Our
Story

#COOLERTHANCITYHALL

Couples today are mixing it up: starting families before marriage, dedicating decades to their careers, buying dream homes early, and making travel a top priority. The values around marriage and gatherings are changing fast! We get it—outdated, stuffy wedding customs just don’t cut it anymore. The wedding industry needs to catch up with these fresh, exciting values and needs.

The Pop-Up Chapel Co. was born from a vision of bringing the sharing economy to weddings, bridging the gap between a city hall ceremony and a traditional banquet hall bash. In 2017, we hosted the first Pop-Up Chapel in Toronto, Ontario and it sold out in just three weeks. We knew we were onto something special. Thanks to the talent of experienced vendors and support from our sponsors, we marry more than 100 couples each year and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities by donating a portion from every Chapel spot sold.

Today, we pop up in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa at established venues including The Globe and Mail, Evergreen Brick Works, Hycroft Manor, and many more. We’re expanding across North America to make our creative, colourful, and inclusive events even more accessible. Owner and Creative Director Alicia Thurston, who acquired Pop-Up Chapel in 2023, has been at the core of our mission to bring couples a stress-free experience since she first contributed as a Chapel photographer. You’ll still see her behind the lens from time to time, but now she guides all things Pop-Up Chapel!

As the bold leaders in this new wedding planning category, we believe it doesn't have to be "all or nothing." With us, you don't need to choose between being overly serious or overly simple. 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.

Join us in championing change and discover the simplest way to tie the knot.

#CoolerThanCityHall

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 the four of us!

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! [email protected]

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! [email protected]

Grace Graham
Socials, Sales, & Client Coordinator

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

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

Love the sound of tying the knot or collaborating with us? I’m your go-to-gal for any Chapel and social media questions! [email protected]