This summer, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is giving one lucky couple the chance to tie the knot in a way only the Ex can offer: under the gleaming lights of the Midway, beside the towering SuperWheel, and surrounded by the nostalgia of carnival rides and pure end-of-summer magic.
The ‘Marriage on the Midway’ contest officially opens today, inviting Ontario couples to apply for an all-expenses-paid wedding on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the CNE.
“Every year we meet and hear from visitors who tell us that they had their first date at the CNE or met their partners while working their summer job; and we even know of a few vendors, some who have been married for more than 50 years, who first met and fell in love at the CNE,” Jane Matthews, CNE Marketing Director, said.
“We’ve had wedding proposals at the CNE, so this year we thought, why not a wedding ceremony?!”
The winning couple will exchange vows in front of the CNE’s iconic SuperWheel, creating a picture-perfect moment framed by the bright lights and festive energy of the Midway.
To sweeten the celebration, they’ll be treated to a custom wedding cake designed by a local bakery, one of the featured entries in the CNE’s inaugural cake decorating competition.
An official wedding photographer will be on hand to capture every moment, from the ceremony to the post-vows joyride.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. The couple and up to 20 guests will receive day passes with unlimited rides and also enjoy $500 in food vouchers to indulge in classic CNE eats like Tiny Toms doughnuts, ice cream waffle sandwiches and all the favourites at the Ex.
To top it all off, the newlyweds will get reserved seating at the Bell CNE Bandshell to watch 98 Degrees perform live, including their wedding anthem I Do (Cherish You).
Eligible lovebirds must be Ontario residents aged 18 or older. The deadline to apply is Aug. 8 at 11:59 p.m., and the chosen couple will be announced by Aug. 15.
For more details or to submit your story, visit theex.com/marriage-on-the-midway.
