Deciding Where to Elope in Saskatchewan

So you’re thinking about eloping in Saskatchewan! Maybe you already have a location in mind, or maybe you have no idea where to go. Here are some tips for deciding where to elope in Saskatchewan and choosing the perfect location for your day.

First, consider the overall environment you envision, and the things you love to do together. Then, sit with your partner, close your eyes, and envision your day. Don’t think about logistics – just describe to each other what you see. Do you spend the day in the forest, at the lake, or out under the prairie sky? Are you alone, with your dog, or some family too? What else do you do that day – is there a cake, a BBQ, a bonfire? Paint each other a picture of the things that will make your day meaningful. Dream big, then narrow down the places that fit your vision. There’s a great list below to get you started.

Once you’ve decided on a place, you’ll need to consider the logistics of your elopement location. Firstly, what are the nearby options for accommodation, meals, and other potential wedding vendors? Then, where are the specific places you want to include in your day: your ceremony site, other photo locations, a nice spot to eat that yummy picnic lunch? Further, how accessible are these locations – if they require walking, can everyone manage? How close do you need to be to a bathroom? What will you do if it rains – embrace it, or go somewhere else, and if so where?

If you’re planning to elope, privacy and intimacy are probably important to you. You want to connect with and focus on each other, without an audience of strangers. Keep this in mind when choosing a specific location for your ceremony. If it’s in an area where there tends to be people, consider a sunrise or sunset ceremony (bonus – amazing light!). You could also hike in further off the beaten path, or explore the surrounding area for something quieter.

For locations on on private land, you will need permission from the landowner. If you’re not sure who the landowner is, contact the rural municipality office and they can assist you. On public land, you may need a permit. If you’re in a national park, you definitely do. And if it’s Prince Albert National Park you’ve got your eye on, check out this post on eloping in Waskesiu!

Great places to elope in Saskatchewan

Eloping in the Saskatoon area

For a low-fuss wedding day close to home, the Saskatoon area is full of gorgeous natural locations for your elopement! The most obvious option is along our beautiful South Saskatchewan river. Cranberry Flats Conservation Area offers stunning vistas over the river valley, especially at sunset when the skies truly come alive. For nature lovers, Beaver Creek Conservation Area has many hiking trails down to the river. It’s especially lovely when the fall colors are at their peak. Wanuskewin is also along the Meewasin Valley Trail, and is truly somewhere special.

If beaches are more your style, Saskatoon has got those too! Poplar Bluffs, Paradise Beach, and the Fred Heal Canoe Launch all have long wild stretches of sandy beach. They’re perfect if you’re opting for a sunset ceremony. There are also great stretches of beach at Chief Whitecap Park and various locations right in the city itself. You’ll have to consider that the amount of beach varies depending on water levels. Sometimes there isn’t much beach at all, so plan accordingly! Blackstrap Lake, with its scenic views from the hills, and Pike Lake are both a short drive from the city.

Lakeland: Eloping in Waskesiu, Candle Lake, Emma Lake and beyond

Maybe you’re a lake lover, grew up with summers at the family cabin, or just enjoy camping. If so, you’re probably already dreaming of heading north. Candle Lake and Waskesiu/Prince Albert National Park are two obvious locations for their natural beauty, wild forests, and convenient amenities. But really, there are no end to the beautiful lakes and secluded options in this area.

• Waskesiu Lake and Prince Albert National Park. Perhaps the most well-known tourist destination in Saskatchewan (and for good reason!), eloping in Waskesiu is a topic all its own. Check out this page for all the details!
• Candle Lake Provincial Park. If you’re a Candle Lake lover like me, I don’t have to tell you how beautiful it is. Imagine your ceremony under a canopy of mature spruce, sunlight streaming in, the scent of the forest on the breeze. Envision the stillness of the powdery sands at Waskateena Beach or Minowukaw Beach at sunset. Candle Lake Golf Resort is a great place to stay and eat, with a variety of other options for cottage rental, camping and food.
• Emma Lake and Christopher Lake. Ever sleep in a yurt? Flora Bora is the perfect hideaway nestled in the forest, and an especially great option if you plan to include a handful of loved ones in your intimate wedding day. Say your vows on the dock overlooking the lake or deep in the forest, BBQ up some supper, and finish the evening with beers around the campfire.
• Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Further west, Meadow Lake Provincial Park is a boreal forest lover’s paradise, with more than 20 lakes and some of the province’s most beautiful beaches. Camp or rent an RV, or stay at the tranquil Water’s Edge Eco Lodge.
• Narrow Hills Provincial Park. From the rolling eskers to the glittering Gem Lakes, the Narrow Hills area offers a variety of dramatic landscapes perfect for your Saskatchewan elopement.

A Lake Diefenbaker elopement

The Lake Diefenbaker area offers so many options for both scenic areas and amenities, making it both a beautiful and convenient location. With three provincial parks and numerous regional and local parks, there’s something for every nature lover. Explore the coulees, ravines, and wild sandy beaches, or say your vows atop the hills overlooking the water.

For a unique experience, Wolf Willow Winery and Camp Wolf Willow are just up the road along the river. With sandy shorelines, stunning prairie vistas, and wooded valleys, it’s the perfect hideaway for a rustic elopement. If you’re inviting a few guests, make a weekend of it with their luxury tenting options, winery, and delicious restaurant on site.

Elope in southern Saskatchewan

The southern reaches of our province are full of bucket-list destinations that would make great places to elope in Saskatchewan! Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park gives you the beauty of the boreal forest without the long drive north, and has a variety of options for adventure. Castle Butte and Big Muddy offer a stunning landscape from another time (just be aware that Castle Butte is on private land and is sometimes closed due to ranching). The Great Sand Hills are some of the largest active sand dunes in the province, and an unexpected prairie experience. Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is great for recreation, including a unique glamping opportunity in the geodesic domes at Northshore Resort. And you can’t forget the solitude and wonder of the wild prairie grasslands and wide open skies in Grasslands National Park.

The most important thing to remember

Maybe you choose one of our provincial gems. Or maybe you stick to someplace meaningful: your family farm, your favourite place to walk to the dog, your backyard, or the location of your first date. The options are endless and choosing may feel overwhelming. Just remember the most important thing: you are marrying your person. Your location will help to create an unforgettable experience, but it’s a small part of the adventure that awaits you!