Five women sitting and standing in front of colorful painted walls, holding drinks and smiling at the camera, with hanging light bulbs overhead.

Our
Story

#COOLERTHANCITYHALL

Three yellow star-shaped sparkles on a black background.
A simple, smiling sun with closed eyes and rays emanating from its circular face.

The way we celebrate love is changing. And we’re here for it.
Today’s couples are flipping the script. Maybe you’ve already built a life together ~ shared a home, started a family, chased big career dreams or passport stamps. Marriage might not be your beginning. But it’s still your moment. A moment that deserves joy, not pressure.

The traditional wedding industry? Still stuck in the past. But we believe in wedding experiences that reflect real life right now. Flexible. Intentional. Beautiful. Bold. Whether you're skipping the big white wedding or searching for a cooler alternative to City Hall, you're not alone. This is the era of micro weddings, shared celebrations, and love done your way.

A couple shares a tender moment, touching foreheads and smiling, during their wedding celebration. The man is wearing a bright blue suit with a white shirt, while the woman is dressed in a white lace wedding gown. There are flowers nearby, including roses and other blossoms.

The idea was simple. Disrupt the wedding industry. Make it joyful again.
The Pop-Up Chapel Co. started with one bold question — what if we could take the sharing economy and apply it to weddings? What if couples didn’t have to choose between a rushed and bland city hall ceremony and a bloated banquet hall bash?

So in 2017, we launched our first Pop-Up Chapel in Toronto and it sold out in three weeks. That moment sparked a movement. Backed by local sponsors and a talented crew of vendors, we now marry hundreds of couples every year and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities by donating a portion from every Chapel spot sold. It’s joy with a ripple effect.

Today, our Chapels pop up in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, at iconic venues including the Globe and Mail Centre, Evergreen Brick Works, Hycroft Manor, and more. From dreamy garden pavilions to rooftop city views, we bring the magic to wherever we go.

In 2023, longtime Chapel photographer Alicia Thurston stepped in as Owner and Creative Director. After capturing nearly 50 couples behind the lens, she took the lead in building a bold new era for Pop-Up Chapel, rooted in style, joy, and social impact. You’ll still see her behind the lens from time to time, but now she guides all things Pop-Up Chapel.

We’re proud to be the original shared wedding company and bold leaders in this growing movement. Because it shouldn’t be all or nothing. You don’t have to pick between an overly serious affair or something too simple to feel special.

We exist to celebrate the beauty in the in-between. The Pop-Up Chapel Co. is here to make your wedding spontaneous, stylish, and memorable.

This is modern wedding planning, done differently.
This is your sign.
#CoolerThanCityHall

Interior of a chapel-themed lounge with brick walls, large windows, and a neon sign that reads 'CHAPEL'. There are sofas, small stools, tables, and decorative hanging plants. Micro wedding decor at The Pop-Up Chapel in Evergreen Brick Works.
Two women, one in a black suit and the other in a white wedding gown, embrace and share an affectionate moment outdoors during autumn, with trees and fall foliage in the background.

Our Team

At The Pop-Up Chapel we’re dedicated to our work and love to share a laugh. While we take our roles seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously—expect a healthy dose of shared memes, teasing, and funny videos between us!

Three stylized fireworks explosions in green, cream, and orange colors with starburst shapes.
Line drawing of a hand with fingers pinching together, with lines indicating movement or emphasis.
Smiling woman with tattoos, wearing a green shirt, and holding red sunglasses, posing against a light background.
A smiling woman wearing glasses, a pink shirt, and a tie-dye apron stands against a pink background, with her hand on her hair and displaying tattoos on her arm.

Alicia Thurston
CEO & Creative Director

Innovative Designer, Entrepreneur, Joy-Driven Leader, Quick Friend-Maker.

Big fan of: Fancy coffee, creative projects of all kinds, a scoop of Haagen Daz ice cream, brightening someone’s day, and relaxing by the backyard pool with my neighbours and kids!

Interested in design collaboration? Let’s chat! alicia@popupchapel.ca

A woman with brown hair, smiling, sitting on a yellow stool in front of a pink painted wall, extending her foot with a white platform high heel shoe towards the camera.
A young woman with dark, wavy hair smiling and looking to the right, wearing a white T-shirt, striped pants, and a smartwatch on her wrist, standing against a pink background.

Nicole Connor
Director

O.G. Chapel ‘Mom’, Triple-Checker, Team Leader, ‘Survivor’ Enthusiast.

Big fan of: Reality TV, quality time with the fam, any kind of pasta, and a sense of playful humour!

Have an exciting opportunity to team up on? Interested in Sponsorship and Charitable Initiatives? Reach out! nicole@popupchapel.ca

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a green textured top, a gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, and dark blue jeans, against a pink background.
A woman with dark hair, wearing a green shirt and blue jeans, smiling and holding cutouts of purple and orange hearts in front of a pink background.

Grace Graham
Sales, Marketing, & Client Account Coordinator

Chapel Consultant, Creative Wordsmith, Wedding Empath, Pro Cake Maker.

Big fan of: Sm(all) dogs, my huge family, artistic expression in every form, expanding my list of faves for Toronto restaurants & cafes, and feminism.

Love the sound of tying the knot or collaborating with us? I’m your go-to-gal for any Chapel and social media questions! hello@popupchapel.ca