Elopement · Couples · 5 min read
How to Plan an Elopement at Fernwood Hills
What a forest elopement actually looks like — what's included, how the day runs, and what you'll need to arrange yourself. Practical, not promotional.
- Guests
- Up to 10
- Weekend
- $3,800
- Mon–Thu
- $3,200
- Ceremony
- White pine timber arch + Timber Pavilion rain plan
- Getting ready
- Farmhouse (included)
- Dinner
- Manna for two (included). Guest appetizers $75/person
Understand what's included
The Fernwood Elopement is an all-in package: $3,800 on weekends, $3,200 Mon–Thu. It includes Farmhouse getting ready, forest ceremony under the white pine timber frame arch, a brief send-off under the Timber Pavilion for your guests, Studio Loft for the evening (just the two of you), Manna dinner for two, overnight in the Studio Loft, and a breakfast basket at the door. Up to 10 guests are welcome for the ceremony and send-off — then they head home and the evening is yours. Officiant, photographer, and florals are arrange-your-own.
Book your officiant and photographer
Fernwood doesn't have a house officiant. Any licensed Ontario officiant can marry you here — civil, religious, or non-denominational. We can recommend a few if you need a name to start with. For photography, the property shoots well in every season. The forest clearing gives you shade and dappled light in the afternoon; the Timber Pavilion has structure and shade for midday. Bring someone comfortable working in a natural, uncontrolled setting. The property is 40 acres — your portraits won't look like everyone else's.
Food is handled — but here's what to know
Manna dinner for two is included — a private farm-to-table dinner prepared by Manna, Fernwood's in-house kitchen. Seasonal shared plates and boards at the outdoor table or under the Timber Pavilion, as the light fades. Unhurried, not formal. If you'd like appetizers for your ceremony guests at the send-off, Manna catering is available at $75/person — mention this when you inquire. Outside caterers are also welcome; there's no exclusivity requirement.
Understand how the day runs
A typical elopement day: Arrive at the Farmhouse at 10am (Farmhouse) for getting ready — hair, makeup, first looks. Ceremony in the forest clearing under the white pine timber frame arch — 30–45 minutes. Guests gather briefly under the Timber Pavilion, then head home. Portraits across the property — another hour or two. The evening is yours: Manna dinner for two, the Studio Loft all night, overnight, and a breakfast basket at the door. The pace is yours. Nothing is rushed.
Have a weather plan — it's already built in
The Timber Pavilion is your primary weather backup — it's covered, open-air, strung with lights, and genuinely beautiful in overcast or light rain. Many elopements prefer it to the open clearing. The Studio Loft is the full indoor option for heavy weather: floor-to-ceiling glass and forest views from inside. Both are included in your booking at no extra fee. Ontario weather is unpredictable; this setup means you never have to choose between the venue you love and a plan that works.
What Fernwood provides — and what you handle
Fernwood provides the property, the ceremony space, the weather plan, and the food (all-in or optional add-on). There's no in-house coordinator, no décor package, no officiant. What Fernwood does well: a setting that works without anything added, a team that answers questions the same day, and a day that moves at your pace. If you want a venue that handles everything, this probably isn't it. If you want a genuine forest ceremony with nothing in the way, it might be.
Common questions
- What's included in the elopement package?
- The Fernwood Elopement ($3,800 weekend, $3,200 Mon–Thu) includes: Farmhouse getting ready, forest ceremony with the white pine timber frame arch, Timber Pavilion send-off, Studio Loft for the evening (just the couple), Manna dinner for two, overnight, and breakfast basket. Officiant, photographer, and florals are arrange-your-own.
- Do we need our own officiant and photographer?
- Yes — both are your responsibility. Any licensed Ontario officiant works. We can recommend a few. Fernwood doesn't supply or require specific vendors.
- Can we add food for our guests?
- Manna dinner for two is included. If you'd like appetizers for ceremony guests at the send-off, Manna catering is available at $75/person. Menus are seasonal and confirmed a few weeks ahead. Outside caterers are also welcome.
- What's the rain plan?
- Timber Pavilion is the covered outdoor backup — included, no extra fee. Studio Loft is the full indoor option for heavy weather.
- Can guests attend?
- Up to 10 guests are welcome for the ceremony and a brief send-off under the Timber Pavilion. The evening is always just the couple. Guest cabins are available for those travelling from out of town.
- What's the deposit?
- A 25% (minimum $400) retainer holds your date, applied to the total. No balance due until closer to your event.
Ready to enquire?
Fernwood replies the same day. Dates book ahead in wedding season.