Tara + Jesse chose to have their wedding in the wilds of Quebec as they’re both nature lovers and, in their own words, “We both love being outdoors. We go camping a lot, fishing, hanging with our dog!”
Sadly, their dog wasn’t with us on the wedding day, but everything else felt relaxed, intimate, and meaningful. They had a small group of family and friends, including singer/songwriter Sara Phillips, whose music I was already aware of.
Even though the wedding was a fair drive away, the couple actually live 5 minutes away from me, in St-Lazare. We all escaped into the countryside to a rented house right on the lake. It was a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony.
A few weeks before the wedding, Tara told me, “We are going to announce our pregnancy at the end of our ceremony, so we’d love to capture that moment!” Wow! What a fantastic way to surprise your guests!
When I first moved to Canada, these were the kinds of weddings I dreamed I’d be booked for: authentic, intimate, and set in the picturesque Quebec countryside.
Huge thanks to Tara & Jesse for having me there to document such a great day.
Reasons to have your wedding in a rented lakeside location in Lac-des-Plages
When you think of a wedding venue, your mind might instantly jump to traditional banquet halls, fancy hotels, or maybe a charming barn in the countryside. But there’s something about a lakeside Air B&B that really takes things up a notch, especially if you’re dreaming of a more personal, relaxed, and intimate celebration. As a wedding photographer who’s seen it all, I can confidently say that a lakeside Air B&B has some unbeatable perks. Imagine saying your vows with the soft ripple of water in the background and the golden hour light glistening off the lake. It’s hard to beat that natural beauty.
Lac-des-Plages, tucked away in the Laurentians, offers exactly that kind of experience. With its serene, forested surroundings and calm waters, it gives couples the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful and romantic setting that’s just the right amount of off the beaten path. It’s the sort of place where time slows down, and everyone can genuinely relax, which is a gift on a wedding day.
One of the biggest draws of hosting a wedding at an Air B&B is how personal it feels. Unlike traditional venues, where you might be sharing the space with other couples (or even a conference in the next room), an Air B&B gives you total control of the property for the weekend, or however long you decide to stay. For a lakeside spot like one in Lac-des-Plages, this means you and your guests have access to the dock, the beach, the cozy interiors, and all the little outdoor nooks where people can gather, chat, or take in the scenery. The property becomes an extension of your wedding, blending seamlessly with your vibe.
Photographically speaking, lakeside weddings offer a dream backdrop. The changing light over a lake is like having nature’s most flattering filter working for you all day long. Mornings are usually soft and misty, great for those getting-ready shots, while the afternoons bring crisp blues and greens, and sunset just brings everything to life with those warm, golden tones. The reflection of the trees and sky on the water creates a depth in photos you just don’t get in more urban settings. And let’s not forget the drama of a couple standing at the end of a dock, the lake stretching out behind them—it’s simple, stunning, and timeless.
Another thing couples love about Air B&B weddings is the flexibility. Since you’re not tied to a specific package or vendor list, you get to call the shots. Want to have a catered meal from your favourite local restaurant or a BBQ with homemade pies for dessert? Go for it. Feel like wearing a pair of sneakers under your dress so you can dance barefoot in the grass later? No one’s going to stop you. That freedom lets you create a wedding that feels like you, rather than having to fit into the mould of what a traditional venue might offer.
And for couples who are mindful of budget, a lakeside Air B&B can be a cost-effective option. While some rental properties can be pricey, the ability to host your ceremony, reception, and even your accommodation all in one place can save a lot of money. Plus, there’s something to be said for making the wedding a full weekend experience rather than just a single day. You can invite your closest friends and family to stay, turning the wedding into more of a laid-back getaway where the celebrations aren’t rushed. It’s the kind of vibe that’s less about keeping up with a strict schedule and more about enjoying the moment.
Of course, a wedding like this does require some extra planning. Air B&Bs typically aren’t designed to host large events, so you’ll want to keep the guest list small. Intimate weddings, though, have their own unique charm. You actually get to spend time with each guest rather than just doing a whirlwind round of hugs and quick conversations. And from a photographer’s perspective, those smaller gatherings often lead to the most genuine, candid photos. People feel more comfortable, and there’s a warmth in the air that you just don’t get with big crowds.
It’s also worth noting that while the freedom to bring in your own vendors is great, you’ll likely need to coordinate a bit more. Things like rental equipment, food, and entertainment might not be available on-site, so you’ll want to plan ahead. But for many couples, the ability to tailor the day to exactly what they want is well worth that extra bit of work.
Another perk of a lakeside Air B&B is the built-in honeymoon vibe. Instead of packing up and rushing off to a destination the next day, you can simply stay put and enjoy a few more quiet days by the lake, soaking it all in. Maybe you take a canoe out for a morning paddle or enjoy a lazy breakfast on the deck. That post-wedding relaxation, with no rush to catch a flight or deal with airports, can be a game-changer.
All in all, a lakeside wedding in Lac-des-Plages offers something different from the more polished, traditional venues. It’s more personal, flexible, and relaxed—perfect for couples who want to create an experience that feels like their own. From the perspective of a wedding photographer, the natural beauty, the changing light, and the intimate atmosphere make it a dream setting for capturing those real, heartfelt moments. So, if you’re the type who prefers a quiet lakeside breeze to a bustling city backdrop, this might just be the perfect option for you.
