All About Getting Married at Grand Pre National Historic Site
Looking to anchor your vows in a landscape rich with romance? Welcome to the land of Evangeline. Grand Pré National Historic Site is where historic ties and natural beauty meet in the vista of the Annapolis Valley rolling towards the Minas Basin. Once the centre of an Acadian settlement, the area is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here is everything you need to know about cultivating your own idyllic wedding at Grand Pré.
Five Things to Know About Weddings at Grand Pre
There’s a Small Fee for That: Admission to the site is $8.50 for adults and $7.00 for seniors, but youth get in free. There are guided tours available for $5.25 per person, and there’s a gift shop in the Interpretive Centre for your nephew and the $10 burning a hole in his pocket. There are minimal fees for elopements and for bringing a professional photographer on-site. For the most up-to-date fees, contact Parks Canada directly.
Make the Most of the Scenery: Whether you’re looking for an arbour draped in lush vines, a grove of willow trees, a quaint bridge, the spanning panorama of the nearby Landscape of Grand Pre Park, or the iconic backdrop of the Grand Pré Commemorative Church: choose your vista and let nature do the decorating for you.
Winter Wonderland: The landscape is equally enticing in wintertime: quiet, reflective, romantic, and replete with trails for a little pre- or post-elopement snowshoe or ski.
Glamping is the New Camping: With eight oTENTiKs on site, this National Historic Site is ready to weekend (or weeknight for that matter). Somewhere between a rustic cabin and a souped-up tent, each oTENTiK is equipped with beds with mattresses (bring your own bedding or sleeping bags), a table and chairs, a propane heater, and a barbecue. Water and washroom facilities are separate and shared and there isn’t any electricity, so charge up your devices or better yet, forget them at home.
The Grand Pré Golden Hour: Whatever vista you’ve chosen, consider timing your ceremony to coincide with the spectacle of sunset. Whether you’re saying your vows on the lawn adjacent to the Commemorative Church, taking photos in front of the June blooms of the rhododendron bushes, or already nestled into the oTENTiks village for the night, the sweeping sunsets at Grand Pré are not to be missed.
Where to Stay
The Grand Pré National Historic Site recently installed eight ready-to-camp oTENTiks, but if you are looking to expand your horizons and stay offsite, there are plenty of opulent options nearby.
The Inn at Grand Pré Winery in Grand Pré: Nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia’s wine region, this winery inn boasts historic charm with modern elegance. After dinner at the winery’s renowned restaurant, Le Caveau, you can stroll the vineyards and toast to your new beginnings.
The Evangeline Inn in Wolfville: This little roadside gem is everything you need as a home-base for an adventurous tour of the Annapolis Valley. With a nod towards the heyday of roadside motels, the decor mixes historic charm and midcentury modern with an indoor pool to boot! The adjoining Longfellow Restaurant offers a quaint atmosphere and heartfelt food. The entire experience has ‘Classic Honeymoon’ written all over it.
As the River Bends Retreat in Hantsport: This eco-conscious retreat encompasses geodesic domes nestled along the Halfway River. Wander the forest trail, indulge in a peaceful picnic and bask in the natural beauty as you decompress from the big day.
Make it a Road Trip Wedding
Roam the romantic pathways of the Tangled Garden in Grand Pré.
Make a night of it at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards' patio outdoor pizza oven.
Cosy up to the bar for a sampling of the region’s best beers at the Horton Ridge Malt House in Wolfville.
Take a bike ride along the adjacent Harvest Moon Trail. Can’t pack your ebike? Not to worry, the nearby Annapolis Valley Regional Library has them available for borrowing daily.
All aboard the Magic Winery Bus in Wolfville! Let this vintage double-decker tour you around Nova Scotia’s burgeoning wine region.
Start the weekend off right with a fresh breakfast at the Wolfville Farmers Market.
Grand Pre National Historic Site FAQs
Can I book the entire site for my wedding?
Grand Pré National Historic Site is a public park — though generally fairly quiet and expansive enough to find your own secluded spot, keep in mind that it is a public space and tours do pass through during peak season.
Is parking available?
Yes — there is plenty of parking at the entrance to Grand Pré National Historic Site.
What can’t be a part of my wedding at Grand Pré National Historic Site?
Alcohol is not permitted in the day-use or public areas of the site, but it may be consumed on a registered campsite.
Where can I find more info about the site, maps, etc.?
Right here: parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/grandpre