Ontario is not known for having big beautiful mountains like out west however there is a small town that boasts beautiful lake views and a small mountain that gets you high enough to be above the trees and you xan now get married here! Blue Mountain Resort opened it’s off piste venue a couple of years ago so you can now get married on top of a mountain in Ontario. Adam and Kristen are one of the first couples to be able to exchange vows up here and I’ve crafted this blog to show you all the best spots at this venue now that I have the inside scoop. Blue Mountain Resort is huge so hiring professionals that have worked here before will greatly help you navigate it. 

The Gondola

One of the perks of this venue is it is a functioning ski hill so there’s a pedestrian gondola that can take you and your guests from bottom to top of the mountain easily. Transportation can also be organized through Ace Transportation.

The First Look 

Blue mountain resort is VERY busy in the peak summer months and unfortunately there are only a few spots that have favourable views and work well for photos especially if you’re looking for a private first look (this is near impossible). My favourite spot for the first look is actually a 3 min walk from the gondola near the swiss meadows parking lot. There’s a large installation in the grass area, you can’t miss it.

The Venue

The venue at Blue Mountain Resort is called Off Piste and it has unobstructed views 180 degrees. It is a 10-15 min walk from the pedestrian gondola but there are closer parking lots if you or your guests don’t want to walk. 

There’s pretty spots between the gondola and the venue including a small bridge, some trails with a lot of tree cover and lots to still explore.

Overall this venue was great because every location was fairly accessible, they offer on-site catering so you don’t have to hire outside if you don’t want to and they also own a lot of nice rentals which helps logistically as well. I DO recommend hiring me! and a planner if you are wanting to get married on top of a mountain in Ontario like Blue Mountain Resort!

Vendor Team

photos @mariescholzphoto

planning @eba.eventsbyallie

florals @stemsandrootstudio

venue @bluemountainresort

dress @alyssakristin

Destination elopements can have any kind of weather at any time and having professionals around you ready for the changes is so important! This elopement in Tobermory had all kinds of weather. We started in sun and the day got cloudier until we got legitimately poured rain on during the ceremony and were still able to have an outdoor pizza + poutine reception. Even though the weather was unexpected the day was truly filled with even better memories because of it. Kelsey and Jarred had some particularly personal parts of their day choosing only their moms and Kelsey’s best friend to be in attendance. They rented an stunning Airbnb in South Bruce Peninsula before saying I do on paper at the Owen Sound Town Hall. After that we hiked to Lion’s Head Provincial Park lookout and Kelsey’s mom performed a beyond sweet ceremony in the middle of the trail in the rain. It was beautiful, everyone was emotional.

Vendor Team

photos @mariescholzphoto

planning @a.m.d.events

florals @fireandflora.co

cake @thecrumb

Planning a wedding involves countless details, and one of the most critical elements is the timeline for photography. Capturing all the special moments ensures that you can relive your big day for years to come. To help you plan, here are typical timelines for wedding photography based on different durations: 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, and 10 hours.

4-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

A 4-hour wedding photography package is ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings or elopements. Here’s a sample timeline:

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Getting Ready

• Photographer arrives to capture the final touches of hair and makeup.
• Detail shots of the dress, shoes, rings, and bouquet.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: First Look

• First look between the couple at a pre-selected location.
• Candid shots and a few posed portraits.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Ceremony

• Coverage of the ceremony venue before guests arrive.
• Processional, vows, ring exchange, and first kiss.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Family and Group Photos

• Formal family portraits immediately following the ceremony.
• Group shots with bridal party and close friends.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Couple’s Portraits

• Romantic and candid portraits of the couple at various locations.
• Creative shots utilizing the venue’s surroundings.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Reception Highlights

• Coverage of the entrance, cake cutting, and first dance.
• Candid moments and guest interactions.

6-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

A 6-hour package offers more comprehensive coverage, suitable for medium-sized weddings. Here’s a typical schedule:

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Getting Ready

• Capturing the preparation of both the bride and groom.
• Detail shots of accessories and candid moments.

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: First Look and Couple’s Portraits

• First look and couple’s portraits in a scenic location.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Ceremony Site and Guests Arrival

• Photographs of the ceremony site and arriving guests.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Ceremony

• Full coverage of the ceremony, including the processional and recessional.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Family and Bridal Party Photos

• Formal group photos with family and bridal party.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Couple’s Portraits

• Additional couple’s portraits in different locations.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Reception Highlights

• Coverage of the reception’s main events: entrance, speeches, cake cutting, first dance.
• Candid shots of guests and dance floor action.

8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

An 8-hour package is ideal for full-day coverage, capturing all the essential moments. Here’s an example timeline:

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Getting Ready

• Detailed shots of the preparation process, from hair and makeup to dressing.
• Emotional moments with family and bridal party.

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: First Look and Couple’s Portraits

• First look and initial couple’s portraits.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Ceremony Site and Guest Arrival

• Photos of the ceremony site, decorations, and guest arrival.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Ceremony

• Comprehensive coverage of the ceremony.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Family and Group Photos

• Formal photos with family, bridal party, and friends.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Couple’s Portraits

• Additional portraits of the couple in various settings.

3:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Reception Highlights

• Coverage of all key reception events: grand entrance, speeches, cake cutting, dances.
• Candid shots of guests enjoying the festivities.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Sunset Photos

• Golden hour portraits of the couple for that magical lighting.

10-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline

A 10-hour package ensures no moment is missed, perfect for larger weddings with multiple locations. Here’s a detailed timeline:

11:00 AM: Getting Ready

• In-depth coverage of the bridal and groom preparations.
• Detail shots of attire, accessories, and emotional moments with loved ones.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: First Look and Couple’s Portraits

• First look and initial couple’s portraits at a beautiful location.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Ceremony Site and Guest Arrival

• Photos of the ceremony site, decor, and guest arrival.

2:00 PM: Ceremony

• Full coverage of the ceremony.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Family and Group Photos

• Formal group photos with family, bridal party, and friends.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Couple’s Portraits

• Extended session for couple’s portraits at multiple locations.

5:00 PM: Reception Highlights

• Coverage of all key reception events: grand entrance, speeches, cake cutting, dances.
• Candid shots of guests enjoying the celebration.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Sunset and Evening Photos

• Golden hour portraits and evening shots of the couple.
• Fun and candid shots of the party atmosphere.

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Late-Night Coverage

• Capturing the dance floor, late-night snacks, and the send-off.

Conclusion

Selecting the right photography timeline depends on the size and schedule of your wedding day. Whether you choose a 4-hour, 6-hour, 8-hour, or 10-hour package, ensure your photographer captures the moments most important to you. Planning ahead and communicating with your photographer will ensure you have a beautiful visual story of your special day.

I’m ready to help you plan the elopement or intimate wedding of your dreams. Take it from the girl who has been around the country and knows all the best spots. You deserve to have the best adventure guide & photographer for your wedding or elopement!