole for your venue.

Secondly, some of my couples have opted for group campsites to host their reception events consisting of catered dinners, campfires, and more. This one is tricky to plan for rain back ups, but is damn gorgeous when it’s executed!

Lastly, the simplest option is to elope in the park. No guests, no reception, just you two in nature.