If you think a courthouse wedding means small on love too, Darlene and Resil are here to prove you wrong. On a gorgeous fall afternoon this past September, they said their vows at Ottawa City Hall with barely a dozen people around them, including their two year old, and it was still one of the most detail filled, heartfelt days we’ve had the honour of shooting. If you’re considering an Ottawa City Hall elopement of your own, keep reading, we’re sharing their real wedding day alongside everything you actually need to know to plan yours.
Darlene & Resil’s Ottawa City Hall elopement
Darlene and Resil chose September 24th for their elopement, and Ottawa gave them the fall day every photographer dreams of, warm light, golden leaves, and just enough crispness in the air to make sweater weather official. Even with a small guest list, nothing about this day felt scaled back. Every detail was intentional, from the flowers to the outfits to the way they planned their whole afternoon, proof that an elopement doesn’t mean skipping the parts that make a wedding feel like a wedding.
Darlene and Resil are both nurses, and both originally from the Philippines. They came to Canada separately to study, and Ottawa is where their paths actually crossed. There’s something so fitting about two people who came here to build a life meeting each other along the way, and then choosing to get married in the same city that brought them together.
One request stuck with us the whole day: they wanted the Chateau Laurier in the background of as many photos as possible, and honestly, we don’t blame them. That building is Ottawa royalty, and it made the perfect backdrop for portraits right after their ceremony.
After City Hall, the celebration moved to Social for a relaxed lunch with about a dozen of their favourite people, capped off with a stunning cake from Dulce Cake Design. Simple, warm, and exactly what an elopement reception should feel like.
Everything you need to know about eloping at Ottawa City Hall
Thinking about your own Ottawa City Hall elopement? Here’s what to actually expect, from booking to budget to where to take your photos after.
Where is Ottawa City Hall and how do you book your ceremony
Ottawa City Hall sits right downtown at 110 Laurier Avenue West (there’s also a second location at the Orleans Client Service Centre if that’s closer to you). Civil ceremonies have to be booked in person, in advance, and you’ll need a valid Ontario marriage licence in hand before you book your slot. If you haven’t sorted your licence yet, we’ve got a full walkthrough of getting your Ottawa marriage licence to get you started.
What an Ottawa City Hall wedding actually costs
As of this writing, a weekday ceremony (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) runs $163.18 plus HST. Want a Friday evening or Saturday slot instead? That’ll be $244.72 plus HST. Payment is due when you book, and the city accepts cash, cheque, Interac, or credit card. Just know cancellations need 48 hours notice or you’ll lose a $50 fee.
What to expect on your ceremony day
City Hall ceremonies are short and sweet, about 20 minutes start to finish, and available in English or French (not bilingual, so pick one). Here’s the part that surprises people: only 10 people are allowed in the room at once. That’s the officiant, the couple, two witnesses, and up to five guests. You’ll need government photo ID, and if either of you is 16 or 17, a parental consent form. It’s intimate by design, which honestly makes it feel even more personal.
Best photo spots near Ottawa City Hall
The best part about eloping downtown is what’s right outside the door. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a five minute walk and gives you that iconic Ottawa backdrop, it’s the most requested spot for a reason. Majors Hill Park is right there too, with green space, skyline views, and the kind of light that makes golden hour photos look effortless. Add in the ByWard Market for a bit of colour and energy, and you’ve got a full portrait session without ever needing a car.
Where to celebrate after: reception and cake ideas
You don’t need a big reception hall to celebrate properly. Darlene and Resil kept it simple with lunch at Social, a relaxed spot that’s perfect for a dozen or so guests, and a beautiful custom cake from Dulce Cake Design. If you’re planning something similarly low key, both are worth a call.
Tips for planning your own Ottawa City Hall elopement
- Book your ceremony slot and your photographer as early as you can. City Hall slots are limited and fill up fast, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Bring your own flowers. There’s no florist on site, so if you want a bouquet or boutonniere, sort that ahead of time.
- Keep your guest list realistic. That 10 person room limit is real, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to bring family along.
- Book your lunch reservation in advance too. Walking into a downtown restaurant last minute on a Saturday is a gamble you don’t need on your wedding day.
- Don’t rule out a fall date. If Darlene and Resil’s photos have you dreaming of golden leaves, September and October are stunning in Ottawa.
- Bring the littles if you have them. Darlene and Resil’s two year old was there for the whole thing, and it made the day even sweeter.
Ready to book your Ottawa elopement photographer?
However your day comes together, big details or small, we’d love to help you capture it. Visit our Ottawa elopement photography page for pricing and to check our availability for your date.
Vendor team:
Venue: Ottawa City Hall
Reception: Social
Cake: Dulce Cake Design
Photography & Videography: Grey Loft Studio
