Category: Photography

Best elopement and intimate wedding venues near Montreal

March 30, 2021 Photography Melissa

This blog post is intended to serve as a guide for all you lovers wanting to get married no matter what! This is also for all your lovers who have decided to adapt your plans and SAY YES anyway! It is quite clear that 2021 weddings need adapting and couples are looking to celebrate in small numbers, have intimate events, elopements or multi-day events with their loved ones. If you are ready to hold off on postponing, ready to be flexible with your plans and ready to say yes to something alternative, these suggestions are for you!

In order to help you navigate through the ongoing changes of your wedding planning process, here are some suggestions of places where you can elope or get married in and around the province. If you need any additional information, it will make me very happy to chat with you here.

Restaurants in the city of Montréal

Montreal has some amazing restaurants that can offer your intimate party a special and unique experience. If you’re looking into hosting your event in the city and having the option of adding on activities for your guests then look no further. The following restaurants have a mix of outdoor and indoor seating.

  1. Ristorante Beatrice (Fine italian dining – this restaurant has a beautiful indoor terrace with a retractable roof. The indoor decor is quite charming too).
  2. LOV (Vegan restaurant with a few locations in and around the city – they could potentially have small groups)
  3. Jatoba (A tasty menu, a personalised experience and awesome space for a wedding. Lots of greenery, windows and chic setting).
  4. Knox Taverne (A hidden little gem with tasty good and a nice selection of beers and spirits).
  5. La Maison Verte (a little fine cuisine restaurant with a beautiful neutral and light reception room).

Montréal hotels and venues

The following hotels and venues accomodate small parties of 50 people and less. If you’re looking for an all inclusive package for your guests from dining to sleeping all in one place then check out these places. If you’re thinking of eloping with your partner, why not treat yourselves to a fancy stay in a fancy hotel for 1-2 nights? If this plan seems like fun, I would love to photograph your day!

  1. Auberge du Vieux Port (A beautiful intimate lounge, rooftop terrace with breathtaking views)
  2. Hotel Nelligan (A mix of romance and history, this hotel offers a rooftop terrace and indoor venue)
  3. Hotel Birks (Could be a great elopement getaway, why not treat yourself to a fancy experience?)
  4. Hotel William Grey (Unique wedding and small event spaces that range from an outdoor garden, terrace and indoor spaces).
  5. Hotel Gault (An elegant hotel for your intimate affair, brunch wedding situated in the Old Port).

The following locations are recommended for small weddings and events of approximately 30-80 people. Many of these venues require a minimum guest count, so do consider that in your budget and when you contact them. Depending on the government regulations, these minimums/maximums may differ. Please take into account the provincial guidelines for gatherings when planning your event; it’s important to stay updated. Here is the link for Quebec gatherings.

West Island & Montéregie venues

  1. Forest and Stream Club (A private club offering you a luxury experience by the water)
  2. Auberge des Gallant (Great place if you have guests coming from far and want a relaxing setting, outside the city).
  3. Sucrerie de la Montagne (Beautiful place for a fall wedding surrounded by maple trees and rustic buildings).
  4. Café d’horloge (A lovely vintage styled room, great for smaller events with an intimate feel).
  5. Auberge Willow Inn (A beautiful Inn with stunning views of the Two Mountains Lake offering comfortable rooms, a garden terrace, indoor space and pub).

North Shore & Laurentians

  1. Auberge du Vieux Foyer (Celebrate your day at the Inn surrounded by nature)
  2. Le Couvent – Val David (A beautiful space up north with lodging and food options for small groups. If you want a white canvas as a space, they’ve got a really pretty room!)
  3. La Bullerie (Where nature meets romance, a place where your guests will enjoy local gastronomy)
  4. Abbaye D’oka (A unique and historical wedding setting for small to large groups)
  5. Jardins Emmanuel (Beautiful venue if you love vineyards, and want to spend time outdoors).
  6. La cabane D’a coté (A rustic and cozy spot for a country style wedding).
  7. Auberge Mont Gabriel (Nestled in the Laurentians, this place has some stunning views for photos, and a few options for hosting your perfect day).
  8. Golf Le Balmoral (They have a covered and heated terrace, a few indoor and outdoor spaces, delicious food)
  9. Domaine St-Bernard (A simple space footsteps from Mont Tremblant Ski hill. A perfect place for your adventurous wedding weekend).

South Shore & Estrie

  1. Domaine le Ridge (Gorgeous vineyard and rustic barn for a romantic, country style wedding)
  2. Manoir Hovey ( A boutique hotel by the water, it’s a perfect setting to make memories of a lifetime with your small group or for your elopement getaway)!
  3. Le Peaches & Cream (small hotel with sweet views, and a nice space to celebrate your wedding)
  4. La Grange Manson (A scottish style barn in the middle of the country, close to Magog)
  5. Vignoble L’Orpailleur (Another gorgeous vineyard with beautiful and room with large windows to host your event).
  6. Vignoble La Halte des Pelerins
  7. Escapades Memphrémagog (Be different and celebrate your special day on a boat, cause why not!)
  8. Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa (A beautiful wedding spot for a day by the water with your closest family and friends, or this could also be a great elopement getaway!)

Quebec City and beyond

  1. Chateau Frontenac (Escapse to the historic old city and celebrate in style. This also be a great elopement getaway!)
  2. Auberge Saint-Antoine ( A historic hotel offering you charm in a modern space)
  3. Hotel Le Germain Charlevoix (A paradise of it’s own! This place is stunning, zen and offers a variety of activities and food options within a few steps. The beach and highland cows are in the backyard, and you have two national parcs within a 45 minute drive).
  4. Seignerie Ile Orléans (A gorgeous outdoor setting with large open space, big tent, lavendar fields and gardens).
  5. Domaine Cataraqui (An enchanting place with a variety of options and view of the river).

Are you lovers of adventures and nature? Perhaps hosting your special day in a national parc area would be your kind of wedding day! Imagine yourselves exchanging vows by a lake or on a mountain top, and spending your day(s) doing outdoor activities and celebrating in simplicity! If this reflects you and your partner, my gear is full weatherproof and I’d love to capture your union. Get in touch with me and let’s make a plan together.

Quebec National Parcs (SÉPAQ)

  1. Station Touristique Duchesnay
  2. Parc de la Chute-Momorency
  3. Aquarium du Québec
  4. Auberge de Montagne des Chic-Chocs

Gatineau and Ottawa Region

  1. Le Baluchon Éco-Villégiature (lodging, reception area, horse carrage ride, spa, nice views)
  2. Mill Street Brew Pub (unique setting overlooking the river, laid back atmosphere)
  3. At the School house (charming location with various options)
  4. Adelina Barn (beautiful private venue, budget of 25k or more, minimum 75 people)
  5. Stonefield Estates (budget of 25k or more, beautiful venue with indoor and outdoor options, lodging options included).
  6. Le Ptit Bonheur (Surrounded by water, this place has chalets and pavillons available. The rentals include access to their site and trails).
  7. Calabogie Lodge (A wooden cabin resort on the shores of Calabogie Lake, a great option for a getaway close to home).

AIRBNB rentals and Chalets up to 50 people

  1. Meadowlands- Stunning Eastern Townships Estate (A beautiful summer getaway! Sleeps 22 – and additional 3 bedroom guesthouse next door)
  2. Sugar Hill Retreat (Very accomodating, max of 40 daytime guests & 3 night minimum stay required + a surcharge of $20 pp for daytime guests)
  3. Le Domaine 360 (30 people, catering available)
  4. Chalet Oasis Lakefront (Sleeps 16-20 people)
  5. Chateau Alyma (Beautiful chalet, large common areas for reception and dancing. Sleeps 50 and cannot have more people for day events/sleeping)
  6. Le Grand M (max 50, large chalet in Charlevoix with spacious rooms)
  7. Lucerne sur le Lac ( Simple and rustic, accomodates 40 guesuts)
  8. Manoir des Forges (Modern chalet, beautiful spaces for hosting an event, 30 guests)
  9. Alta-Silva (Cozy chalet in St-Ferréol with some mountain views, accomodates 31 guests)
  10. Chalet Rezerve (4-10 people, cozy and modern chalets in Charlevoix. Perfect for an elopement getaway)
  11. Anata (If the borders open, this place is in New Jersey is quite something!)

Once you’ve had a chance to look through some of the locations and venues, it’s important to reflect on the kind of day(s) you and your partner want to have. There are multiple avenues possible to making your day happen and if you’d like a detailed guide on planning your elopement day, your multi-day wedding or intimate celebration of 50 people or less – reach out to me by filling out my contact form or sending me a message on instagram or facebook! I’ll send you my FREE guide.

Lastly, if you’re in the planning process of an alternative plan or just getting started, I would love to chat with you and provide you information on my elopement and small event packages. Get in touch with me and let’s get things moving along!

Contact Mélissa

Ten reasons why you should consider a small wedding.

October 3, 2020 Photography Melissa

Bigger events don’t always have to be better, so here are a few reasons why small weddings can be amazing! Let me mention that just because I’m giving high fives to smaller events these days doesn’t mean I’m saying bigger events aren’t the way to go. I’m simply going to point out a few ace things that can happen if you choose to go small.

First off, let’s start with the guest list. Having a smaller guest count allows for more quality time with your favorite people. You won’t feel rushed, and you’ll be able to have those personalized moments with your dears. Your guests will also feel more relaxed too. They’ll feel more at home, and will have more time to mingle.

#2: You’ll most likely save some money! Intimate and small weddings don’t always have to mean smaller budget, though most times it does considering you won’t have to feed a large group. It might also mean fewer decorations & flowers, and in that case you’ll find your budget a lot easier to manage.

#3: With a smaller guest count, and a bigger budget you have the possibility of using a space that might be more off the beaten path. Reach for the stars and plan that dream wedding! Spending your money more wisely allows room for creativity with design. You can choose to spend more on things that mean most to you, or perhaps plan a mega honeymoon, or hire a styling artist! The possibilities are endless!

#4: You can give your guests a truly personal experience. That could come in the form of super thoughtful party favors or some hand written notes. Giving them a gift from the heart, will bring that extra touch to your intimate day.

#5: Location, location, location! You can hold your reception nearly anywhere. You can host a ceremony outdoors, host your reception in a local restaurant, a classy venue for some fine dining and dancing or perhaps a beautiful Airbnb weekend getaway! The options for locations are limitless.

#6: A smaller wedding can equal to less stress. There is less headaches for planning seating charts, coordinating with schedules and finding a date where all your dream vendors are available. Having a smaller wedding provides you the opportunity of having a stress-free time throughout your wedding planning. You’ll hopefully be able to find vendors who will meet your needs, and impress you and your guests.

#7: Your bar bill will be much smaller, so perhaps this is an occasion to choose better quality wines or more of your favorite drinks! Maybe you could have that scotch bar you’ve always dreamed of, and your guests could sample some of the best scotches!

#8: Your dining options have become easier! You can offer cocktail style dining and have a simple buffet style dinner. This is often simple and ideal for smaller groups considering the lineups for food won’t be as long.

#9: DIY projects are more manageable with a small guestlist under 75. Doing handmade party favors, or your own decorations for 30 is much easier than 200!

#10: Your wedding will leave an impression. It’s different than what your guests are typically used to, the ones they’ve been to over and over again. They’ll remember the intimate vibes about your day.

Shrinking your event down, might not be your first of choices but give it a thought. Doing things in a different way than what we’re used to is harder than we think, but often is rewarding in the end!

Un Créatif Photo d’un Mariage Bohémien à Vaudreuil-Dorion

March 24, 2020 Photography Melissa

Je vous partage les images d’un projet créatif que j’ai eu l’opportunité et le plaisir de réaliser en février avec une équipe formidable à la magnifique Maison Trestler, en Montérégie. Je suis tellement heureuse et choyé de connaitre des fournisseurs avec autant de talent. Un gros merci à toute les femmes dans le milieu pour leur travail extraordinaire lors de cette journée séance-photo qui n’aurais jamais eu lieu sans elles! Et un gros merci à notre couple Myriam & Martijin d’avoir embarquer dans le projet avec nous. Je suis en amour avec tous les beaux détails de cette séance!

La séance amène un énergie romantique, décontracté mais avec une certaine élégance. Nous avons incorporer des éléments de verdure dans les choix de fleurs pour la marié et la table pour amener l’aspect nature à l’intérieur. Le thème de la table est un mélange entre le bord de l’eau avec des petits détails d’élégance. Pour une réception intime avec un décor chaleureux et vintage dans certaine chambre, la Maison Trestler est une belle option. Et si vous aimer les coucher de soleil au bord de l’eau, c’est juste wow.

Jetez un coup d’œil sur les photos, inspirer vous pour votre future mariage et allez suivre notre équipe de fournisseurs formidable sur les réseaux sociaux!

”Mélissa a été claire avec les directives et nous a mis à l’aise rapidement. J’ai adoré participer à ce beau projet. J’ai rencontré des super belles personnes bourrées de talent. Milles mercis pour cette expérience”

Myriam Olmand