Ottawa Arboretum Micro Wedding | Intimate Outdoor Ceremony in Ottawa

March 16, 2026

Guests tossing rice over the newlywed couple at the Ottawa Arboretum

An Intimate Outdoor Wedding at the Ottawa Arboretum

Kamilla and Daniel chose to celebrate their marriage in one of the most peaceful natural settings Ottawa has to offer: the Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm. On a sunny afternoon, they exchanged vows beneath a maple tree surrounded by their closest family and friends. Their young son was there as well, along with their Labrador dog, who proudly took on the role of ring bearer.

This Ottawa Arboretum micro-wedding was exactly the kind of celebration that makes small weddings so meaningful. Instead of a large formal event, the couple chose a relaxed outdoor ceremony. It allowed them to focus on family, connection, and the quiet moments of the day.

The Arboretum is a beautiful option for couples planning an intimate wedding in Ottawa. Mature trees, open green spaces, and winding paths create a naturally stunning backdrop that requires very little decoration. Couples can often find secluded corners of the park where they can exchange their vows in a private and peaceful setting.

Bride is arriving to her intimate wedding ceremony at Arboretum in the Experimental Farm

GUest arriving to a micro wedding ceremony at the Ottawa Arboretum

A Simple and Meaningful Outdoor Ceremony

The ceremony itself was heartfelt and personal. Guests gathered beneath the maple tree while Kamilla and Daniel exchanged their vows in the warm afternoon light. Their Labrador ring bearer added a joyful and spontaneous moment that made everyone smile.

One of my favourite moments came right after the ceremony when guests showered the couple with rice. This beautiful tradition has ancient roots and symbolizes wishes for fertility, prosperity, abundance, and good fortune for the newly married couple. It also creates a wonderful visual moment as the rice catches the light while the couple walks back toward their family and friends.

Shortly before we began the portraits, I also photographed a quiet and intimate moment of Kamilla breastfeeding their son. Moments like these are why I love documenting micro weddings in Ottawa, where the day unfolds naturally and meaningful moments happen without being staged.