Why We Chose to Elope at Birchwood Acres (and Why It Might Be Perfect for You)
When I tell people I’m a wedding planner in Ontario who chose to elope, I usually get raised eyebrows and a lot of follow-up questions. But my own wedding journey — and our decision to exchange vows at our rental property, Birchwood Acres — has shaped the way I see weddings forever.
And it’s exactly why we’ve opened Birchwood Acres as a unique option for couples searching for the perfect Ontario elopement venue or intimate micro-wedding location.
The Dream vs. The Reality
As a wedding planner, I’ve seen the beauty of big celebrations: stunning florals, incredible food, and the joy of gathering everyone in one place. But behind the scenes, I often hear couples say they felt more like event hosts than newlyweds.
The focus can shift away from the meaning of marriage itself and toward making sure the guests are happy. That realization sat with me — and I knew I wanted something different for my own wedding.
Why We Decided to Elope in Ontario
After months of gentle convincing, my now-husband agreed to something unconventional. We decided to elope.
We already had access to a private, breathtaking property: Birchwood Acres, a 105-acre off-grid retreat in Grand Bend, Ontario. With mature woodlands, a spring-fed pond, and complete privacy, it was the perfect backdrop for a day focused solely on our love.
On a crisp winter afternoon, with snow glistening across the pond and evergreens framing the horizon, we exchanged vows in front of only our parents. It was simple, intentional, and deeply meaningful — everything we had dreamed of.
That evening, we celebrated with a quiet dinner at a local restaurant. No distractions, no pressure — just us, our commitment, and our closest loved ones.
The Best of Both Worlds
The story didn’t end there. Nine months later, we hosted a larger celebration with family and friends — the big party we had originally envisioned. But this time, the pressure was gone. We were already married.
That gave us the best of both worlds: an intimate ceremony that was truly about us, and a joyful micro-wedding reception where we could let loose with our loved ones.
Why Birchwood Acres is Perfect for Elopements & Micro-Weddings
Our personal story became the inspiration for opening Birchwood Acres to other couples. If you’re searching for a micro-wedding venue in Ontario or a romantic elopement location, here’s why Birchwood Acres may be the perfect fit:
✨ Exclusivity & Privacy – Tucked away on 105 private acres with a spring-fed pond and woodlands, it feels like your own world.
✨ Intimate Scale – We specialize in elopements (under 15 guests) and micro-weddings (up to 50 guests).
✨ Wellness-Focused Stays – Organic linens, clean natural products, and spaces designed for rest and connection.
✨ Versatile Settings – Exchange vows outdoors by the pond, inside our log cabin, or soon in our newly renovated indoor reception space.
✨ Connection Over Chaos – We help keep the focus on what truly matters: your love and your marriage.
Your Wedding, Your Way
For us, eloping at Birchwood Acres was the most meaningful decision we could have made — and it’s our joy to share that experience with other couples now.
Whether you dream of a quiet Ontario elopement in nature or an intimate micro-wedding retreat near Grand Bend, our property provides the space, privacy, and natural beauty to make it unforgettable.
Because at the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about the size of the guest list — it’s about the promise you’re making to each other. And what better place to do that than in a sanctuary as timeless and private as Birchwood Acres?
👉 Ready to start planning your intimate celebration?
📩 Inquire now at birchwoodacres.gb@gmail.com
🌿 Explore our wedding packages at www.birchwoodacres.ca
