The Pop-Up Chapel

What The Pop-Up Chapel does

The Pop-Up Chapel Co. is a Canadian direct-to-consumer wedding service founded in 2017 by CEO Alicia Thurston, operating as the self-described original provider of pop-up weddings in Canada. The company curates all-inclusive, design-forward micro-wedding and elopement packages at preset Chapel Dates held at iconic partner venues across five Canadian locations: Toronto, Caledon, Vancouver, Prince Edward County, and Wakefield. Its core product lineup spans five tiers — The Mini ($2,799+), The Classic ($5,999+), The Party Spot ($10,799+), The Social ($16,999–$18,999+), and The Takeaway ($7,499+, a portable experience delivered to the couple's own venue). Each package bundles legal officiant, photography, personal flowers, live music, venue, decor, and (at higher tiers) food, beverage, and full coordination, eliminating the months of vendor management typical of traditional weddings.

The business generates revenue exclusively through one-time per-event fees; no recurring or subscription components exist. Distribution is direct via the company's website (popupchapel.ca), where couples select a Chapel Date, choose a package, and pay a deposit; a free 30-minute consultation call is offered as a secondary funnel. The service is enabled by a curated ecosystem of 40+ vendors (photographers, florists, officiants, musicians, caterers) and 20+ venue partners across Canada, managed through regional coordination hands (e.g., Wednesday Wedding Co. for Vancouver). The company embeds a charitable contribution (minimum $200 per booking) into its operating model, with charity partners tied to each venue, and has raised over $150,000 since 2017.

The company is privately held, founder-owned, and bootstrapped, with no disclosed funding rounds, headcount, or external investors. It currently operates only within Canada (no international footprint), with five active geographic markets across Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. There is no proprietary technology platform; booking and marketing sit on standard website, email, and CRM tools (Squarespace, FloDesk, Calendly, Involve). The core operational asset is the proprietary event format — multiple ceremonies per day at a single venue, coordinated to deliver a personalized experience at a fraction of traditional wedding cost and complexity.

Name

The Pop-Up Chapel

Legal name

The Pop-Up Chapel Co.

Website

https://popupchapel.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Pop-Up Chapel Co. is a Canadian DTC wedding service founded in 2017 that runs all-inclusive, design-forward micro-wedding and elopement packages across five Canadian cities, serving couples seeking stress-free, affordable alternatives to traditional weddings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wedding Services

NAICS

Caterers (722320)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Wedding Planning (HSACABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Destination Wedding Planning (HSACABAD), Reception Planning & Guest Experience (Seating, Favors, Hospitality) (HSACABAM)

Keywords

• Pop-up wedding ceremonies
• Micro wedding packages
• All-inclusive wedding services
• Intimate wedding events
• Wedding planning services

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Wedding Ceremony and Reception Services: The company generates revenue through one-time service fees for all-inclusive wedding packages. Packages range from $2,799 to $18,999+ and include venue access, legal officiant, photography, flowers, music, design/decor, food and beverage (in higher tiers), and coordination. Revenue is event-based and per-booking, with deposits collected at booking and balance due before the event. No recurring revenue model; each wedding booking represents a discrete transaction.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Pop-Up Chapel Co. sells all-inclusive pop-up wedding ceremony and reception packages booked on preset Chapel Dates at curated partner venues across Canada. Each package bundles venue access, legal officiant, professional photography, personal flowers, live ceremony music, design-forward decor, and coordination, with higher tiers adding food, beverage, and open bar. Couples book a date online, pay a deposit, and arrive to a fully run, design-forward wedding without months of vendor coordination.

Product overview

The Pop-Up Chapel Co. offers an all-inclusive pop-up wedding platform with five distinct packages designed for modern couples seeking stress-free, design-forward celebrations. The core lineup includes: The Mini (1-hour intimate ceremony for up to 20 guests from $2,799), The Classic (2-hour original experience with cocktail reception for up to 40 guests from $5,999), and The Party Spot (3-hour evening slot with open bar for up to 60 guests from $10,799). Custom Experiences include The Social (4-hour flexible-date celebration for up to 75 guests from $16,999+) and The Takeaway (design-and-delivery service bringing the full experience to a venue of the couple's choice from $7,499). All packages include legal officiant, professional photography, personal flowers, live music, and curated decor. Add-on upgrades are available for additional customization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Mini A 1-hour intimate pop-up wedding ceremony for couples seeking a meaningful, simple alternative to City Hall. Includes design-forward decor, legal officiant, live ceremony music, professional photography (ceremony + portraits), and a celebratory toast for the couple plus up to 20 guests (10 included). Held daytime on preset Chapel Days. Targeted at couples eloping or keeping the ceremony simple. From $2,799 + tax CAD.
• The Classic The original 2-hour all-inclusive Pop-Up Chapel experience combining a beautifully styled ceremony and cocktail reception. Includes lead coordination, iconic venue, design-forward decor, legal officiant, live ceremony music, personal flowers (bouquet & boutonnière or two of same), professional photographer (ceremony, celebration, private portrait session), and toast plus light bites for the couple plus up to 40 guests (20 included). From $5,999 + tax CAD.
• The Party Spot A 3-hour evening pop-up wedding slot (7-10 PM) combining ceremony with open bar and elevated bites for couples wanting late-night celebration energy. Includes everything in The Classic plus open bar, charcuterie board, and an additional hour of chapel time for the couple plus up to 60 guests (30 included). From $10,799 + tax CAD.
• The Social A 4-hour custom-date pop-up wedding package combining ceremony with a cocktail-style reception with more time, food, and open bar. Includes full coordination and planning, exclusive venue, choice of signature designs, legal officiant, open bar, passed appetizers, cutting cake, cupcakes, and 3 hours of professional photography for the couple plus up to 75 guests (50 included). Brunch from $16,999 + tax CAD; Evening from $18,999 + tax CAD.
• The Takeaway A 2-hour build-it-your-way pop-up chapel experience for couples who already have their own venue. The full Pop-Up Chapel setup, design-forward decor, and ceremony experience are delivered to the couple's location (backyard, restaurant, rooftop, or family property). Includes personal flowers (bouquet + boutonnière or two of same) and 20 guests included, with the option to add more time. From $7,499 + tax CAD.
• The Signature A more curated custom pop-up wedding experience with expanded design elements and immersive flow for couples wanting a highly personalized celebration at a venue of their choosing.
• Package Add-Ons Optional enhancements available to upgrade any Pop-Up Chapel package, including additional guests, extended time, extra photography coverage, and other customizable elements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 750 couples served since 2017
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Evergreen Brick WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship Toronto venue partner. Pop-Up Chapel hosts multiple dates annually at Koerner Gardens and BMO Atrium locations. Supports Evergreen Children's Garden charity with portion of each booking.
• The Henley Room (Argonaut Rowing Club)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterfront Toronto venue partner hosting multiple Chapel dates per season. Supports Martha Coffey Junior Development Fund charity.
• Canadian Film Centre / Windfields EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGarden venue partner for Toronto Chapel dates. Supports CFC charity fund.
• The Pipe Shop (North Vancouver)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWest Coast flagship venue. Airy industrial space with ocean views. Vancouver Chapel dates. Supports Ocean Wise charity.
• Wakefield Grand (Quebec)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew venue for 2026 season. Six-acre property near Ottawa with forest, water, and elevated feel. Supports Be The Change Earth Alliance.
• Waupoos Estates Winery (Prince Edward County)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPEC venue partner with lake views and local wine. 2026 season kickoff location. Sunset Party Spot discount offered.
• The Drake Hotel / Drake DevonshireminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoutique hotel venue partner in Toronto and Prince Edward County. Past Chapel location.
• Globe and Mail CentreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPast Toronto venue partner with upscale event space.
• Wednesday Wedding Co. (Vancouver)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVancouver-area execution partner for Chapel events. Handles on-site coordination and event management in the Vancouver market.
• Young, Hip & MarriedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWedding officiant service partner. Conducts ceremonies for Vancouver Chapel events.
• RaeConnell PhotographycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred photography partner capturing Chapel weddings.
• Isle & Oak PhotographycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhotography partner for Vancouver and Toronto Chapel events. Known for editorial wedding photography.
• Ecorce FlowerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorist partner for Vancouver Chapel events. Provides bouquet, boutonniere, and installation florals.
• Le Gateau BakeshopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCake and cupcake provider for Vancouver Chapel events.
• Backyard Vineyards / Steam Whistle BreweryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeverage sponsors for Vancouver and Toronto Chapel events.
• Wesley Attew MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLive music partner providing ceremony music for Chapel events.
• Smart SweetsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor brand integrated into Chapel experience. Product sampling/messaging at wedding events.
• Ocean WiseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner for Vancouver Chapel dates. Marine conservation organization.
• Moose Hide CampaignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner receiving donations from Chapel bookings. Indigenous-led initiative against violence toward women and children.
• Evergreen Children's GardenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner for Evergreen Brick Works Chapel dates. Children's environmental education programs.
• BLM CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner. Receives portion of booking proceeds.
• Pride TorontominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner. Pride Weekend Pop-Up Chapel events planned for 2026.
• Be The Change Earth AllianceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity partner for Wakefield Grand Chapel dates. Environmental organization.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Simply Eloped: US-based micro-wedding and elopement specialist offering all-inclusive, preset-date wedding packages with photography, officiant, florals, and coordination. Most directly comparable peer in pop-up/elopement format, scaled across multiple US cities.
• The Pop Up Wedding: All-inclusive pop-up wedding provider offering preset-date micro weddings at curated venues, with photography, officiant, florals, and coordination included. Direct format competitor to Pop-Up Chapel's preset Chapel Date model.
• Elope Worldwide: Elopement planning service curating all-inclusive intimate wedding experiences in destinations and cities, including photography, florals, and officiant coordination. Closely aligned target customer and package-based delivery model.
• Pop Up Weddings Canada: Canadian pop-up wedding provider offering all-inclusive preset-date packages at partner venues. Closest geographic and format peer to Pop-Up Chapel within Canada.
• All Elope: Pop-up and elopement wedding provider focused on small, all-inclusive ceremonies with preset venue packages. Directly comparable service format aimed at couples seeking a City Hall alternative with more design.

Broad incumbents

• Here Comes The Guide: Wedding vendor directory and venue platform connecting couples to local vendors. Functions as an indirect competitor for venue/vendor discovery and as a potential partner channel for Pop-Up Chapel.
• Zola: Largest wedding planning platform in North America offering registry, vendor marketplace, website, and planning tools. Competes indirectly for wedding spend allocation and couples' attention, though without a pop-up product.
• The Knot: Mass-market wedding planning brand with vendor marketplace, planning tools, content, and registry. Broad incumbent in wedding category that competes for couples' discovery and booking journey upstream of Pop-Up Chapel.

Emerging players

• With Joy: Wedding planning platform with website, registry, and RSVP tools targeted at modern couples. Adjacent emerging player in the digital wedding planning layer that competes for the same contemporary couple.
• Tiny Wedding Co. Small-format, all-inclusive wedding provider focused on intimate ceremonies and elopements in select North American markets. Closely aligned emerging niche player targeting the micro-wedding use case.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/popupchapel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-pop-up-chapel-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Pop-Up Chapel