As a Belleville wedding photographer and elopement photographer, I specialize in providing my outdoor-loving couples with a laid-back wedding day experience. Having the freedom to explore and be yourselves as a couple helps maximize your time together. I believe that couples deserve images that are authentic to their unique relationship. You want your images to show your connection to your loved ones and the natural environment you choose to say your vows.
Do you imagine you and your spouse standing on the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario? Do you love the idea of celebrating with your guests at a top tier Ontario winery? What about enjoying a day in the country with rolling open fields? Or a post-ceremony stroll through a lush forest? All of these options are possible when planning a wedding in the Belleville area.
I live in the Belleville area and started my photography business here because I love how many natural and gorgeous areas there are for weddings. Getting married in Belleville is a wise choice – it’s easily accessible from many parts of the province, there are a lot of things for your guests to do, and the wedding scene is thriving!
How do you plan your Belleville wedding?
There are many factors that come into play when planning your dream Belleville wedding. The time of year that you get married influences a lot of the details of your wedding planning. But believe it or not, it is possible to have an outdoor wedding year-round! You just need to plan appropriately. When considering time of year, you’ll need to think about:
- Venue availability – Be aware that there may be different prices during different times of year. If you are hoping for an on-peak time, you may want to plan for a mid-week wedding or elopement to get your first choice venue.
- Personal preference – Trying to avoid the heat? Not a fan of the cold? Hoping for greenery? Dreaming of fall colours? All of these factors will influence your time of year selection!
- Guest availability – If you are having guests travel in for your wedding, time of year can influence whether or not they are able to attend your wedding. Travel can be unpredictable when leaving the GTA, so it is important to consider!
- Themes – Sometimes you’ll have to plan your wedding around a theme, and time of year will heavily influence it!
2. Your Location
It’s up to you to decide if you would like to DIY the location or go with a Belleville venue that caters to outdoor weddings and elopements!
Backyard weddings are some of my favourite weddings to photograph. Usually the couple has a personal connection to the area where they are getting married, which makes it a great and meaningful spot. But be aware – they are a ton of work! You will need to consider rentals (e.g. tents, linens, tables, chairs, caterers, sometimes even port-a-potties!) and space. Every backyard wedding I have photographed has been a labour of love that has paid off beautifully. This is sure to be a great choice for your Belleville wedding! If you are renting out an Air BnB for your wedding or elopement, please be sure to check with the owners first that it is okay!
Backyard Wedding
DIY Wedding
There are many beautiful outdoor wedding venues in Belleville that will help you create your dream wedding! You will be able to find a mix of venues that are more rustic, or more glamourous. There are some wedding venues that are a bit of both!
Just outside of Belleville and Prince Edward County are beautiful spots like The Meadows Catering, Timber House Resort, and Amherst Island.
3. Plan for Weather
This is probably the least favourite part of planning for an outdoor wedding, but it doesn’t have to be! The time of year will heavily influence the type of weather that you will experience, but it can be quite unpredictable. The main tip I have with planning for weather is to have a covered area somewhere nearby where guests can go to keep dry if it rains. Many Belleville wedding venues have beautiful indoor spots for receptions. If it does rain, embrace it! Your guests are there to celebrate you and will have a great time no matter what!
4. Getting the Right Vendors
When you get married you want to find vendors who are just as excited about your Belleville wedding as you are! Feel welcome to ask how experienced each vendor is in working with the outdoors. For example, if using florals, ask your florist how things will hold up if there’s a lot of wind. If buying a wedding gown, consider the type of ground cover you’ll be walking on. But don’t let the fact that your wedding is outdoors limit what you choose! If you are looking for a Belleville wedding photographer to capture your dream outdoor wedding, jals photography specializes in photographing outdoor weddings and can help you plan for tips and tricks to make your day run smoothly!