Tiny adventurous weddings & elopements.
It’s small, but it’s no small thing …
Our lives are so full. Demanding jobs, families, maybe children, lives so full of time that sometimes doesn't feel like your own.
An elopement is the absolute opposite - it’s your time, it’s just the two of you (or maybe a few dear ones), surrounded by love, enjoying your moment.
So special and so completely uniquely you.
Kickstart your marriage with a kick-ass adventure and do it smoothly, stress free and easily with elopement packages that are custom curated just for you, here on the adventurous east coast.
How it works …
“I’ve always loved weddings, big or small.”
Sarah Anderson, creator of East Coast Pop Up Weddings, became a Justice of the Peace (JP) in 2017 and there was no holding her back. Now a legend in the Nova Scotian wedding industry we’re proudly taking the reins after her, following her blazed path with her guidance and friendship. How did it all start?
“The very first wedding I was asked to officiate was for an elopement. The couple was really sweet and laid back. I hated the thought of them not having photos to capture the moment so I brought my camera and picked up a bouquet of flowers to gift the bride. We had a blast. It was drizzling while they were getting married but the second they kissed as newlyweds, the clouds parted and the sun peeked out. In that moment I knew I was hooked!”
Kelsey Anne & Samson Learn
Hi! We’re Kelsey Anne and Samson, and we’re the ones on the other side of your emails! We have found our stride and place in wedding industry through photography first and we continue to expand our repertoire through planning elopements and small weddings all over the Atlantic provinces. We’ve learned so much over the last decade from Sarah and other industry leaders, validated by our experiences in both the wedding industry and our roots in hospitality. All that we know, everyone we trust, and our whole hearts are behind every wedding and elopement we coordinate.
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Depending on what the whole day looks like, yes! Our focus is on planning your ceremony, but if you’d like to hire us to plan and coordinate your reception as well, you can!
If you’d prefer to plan the reception yourselves - great! We can offer support by connecting you with trusted reception vendors and being a sounding board for your plans and ideas.
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For custom pop up weddings, you get to decide what’s included in your package - everything from your officiant, to flowers, to cake, to decor. Keep it simple, or go all out - it’s up to you!
When it comes to elopement events, everything that’s included is detailed in the event description. If you’re looking for a little something extra (think : corsage for your mom, wedding favours, etc) just let us know, and we’ll make it happen.
For adventure elopements we keep things pretty simple - included is your photographer, officiant, and witnesses. Personal flowers for each of you, a cake to go - and an epic elopement story worth writing home about! -
We “pop up” with everything that you need to tie the knot - and then some!
Looking for a little something extra? From videography to floral preservation to live painters, we’ve got our finger on the pulse of the east coast wedding scene - don’t hesitate to ask if you’re looking for something outside of what we offer.
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Simple but complicated answer, it depends!
For adventure elopements we really try to keep things small - this style wedding is really meant to be fun and intimate, and a celebration of the two of you.
Our custom pop up weddings typically take place in more traditional wedding venues, and depending on the venue can accommodate up to 20 guests. We have a little flexibility with pop up weddings - if you are looking for something a little different, just ask!
When it comes to our elopement events, the number of guests you can invite is reflected in the event description.
If you’re unsure what your options are for a group of your size, don’t hesitate to reach out - we’d love to share some options with you.
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For our adventure elopements and elopement events, we take care of securing the location. When it comes to custom pop up weddings you have the option of having your wedding at one of the venues we partner with or booking your own - we can “pop up” just about anywhere.
If you’re stumped on the “where”, reach out! We have the inside scoop on hundreds of venues that are perfect for elopements, all over the province, and would love to share some suggestions with you based on your needs. -
For the most part - yes! For custom pop up weddings and elopement events you’ll have a more formal ceremony set up, including chairs and a signing table. For adventure elopements we offer a simple, standing ceremony - no formal set up, just you and your sweetheart in nature.
If seating is a must, or if any of your guests have specific accessibility needs, let us know and we’ll help you find a venue that fits your requirements.
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Sometimes! Not all venues allow for an arbor - let us know if this is important to you and we can help you select a venue that will allow it, or has one available onsite.
In our experience, nature is the most beautiful and dynamic backdrop you can find - we aim to help you find a location that has the wow-factor, with or without a ton of decor.
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It’s always a possibility - especially in the maritimes! Generally our couples proceed rain or shine - we always have enough umbrellas on hand for yourself and your guests.
If the rain is torrential, you have a couple options! Often folks will book accommodations that can double as a rain plan, but if not we’ve got a little map of gazebos and covered pavilions around the maritimes.
FAQ
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Whatever you want!
Your post-ceremony plans can be whatever you like. A private, catered dinner for you and your favourite people? We know some folks who can make it happen.
Dance the night away with your crew? We know a spot.
Eat pizza in your jammies, snuggled up with your fur babies? Heck yes!
Do what feels right for you!
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It really depends on what’s planned for the day, but most folks opt for either 2 hours or a half day of wedding photography. Some couples request just a couple hours of photography if they just want the essence of the day captured…other folks plan a whole weekend love-fest, and want the whole thing photographed. On average, you can expect 50+ photos for each hour of coverage.
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Nope!
We will always have a planner and photographer there for your elopement - both would be happy to sign as your witnesses.
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We pride ourselves in working with not just one or two vendors, but several carefully-vetted industry professionals.
When considering vendors for your micro-wedding, we consider their quality and style of work as well as their proximity to your chosen venue. In an aim to reduce our environmental impact, we try to choose local when possible.
Have your heart on a particular vendor? Let us know, and we’ll see what we can do!
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In person, at any Access Nova Scotia location, with the two of you present. More details on that here.
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Yes, but not officially.
The best way to approach this, in our experience, is to hire a JP to do the legal bit (before, after - whatever!) and then let your friend or family member(s) officiant (unofficially) conduct the ceremony.
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If written notice of cancellation is provided at least 14 days prior to your elopement, all fees paid in excess of the deposit will be refunded. If written notice is provided with less than 14 days, you are responsible for full payment of services except for travel fees (if applicable).
All of this is outlined in our contract, but if you have further questions don’t hesitate to reach out!
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We do!
To be transparent and totally honest - we’re excellent at weddings and elopements in Nova Scotia, and we’re continually networking and casting a wide net to responsible vendors and collaborators across the maritimes. If you can be patient with us we can plan an elopement for you anywhere in the Atlantic Provinces.
Ready to elope? Need to know more?
The goal of East Coast Pop Up Weddings is simplicity and low stress - all while creating a celebration that’s thoughtful and authentic.
If this is feeling like the right way to tie the knot, or if you just want to know more, we’d love to chat with you.