How to Elope in Banff National Park
You’re dreaming of eloping in Banff National Park—what an incredible place to begin your forever.
First, congratulations. Choosing to elope is a deeply personal and beautiful decision, and Banff is one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth to do it. Towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, quiet forests—this landscape has a way of making everything feel a little more magical.
But planning an elopement in a national park does come with its own set of considerations. That’s where I come in. This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know—so you can focus less on logistics and more on what really matters: the two of you.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan an intentional and stress-free elopement in Banff—from choosing the perfect location and understanding permit rules to figuring out the best time of year and what to pack. I’ll also share a few of my favourite local tips, activity ideas, and vendor recommendations to help you create a day that’s meaningful, relaxed, and totally you.
Whether you're hiking to a mountain viewpoint at sunrise or saying your vows beside a quiet alpine lake, this guide is here to support you every step of the way.
What is an elopement?
An elopement is an intentional and intimate way to get married that focuses on what truly matters—just the two of you and your love. Whether it’s just the couple or a small group of close friends and family, elopements strip away the pressure and performance of a traditional wedding and allow you to create a meaningful day that reflects who you are. There are no rules—your elopement can be as adventurous, laid-back, or sentimental as you want it to be.
Why elope in Banff?
Banff National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in the world to elope. With its turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and endless wilderness, Banff offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for your love story. Whether you want to say your vows at sunrise beside a quiet alpine lake, hike to a secluded lookout, or celebrate with a cozy picnic under the stars, Banff has something for every kind of couple. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and begin your marriage surrounded by nature and intention.
Steps For Eloping In Banff
You’ll need a Marriage License
You can pick you a marriage license at an Alberta Registry Agent. I recommend going to the Banff Bureau Office, make sure to fill in the paper work before going. You and your partner will need to go together. You will need to provide your personal information as well as the full names (including maiden names) and birth locations of your parents. You need to be over the age of 18. The fee is only $40.
Your license is valid for 90 days and you can pick it up at anytime within 90 days of your elopement date. If you change your date you will need a new license. The license will be filled out with your officiant and witnesses on the day of your elopement, so make sure to bring it along with you and don’t fill it out before hand.
If you’re a American getting married in Alberta your marriage license will be considered valid. You need to submit it locally when you get home. Confirm with local authorities that you have all your ducks in a row.
You can find everything you need to know about getting your marriage license in more detail here.
You can find the link to the paper work you’ll need to fill out before visiting the Banff Bureau Office here.
All businesses operating in the park need a valid business license as well. It is wise to ask them if they have one because if they don’t and a park ranger stops them they’ll be required to stop their service. I’ve heard some horror stories. It’s just not worth it to take the risk. Make sure all of your vendors are licensed to work in Banff National Park if that is where you are eloping.
Ceremony Requirements
You can have a religious or civil ceremony for your elopement. A symbolic ceremony is not valid in Alberta. There are specific requirements that you must meet in order for your ceremony to be considered valid by the province of Alberta.
You must have a valid Alberta marriage license on the day of your ceremony
You must give the license to your officiant before the ceremony starts
You must have two witness present who are at least 18 years old. If you aren’t planning on inviting anyone to your elopement I’m happy to sign as a witness.
If you do choose to have a symbolic ceremony the day of your elopement you will need to have to legally get married before or after your elopement day.
Registration for Banff National Park
In addition to your marriage license you will also need to fill out this Park’s Canada registration form to let them know when you’ll be eloping and to agree to their terms of use for the park. Make sure you submit this form in advance so they have time to reply, I would recommend filling it out 2-4 weeks ahead of time at least. Some of the terms include having a maximum of 20 guess attend your ceremony, you and your guests complying will national park regulations at all times, props are limited to a small registration table, chairs and wedding arch, everyone will need a park pass and must understand that you do not have exclusive rights to any area.
You’ll need a park pass
To enter into Banff National Park you need a park pass. You can buy a day pass or a Discovery pass that is valid for 12 months and basically pays for it’s self in a week, so it’s a great option if you are planning to explore Banff either before or after your elopement. You can buy one ahead of time here or at the park gates.
Find your officiant
There are specific requirements for who can officiate your elopement in Alberta. An officiant must be a legal officiant appointed by the Government of Alberta, a member of a church, or a Canadian resident who is over 18 years of age who has applied for and decided day of licensing for your ceremony.
You can find a list of Alberta officiants here
You can find all the information on having a friend or family member officiate your elopement here
If you are already legally married you do not need an officiant.
Choose your witnesses
You will need to have two witness over the age of 18 present for your ceremony and they must be available to sign your marriage license. Your witnesses must be fluent in English or a translator must be present. If you aren’t having any family or friends present you still need two witnesses! You can consider having your photographer and videographer (or other vendors) as witnesses. I’ve signed a few marriage licenses over the years.
Choose a location
Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth! It has everything from alpine lakes and forests to the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. When choosing a location in Banff to elope it’s important to think about a variety of factors including: season and weather, time of day, and accessibility for you and your guests. Locations can look completely different throughout the seasons, lakes that are turquoise blue in summer will be completely frozen over and covered in ice and snow in the winter and certain locations may be completely inaccessible. During the summer months popular locations can become very crowded. There will be less people around earlier or later in the day or in more secluded locations either by hiking in or by helicopter. Some locations require a very short walk from the parking lot to a stunning view, others require a short - long hike or helicopter. Some locations don’t allow personal vehicles and require a shuttle to be booked in advance. It’s always best to have a back up location or two in mind just in case of weather, crowds or other unpredictable reasons.
Here are some of the most ionic locations in Banff National Park. These locations are easy drive-in locations that don’t require hiking.
Here are some locations to consider:
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. It is a glacier fed lake that some say is in the shape of a wolf’s head. It has bright blue water. Peyto Lake is 43.9km from Lake Louise. The parking lot is a 15-25 minute walk/hike uphill on a paved path most of the way to the viewpoint.
Bow Lake
If you’re lucky and the weather is just right you can see the most beautiful reflection of Crowfoot Mountain onto Bow Lake. One of the great things about Bow Lake is that it is only a 5 minute drive from Peyto Lake. I definitely recommend going to both for your elopement! Bow Lake has beautiful blue water.
As of 2023 Moraine Lake cannot be accessed by personal vehicles unless you have a valid disabled parking hang tag or are staying at Moraine Lake Lodge. Otherwise you will need to book a PARKS CANADA SHUTTLE (make sure to make your reservation well in advance as spots fill up very quickly), take ROAM public transportation or hire a private car service like, MORAINE LAKE BUS COMPANY, FAIRVIEW LIMO, MOUNTAIN PARK TRANSPORT to get to Moraine Lake. The road is closed from Mid October- May every year due to avalanche danger. Moraine Lake is a glacier fed lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park and is 14km from Lake Louise. Moraine Lake has water that looks like blue gatorade.
Lake Louise
You can try your luck parking at Lake Louise but I wouldn’t recommend it. Parking for the iconic Lake Louise fills up before dawn in the summer. A Parks Canada shuttle runs from May-October (the same one that goes to Moraine Lake, you can access both lakes with a connector pass). Or you can take Roam transit. There is handicap parking. If you are a Guest at Chateau Lake Louise you can park there. Lake has beautiful blue water.
Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
Tunnel Mountain has a great mountain view. This spot needs to be reserved ahead of time!
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is only a 15 minute drive from the town of Banff and has a big parking lot. The lakeshore is a short walk from the parking lot and there’s lots of different places with a great view. Lake Minnewanka is a glacier lake with fairly blue water. It can get really windy here.
Two Jack Lake
Two Jack has fairly regular looking water but great mountain views. It’s also really close to Lake Minnewanka so it’s easy to go to both. Two Jack Lake is one of the few that you can literally drive right up to. It’s gets busy in the summer though and small parking lot can fill up quickly. There’s also a really picturesque meadow near by!
Emerald Lake
While Emerald Lake is not technically located in Banff National Park, it’s located in Yoho National Park and is only 37.4km from Lake Louise. Yoho National park is right on the boarder of Alberta and British Columbia. Emerald Lake is a fresh water lake that is literally the most stunning emerald green colour. There are gorgeous views around the while lake. Emerald Lake Loop is a 5.1km easy walk around the lake. There is a little cafe and Emerald Lake Lodge.
Some locations require a reservation. You can find information on those locations here.
Book accommodations
Make sure to book accommodations well in advance. Banff is a popular tourist destination, and things book up quickly! The closest airport is the Calgary International Airport, which is 144km from the town of Banff or 199km from Lake Louise, so to make your life easier and more stress-free, you’ll probably want to book accommodations in Banff or the surrounding area. Travel times can significantly vary based on weather. Rental cars can be picked up from the airport, and there are also group transit options.
Air BnB’s
Find your dream vendors
When planning your elopement in Banff, working with the right vendors can make your day seamless and stress-free. From florists who craft stunning bouquets to officiants who create heartfelt ceremonies, choosing experienced professionals ensures every detail is taken care of. You may want to work with a photographer (that’s me!), a videographer, an officiant, a florist, a hair and makeup artist, and a private chef or caterer for a celebratory meal. If you're looking for something extra special, consider a helicopter tour company for an epic mountain adventure or a luxury picnic setup for a romantic post-ceremony experience.
Activities
Eloping in Banff isn’t just about saying "I do"—it’s about immersing yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and making unforgettable memories together. Whether you want an adventure-filled day or a more relaxed experience, here are some incredible activities to add to your elopement:
Take a helicopter to the top of a mountain
Canoe on a lake
Take a ride on a gondola
Sleigh ride through the snow
Dog sledding
Horseback riding
Relax at a Nordic Spa
Visit a hot spring
Enjoy food and drinks at a restaurant or have a picnic
Drive a Jeep around
Get a tattoo
Skiing / Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Paddle boarding
Take a boat cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get married in Banff National Park?
Yes, you can get married in Banff National Park!
Do I need a permit to get married in Banff?
To get legally married in Banff National Park you need a marriage license and to fill out a park Canada registration form to let them know when you’ll be eloping. Read on for more information.
How much does it cost to elope in Banff?
The answer can vary a lot based on the vendors you choose to work with, activities you choose to do, where you choose to eat and stay and for how long. If you choose luxury hotels and experiences over a longer period of time the cost will be higher, if you choose to camp and stay for a shorter amount of time the cost will be lower. Guest count can change the cost too. Roughly you can expect to pay $10,000 CAD for a week long stay and elopement. Read on for more information.
Who Should I Invite to My Elopement?
You can invite whoever you want to your elopement! Friends, family, your dog. To elope on public land park Canada specifies that you cannot have more than twenty guests (including all vendors) for your ceremony. You can also invite no one. Read on for more information.
Can a Friend or Family Member Officiate my Ceremony?
Yes! Your friend or family member can officiate your ceremony. You can find all the information for having a friend or family member officiate your ceremony HERE.
How many guests is considered an elopement?
You can have up to 20 guests at your ceremony in Banff National Park as per Parks Canada guidelines, so I would say 20 guests or less is considered an elopement.
How much does it cost to elope in Banff?
Are you dreaming of saying "I do" amidst the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park? Elopements in this stunning Canadian destination offer a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and natural splendor. However, understanding the costs involved is essential for planning your dream elopement. In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about the expenses associated with eloping in Banff National Park.
Permit Fees: Before you exchange vows in Banff National Park, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. The cost is $40. You’ll also need a park pass to enter the park which costs $11 per person per day or $151.25 for a year pass per car.
Photography Packages: Capturing your special day in Banff requires a skilled photographer who knows how to showcase the park's beauty. Photography packages can vary widely based on the photographer's experience, services offered, and duration of coverage. Expect to budget anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000+ CAD for elopement photography in Banff.
Officiant Services: Whether you choose a civil officiant or a religious leader to perform your ceremony, there will be fees associated with their services. Officiant fees typically range from $300 to $800 CAD for elopements in Banff. Alternatively you can have a family member or friend perform your ceremony.
Travel and Accommodation: If you're traveling to Banff from out of town, factor in the costs of transportation and accommodation. Flights, rental cars, and lodging expenses can vary greatly depending on your location, time of year, and preferences.
Attire and Accessories: Don't forget to budget for your wedding attire, including your wedding dress or suit, shoes, accessories, and any special touches you desire for your elopement ensemble.
Additional Expenses: Consider any additional expenses such as hair and makeup services, floral arrangements, transportation to and from your ceremony location, and celebratory meals or experiences.
Total Cost Estimate: While the cost of eloping in Banff National Park can vary based on your preferences and priorities, a rough estimate for a simple elopement could range from $3,000 to $10,000 CAD. However, couples who desire more elaborate experiences or luxury accommodations may expect to spend upwards of $15,000 CAD or more.
Tips for Budgeting: To keep costs in check, consider eloping during the off-peak season (typically October to April) when accommodation prices may be lower. Opt for a weekday ceremony instead of a weekend.
Elopements in Banff National Park offer an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature's grandeur. By understanding the costs involved and planning accordingly, you can create a magical wedding day that fits your budget and exceeds your wildest dreams. With careful consideration and the help of experienced professionals, your Banff elopement will be a celebration of love that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
What is the best time of year to elope in Banff?
Banff is beautiful year round and there is always lots to do! Remember that weather in the mountains is always changing and can be very unpredictable. If you’re hoping to spend the majority of your wedding day outside it’s really important to be honest with yourself about your preference for weather. Don’t plan a winer elopement if you don’t like being outside in freezing temperatures. Ultimately the best time of year to get married in Banff is dependant on your preferences, but I would recommend summer, fall or winter! Here is some information on what to expect during each season to help you choose the best time of year for your elopement.
Spring (Mid April - Mid June)
It takes a long time for Banff to unthaw from the winter months. You can expect warmer temperatures but the snow takes a while to melt. Mountains will definitely be snow capped. Trails can have snow on them still and can be muddy/ soggy from melting snow. In April and early May some lakes may still be frozen or thawing. You’ll definitely want to bring warm layers.
Summer (Mid June - Mid September)
Summer is the best time to visit if you want to see turquoise blue lakes, camp, hike and wildflowers will be in bloom. It can get really warm during the day. Wild fire smoke can be an issue. This is the most popular time for tourists to visit so it can get very crowded and parking can fill up quickly. The days are long and the sun can set at 10:00pm.
Autumn (Mid September - Mid November)
There are a lot less people who visit Banff in the fall. The weather will start to get chilly and there can even be snow. The Larches turn from green to a golden yellow. Lakes are not frozen yet and if you’re lucky you’ll catch the snow fall (the lakes are still blue but the trees are covered in snow), it’s one of the most magical times of the years in the Rockies.
Winter (Mid November - Mid April)
Banff is a snow covered winter wonderland during this time. There are lots of winter activities to do like ice skating, dog sledding, horse drawn sleigh rides, warm fires and cozy restaurants. Expect it to be cold (as low as -34º at times) and for there to be a lot of snow and ice. It can also very windy. You probably won’t want to plan prolonged times outside for your wedding day. You’ll needs lots of indoor breaks to warm up. It’s important to be prepared for the weather by dressing warm and also checking a head of time what the driving conditions will be like. Make sure to follow winter tire laws. The sunsets very early.
What is the best time of day to elope in Banff?
Sunrise and sunset are the best time of day for your first look, ceremony and portraits because of the soft, golden, flattering light. These times of day also have the added benefit of there being less crowds (more so sunrise than sunset). Sunrise and sunset times change vastly throughout the seasons so I’ll help you decide when the best time to have your ceremony is depending on which season you choose for your elopement. Choosing between sunrise and sunset is totally up to you and your personal preference. They are both magical times of day and will allow for the best photos!
Sample All Day Elopement Timelines
Your love story deserves a full day of celebration. The possibilities are literally endless! Your elopement day should be all about you, filled with your favourite things and people (if you want!), and it should be as stress free as possible! Banff National Park has some of the most spectacular turquoise blue lake and breath taking mountain peeks in the world. Whether you’re taking a helicopter to a mountain meadow in the spring, canoeing on a glacier-fed lake in the summer, hiking to your favourite alpine lake in the fall or dog sledding through snow covered forests in the winter, there are endless options that would be perfect for your dream elopement.
Here are a few different sample timelines for your Banff elopement:
Sunrise Banff Elopement 4hrs Timeline, Bow Lake & Peyto Lake
6:00 am Meet at Bow Lake parking lot, walk to ceremony site
6:30am First look & portraits
7:00am Ceremony (Vows and ring exchange, sign documents)
7:15am Champnage toast
7:30am Family & guest portraits
8:00am Walk back to Bow Lake Parking lot
8:15am Drive to Peyto Lake
8:30am Hike to Peyto Lake Viewpoint
8:45am Portraits
9:30am Picnic breakfast
10:00 Photo coverage ends
Sunset Banff Elopement 6hrs Timeline, Lake Minnewanka & Two Jack Lake
2:00pm - Meet at Lake Minnewanka
2:15pm- First look at lake Minnewanka
3:00pm - Ceremony at Lake Minnewanka (Vows and ring exchange, sign documents)
3:30pm - Champagne toast
4:00pm - Family & guest portraits
4:15pm - Drive to Two Jack Lake
4:30pm - Portraits at Two Jack Lake
5:15pm - Picnic charcuterie on lake shore
6:15pm - First dance on lake shore
6:30pm - Photos with get away car
7:00pm - Sunset portraits
8:00pm - Photography coverage ends
Sunset Banff Elopement 8hrs Timeline, Emerald Lake
2:00pm - Getting ready photos at Emerald Lake Lodge
3:30pm - First look near cabin
4:00pm - Ceremony by the lake shore (Vows and ring exchange, sign documents)
4:30pm - Family & guest portraits
5:00pm - Rent a canoe and paddle around
6:00pm - Return canoe
6:10pm - Charcuterie picnic dinner
7:00pm - Cake
7:15pm - Champagne toast
7:30pm - Photos with getaway car
8:30pm - Sunset portraits on the beach
9:30pm - Campfire with s’moores under the stars
10:00pm - photography coverage ends
What should you bring with you?
Hiking shoes
Water and snacks
Bear spray
A sweater or jacket. It can get chilly in the mornings and evenings and the weather can change rapidly in the mountains
Headlamps
Rain jacket and or clear umbrellas. I recommend checking the forecast frequently leading up to your elopement and bringing along rain gear and having it in your car even if there isn’t rain forecasted
Crampons if you’re eloping in the winter, spring or late fall
Props, this can include vow books, handwritten letters etc
Park Rules for Eloping in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a protected area, which means there are important rules in place to preserve its natural beauty for generations to come. If you’re planning to elope here, it’s essential to follow Parks Canada's guidelines to ensure your celebration is both respectful and permitted.
Leave no trace. Banff National Park has a set of rules to follow when for visiting and holding wedding celebrations. You can find more information HERE
Maximum 20 guests can attend the ceremony.
Guests must have a valid national parks entry pass. Passes can be purchased at the park gates or ahead of time HERE.
Guests are encouraged to carpool or take public transit to reduce vehicular traffic. Only park in designated lots.
Choose a less popular location, or a time earlier or later in the day to avoid congestion.
Keep noise to a minimum.
The park is a public space and you cannot reserve an area for personal use.
Open alcohol is prohibited in public places.
It is illegal to pick flowers, mushrooms, cut down trees, branches, remove rocks, cultural artifacts or otherwise cause damage to natural objects or living things.
Confetti, rice, flowers, or eco alternatives cannot be thrown. We are responsible for keeping the area clean and respecting the wildlife.
Guests must follow all park rules.
Safety In The Park
Eloping in Banff National Park is safe! However it’s always wise to think ahead and be prepared for all circumstances.
Wildlife
Banff has lots of wildlife which can be amazing to see! Wildlife can be unpredictable and feel threatened by humans. Remember to give wildlife lots of space and don’t follow them. DO NOT feed wildlife. Dispose of all garbage properly. Respect area closures and speed limits. Keep dogs on a leash at all times. It’s a good idea to travel in groups and make lots of human noise. It’s always a good idea to carry bear spray with you. You can find more information on wildlife and you HERE
Changing Weather Conditions
The weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable. It’s important to be prepared for changing weather conditions. It’s important to check the weather ahead of time and then again day of several times. In the winter months make sure to have the proper winter tires on your car. You can find updates on road conditions HERE.
There are also a bunch of live webcams you can check in Banff to see what the weather is like.
Cell Phone Reception
There are many areas in Banff National Park that don’t have cell phone reception, especially after Lake Louise. The Icefield’s Parkway is a long stretch of highway that has no cell phone reception. Tell someone who is not with you where you will be going and an approximate time you’ll be back. It’s wise to download an offline map before entering the park just in case.
Getting to Banff
The easiest way to get to Banff is to fly into the Calgary Airport YYC and rent a car. From the airport, the town of Banff is about an hour and a half drive or 143.2km via the Trans-Canada Highway AB-1 West. You can buy a park pass at the park gate.
You deserve the elopement of your dreams! It should be 100% about you, your way.
Reach out to start planning the elopement of your dreams.
Helpful Resources for Planning Your Banff Elopement
Planning an elopement in the mountains doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’ve put together some simple, easy-to-follow resources to help you feel confident every step of the way—from choosing your ceremony location to figuring out what to pack.
Real Banff Elopements
Want to see what an elopement in Banff can actually look like? Browse some of my favourite galleries to get inspired by real couples who chose to celebrate their love surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies. Every story is a little different—and that’s what makes each one so special.
