Everything You Need to Know About Blomidon Beach Weddings
There’s no more quintessentially scenic spot in Annapolis Valley than where the shores of the Minas Basin meet the red cliffs of Cape Blomidon. For a wedding that makes the most of this region’s natural beauty, look no further than Blomidon Provincial Park: Dip your toes into the Atlantic, lean into the vista steeped in local lore, and say,
‘I do’ where sunrise stems from the sea.
Five Things to Know about Weddings on Blomidon Beach
Tide Times: Check them long ahead of time! You want to hike to the beach right, not a full Bay of Fundy. Worse yet, to experience the unapologetic and fast approach of the Atlantic Ocean on your festive setting … so trust us when we say it’s best to plan ahead.
Flexible Set Up: Blomidon Beach is a beautiful spot and if you’re planning for a weekend wedding at a prime time of day, you’ll either want to dispatch a wedding party member to stake your claim to a nice spot on the beach, or be a little flexible about which bit of sandy wonderland is just for you. Luckily, the beach is expansive and the vista is big enough to share.
The Rural Route: Blomidon Beach may be a local landmark, but it’s best to ensure that all of your guests get a clear map indicating exactly how to get there, where to park and where you want them to gather. Blomidon Provincial Park encompasses the day-use park and the overnight camping area so there’s plenty of room for confusion. If possible physically show them in advance or at the very least drop a google pin for them.
Be Prepared: Any outdoor wedding deserves a rain back-up plan. While Blomidon Beach is likely spectacular during a late summer lightening storm, there’s only a certain level of adventure most wedding guests are up for. Consider where you’ll aim to regroup and how you’ll let your guests know that the plan has changed.
Campsite Bookings: Blomidon Provincial Park Campground offers 75 overnight camping sites available to book. The park also boast a multi-purpose building with a wood stove (think ‘Back-Up Plan’), showers, flush toilets, and wifi in certain areas. The park, which exceeds 1800 acres also features hiking trails, a variety of natural habitats with abundant wildlife — and that’s even before your wedding party checks in for the weekend!
Where to Stay
If camping onsite isn’t your thing, consider these nearby options to turn your wedding day bliss into a full-on dream vacay.
The Stay at Planters Ridge in Port Williams: While you’ve come to the region for the salty sea breezes, don’t miss your opportunity to make the best out of this trip to Nova Scotia’s burgeoning wine region. The Stay at Planters Ridge gives you a bird's eye view of a vineyard in action. The 1864 farmhouse was recently renovated to add modern flourishes and spa-like bathrooms. An artisanal breakfast is also included with each stay.
Taproot Farmstay in Port Williams: A getaway from urban living, The Swallow’s Nest at TapRoot Farms in Port Williams is nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia’s farm, this farmstay option lets you peek into the daily routine of a family farm and enjoy TapRoot Farms’ nearby organic orchards, fields and animals.
Tattingstone Inn in Wolfville: This local gem is steeped in traditional elegance and within walking distance of everything the town of Wolfville has to offer. Wandering Wolfville’s delightful main street and retire for the evening in one of Tattingston’s fourteen beautiful rooms. The inn also offers several packages to make the most of your local experience: including the Picnic Basket Package: a charcuterie-style snack pack or traditional gourmet sandwiches all set to go in either a wicker basket or a backpack — ready for you to choose your next adventure.
Valley Sky Glamping in Wolfville: Stay on theme with this luxurious outdoor option. This adults-only glamping experience is just right to relax, rejuvenate and take in the natural splendour of Nova Scotia. Valley Sky offers an assortment of geodesic glamping domes and one mini-home nestled in their forested paradise.
Post Elopement Bubbly on the grass above Blomidon Beach Park. Dave and Pring Photography
Make it a Road Trip Wedding
* Indulge at the Noodle Guy in Port Williams
* Take a stroll back in time in the charming village of Canning
* Stock up on bubbly at Blomidon Estate Winery
* Admire the expanse of the Annapolis Valley from the Look Off.
* Take in a show at Two Planks and a Passion in Canning.
* Hike the Cape Split trail in Scots Bay.
The Cliffs of Blomidon Beach. Photo by Dave and Pring Photography
Blomidon Beach Wedding FAQs
Can I book the entire park for my wedding?
No. It’s a public park, so while you can not book the entire park for any single event — the park space will remain open to other users — park staff maintain a calendar of events and ensure that each event has the space required to run smoothly.
Is an application required to hold a wedding at Blomidon Beach Provincial Park?
Yes, anyone wishing to host a private event at the park must fill out the online application found here: parks.novascotia.ca/about/have-event-park/private-events
Is there a fee for booking the park space?
There is no fee charged for hosting an event in a provincial park. An application is required but there is no fee associated.
Is parking available?
Parking is available at the entrance to Blomidon Provincial Park off of Pereau Road and within the Blomidon Provincial Park and Campgrounds.
What can I bring to set up for my wedding?
Bring what decor you need to make the event special — but keep in mind that you’re already getting bundles of natural beauty as part of the package! Guest are likely just fine standing for a short and sweet ceremony, or you could ask them to bring along their own beach chairs.
What can’t be a part of my wedding at Blomidon Beach?
A few things. Alcohol, fires, firearms, archery, ATVs, gambling and retailing (without a permit) are not permitted in provincial parks. Fireworks are generally prohibited so check first.
Where can I find more info about the park, park maps, etc.?