Banff National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is truly one of the most breathtaking places in the world to elope. With its vibrant turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wild alpine beauty, it's the perfect setting for couples looking to trade a traditional wedding for something more meaningful, intimate, and connected to nature.

Before diving into your dream location, keep in mind that eloping in a national park comes with a few things to plan for—weather, tourist seasons, accessibility, permits, and park regulations. If you’re just getting started, I’ve put together everything you need to know in my guides How to Elope in Banff National Park and 16 Ways to Make Your Elopement Special.

Late spring through early fall is often the best time to plan an elopement here, when most roads are open, trails are accessible, and the lakes are at their most vibrant.

Now for the fun part—choosing your perfect location. These are some of my favourite places to photograph elopements in and around Banff National Park, each with its own distinct feel.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is easily one of the most iconic locations in all of Banff National Park. With its turquoise blue water reflecting the surrounding peaks of Mount Fairview, Mount Victoria, and the Victoria Glacier, it's a jaw-dropping location for a ceremony. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits right on the lakeshore, offering a mix of luxury and rugged alpine charm. Whether you're saying your vows by the lake, paddling in a canoe, or hiking up to one of the nearby viewpoints, Lake Louise is a timeless, romantic choice year-round.

Pros:

Easily accessible with paved paths
Canoeing in summer, ice skating in winter
Iconic backdrop featuring Mount Victoria & Victoria Glacier
Year-round access and nearby accommodations

Cons:

Extremely popular with tourists
Parking fills up early—shuttle or early arrival recommended
Limited privacy during peak season

Lake Minnewanka

Located just 15 minutes from the town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is a long, glacial-fed lake surrounded by dramatic peaks like Mount Inglismaldie, Mount Girouard, and Cascade Mountain. It’s a fantastic elopement location if you're looking for variety—think lakeside ceremonies, adventurous cliffside portraits, or short hikes to quieter viewpoints. The lake also has a dock, picnic areas, and a historic feel with the remnants of an old mining village submerged beneath its waters.

Pros:

Close to Banff and easy to access
Variety of backdrops from forest to rocky shoreline
Beautiful sunrise and sunset lighting
Public washrooms and seasonal café

Cons:

Busy during summer afternoons
Can be quite windy, especially along the lake

Two Jack Lake

Just down the road from Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake is quieter and often overlooked—making it a hidden gem. Framed by Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, this peaceful lake offers stunning reflections, especially in the early morning or late evening when the water is still. It’s also a wonderful spot for a casual picnic elopement or winter skating session.

Pros:

Short walk from parking to lakeshore
Gorgeous reflections of Mount Rundle
Peaceful and less busy than nearby Lake Minnewanka
Great for sunrise ceremonies

Cons:

Limited shelter/shade
Limited parking in peak season

Blue lake with trees in front and mountains behind

Moraine Lake

Arguably the crown jewel of Banff, Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is world-renowned for its bright turquoise waters and rugged mountain scenery. The view from the rockpile is iconic, showcasing ten dramatic peaks including Mount Fay, Mount Babel, and Deltaform Mountain. The lake’s surreal colour is at its peak in July, and the soft morning light creates the most magical atmosphere for an intimate ceremony.

Pros:

Unmatched views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks
Gorgeous alpine light at sunrise
Great for couples wanting dramatic scenery

Cons:

Road closed to personal vehicles—must access by shuttle, handicap tag, or by staying at Moraine Lake Lodge
Extremley popular
Only accessible late June to early October

Peyto Lake

Located along the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake is famous for its unique wolf-head shape and unreal blue colour. The overlook at Bow Summit gives you a sweeping view of the lake with Caldron Peak, Peyto Peak, and Mount Patterson towering above. It’s a short hike (about 15-25 minutes uphill), but the reward is a ceremony space that feels completely removed from the rest of the world.

Pros:

One of the most unique lake shapes in the Rockies
Expansive views of multiple peaks
Manageable hike to the viewpoint
Usually quieter than Moraine or Louise

Cons:

No lakeshore access—just overhead views
Uphill trail can be slippery in early spring or fall
Not ideal for those with mobility concerns

Bow Lake

Just a few minutes south of Peyto Lake, Bow Lake is peaceful, open, and offers stunning views of Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain, and Mount Thompson. The lake’s calm surface often mirrors the surrounding peaks, making it a gorgeous sunrise spot. There’s even a small bridge and lodge nearby for those wanting more structure to their day.

Pros:

Beautiful sunrise and sunset reflections
Accessible lakeshore
Less tourist traffic than Moraine or Louise
Close to Peyto Lake for a dual-location day

Cons:

Weather can be unpredictable due to elevation
Limited facilities and cell reception

Surprise Corner Viewpoint

This viewpoint, located just a few minutes from downtown Banff, offers a stunning panoramic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel set against the backdrop of Sulphur Mountain and the Spray Valley. While it’s not a ceremony location per se, it’s perfect for portraits or a quiet moment together after your ceremony.

Pros:

Iconic view of the Banff Springs Hotel
Easy access with nearby parking
Close to town and other photo spots

Cons:

Not ideal for a full ceremony
Can be crowded with tourists taking in the view
Extremely limited parking

Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

If you're looking for mountain views without a hike, Tunnel Mountain Reservoir is one of the best options. Framed by Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, it’s a flat, open space with plenty of room to set up a ceremony with guests. It’s also one of the few locations in Banff where you can reserve the space for your wedding.

Pros:

Incredible mountain views with easy access
Can accommodate guests and larger ceremonies
Reserved space provides guaranteed privacy
Close to Banff accommodations

Cons:

Reservation fee and damage deposit required
No shade or indoor backup if it rains

Emerald Lake

Although just outside of Banff, Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is too beautiful not to include. With its vivid green water, surrounded by the President Range (including Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain), this lake is the definition of romance. The Emerald Lake Lodge offers on-site accommodations and cozy cabins for a full wedding weekend experience. The 4.5km loop around the lake offers endless photo opportunities and intimate ceremony spots.

Pros:

Gorgeous green waters with snowcapped peaks
On-site lodging and cozy post-elopement dinner options
Short walks to beautiful private spots
Less busy than Lake Louise in peak season

Cons:

Technically outside Banff—requires a short drive into BC
Popular for weddings and can get busy mid-day
Cell service is spotty in the area

Ready to Start Planning?

Eloping in Banff National Park is more than just a wedding day—it’s an adventure, an escape, and a celebration of what truly matters. Whether you're drawn to the iconic peaks of Moraine Lake or the quiet stillness of Bow Lake at sunrise, there’s no wrong choice. Each of these locations offers its own kind of magic, and I’d love to help you find the one that feels just right for you.

If you’re ready to start dreaming up your Banff elopement, I’d be honoured to help plan, guide, and photograph your story.

Let’s make something beautiful together.