A Summer Symphony in the Rockies: Eloping in Banff's Alpine Wonderland
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, where majestic peaks touch the sky and crystalline lakes reflect the stunning sunsets, Banff emerges as a haven for couples seeking the perfect backdrop for their intimate summer elopement. Join us on a journey through the alpine wonderland of Banff, where love blossoms amidst stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and the untamed beauty of nature. We would love to capture your special elopement day in the Rockies nestled away by a cozy fire. Sipping a beer in the lodge looking out on the mountains. And riding the Luxury Gondola up to the top to enjoy the views in style. Other Fun Facts
Banff National Park was the first Canadian National Park, and it started after the hot springs that were found there became a conflict of interest, and who could develop them for a resort and commercial interest. The Canadian Government stepped in, and created the first National Park. If you’ve never been to the Banff Hot Springs, it’s an amazing place not only to relax, but to learn the fascinating history!
Banff's Summer Serenade
As the sun-kissed days unfold in the Rockies, Banff transforms into a romantic haven for couples looking to exchange vows in the embrace of nature's grandeur. In this blog post, we'll delve into the allure of eloping in Banff during the summer—a season that graces the region with a symphony of colors, fragrances, and breathtaking vistas, lodges, and cabins alike. Cozy up with a hot cocoa by the fire, and enjoy that mountain get away warm feeling, and that WOW elopement adventure feeling without the distress of hiking and cold weather conditions.
Embracing nature's canvas explore the natural wonders that make Banff a dream destination for summer elopements, while being captured in your most romantic intimate picture perfect moments. Quaint Alpine Villages and Cozy Retreats
Turquoise Lakes and Luxurious Alpine Vistas:
Discover the mesmerizing turquoise lakes and alpine vistas that define Banff's summer landscape. From the iconic Lake Louise to the lesser-known gems like Moraine Lake, each location offers a picturesque canvas for exchanging vows. Stunning Vistas and hotel rooms surround the area boasting of gorgeous suites for getting ready, with mountain view palace like balconies. Highly recommend you check out Belverdere Suite if you want that palace Elf Queen feeling in the mountains at the Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise. Explore the charming villages and romantic retreats that offer a perfect blend of alpine coziness and luxury. If you want that modern business suites cozy alpine luxury vibe check out the Fairmont! Its my dream to shoot here! I recommend booking a night in the hotel, and then making your way down to the two lakes for photos with atleast 2-3 hours to spare for adventure, snuggles, admiration, exploring, and admiring the beauty of eachother and your love in the picturesque surroundings.
Near Louise Lake, Stay in one of three recommended suites for a gorgeous view and balcony for photos and getting ready and honeymoon romance. With a stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, you'll be on a lake, within a 15-minute drive of Banff National Park and Louise Lake. This upscale hotel is 4.4 mi (7.1 km) from Lake Louise Mountain Resort and 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Moraine Lake. Stay in either the Belverdere Suite, the Whitehorn Suite, or the Fairview Suite for an elegant ivory like Greek-style palace balcony overlooking Lake Louise, and the Rocky mountains. Estimate about $2000 per night for your stay at these suites.
Blooms in the Mountains:
Delight in the vibrant wildflowers that blanket the mountains during the summer. The meadows come alive with hues of pink, purple, and yellow, providing a natural carpet for couples to walk upon as they embark on their journey together during the spring months. Capture gorgeous flowers in the meadows and grassy hillsides overlooking the pristine turquoise lakes.
Majestic Peaks at sunset:
Celebrate the towering peaks that stand as silent witnesses to love's unfolding story. Banff's mountains provide a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for elopements, creating a sense of intimacy amidst the vast wilderness. And evoking a sense of awe, bewilderment and adventure. Sunset hours the peaks turn shades and hues of blue and pink and orange. Catch the golden hour here for the best vibrant colors of all kinds!
The Enchantment of Banff Town:
Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Banff Town. Cobblestone streets, alpine architecture, and a plethora of boutiques and cafes create a charming backdrop for post-elopement celebrations, portraits, and family photos with that cottagecore twist.
Hidden Gems in Canmore:
Discover the hidden gems of Canmore, Banff's neighbor to the east. This quaint town offers a more secluded and intimate setting, with boutique accommodations and breathtaking views, if your looking for a nearby alternative to stay thats still cozy and affordable.
Luxury Retreats in Lake Louise:
Indulge in the luxurious offerings of Lake Louise. With world-class resorts nestled against the backdrop of the iconic lake, couples can experience the epitome of alpine romance.
Crafting Your Summer Elopement
Here I will provide you with some practical insights and tips for wild adventurous, wanderlust couples planning a summer elopement in Banff.
1. Choosing the Perfect Location:
Decide on selecting the ideal elopement location based on preferences, whether it's a lakeside ceremony, a mountain summit exchange of vows, or a secluded meadow surrounded by wildflowers. Check out Buffalo Mountain Lodge if your looking for something cabin style for your reception, with the iconic tunnel mountain as your backdrop. If you want a venue that includes the set up on the location this would be more cost effective than picking your favorite setup company for the ceremony and eloping in the national park on crown land. Consider different spots in the national park will differ on how to plan to elope on them. You will need to book a helicopter for your guests, and this would only work for a smaller group, such as photographer, witnesses, and the couple and officiant. Usually helicopters only take 7 at a time. Roughly $1200-2000 for a life to a mountain side, and the location itself is free!
2: Do you want a venue for a party after, or just do the ceremony, and settle into the hotel and jacuzzi with your lover for a more cost effective intimate romantic evening?
Consider whether its in your budget or not to host tons of guests and feed them, as well as whether coming out to this location may be too much for them. Or perhaps your families are the wild adventurous type like you, then definitely your gonna want a hotel and venue booked for the evening! If you prefer to just elope with you and your lover check out Emerald Lake! Emerald Lake Lodge has long been the perfect destination for breathtaking weddings. The gorgeous setting, mouth-watering Rocky Mountain Cuisine and comfortable lodge accommodation make it the ideal location for your special day.
Elopements with them includes:
- Two nights accommodation
- 1 three-course a-la-carte dinner for two
- 2 breakfasts for two
- Flowers (bouquet & boutonniere)
- Wedding cake
- Bottle of sparkling wine
- Fruit & cheese or chocolate plate
- In-room gift
The elopement package is only available for the couple getting married. 2 people maximum. Message them to book on their website!
Best Small Venues for an Intimate Wedding in Banff and Canmore:
Bear and Bison Inn: Perfect for the smaller wedding with 50-60 guests.
Canmore Nordic Center with Cornerstone Weddings: Nestled near Canmore with options for 30-80 guests
Mount Engadine Lodge: More remote set in Kananaskis Country, 30-40 minute drive from Canmore. Beautiful small lodge with max capacity of 36-38 guests.
3: If you are planning venue, choose the hotel with a lodge that you can set up for your wedding day. Catering is often included and décor, tables and chairs and bartenders even! Weddings at Moraine Lake Lodge.
Choosing where to tie the knot is a difficult choice. There are so many amazing locations out there that it can be difficult to find the perfect Alberta wedding venue.
For lovers of the outdoors who are struggling with how to choose a wedding venue in Alberta, however, there's nothing quite like the beautiful woodsy spaces at Moraine Lake Lodge, which is located next to Moraine Lake.
4: Permits and Regulations:
What do I require to get married in Banff National Park and Canmore?
Couples will need to go through the necessary permits and regulations for eloping in Banff National Park. Ensuring compliance with park guidelines ensures a seamless and respectful celebration of love within this protected natural haven. There are a few limits to what weddings can be held here, for example only 30 guests max, and you have a limited approval application process to go through so it is a bit like winning the lottery. Check out the Website for Park Permits, Email them at romo_fees_permits@nps.gov to inquire about your date and availability. Fill out an application, pay your $300 non-refundable booking fee. Send completed application to the above email. Sign and print your completed permit. You must have your permit with you at all times. Leave no trace, and pick no wildflowers on your way. Here are some FAQ on their website copy and pasted below, but check the link above for more information.
When Can I Apply for a Wedding Permit?
If you are interested in getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park, please remember to plan well in advance of your desired wedding date.
RMNP accepts applications the year in advance of desired wedding month. Review of applications begin the first of the month, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
For example: Beginning on April 1, 2023, Rocky Mountain National Park will start accepting applications for all days in April of 2024, etc.
Maximum Permit Limits
- May- October: 60 per month for all issued permits on a first come – first served basis
- November - April: 40 per month for all issued permits on a first come – first served basis
What is the Maximum Wedding Ceremony Size?
The maximum wedding ceremony size is 30 people, unless the normal site limit is less.
- Total group size cannot exceed 30 people or the normal site limit, including the wedding couple, all guests (including infants and young children), officiants, and photographers.
Unless you are holding your wedding at a venue with other than these set conditions, Banff National Park requires several conditions to be met when holding your wedding ceremony to minimize the impact on the park and natural habitat. The great thing about eloping in the Canadian Rockies is that you can do it practically anywhere (on top of a mountain or on the edge of an alpine lake) but you must respect that it is a public location, and there are guideline to follow.
Some of these guidelines include:
- No more than 20 participants (a perfect intimate wedding number)
- Follow all national park rules
- Avoid interfering with the public access, meaning you cannot cordone off an area for your ceremony, and it is recommended to pick less popular areas or quieter times of the day for your ceremony
- Follow Leave No Trace Guidelines.
You must submit a registration form if you are organizing your wedding to Parks Canada no later than 3 days before your marriage. This is technically your permit, and is free!
All the details about what you can and cannot do can be found here: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/info/permis-permit/mariage-wedding
Other requirements to get legally married in Alberta are:
- Two witnesses
- Valid marriage licence
- Some one to legally married you, whether it’s a friend or family member with a temporary certificate to marry you or a registered officiant
5: Celebrants:
They will help walk you through the paperwork process. Book atleast a few months advance to ensure they are available. Travel fees will apply unless your looking locally. Choose someone who speaks the way your love feels so you dont get any cringe vibes, but only laughter, and not too much seriousness. Choose someone who will get to know you and your story and your family better before the wedding day. Be sure that they are able to plan your ceremony the way you want with any special rituals or traditions or cultural or religious practices.
6: Cake flowers and dj Oh my:
Some locations will provide this for you, but I recommend for less of a cookie cutter experience, and for something more personalized you should definitly hire someone not with the venue. They will appreciate their job a lot more. I assure you!
7: Photographer: Of course, hire me for your photo and videography needs, as an expert in all things adventure and travel hikes and extreme climates I am a sucker for turqoise lakes and mountains and a bit of flowers or snow. Check out some photo tips and insight into what its like capturing special intimate moments in locations like Banff.
8: Accessible Summit Views:
Banff Gondola and Sky Bistro
If you are looking to have up to 60 guests and want a mountain top wedding, this may be perfect! Take an 8 minute ride up the gondola and have beautiful views all around.
9: Pick your LAKES:
The Legalities:
When you arrive at Banff National Park, you will be required to pass through the park gates and either purchase your Parks Canada Pass or show it. Any vehicle entering the park is required to have one. You can order your pass in advance, or purchase at the gates. You do not require a Parks Canada Pass for Canmore.
For Canmore, if you plan to explore any areas outside of the town, you will likely require a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You can purchase either a daily or a yearly pass, and is required for most areas outside of the townsite. For more information, visit https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx
Two Jack Lake:
If you want to combine camping with your wedding, Two Jack Lake provides a perfect location.
There are two campgrounds at Two Jack Lake, one on the lake and a main campground. The location is stunning and you have all the amenities you could want for a campground. The lake provides a stunning backdrop of mountains and blue water, and if it’s nice you can even go for a swim!
Moraine Lake:
Moraine Lake is an icon and is absolutely stunning. It’s no reason it is popular!
If you want to elope at Moraine Lake, there is a couple things to keep in mind:
- A recent decision by Parks Canada means it is no longer possible to drive your personal vehicle up to Moraine Lake. You must either pay for a taxi, private transfer, or book a seat on a Parks Canada or private shuttle.
- It can be very busy! So if you want to keep it quiet and more intimate, I suggest trying to arrange for a sunrise or sunset elopement, or consider eloping in the middle of the week.
- There are many hiking trails that start at Moraine Lake, so if you want to hike to your elopement location, or just go for some epic hiking for epic pictures, there are lots of options!
Lake Louise:
Another icon, Lake Louise is well known and popular, just as much and possibly more than Moraine Lake.
If you are feeling fancy, the Fairmont Lake Louise sits practically right on the lake, and is a great location to either start or end your day, or both. If you plan to have many guests to your wedding, you can also use them as a proper venue.
There are also many beautiful hikes starting from Lake Louise. You can also visit one of the two teahouses for some amazing foods and drink!
10: Pick your Adventure:
Whether thats just a walk or hike through the park, a canoe to a secret hideaway spot, take the gondola up to the mountain top with your guests for sunset, or a helicopter to the mountain top, or cliffside/mountainside/lakeside lodge, and deck views of the pristine lakes, pick how you want to experience your elopement and whether you want to add a drizzle of magic to the experience to make it feel that extra bit special!! In a place like this, a tiny bit of money goes a long way!
Capturing the Moments:
Delve into the art of capturing the essence of a Banff summer elopement through creative nature and landscape photography with these tips below.
Golden Hour Magic:
- Highlighting the enchanting golden hour in Banff's summer evenings. The soft, warm glow of the setting sun enhances the romance of every captured moment.
Iconic Photo Spots:
- Explore iconic photo spots in Banff that provide a timeless and unforgettable backdrop. From the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise to the Banff Springs Hotel, these locations offer a touch of classic elegance.
Candid and Emotional Moments:
- Encourage the celebration of candid and emotional moments. The genuine expressions of love amidst Banff's stunning scenery create a narrative that resonates for a lifetime. The location itself is awe inspiring, and will leave you feeling magic and wonder. Your sure to feel the romance, and zest for life in a location as stunning and dynamic as Banff. Feel free to take the canoe out on the lake and paddle out with your flowers in tow, and your lover and spend some time admiring each other on the turquoise lake.
Getting Here:
By Car:
The most popular way to get to Banff and Canmore is by driving. The Transcanada Highway that runs through both of these towns was designed explicitly to direct tourism toward them. Other than watching out for the occasional construction or wildlife, the drive from Calgary or Edmonton is very straightforward. If you plan to come from Jasper through the Icefields Parkway, or interior BC, be aware that you will be travelling mountain roads, and conditions can change at any time.
By Plane:
As I mentioned already, Calgary International Airport is an hour and a half drive from Banff, and most major airlines fly into it! So if you are coming from afar, you can fly into Calgary and rent a car to travel to the mountains.
By Bus:
While there are options for travelling by bus or shuttle, there is still limited infrastructure in place. I recommend looking at these options in advance to see if it is doable for your timeframe. Also keep in mind, that if you don’t have a vehicle while in the Canadian Rockies, you will be much more limited to where you can explore and what you can see!
A Love Story Written in the Rockies
*As we conclude this journey through the alpine wonderland of Banff, envision a love story written in the Rockies—where turquoise lakes reflect the commitment exchanged, where wildflowers witness the promises made, and where the mountains stand as eternal guardians of the union. Banff's summer serenade is an invitation to embark on a timeless adventure—a celebration of love in nature's most enchanting embrace. I hope you will considering choosing me as your photographer for your sacred intimate Banff Elopement nestled in the mountains.
Things to consider:
- Do we need a marriage license?
- Yes. Learn more.
- Can you obtain a permit on the weekend?
- No, there is no one to process the application on the weekends.
- Can you obtain a permit at the last minute?
- Ceremonies can be scheduled up to a year in advance and up to 7 days prior to the ceremony. A last minute request might be accommodated, but there are no guarantees.
- Do I need a separate permit for my photography or officiant?
- No, the photographer and officiant are covered under the wedding permit.
- Can I go to other places in the park to take pictures after my ceremony?
- Yes. Indicate this on the request on your application to be approved on your permit.
- Can I have my dog in the wedding ceremony?
- Dogs are only allowed at Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater and Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater. Indicate on your application if you would like your dog in the ceremony.
- Can I have an arch?
- Only at Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater.
- Can I have a band at my wedding?
- Amplified music is not permitted. Music must at 60 decibels or less.
- Does the park provide an officiant?
- No.
- Does the park provide wedding packages?
- No.
- Do the wedding party and guests need to pay entrance fees?
- Yes.
- Can the wedding party use the park shuttles?
- Yes.
- Does the park provide private transportation?
- No. However, during summer months there are free park shuttles.
- Is there a different cost for different sites and group sizes?
- No. The same fee applies for all sites and ceremony sizes.
- Can I have a drone take pictures at my ceremony?
- No. Drones are prohibited in all national park service areas.
- Can we hold a reception at the park?
- Lily Lake Southside Picnic is the only site that can accommodate a picnic or simple food reception. Holding a simple reception at that location requires an additional special use permit.
- Can we have boutonnieres and bouquets?
- Yes. Items like flower petals, birdseed, rice, or similar material or items cannot be used, thrown, or scattered.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date applications are received by our office.
- The Special Use Permit requires a non-refundable administrative fee of $300 for each wedding application. Do not send in fee at the time of application. You'll receive an email with payment instructions once your application has been accepted.
- A ceremony permit is needed when there are 2 or more people engaging in the activity.
- No more than two weddings per day will be booked at any designated wedding location, regardless of availability.
- No more than six total ceremonies will be scheduled per day, year-round.
- Weddings can ONLY take place in designated site locations, regardless of the size of the wedding group. Any indication of a ceremony taking place outside of these designated sites is considered a violation and is subject to citation of the wedding party, photographer, and/or officiant.
- Drones are prohibited in the park for all uses, including weddings, even if the user/photographer is FFA licensed. No exceptions will be made.
- Rocky Mountain National Park is a resource protected area and a busy national park with high visitation. All ceremonies in the park are managed and require a Special Use Permit, regardless of size.
- Weddings or ceremonies may be scheduled up to one year in advance and no later than seven days prior to your event.
- As parking spaces are limited in the park, carpooling or shuttling is strongly encouraged and may be required.
- Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony.
- Since Rocky Mountain National Park is an outdoor, rustic, natural environment, the permit includes specific conditions that protect the park's resources and allow all visitors to enjoy the par. Read carefully to determine whether your ceremony will be possible. You'll be required to read and sign the permit prior to it being finalized.
- Ceremonies conducted in Rocky require written approval from the Chief Ranger's Office or Concessions Management Office. Your finalized, signed permit is considered written approval.
Is Banff too far for you?
Consider going to other national parks with a similar feel like Manning, or Whistler. Or if you want the turqoise lake, and dont mind a hike, check out Lindeman lake as well!
Need help deciding on which location would be best?
I can help you choose your dream location!
