How to Elope in Banff National Park
So you want to elope in Banff National Park! Now what?
First of all, let me just say congratulations on getting engaged and deciding to elope!! I truly believe that choosing to elope is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make (after deciding to marry the person of your dreams of course)! Banff National Park is one of the most stunning locations on earth to elope in, however there are some things you should be aware of before you just show up in a wedding dress and suit to elope (as there are with any national park)! Planning your elopement should not be stressful! I’ve put together some resources that I hope help to inspire you and eliminate stress.
What is eloping?
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.”
Elopement Myths
There are many myths that may come to mind when thinking about what it means to elope. I’m here to bust them all! You might think of an elopement as a super quick ceremony and signing of papers at a court house, that happened spur of the moment. Or a drunken and regretful quick trip to an Elvis chapel in Vagas. Elopements have changed a lot over the years, especially when the global pandemic hit in 2020. Since then there has been a dramatic rise in couples choosing to elope. However some people still hold an old fashioned idea of what it means to elope. There are a lot of myths that need busting!
Some elopement myths might be:
Elopements are super last minute and not planned out
Elopements are only for people who are on very tight budget or who don’t want to spend any money on their wedding day
Elopements are limited to the two people getting married
Elopements are for people whose families don’t approve of their marriages
Elopements only last a few minutes
None of these are true! Elopements are for everyone. Elopements are for people who value having a wedding day experience that is focus on them. The best elopements take time and are planned with intention. Elopements can be as elaborate as you wish! Elopement doesn’t necessarily equal cheap. You can absolutely invite your closest friends and family, even your dog! There are plenty of creative ways to include your family in your elopement without actually having them there as well. In the past people may have eloped in secret because they thought people. wouldn’t approve but that is not the case anymore! And elopements don’t have to only be a quick ceremony. There are an infinite amount of ways to customize an entire day into your dream elopement experience. Imagine waking up in the mountains, taking a hot bath or a dip in an outdoor hot tub, getting ready leisurely with your love, making breakfast together or ordering room service. Sunrise or sunset vows in an epic location. A day filled with all the things you love to do. For example, hiking, a ride in a helicopter, canoeing, sitting by the fire, hot tubing, maybe a trip to a Nordic spa, dog sledding. Surrounded by an intimate group of your favourite people or just the two of you! A private chef cooking dinner for your family and friends in a mountain lodge, your first dance under the stars, champagne toasts. The possibilities are endless. Your elopement can be whatever you want it to be! But whatever you choose it to be it should be all about you and the love you share with your partner.
How to Elope in Banff
Tucked away in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking canvas of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. For couples seeking an intimate and enchanting wedding experience, eloping in Banff offers a unique blend of natural beauty and romance. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps of planning the perfect elopement in Banff National Park, ensuring your special day is as magical as the surroundings.
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.
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. Banff National Park is a protected area, and there are specific guidelines in place to preserve its natural beauty. 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 you perfect location
Banff has stunning mountains, lakes and forests. There are literally endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a location for your elopement. Some locations require hikes or varying length and difficulty, so you should consider the level of accessibility you are comfortable with for your elopement. There are also a lot of locations that offer unique experiences like dog sledding in the winter, helicopters, or canoeing. You could choose a location that means something to you and your partner as well. Some other things to consider are time of year and week. Banff looks vastly different from summer to winter and is busiest during the summer and on weekends. Some locations don’t allow personal vehicles and require booking a spot on a transportation shuttle.
Here are some locations to consider:
Peyto Lake
Bow Lake
Moraine Lake (requires rebooking a spot on a transportation shuttle)
Lake Louise
The Surprise Corner
Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
Parker Ridge
Healy Pass
Lake Annette
Cory Pass
Lake Minnewanka
Two Jack Lake
Some locations require a reservation. You can find information on those locations here.
Seasonal Considerations: Banff experiences distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. Whether you dream of exchanging vows against a backdrop of golden autumn leaves or a snowy winter wonderland, consider the seasonal nuances when planning your elopement. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes, while fall brings vibrant foliage and winter provides a magical snowy setting.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 sourounding 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
Rustic Chic Mountain Home in Banff
Find your dream vendors
Working with talented vendors who can help you create your dream elopement is key! Here are some recommended vendors.
Hire Local Vendors: Supporting local vendors not only contributes to the community but also ensures that you have experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of Banff National Park. From photographers who can capture the ethereal beauty of your ceremony to local florists who can create arrangements inspired by the surrounding nature, Banff has a wealth of talented individuals ready to make your elopement unforgettable.Find your dream vendors here.
Embrace the Adventure: Eloping in Banff National Park is an adventure in itself. Consider incorporating outdoor activities into your celebration, such as a post-ceremony hike or a scenic canoe trip. The park offers endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature, creating lasting memories for you and your partner.
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 evening and the weather can change rapidly in the mountains
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
Eloping in Banff National Park is a romantic and adventurous choice that allows couples to exchange vows surrounded by some of nature's most awe-inspiring landscapes. By carefully planning your elopement, embracing the unique features of the park, and supporting local vendors, you can create a magical and intimate celebration that reflects your love and the breathtaking beauty of Banff.
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.