Secret Garden Inn Elopement in Kingston, Ontario | Jacob & Paloma
My 2024 started out quite strong with this intimate bed and breakfast elopement in Kingston, Ontario – dare I say, I kind of want to move there!
Not only was this day perfect in every way, but it was also incredibly special to me. Jacob & I first met back in our University days in Toronto. He was the first person I said hi to and we have been friends ever since. So when he reached out and asked if I would be up for driving out to eastern Ontario to capture his elopement with Paloma, the answer was of course HECK YES. To be honest, I secretly was hoping they would reach out when they announced their engagement.
Paloma’s vision for the day was to capture the beautiful chaos of it all. In her words she said she wanted the photos to look like “they were running late for the wedding,” and I think we delivered. She also wanted a pile of donuts in the getting ready space so of course I spent my morning waiting outside the donut shop at 8AM for it to open so I could grab some. Let me tell you, that drive to Kingston with those donuts in my back seat smelling divine was BRUTAL.
Bed & Breakfast weddings & elopements have now climbed to one of my top 5 venues, so let’s dive into why you should consider one if you’re currently dreaming up your own elopement or micro-wedding!
The Benefits Of Eloping At a Bed & Breakfast
It’s no secret that some couple’s desires don’t involve spending thousands of dollars & spending more than a year (or two) planning an event. However, what most people don’t realize is that the word “elopement” doesn’t always mean running away into the mountains and getting married in secret – although sometimes it definitely does and hey there I’d love to join you!
An elopement is simply an small intimate ceremony of maybe a couple witnesses and your immediate family. It’s a choice to forgo the large traditional affairs and get married literally anywhere. In this case, it was a bed & breakfast on a quiet street in downtown Kingston.
So why should you also consider a B&B for your day – I’ve got a few pros for you!
Accommodations available the night before and/or the night after! This one is obvious, but if you get married at a Bed & Breakfast you also get to enjoy the perks of spending the night there! Not to mention that the getting ready pictures in your cute (& well decorated) room is a plus! If you plan well enough in advance you may be able to rent out additional rooms for your guests as well!
On site catering! You probably already know this as well but the second B standing for “Breakfast” is not just there for show! For Jacob & Paloma’s morning wedding, the Inn prepared a lovely high tea experience for them & their family to enjoy privately in their dining room.
Location & aesthetics. B&B’s are known for their beautiful locations, landscaping, decor and overall charm. Whether it’s a cozy fireplace, a colourful garden arch or stunning stained glass window seats, the photos are going to be stunning!
A look Into The Secret Garden Inn In Kingston Ontario
Bed & Breakfasts have built a reputation over the years to have excellent hospitality, delicious food, and a cosy atmosphere. The Secret Garden Inn in Kingston, ON delivered on all fronts!
The Room: J&P luckily were able to snag the last room in the B&B when they inquired about hosting their elopement at the Inn. We had time to capture a few moments of them getting ready together before they had to check out and I’m obsessed with the cozy vibes.
The Terrace & Garden: Before the guests arrived, we explored around the Secret Garden for a few fun couples portraits to work off those “before the ceremony” nerves. The porch swing was probably my favourite touch, I could have hung out there all day reading a good book.
The Ceremony: Jacob & Paloma hosted their ceremony in the cozy sitting room in front of these stunning glass windows. The staff were so accommodating to make sure the chairs were set up the way they wanted and ensured the space was private. The antique furniture also added a nice touch to all the photos!
The Dining Room: Following the ceremony, the family was invited to join J&P for their high tea experience in the attached dining room – I’m still thinking about that chicken salad. The food was incredible & they even had gluten free & dairy free options available!
The beauty about getting married or eloping at a Bed & Breakfast is that the options truly are endless! These days there are so many available B&B’s with their own unique style & charm, so I would encourage you to check out all your local (or destination) options to find one that best suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: At the Secret Garden Inn they do not welcome any pets, but I would encourage you to check with others because some B&B’s do accommodate!
Q: Are you able to book out the whole property for a private event?
A: This may require more planning in advance to be able to book out the whole place without there being any previous bookings, but in most cases this is possible yes!
Venue: The Secret Garden Inn // Donuts: BlackFly Grub Hub
