Say “I Do!” to a Nova Scotia Road-trip Wedding

Start your road trip to marital bliss where the sky meets the sea when you set the GPS for Hall’s Harbour! This scenic fishing village dates right back to 1779 when Samuel Hall, an American privateer, used the natural cove as a base to raid the settlements along the other side of the North Mountain. Legend has it that he may have left some treasures behind when he finally fled – but whether or not the nearby woods are hiding valuables untold, Hall’s Harbour is a hidden gem. Still, a working harbour, park your car and enjoy a stroll along the harbourfront boardwalk and take in the highest tides in the world.

When you’re ready to eat, the waterfront Halls Harbour Lobster Pound is set to serve you inside, a la sea air on the patio, or better yet: get your meal to go and set up your own picnic on the beach. Oh, and while you’re at it, want to get married? (Every meal comes with a lobster bib, so don’t worry about your fancy attire).

Pro-tip: You’ve booked the photographer, or you’re just snapping some selfies: don’t worry if the weather is overcast. Broody clouds only emphasize the romantic drama of the coast.

Vow spot: If you’re hoping to say your ‘I do’s’ oceanside, consider timing them around ‘the magic hour’. The sea is always at it’s finest at sunrise and sunset.

Photo by Zack Goldsmith Photography

Where the Annapolis Valley rolls into the Minas Basin, the Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site and Grand-Pré National Historic Site in Grand Pré holds fast to the history of the land. Pause at View Park on Old Post Road, just outside of town, to soak in the landscape rich in Mi’kmaw tradition and steeped in the stories of the Acadians who once farmed these lands. In the distance, you’ll see Cape Blomidon – it’s the view Valley residents say, let’s them know they’re home. It also looks great on wedding photos.

If you’re looking for a slightly more cultivated natural beauty backdrop, discover the nearby Tangled Garden. Nestled roadside, without much of a hint what’s hidden behind, these secret gardens are open to the public and ready to host charming weddings au plein-air and au plenty of beautiful blossoms.

Pro-tip: Adventurous roadster? Starting in 2021, Parks Canada is offering oTENTiks at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. OTENTiks equal very-nearly glamping. Book a night, borrow a bike from the local library in Wolfville (you can do that!) and make this portion of your road-trip carbon footprint-free.

Vow spot: Every season of the year, there is somewhere beautiful to say your vows in the Annapolis Valley. But whatever the landscape, whatever the weather, your wedding is about the two of you. Whether you’re in your favourite pub on a cozy winter day, under a flowering arch at the height of spring, oceanside mid-summer, or in an apple orchard as the cool fall nights begin, choose the place and space that means the most to you – then just go ahead and get this wedding done!

Photo by Chris + Amber Photo