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A courthouse wedding in Montreal offers a timeless setting for couples seeking intimacy and intention. Quincy and Chris embraced this path with quiet confidence.

Rooted in two cultures—Mauritian and Québécois—their celebration was more than a legal union. It was a heartfelt blending of traditions, family, and personal legacy.

An Emotional Ceremony at the Palais de Justice

Their civil ceremony took place at the Palais de Justice of Montreal. We had planned to meet at 2:00 p.m. for a 2:30 ceremony. However, a traffic delay on Pont Champlain set the tone for a brief moment of uncertainty.

Upon arrival, the officiant initially declined to proceed due to the delay. Quincy & Chris then proceeded with composure to negotiate calmly. Their patience was rewarded with the ceremony moving forward. They exchanged personal vows before their families with emotion. The setting was hushed, almost reverent. Their words were filled with sincerity and the result was moving and beautifully understated.

For couples considering a courthouse elopement in Montreal, this is an ideal example of how grace can carry a day through the unexpected.

After signing the paper, we moved on to capturing the couple portraits and family photos.

Wedding Portraits in the Old Port, Montreal

One of the most compelling reasons to marry at the Montreal courthouse is its location—just steps from Old Montreal’s most photogenic streets and facades.

We began their portrait session outside the Édifice Ernest-Cormier, where imposing columns and sculptural iron doors offered a striking editorial backdrop.

Though Quincy had forgotten her flats, Chris’s best friend, Vincent, graciously lent a hand—literally, a pair of shoes—so we could continue with ease.

Within a ten-minute walk radius, we visited five curated portrait spots, each chosen for its architectural aspect, light, and atmosphere.

At the couple’s request, we concluded our walk at Notre-Dame Basilica, a landmark that holds deep personal meaning for them.

Old Montreal is unmatched in its elegance. With its historic buildings and European charm, it elevates a courthouse elopement into something truly memorable.

A Private at Home Reception Steeped in Mauritian Heritage

Later that afternoon, we arrived at their home, where Quincy’s family had prepared an exquisite Mauritian buffet in under two hours.

Before the evening unfolded, we photographed a few quiet moments with the couple and their dog—an emotional reunion after a few days apart.

Including pets in elopement photography often feels like a luxury, but it adds a sense of completeness that many couples cherish.

The reception began with three formal speeches as per the Mauritian tradition. Quincy’s uncle and aunt’s husband spoke first, representing her mother who couldn’t attend.

Chris’s mother followed with words of love and pride. Then came a moving surprise — Chris’ lifelong friend, Vincent, read a childhood letter declaring they’d remain best friends forever and he was ok to share Chris with Quicy for the rest of their lives. .

It was the kind of detail that makes small weddings feel rich in sentiment. There were no grand gestures—only sincerity, history, and affection.

Their first dance was simple and romantic — a quiet moment full of sincerity, proving that significance doesn’t require spectacle.

Planning a Courthouse Wedding in Montreal

A courthouse wedding does not mean sacrificing elegance or depth. With careful planning, it becomes a luxurious and intimate experience.

If you’re planning your own courthouse wedding in Montreal, here are a few key considerations:

• Arrive early. Aim to pass courthouse security 30 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid delays.
• Select portrait locations thoughtfully. Mention to your photographer any significant place that you would like your photos taken. If you don’t have any, trust your photographer with your vision.
• Communicate your priorities. Whether it’s cultural customs or personal elements like pets, ensure your photographer is aligned with your vision.
• Remain flexible. Unexpected moments are part of every wedding. A calm, prepared mindset ensures they don’t define your day.
  

Client Testimony

Capturing this wedding was a true joy—not only for the beauty and emotion of the day, but for the kindness and trust Quincy and Chris extended throughout the process. A few days later, I received this thoughtful review from them:

“We were so lucky to have Melissa as our wedding photographer! From the start, her warm personality and genuine interest in our vision made us feel at ease. Her flexibility was amazing and made us feel valued. On the big day, even when things didn’t go as planned, she handled it all with grace, keeping us calm. Now, we have the most beautiful photos that truly capture the love and joy of our wedding. We highly recommend her to anyone wanting a talented and dedicated photographer!”

As a Montreal elopement photographer, I specialize in documenting intimate celebrations with a refined and unobtrusive approach. My goal is always to preserve the essence of your day—quietly, beautifully, and honestly. If your vision includes heritage, elegance, and emotional depth, I would be honoured to capture it for you.