9 Tips for Having Your Own Pam and Jim Elopement in Niagara

The ceremony

Get married in the mist.

Photo: Joan Vendrell/Shutterstock

If you are planning your elopement and want to play it up in the style of The Office, then booking a cruise with Hornblower affords you the same view of the falls as Jim and Pam.

Just contact Hornblower ahead of time with your plans, and the company will iron out the details, such as reserving a viewing area for your ceremony and allowing you to preboard, using one of its specialized elopement packages. All you’ll need is a marriage license.

If you have your heart set on being married by the boat’s captain, unfortunately that was only a made-for-TV experience. It’s the captain’s job to keep everyone safe in the falls so they have no time to marry passengers. Bring a licensed officiant along, or have Hornblower help prearrange one (it can also aid in securing a photographer). Hornblower has areas on land to host a reception in view of the falls after you say “I do,” but if you want something intimate for your post-wedding meal, head to Table Rock House Restaurant. Grab a window-side table to take in the majestic views of the falls and enjoy the delicious, locally sourced food.

Stay dry and have a ceremony on land.

Photo: Niagara Parks

Couples who would rather stay on land can consult with Niagara Parks for either an intimate event or a Kelly-worthy guest count of up to 600. With several locations including restaurants, a floral show house, chapel, and butterfly conservatory, there are venues — both riverfront or with a view of the falls — for a variety of tastes. For a worry-free event, the parks system has wedding planners on staff to help you plan from afar.

Elope in Niagara wine country.

Photo: Two Sisters Vineyards/Facebook

Turn all that rushing water into wine and head to the Two Sisters Vineyards, which is the perfect spot for a romantic event. The on-site restaurant, Kitchen 76, can cater up to 100 seated guests or curate a romantic dinner for two among the vines. Two Sisters has a full events team that will put Angela’s party planning to shame. Renting electric bikes and visiting various wineries such as Reid Family Vineyards and Trius Winery on your honeymoon is a fancy way to further experience the area.

A thrill-filled celebration

After you’ve tied the knot, it’s time to celebrate, and there’s nothing like getting some adrenaline spikes together to get ready for life as a couple and all of its ups and downs.

View the falls from above on an exhilarating helicopter ride.

Photo: TRphotos/Shutterstock

Celebrate your union by sitting close together on a ride with Niagara Helicopters as you are lifted high above the water. From up there, you can view the Canadian and American falls along with the Niagara River.

Glide together on a zip line.

Photo: Igor Sh/Shutterstock

For an up-close view of the falls, encounter the excitement of zipping together with WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls. Safely harnessed and donning helmets, you and your partner can run at the same time on separate tracks. Riders glide 2,200 feet at speeds of over 40 mph. If the thrill isn’t romantic enough, rides are offered after dark while the falls are lit with a rainbow of colors.

Bond while completing an adventure course.

Photo: WildPlay Niagara Falls/Facebook

If you yearn for the experience of working together to complete a goal, then WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course is in order. There’s nothing quite like traversing suspended obstacles, such as swinging bridges, rope walls, and log ladders, to figure out how to collaborate. Cheer each other on as you reach your goal while strengthening your communication skills within view of the whirlpool and Niagara Gorge.

Experience the thrill of a jet boat ride.

Photo: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours/Facebook

Another way to enjoy the falls and commemorate being together is by taking a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. Laugh and hold on tight as you experience high velocity turns and make your way through the twists of the Niagara River in an adventurous, memorable way. The tour provides all of the gear needed (including disposable ponchos), but you will get soaked, so wear waterproof shoes.

Take a romantic walk by the rushing water.

Photo: Artsy Shot Photography/Shutterstock

For those who crave a bit of privacy, head to the White Water Walk and overlook the Class VI whitewater rapids of the Niagara River. A boardwalk houses several viewing platforms for observing the rapids. Another option is the Journey Behind the Falls, comprised of a set of tunnels built behind the falls, which is perfect for stealing a kiss or two — if Dwight and Angela don’t beat you to it.