DESTINATION WEDDING: HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

In large cities it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of planning that special day. Beautiful Halifax on the east coast of Canada offers charm, charisma, and an authentic Atlantic Canadian experience for a destination (or local) wedding.

Photo courtesy of Dustin Hall Photography

Halifax is a small city in Nova Scotia that has played a large part in the country’s history, with its location on the ocean pivotal to playing host to many branches of British and Canadian military. The area is rich with history and that fabulous East Coast charm.

Photo courtesy of gLangille via Flickr

The many shops and restaurants in the downtown area offer great choices for guests to explore during the days before and after the ceremony. Walking the boardwalk of Halifax Waterfront is an opportunity to see whales playing or to watch locals entertain people with busking antics.

Photo courtesy of Yves Marcoux via National Geographic

Wedding venues range from traditional to adventurous in this town. Churches, museums, galleries, beaches, and even ships are available to host ceremonies and/or receptions. The Harbour and Peggy’s Cove have even witnessed their fair share of weddings, the scenery allowing for stunning photographs.

Photo courtesy of Dustin Hall Photography

Over the years Halifax has done much to welcome the country’s gay community. Its week-long Pride Festival has become one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The city has a large selection of gay-friendly hotels and a host of gay bars to choose from. It has a Baptist church that has been saluted for its accepting policies and even has a gay-friendly mosque for those who choose to worship there.

Photo courtesy of Adrien Veczan via the Chronicle Herald

Halifax is the little city that could when it comes to the LGBTQ community. It stands as an accepting and inclusive city with citizens that are easy-going and friendly to everyone who visits.

Photo courtesy of Kristin Griffin Photography

Leah Morrison is a Toronto-based writer who loves boating and Oreos. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram and her blog.