Orillia restaurant becomes pop-up wedding chapel for Valentine's Day

A private dining room at FARE in Orillia will be set up as the Swanmore Chapel on Feb. 14, offering six intimate ceremony slots with officiants, decor, photography and a post-ceremony celebration; booking closes Feb. 10.

On Feb. 14 a private dining room at FARE in Orillia will be used as a pop-up wedding chapel called the Swanmore Chapel. Three local officiants — Rev. Carmen Novosky, Rev. Barb Shakell-Barkey and Rev. Julie Mori — will lead a series of intimate ceremonies that day. The plan began as a search for a private spot for one elopement and expanded after the restaurant owner agreed to host. The event is described as an accessible, inclusive alternative to larger wedding venues. Event details: - Six ceremony time slots run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., every two hours. - Each booking includes a licensed officiant, a customized ceremony, decor, florals, professional photography, and a post-ceremony celebration with a drink and a charcuterie board. - The all-inclusive price is $900 and couples must bring a valid wedding licence. - Photographer Nadine Bastien of Raven's Feather Photography will provide between 50 and 100 edited images per couple via an online gallery. - Rev. Julie Mori is licensed to officiate all couples' ceremonies, and the three officiants have together led hundreds of weddings across Simcoe County and Muskoka. - The space is arranged for the couple and up to eight guests and references the historic Swanmore Hall building. Summary: The pop-up chapel brings a short, inclusive wedding option to Orillia and highlights local businesses and the city’s historic spaces. Booking for the Feb. 14 event closes on Feb. 10, and several couples have already reserved time slots.