Mersey River Chalets

At Mersey River Chalets, a wedding unfolds beside a rushing river in the forest, with a bonfire glowing under one of the darkest, starriest skies in the world.

The retreat sits on the edge of the Mersey River near Caledonia, inside the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO designated region. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site surrounds the resort, and the vast Tobeatic Wilderness Area is right next door.

The resort lies within a designated Dark-Sky Preserve, one of only two in Nova Scotia, so evenings end with the Milky Way overhead. Two outdoor bonfire spots make the most of it.

For the celebration, the Cascades function room has a charming dining room and a fully equipped kitchen and hosts up to 30 guests. There is also outdoor space for a marquee if the guest list grows.

Accessibility is at the heart of the place. Chalets, nature trails and boardwalks were designed for mobility devices, so every guest can share in the day.

Guests can stay in cozy chalets and lodge rooms with water views, and spend free time canoeing, kayaking, playing tennis or walking the forest trails.

For couples who picture a small woodland wedding by the water, finished with stars and a crackling fire, Mersey River Chalets offers a celebration that feels like a true escape into nature.