Weather may give Canadians a pause about destination weddings in other parts of the world. Fortunately, the Great White North is home to several fabulous spots wherein engaged couples can unite in matrimony. From lodges to lofty castles, betrothed Canadians can celebrate their first day as a married couple at incredible venues without having to step foot outside of the country.

Nita Lake Lodge

Say “I Do” at the Nita Lake Lodge, a stunning wedding site located in Whistler, a well-known vacation destination in British Columbia. This lodge/hotel offers visitors both natural and architectural splendor with its indoor-outdoor venues that make for uniquely gorgeous wedding ceremonies throughout the year. Breathtaking mountain views will complement, not compete with, the beauty. The Nita Lake Lodge offers several lovely options for receptions, including the dining room, ball room, train station and library. An added bonus comes from having plenty of options for wedding photography.

Hôtel de Glace

Start the first day of the rest of your lives with something completely different at Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America. This most unique of wedding locales is only open for three months at the top of each year as the venue itself is built each year. A horse-drawn carriage is available to transport the bride to meet the groom inside of an ice chapel. A bottle of Neige Ice Cider serves as a fitting coda to the wedding ceremony, served in handcrafted iced flutes. Wedding ceremony location becomes the honeymoon hotel with a stay in one of the hotel’s unique rooms.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Brides and grooms will have no trouble feeling regal at the Château Frontenac, known as one of the world’s most photographed hotels. This hilltop venue overlooking Quebec City gives the impression of a castle taken right out of a classic book of fairy tales. Classic European-style architecture provides a rich, old-world feel, not just for the wedding event itself but also in the photographs capturing the day’s most special memories. The couple and their invited guests can enjoy a meal that’s fit for a king from the hotel’s award-winning culinary staff.

Fogo Island Inn

For the engaged couple who prefer a more remote spot, Fogo Island is known to be one of the planet’s four corners. Consider a celebration at the Inn, which comes with a classic Newfoundland menu, served in the hotel’s award-winning dining room. Gaze up at the heavens on the rooftop terrace or take in the wide expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean at the meeting room. The island itself boasts a wealth of hiking trails, making it a fun option for the couple who comes alive in the great outdoors.

Merridale Cidery & Distillery

For some grooms and brides, exchanging vows in a rustic farmhouse with high cathedral ceilings and orchard views is their idea of a great time. The Merridale Cidery & Distillery, set in the Cowichan Valley of British Columbia, offers an exciting wedding venue. This property features a farm setting that includes a pond, gazebo and fabulously appointed yurts that can help the happy couple make a weekend out of the celebration. Wedding events feature top-notch service, delicious food and tasty beverages offered by the bakery, cidery and distillery available at Merridale.

For Canadians who are ready to tie the knot, several amazing options for destination weddings are available within our own borders. While the most important part of the event is solemnizing the union with the witness of dear loved ones, there’s no reason you can’t celebrate in an amazing castle-like setting or backdropped by the majesty of Canada’s natural beauty.