Nova Scotia Wedding Venues

What are the popular wedding styles and venues in Nova Scotia?

Located in easternmost Canada and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia offers something for every couple, with its rugged cliffs and lush green fields. When it comes to planning your big day, you’ll find lots of fantastic wedding venues in Nova Scotia to pick from that will display the province's natural beauty.

It’s no surprise that there’s a high demand for outdoor wedding venues in Nova Scotia since it offers breathtaking backdrops for wedding photos. Halifax has many open-air modern wedding venues, from rooftop bars to ocean-view venues for an amazing beach wedding. You can also check out wedding venues in White Point, Sydney, Lunenburg, and New Glasgow for more waterfront wedding site options.

Annapolis Valley venues are popular among couples planning a vineyard wedding. Berwick is the ultimate destination for rustic wedding venues. Moreover, don't forget to check out country venues in Yarmouth, Wolfville, Truro, and Cape Breton for an affordable barn wedding. However, that's not all! For a beautiful Nova Scotia wedding in a setting where country meets elegance, forest and park venues in Dartmouth, South Shore, Bridgewater, and Western Liverpool have everything you need!

What is the best time of year for a wedding in Nova Scotia?

Autumn, spring and summer are all perfect for a Nova Scotia wedding. However, if your vision of a magical wedding includes snow-covered mountains, a winter wedding is the way to go! You'll not only save money, but you'll also have an easier time booking your ideal NS wedding venue and vendors since they’re less busy at this time of year.

On the other hand, summer is the best time of year to get married in Nova Scotia. Barn venues, beach wedding sites, rustic wineries and more provide the best experience and backdrop for your most special day at these times. If you’re worried that it might rain during your event, you can check out wedding tent rentals.

How much is a wedding venue in Nova Scotia?

It's too difficult to give an accurate average cost of a Nova Scotia wedding venue since many factors are at play. The first one is the date, time and season you plan to host your celebration. Saturday evenings are the most popular times for Nova Scotia weddings, and the summer is the busiest season. So, by having a mid-week afternoon wedding in the off-peak season, you can lower your expenses.

The second factor is the number of your guests. With more intimate guest lists, you can have your big day almost everywhere, from small wedding venues to museums. So, your chances of finding relatively cheap venues are higher.

The last factor is the services you want to include in your wedding. Some couples prefer building their NS wedding from scratch by visiting various wedding suppliers, and some others choose from readily available wedding packages provided by the venue. We recommend all-inclusive wedding packages since they offer everything you could possibly need, from NS’s best wedding photographers and videographers to catering firms and flowers. You can also check out BYOB venues to lower your cost further.

Are there any major events in Nova Scotia that we should consider when planning our wedding?

Because the province spans across a wide area, it's unlikely that any major local events will have an impact on your Nova Scotia wedding plans. However, you should check the region's events calendar to see if anything is scheduled for the weekend of your wedding, just in case. Some local event highlights include Celtic Colours International Festival, Nova Scotia Summer Fest, the Halifax & Sydney Ribfest, and The Stan Rogers Folk Festival. School holidays can also be a very busy time in this region, increasing demand and pricing for local hotels and resorts. So, if you're considering having an outdoor wedding in these months, make your reservations as early as possible for your out-of-town guests.

How far in advance should you plan a wedding in Nova Scotia?

Unless you're in a rush, you should give yourself at least a year to plan your wedding in Nova Scotia. The less preparation time you have, the more compromises you'll have to make. This can lead to an increase in your stress levels. You don't want your wedding day to feel like a race against the clock.

Start with choosing your Nova Scotia wedding venue, booking your wedding officiant and vendors. Then, you can move on with selecting your wedding dresses, sending invitations and buying wedding bands. In the meantime, have a fantastic engagement party, photoshoot and deal with every nook and cranny, from honeymoon planning to hair and makeup appointments.

What questions should I ask when looking for a wedding venue in Nova Scotia?

Once you’ve narrowed down your Nova Scotia venue list to a few top choices, it’s time to schedule a venue tour to see each candidate in the real world. It is your chance to have a closer look at the venue and ask all of your questions. For example, you'll want to know the total cost of the venue, as well as the amount of the down payment and when it's due. Ask the venue coordinator if you can receive a discount by having your wedding on a weekday or during the wedding off-season if you're on a budget.

Don't be shy to ask for a lot of information. It's crucial to know how many bathrooms the venue has, whether it has heating and air conditioning, and how the parking situation is. It would be best if you also asked about bringing in your own suppliers. We wish you a Nova Scotia wedding as magical as your love story!