We know: it’s not so much about the wedding destination as it is the journey to get there. But let’s face it, the matrimonial backdrop not only sets the mood for your big day, it lives on in photos happily ever after. For that unique setting that perfectly suits you and your other half, we rounded up the top five stylish Canadian wedding destinations for getting married this summer—and the wedding dress code to match your postcard-ready ceremony.

Wedding style: A marriage of land and sea

Wedding destination: Oceanstone Resort
The locale: 8650 Peggy’s Cove Rd., Indian Harbour, Nova Scotia, 1-866-823-2160
Appeal: An idyllic seaside ceremony—waves lapping up on shore, birds sailing overhead as you exchange vows in Canada’s iconic Peggy’s Cove, a five-minute drive from the resort, says wedding coordinator Lizzie Moore.
Wedding bells vibe: Mariner-minded or not, you’ll get lost in the majestic allure of getting married by the sea. Post-seaside ceremony, hors d’oeurves are served in the resort’s garden along with a personalized signature drink of the bride and groom. Followed by a reception and five-course meal in the great room—with local lobster in the mix at some point. Ditch the traditional wedding cake for a chocolate pecan tart to get a sweetly stylish and modern twist.
Dress code: Taking our inspiration from a haute picnic by the sea, a gingham, black and white embroidered silk wedding dress from Christian Dior’s Spring/Summer 2012 couture collection. We do!

Wedding style: The rustic charmer

Wedding destination: Niagara-on-the-Lake
The locale: Château des Charmes 1025 York Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-262-4219
Appeal: The Niagara Escarpment is not only the largest grape-growing region in Canada—its leafy vineyards are probably the prettiest, too. So snapping photos while walking between the vines on a warm afternoon is the picture-perfect setting before retiring guests to the château for your evening soirée.
Wedding bells vibe: No time wasted between “I dos” and uncorking a glass of locally produced Riesling to celebrate. Indulge your shared local foodie love with dinner courses perfectly paired with their alcoholic counterpart—think lobster and truffle Yukon gold potato gnocchi with Chardonnay from their St. David’s Bench vineyard. And when it comes time for slicing that wedding cake, guests will be well-prepped for the Savagnin Ice wine that comes with it. Cheers!
Dress code: A blush-hued organza wedding dress for strolling through those dusty vineyard trails hand in hand, such as Monique Lhuillier’s embroidered tulle Candy gown from the Spring 2012 bridal collection.

Wedding style: The scholarly set

Wedding destination: Toronto
The locale: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity St., 416-863-0010
Appeal: Built in 1848, this Victorian-era schoolhouse was the first free school in Toronto and remains the oldest in the city. The original one-room school plus adjoining West Hall, added in 1869, lends an Oxford-like setting to your wedding style.
Wedding bells vibe: An ode to the sacred repository of memories that’s the school classroom, why not start your new life together in the place where—think about it—it all began? This charming heritage building located in Toronto’s Corktown is perfect for the young, young at heart and those for whom tolling school bells don’t bring up deep-seated anxiety. Also for high-school sweethearts.
Dress code: The scholarly, regal air of this joint breathes debonair Kate Middleton matrimonial style—think lacey, fitted sleeves (for a chilly recess or wedding photo session). Tell your groom: school’s in session and the occasion calls for a bow tie.

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Read on for more Canadian locales and the perfect wedding dress for your big day…

Wedding style: The rugged outdoorsy type

Wedding destination: Waterton Lakes National Park
The locale: Alberta, 1-888-773-8888.
Appeal: Mountains and valleys and glaciers—oh my! This natural beauty tucked in the southern Rocky Mountains Natural Region—Canada’s fourth largest national park—is a postcard-esque trifecta of sprawling grandeur. Get swept away by the view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-designated Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park as well as that of your partner.
Wedding bells vibe: Couples have been swapping vows on sandy beaches, rooftops and in gardens for years—but how many can say they were married on a glacier? Plus even if the event’s for two, you’ll never feel alone with the over 250 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, 24 species of fish witnessing your special moment.
Dress code: A tribute to the majestic flora and fauna-rich setting, opt for a Vera Wang white psychedelic printed silk chiffon gown with a matching peplum from her Spring 2012 collection.

Wedding style: The luxe adventure

Wedding destination: Tofino, Vancouver Island
The locale: Wickaninnish Inn, 500 Osprey Lane, Tofino, 250-725-3100
Appeal: Consider your backdrop: the Pacific Ocean, bleached, windswept driftwood, pristine Tofino beaches, along lush, forested Vancouver Island. Convinced yet? We thought so. Experience the lively atmosphere by surfing, whale (and bear) watching or boat-touring Clayoquot Sound before saying ‘I do’ on a private Tofino beach.
Wedding bells vibe: Enjoy a plush, picturesque view of the island no matter which way you set it— an intimate ceremony for two by a dancing fire, an outdoor BBQ on the beach with friends or a gastronomic dining experience while looking out at the forested Chesterman Beach.
Dress code: An airlight, halter organza dress by Reem Acra with delicate Swarovski embellishments and handmade flower sash. For the sunset beach ceremony, opt for matching ivory, diamond-encrusted flipflops or go bare feet in the sand.

Read more:
Wedding trends for stylish brides
The wedding day style guide for the modern bride
12 creative "something blue" wedding ideas
10 bridesmaid dress ideas from the runways