Banff Elopement Guide Index

• Frequently Asked Questions

• The Best Time Of The Year To Elope In Banff National Park

• Activities To Do In Banff For Your Elopement

• Sample All Day Banff Elopement Timelines

• Banff Elopement Packages

• Best Elopement Location In Banff National Park

• Local Vendor Recommendations

What Does It Mean to Elope?

I love MADDIE MAE’s definition of eloping: “An elopement is an intentionally small, intimate, meaningful, and authentic wedding experience that is a true reflection of your relationship where the focus of the day is really about the two of you.”

Why You Should Elope in Banff

Banff National Park it is one of the most spectacular places on earth, offers unmatched breath taking scenery and endless opportunities for adventure. It is the perfect location for your elopement and has something for everyone whether you are a back country adventurer or someone who prefers to stay on the trails. You don’t have to hike to say your vows at the top of a mountain!

 Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Banff National Park

Do I need a permit to Elope 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 the 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 to

Plan Your Banff Elopement

Research is your first step and this is the perfect place to start!

Connect with a local photographer or planner who is familiar with Banff. I live locally and can help you decide on a season, location, connect you with local vendors and help you bring your vision to life!

Choose a location for your elopement. Whether you want to take a helicopter to a mountain summit to say your vows, paddle across a clear blue glacier fed lake or have a picnic in the forest, Banff has it all! And I’m happy to help you choose the perfect locations!

Decide on the time of year you want to elope. Are you dreaming of clear blue lakes and the summer sun or are you dreaming of snow covered mountain tops and cozy nights by the fire? Banff is amazing year round and has so much to offer!

Find your dream vendors: photographer, videographer, officiant, florist, make up and hair, etc.

Get your marriage license and permits required to elope in Banff.

Enjoy the your day in the mountains that is all about your love!

 LET’S DIVE IN

Here’s What You Need to Know

 The Best Time of The 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. Here is some information on what to expect during each season to help you choose the best time of year for your elopement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best time of the 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!

 Activities to Do On Your Elopement Day In Banff

One of the best parts about eloping is that you can choose to fill your day with all of your favourite activities! You don’t have to stick to traditions of any kind! Banff has so much to offer, there is something for everyone! Elevate your Banff elopement experience with my curated activities guide. From thrilling helicopter rides over majestic peaks to serene canoeing on crystal-clear lakes, explore unforgettable adventures to complement your special day. Discover hiking trails, horseback riding, and more amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Helicopter Ride

Whether you want to saw your vows on a mountain top or take a scenic flight above the Canadian Rockies. You don’t have to hike to get epic views!

Canoeing

The best time to plan a canoeing elopement is July - mid September. Rentals can be closed at any time for bad weather. You can rent a canoe at Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, for an hourly rate or bring your own. Rentals are on a first come, first serve basis. For a cheaper price you can also rent from the University of Calgary.

Moraine Lake

Mid-June - Mid September

$140 for a one hour rental

More info can be found HERE

Lake Louise

Late May - October 9th

In House Guest $95+ GST for one hour rental (Can be booked ahead of time through the hotel)

Day Visitor $155+ GST for one hour rental

More info can be found HERE

Emerald Lake

Late May- Thanksgiving Weekend in October

$90

More info can be found HERE

Hot Springs

My favourite way to end a day in the mountains is with a soak in a natural hot spring. Banff Upper Hot Springs is open 10am-10pm daily and costs less than $20 per person.

Nordic Spa

Imagine a day of pampering either pre or post wedding at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. They offer massages as well as a hydrotherapy circuit.

Hiking

Banff and surrounding areas are well known for their scenic hikes. There are hiking trails for all experience levels. If you’re not sure where to start you can visit the Banff Visitor Centre in downtown Banff for trail recommendations. It’s also easy to search on All Trails the app for near by hikes. You can also visit the Parks Canada website for more information. A hike is great way to spend a day in the mountains while you’re in Banff for your elopement.

Horseback Riding

A great way to see Banff is on horseback! There are a few different companies who offer riding in different locations and lengths of time. HERE is some more information on horseback riding in Banff.

Gondola Ride

If you don’t like hiking but still want mountain tops views the Banff Gondola is an other great option. The Sky Bistro is also located at the top and is a great place for dinner!

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is an iconic winter activity! Kingmik Dog Sled Tours operates within the park.

Sleigh Ride

Imagine being pulled through the snow in a cozy sleigh pulled by majestic horses. There are options in Banff and Lake Louise for group sleigh rides and two person.

Food & Drink

There are so many great places to find food and drinks in Banff! A few of my favourites are Eddie’s Burger and Bar, Bluebird, and Downtown Sally for the best hot chocolate! La Belle Graze also has amazing charcuterie boards!! HERE is list of 30 Banff restaurants to try in 2024 recommended by locals.

 Sample All Day Banff 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.

My Banff Elopement Packages range from 4 hrs of photography coverage to all day coverage. I’d love to chat with you to see which package would be the best fit for you!

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

 Banff Elopement Packages

You deserve the wedding day of your dreams, a whole day to celebrate YOU. I offer full day elopement photography coverage from 4-8 hrs.

My elopement packages include:

• 4+ hours of photography coverage

• Complimentary discovery call

• Professionally edited, high resolution images

• Online gallery to view, download, share and print images

• 50+ page Elopement Guide

• Timeline planning consultation

• Customized location and activity suggestions

• Vendor reccomendations

• Assistance with permits and licenses

• Photographer travel fees included anywhere in the Canadian Rockies

 Locations

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.

Moraine Lake

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.

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.

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.

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!

Castle Mountain

Castle Mountain is one of my favourite mountains in Banff National Park! The Bow River flows right by Castle Mountain and it’s such a pretty spot!

Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain has a great mountain view. This spot needs to be reserved ahead of time!

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.

BANFF WEDDING VENUES

• Fairmont Banff Springs

• The Gem

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

• Sky Bistro

• Mount Norquay Ski Resort

• Rimrock Resort Hotel

• Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Local Banff Vendor Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for trusted vendors in the area that you might want to consider for your elopement.

Florist: Flowers by Janie, Fall for Florals, Pine for Cedar, Creative Edge Flowers, The Romantiks, Willow Flower Co

Videography: Parfait Productions, Castano Films, Twisted Film Works

Hair & Make Up: Blush & Coco

Transportation: Porsche 356 Props, Alpine Limo, Alpine Helicopters Inc, Rockies Heli Canada, Highland VIP Group, Moraine Lake Bus Company, Mountain Park Transportation, Fairview Limo, Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle

Cake: Yvones’s Delightful Cakes, Kake by Darci, Cakes by Jen

Officiant: Married by Cole, Martha’s Heli Hikes

You can find a list of officiants in Alberta here.

In Alberta you can have a friend or family member officiate for you as long as they are over 18 years old and a Canadian citizen. You can find all the information on temporary marriage commissioners here.

How To Legally Get Married In Banff

Elope amidst the stunning landscapes of Banff hassle-free with our guide to necessary permits. Navigate the legal requirements seamlessly and make your intimate ceremony in the Canadian Rockies a dream come true. Explore Banff elopement permits and plan your unforgettable day with ease

 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.

Additional Permits & Licences

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.

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.

Park Pass

You, your guests and vendors will all need vail park passes for the day of your elopement. You can purchase a HERE.

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.

Where to stay in & around

Banff National Park

Getting to Banff

The easiest way to get to Banff is to fly in 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.

some of my favourite things

To Do In Banff

WHERE TO EAT

In Banff

Some Things You Should Pack for Your Banff Elopement

It’s always best to come prepared for a variety of situations! Being comfortable on your wedding day is also super important!

•  Hiking shoes and extra socks

• Water and your favourite snacks

• Bear spray

• Sunscreen

• Bug Spray

• A sweater or jacket. It can get chilly in the mornings and evening and the weather can change rapidly in the mountains

• Handwarmers

• Fleece-lined Leggings

• Headlamps

• Rain jacket and or clear umbrella’s. 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 vows books, hand written letters etc

 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.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Banff Town Hall

Fairmont Lake Louise

The Banff Centre

Rimrock Resort Hotel

Emerald Lake Lodge

Lake Louise Ski Resort

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.

 Banff National Park Rules

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.

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