A Romantic Merrickville Elopement
Documentary-style wedding photography in the heart of Ontario
At the end of April, I had the privilege of photographing one of the most heartfelt elopements I’ve ever witnessed — and even more special, because it was for two of my closest friends. Set in the historic town of Merrickville, Ontario, this intimate wedding felt like something out of a story: meaningful, relaxed, and filled with so much love and emotion. This wedding is everything I love about being a Merrickville wedding and elopement photographer.
A Quiet Shoot the Evening Before the Wedding: Exploring Merrickville with the Bride and Groom
The night before the ceremony, I had the joy of capturing a portrait session with the couple around Merrickville — and honestly, it felt like the beginning of a love letter to the town itself.
We wandered past historic stone buildings and ruins, paused by pastel storefronts like the Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe, and followed along the Rideau Canal as the light softened around us and turned into blue hour. Every stop told a part of their story — and gave us such a rich variety of backdrops, all within such a short walking distance.
This relaxed, intimate pre-wedding session meant we could slow down and really focus on connection and enjoying the moment. The bride and groom would be celebrating with only their closest family members the following day, so they didn’t want to spend too much time away from the celebration. Doing this session the evening before freed up the wedding day for them to be fully present — something I can help plan for as a Merrickville wedding and elopement photographer. Another option to this is sneaking out at sunset on your wedding day for a little time to enjoy the moment together and catch your breath while having some romantic photos taken.
Editorial Wedding Venue Shoot within Merrickville’s Maple & Rose
After the sun had set and we’d finished up with the photos outside, we moved indoors to their Merrickville wedding venue and accommodation, Maple & Rose. Since they had booked this luxury accommodation for two nights to host their family over their wedding weekend, we had a chance to get creative in this beautiful, historic building. We had a lot of fun playing with flash and taking editorial style photos in different rooms of the venue. I would definitely love to do something like this again!
The Wedding Day in Merrickville: Simple, Emotional, and Full of Meaning
The actual wedding took place the next day at their cozy and romantic Merrickville wedding venue tucked just outside the village center, Maple & Rose Luxury Accommodation. Surrounded by their closest people on the porch, they exchanged heartfelt vows, shared many laughs, and created the kind of memories that will linger for many years to come.
While we kept the location rooted in one space on the wedding day, the love and emotion more than filled it. I love how the evening portraits we took the night before blended with the day-of coverage at their wedding venue to tell a full, layered story of the two of them. After the ceremony, we continued with family portraits, and of course some portraits with the bride and grooms beloved dogs, before moving inside for cocktails.
Why Merrickville is a Dream for Elopements and Intimate Wedding Photography
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Ontario and looking for somewhere relaxed, beautiful, and full of character — Merrickville might be exactly what you’re looking for.
With its walkable charm, heritage architecture, and scenic riverfront, this little village offers so much visual variety in one place. Not to mention the cutest shops and boutiques, with some amazing food and drink options too! Maple & Rose makes for the perfect Merrickville Wedding venue if you’re looking to have an intimate day. Whether you’re hoping for portraits that feel editorial, nostalgic, or candid and real — Merrickville gives you options.
As an Ontario elopement and wedding photographer, I’m always looking for locations that let couples just be themselves. This place does that effortlessly.
Thinking of Planning a Merrickville Elopement and Need a Photographer?
Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows by the canal or creating an intentional, love-filled day surrounded by a few of your people — I’d love to help document it all.
If you’re looking for a Merrickville wedding and elopement photographer, let’s create something that feels true to you. Check out my Elopements & Intimate Weddings page to find more details, or contact me to set up a complimentary call to discuss your wedding and elopement photography needs!
📍 Based in Eastern Ontario
📸 Capturing love stories in Merrickville, Ottawa, Lanark County, and beyond
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