Eloping in the Canadian Rockies is such a romantic choice for your adventurous celebrations. This dramatic region of Canada is famed for some of the world’s most gorgeous scenery, including jagged, snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and endless wilderness. Your elopement here will be such a unique and adventurous alternative to a traditional wedding, offering the seclusion and intimacy that’s only found in the mountains. 

Whether you’re imagining saying your vows in Jasper, Banff, or along a quiet trail, away from the world, here’s everything you need to know about how to plan a Canadian Rockies elopement that you’ll love! 

Choose The Perfect Location For Your Canadian Rockies Wedding

There are so many amazing locations for your celebrations! A Jasper elopement or Lake Louise micro wedding is ideal for couples seeking an active, outdoor destination — getting married in the Canadian Rockies is perfect for anyone seeking a location where they can say their vows surrounded by nature, then enjoy the mountains and lakes with their guests. 

So, when planning your elopement, start by selecting a location. I know it’s a big decision but think about the type of wedding you’d like — maybe a secluded Airbnb or cabin, a stylish restaurant overlooking a sparkling turquoise lake, or a winter ski celebration in Banff. Once you work out the type of elopement you’d like, it’s easier to narrow down a specific location and venue. 

It helps to trust your instinct on this one — what feels right to you? Often, our initial inclinations are the right ones, so your first choice for your destination might just be the right one! Whatever your perfect day looks like, you can make it happen in the Canadian Rockies. 

Mountains & Romance: The Best Places To Elope In The Canadian Rockies

The awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies makes it an ideal location for an outdoor adventure wedding! Here are some of the top places for your celebrations, but I’m happy to give additional suggestions of gorgeous local parks or small towns you might love. 

Banff National Park

An adventure elopement in Banff is always a winner! Home to the famous Lake Louise, and several other gorgeous lakes, the town of Banff is the perfect base for your elopement. Hiking, canoeing, wildlife tours, and even heli adventures and horseback riding can all easily be arranged and would add such an unforgettable element to your celebration.

Canoeing on Lake Louise is always popular, and photographs beautifully, but it’s best to go as early in the morning as possible to beat the crowds. Or, we can visit one of the park’s stunning waterfalls and take some beautifully romantic images at sunrise or sunset. 

The Banff area also does luxury so well, with plenty of stunning resorts, Airbnbs, and fine dining options. You could even hire a private chef to cater your wedding brunch the following morning, which would be such a special treat!

Kootenay National Park

This stunning national park, within British Columbia, is often skipped by visitors. This means you can enjoy fewer crowds — but it’s just as beautiful! Kootenay National Park elopements could look like this: say your vows on a quiet backcountry hike, just the two of you, then relax in the region’s hot springs and enjoy a few days in a luxury cottage or Airbnb. In winter, ice climbing and cross-country skiing are also popular in this area. 

Peyto Lake

The irresistible blue-turquoise colours of Peyto Lake must be seen to be believed! This location, positioned within Banff National Park, is epic for outdoor wedding photography and is usually a bit less busy than nearby Lake Louise. You’re also near the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most beautiful drives. 

Or, you could elope elsewhere and we could plan an early morning at Peyto Lake for your couple’s portraits. I’ll snap away, capturing stunning candid images while you just savour the natural beauty and one another’s company. 

Jasper National Park

Known for its diverse wildlife, a Jasper elopement is a great choice for hikers. Around Jasper, you’re likely to see moose, elk, bears, and lots of beautiful bird species — ideal for couples who love the outdoors or even nature photography. 

The hiking trails here are extensive, with options to suit beginners to experienced pros seeking a multi-day trek. You can also find cute log cabins, but also amazing restaurants, shopping, and spas in the town outside of the park itself. 

Craft Your Elopement Experience & Make It Yours

One of the beautiful things about a destination elopement is that it provides quality time to enjoy each others’ company, or extra days to celebrate together with your guests! To maximise the opportunity, plan some special activities, unique to the Rockies.

Think about what you enjoy as a couple, then incorporate that into your elopement. It’ll make the experience so much more personalized, and as your wedding photographer in the Canadian Rockies, we’ll also be able to capture such magical and candid images while you’re out in nature and having fun. 

You could charter a helicopter to say your vows in a rugged, secluded location, or hike to a quiet lookout at sunrise, eloping over the mountains as the golden sun rises in summer. Canoeing or cycling can also be great choices!

Or, for a winter elopement in the Canadian Rockies, a guided dog sled tour around Lake Louise, or a morning spent snowshoeing, would be such a special way to kickstart your celebrations. 

The Best Time Of Year To Elope In The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies enjoy such a diverse range of seasons, from endless summer days to dreamy winter snowfalls. You can have an incredible time year-round, so the best time of year to elope here comes down to your preferences. 

The summer months of June through August tend to bring the best weather, but also the biggest crowds. If you’re planning to elope in one of the most popular areas, like Banff or Lake Moraine, consider the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. You’ll still have pleasant weather, but the trails, restaurants, and outdoor areas won’t be as manic. 

Or, the winter months can be magical, especially if you love skiing — a cozy Airbnb with a roaring fire, watching the snow come down, would be perfect for romantics!

Make Your Adventure Elopement In The Canadian Rockies Stress-Free By Planning Ahead 

The more advanced planning you can do, the more fun you can have once you arrive! Planning ahead is always important for any destination wedding, particularly in the Canadian Rockies, which is such a popular tourist destination.

After deciding on your location, hire your local vendors as soon as possible. This is important especially for venues and accommodation options, as popular options can get booked out months or even years in advance. 

Next, look into your adventure elopement photographer, ensuring you capture all of the gorgeous moments of your celebrations. And, if you’ll need catering, florals, musicians or wedding planning assistance, there are lots of talented local businesses throughout the Rockies that can help out. 

You may also need to be aware of certain requirements or obtain needed photography permits, depending on your location. Elopement permits and rules in Canadian national parks, for example, require that ceremonies are capped at 20 people and your photographer will need a business license for your wedding photos, but this is something I can arrange. 

Then, you’ll want to be prepared when it comes to packing. My top weather tips for a Canadian Rockies elopement — no matter what time of year you visit, be prepared for cooler temperatures in the evening. The weather can also change quickly, especially as you move from elevation to elevation, so layers and waterproof gear are key when planning what to wear for a Canadian Rockies elopement. 

Understand The Legal Requirements For Eloping In Alberta

The process to get married in Alberta (and British Columbia) is straightforward but does require some advance preparation. First, you’ll need to obtain an Alberta marriage license, which can be done in any municipal or town hall. You’ll need to bring identification, such as your passport, along with proof of divorce or annulment, if you’ve been married previously. 

You’ll also need two adult witnesses and an officiant who is registered with the province government where you’ll be eloping. However, I can step in as one of the witnesses, if helpful. 

If you have any questions about the requirements to get married in Canada, I’m always happy to guide couples in the right direction!

Of course, your elopement doesn’t need to be legally binding. It can be just as romantic, and meaningful, to elope symbolically, making a commitment that you both vow to honour and treasure. Or, you can legally wed back at home, and then your destination elopement could be held later on. 

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I can’t wait to hear about your celebrations! Please reach out to start planning your wedding photography or to learn more about my Canadian Rockies elopement packages — no idea is too out there and I’d be thrilled to be by your side through it all!