Dreaming of eloping in one of the most breathtaking places in the world, surrounded by scenic mountain vistas, turquoise alpine lakes, and never ending opportunities for exploration? Sure, I may be (definitely am) completely biased, being that I’m a Banff elopement photographer, but I’ve taken enough couples on adventures through Banff that I know it is well-loved by everyone who visits. If you’re looking for an elopement destination full of awe-inspiring beauty, endless magic, and unforgettable views, then congratulations—you’ve found the right place!
I’ve put together this ultimate Banff elopement guide to support you in planning your dream elopement in Banff, compiling all of my top tips + recommendations that I’ve garnered from years of personal experience. You’ll leave this guide with a better understanding of what it could look like to elope in Banff, including the legalities of getting married in Canada, fun activity ideas, accommodations in the area, and more. I encourage you to dream a little bit as you read through this guide, because while the practical stuff is all incredibly important to planning a smooth, stress-free day, the magic of your elopement comes when you allow yourselves to dream. I can’t wait to see what you’re envisioning for your perfect, unique, totally one-of-a-kind
Banff elopement!
Banff is a picturesque little mountain town in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, located within the iconic Banff National Park (which is actually the oldest national park in Canada, established way back in 1885). Most known for its sparkling mountain lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and abundance of wildlife, Banff has become a highly sought-after destination in Alberta, attracting over 4 million people every single year!
The closest major airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about 1.5 hours east of the park. Almost every major airline offers direct flights into YYC, so you should have no problem finding an itinerary that works for you, no matter where you’re coming from. I recommend renting a car in Calgary so you have the freedom to travel on your own schedule, rather than trying to rely on public transportation—there is a bus that runs a direct route from Calgary to Banff, but once you get to Banff, it’s a massive area that you’ll want to be able to explore freely. If you’re coming to Canada from the US, your driver’s license will be valid while driving in Canada, so no need to get an International Driver’s Permit!
Once you’ve seen a few photos of Banff, it’s not too difficult to see why you’d want to elope there—the scenery will absolutely take your breath away whether it’s your first time visiting or your 100th (trust me, I’ve been MANY times and still can’t get over it!).
Starting with the most obvious of them all: the landscapes of Banff are INCREDIBLY diverse and absolutely breathtaking. You could spend days and days exploring the park and still not see everything there is to see, being that the park encompasses nearly 7,000 square kilometres of stunning wilderness in the Canadian Rockies. From emerald lakes, to dramatic mountain tops covered in snow, to vibrant wildflower meadows, Banff has it all, and you’d be lucky to even see one tiny portion of this picturesque park in your lifetime.
Want to see what your elopement could look like amidst this enchanting scenery? Take a peek at Stephanie & Nathan’s Rockies Elopement, where we got the best of all the Banff worlds: mountains, lakes, forests, and more.
While Banff is an extremely popular tourist destination, and is often crowded with visitors during peak tourist season, it’s still one of the more remote, secluded spots you can visit in Canada. Nothing beats exploring a jaw-dropping alpine wonderland without the hustle & bustle of daily life impeding on your elopement experience! Being that I’ve visited Banff more times than I can count and know it like the back of my hand, I can absolutely recommend spots in Banff that are more remote and private for your elopement.
Like I said, you could spend days (even weeks) adventuring around Banff and still not experience everything it has to offer: tons of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, spectacular lakes for canoeing and stand up paddleboarding, helicopter tours. . . the options are endless! I highly recommend incorporating adventurous activities that you love into your Banff elopement timeline to make the most out of your time in the park.
Banff is remarkable all year-round, no matter the season! Obviously there are certain seasons that are better than others for adventure elopements, but it really depends on what kinds of activities you’d like to do. Summer is perfect for hiking, canoeing, and paddle boarding, while Banff in the winter is a whole different type of wonderland, offering incredible skiing opportunities and cozy mountain lodges. You can’t go wrong—it’s all about deciding what’s important to you and what you’d like your elopement to look like!
Finally, downtown Banff is so quaint and fun to explore! I would barely even call it “downtown” since it’s so small, but there are quite a few local shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars that you can cozy up in when you’re not out trekking through the mountains. Banff also has plenty of amazing accommodations for every type of traveler, and I’ll be giving you some recommendations later in this guide.
I know you’ve probably got all sorts of questions regarding the practicalities + logistics of getting married in Banff, so let me give you some answers!
Yes! US citizens can get married in Canada as a visitor or on a temporary resident visa. You’ll need to follow the rules and requirements of the specific province where you choose to get married (in this case, Alberta)—which I’ll be detailing later in this guide.
I wouldn’t say it’s too difficult, especially if you have the help of somebody like me who has plenty of experience guiding couples through the process of getting married in Canada as US citizens. You’ll need to submit your apostilled passports and birth certificates and apply for a marriage license through the province where you plan to marry; as long as you meet all the requirements, you’ll be good to go and make things official in Banff. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of how to apply for a marriage license in Canada as US citizens!
Yes, you can get married at Banff National Park, as long as you follow the proper processes and obtain the necessary permits. You must complete a registration form through the park and follow all conditions listed on the Parks Canada site, which I’ll be giving you more specifics on later in this guide.
Banff National Park is open 24/7, year-round; the only hours of operation you’ll need to be aware of are for any visitor centres or information kiosks you’d like to visit during your time in the park.
Good news for those of you who want to bring your four-legged friends to your elopement: Banff National Park does allow dogs! They must be on leash at all times for both the safety of other visitors and wildlife, as well as their own, being that off-leash dogs can cause aggressive behavior from wildlife such as elk and grizzly bears.
There is no cost to get married in Banff National Park—all you’ll need to pay is the regular park admission.
As long as your ceremony follows park guidelines and doesn’t infringe on the experience of other visitors, you can have your wedding ceremony anywhere in Banff National Park.
You don’t need a reservation to enter the park, but you will need one if you’re planning to go camping or use public transportation services.
As I mentioned earlier, Banff really is beautiful at every time of year, but if you want to have a hiking elopement + spend time exploring as much of this alpine wonderland as you can, then the best time to elope in Banff is from late spring through early fall. July and August tend to be the busiest times of year since that is when it’s the warmest, and the most high-elevation locations in the mountains are accessible, so be aware that if you decide to elope during those peak months you will likely encounter quite a lot of visitors! Because of the high demand, these months also see the highest travel costs in town, with accommodations for July and August often being booked out many months in advance. The other great part about eloping in Banff in the summer is that the iconic blue lakes will be at their brightest and most vibrant due to the glacial rock flour flowing into them.
May, June, and September are great middle-ground months, providing plenty of opportunities for warm-weather alpine exploration, without as many crowds as July and August see. Fall in Banff is extra beautiful due to the changing colors of the foliage, and if you elope in late September or early October, you’ll get to experience the magical larch season!
Besides the typical weather conditions, there are also some more extreme scenarios to keep in mind that may affect your Banff elopement, such as wildfires. Unfortunately, wildfires are becoming all too common in many parts of Canada, so it’s important to keep your eye on the important bulletins + updates in Banff National Park when your elopement date gets closer. This way, you can prepare for any potential road or trail closures in advance—also important if you’re eloping in the spring or fall, when snow and winter conditions are more unpredictable.
I could truly spend this entire guide listing out all the amazing places to elope in Banff, but I know that having too many options can sometimes be a little overwhelming, so I’ve narrowed it down to 10 of the most spectacular Banff elopement locations for you to consider.
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is one of the most iconic destinations in Banff, known for its unparalleled natural beauty and luxury 5-star mountain resorts. You’ve likely seen photos of the lake’s jaw-dropping emerald-green waters, surrounded by stunning mountain views and the majestic Victoria Glacier. With amazing opportunities for canoeing, swimming, stand up paddleboarding, and sightseeing, Lake Louise is an idyllic location to say your vows and start your life as a married couple; the magic of this pristine spot in the mountains is unbeatable!
Lake Louise itself also has quite a few amazing wedding ceremony locations and wedding venues that I wanted to include below.
If you’re interested in learning more about Lake Louise and what it would look like to elope here, check out this blog post.
Just 20 minutes from Lake Louise is another one of my all-time favorite glacial lakes in Banff, Moraine Lake. Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is majestic in every sense of the word, filled with vibrant blue water amidst dramatic mountain peaks that feel like a scene from an epic film. It’s one of the most popular locations in Banff and is accessible via shuttle, so be sure to plan for your transportation and that you’re okay being around other tourists. Moraine Lake is the perfect destination for a summer or fall elopement, open from June through October and offering a vast array of trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
Bow Lake is one of the many lakes that line the Icefields Parkway, which just so happens to be one of the most scenic highways you’ll ever come across, joining Lake Louise with Jasper National Park. I’d recommend Bow Lake to any couples looking for a fairly easily-accessible Banff elopement location, as all it takes to get to the lakeshore is a brief walk from the highway—and if you’d prefer to make your journey a little longer, you can hike along the edges of Bow Lake for as long as you’d like. This makes it a great location to elope if you have any children, or if you’re simply looking for a lower-effort destination for your ceremony/portraits! Bow Lake is also often quieter and less crowded than nearby lakes like Louise and Moraine, especially if you visit during non-peak season.
Bow Falls isa must-see if you’re spending any time in Banff, beginning right near the pedestrian bridge that crosses Bow River. It’s about a 1.7-mile or 2.7-kilometre hike out and back to the falls viewpoint, with multiple other scenic viewpoints along the river that you can stop at. The falls are absolutely gorgeous at any time of year, and the forest keeps the trail along the river fairly cool even on warm days in the summer—so you shouldn’t overheat on a sunny day. Once you get to the viewpoint you can stay there, or you can head down toward the falls for a closer look.
Surprise—it’s another bright blue, glacier-fed lake in the middle of some of the most gorgeous mountains you’ll ever witness! If you couldn’t tell already, Banff has quite a lot of those, so you cannot go wrong no matter which location(s) you choose for your adventure elopement. Peyto Lake is another iconic stop along the Icefields Parkway that isn’t too challenging to get to, accessible via a short and minimally steep walk through an enchanting, subalpine forest from the parking lot.
Up for a more intense hike? Check out Helen Lake Trail, a 7.2-mile or 11.6-kilometre out and back trail near Lake Louise. It’s a gorgeous hike that starts just off the Icefields Parkway, averaging about 4 hours to complete nonstop—but I definitely recommend stopping along the way to take in the scenery. Most of the hike won’t be too steep except for the first hour or so, and after that initial climb through the forest, you’ll be rewarded with enchanting alpine views, eventually making your way to Helen Lake.
The summit to Tunnel Mountain is a fabulous elopement location for couples who are newer to hiking, or who don’t want to add an intense hike to their big day. Beginning from Tunnel Mountain Drive, this 2.7-mile or 4.3-kilometre trail follows a series of switchbacks along the side of the mountain, and takes you to some incredible views at the top of multiple glacial lakes, Sulphur Mountain, and Mount Rundle. There are also multiple spots around Banff where you can get amazing views of Tunnel Mountain in the background, if you’d rather not actually summit it!
Johnston Canyon offers a bit of a different Banff experience than the rest of these hikes to glacial lakes and vast mountain views, instead traversing through evergreen forests, across suspension bridges, and past cascading waterfalls. The canyon is accessible year-round, making it a great location to add to your Banff elopement itinerary at any time of year!
Situated in the eastern part of Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka is the second longest lake in the Canadian Rockies and has got to be one of the most striking in the area. The lake stretches on for 28 kilometres, its dazzling, jewel-toned waters full of fascinating history of over 10,000 years. The water isn’t even the most interesting part of this lake; it’s what lies underneath that holds archeological sites and artifacts as old as 14,000 years! Whether you explore the lake by foot or by boat, this lake is otherworldly during any and every season.
Finally, the Banff Gondola is a great addition to any Banff elopement timeline, offering a quick eight-minute ride up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. You’ll get spectacular views of six different mountain ranges on the horizon without having to put in any effort to hike—win-win! There’s even a discovery centre at the summit with an award-winning bistro and coffee shop, perfect for a celebratory drink or two (with a view) on your elopement day.
Banff is truly a dream come true for anybody who loves spending time outdoors, whether you’re an avid hiker, a professional rock climber, or you’d rather enjoy the views from inside a luxurious day spa. Here are 8 fun activities I’d recommend looking into to make your Banff elopement as unforgettable as can be!
One of the best things about Banff is that there are trails available for every level of hiker, from beginner trekker to backpacking pro. Check out the list of locations I already mentioned earlier in this guide for some of my favorite hikes, or scroll through this great first timer’s guide to hiking in Banff that I found!
With all these incredible lakes comes MANY incredible opportunities to go stand up paddleboarding. Taylor and Brian planned a little hike with their loved ones the day before their wedding to explore the scenery and get out on the water, and the photos turned out so so fun!
I actually specialize in helicopter elopements—they’re kinda my thing! I work with Rockies Heli on all of my helicopter elopements and can’t even begin to explain how incredible it is to experience these jaw-dropping landscapes from above, as well as from secluded spots you wouldn’t be able to get to by foot. Learn more about my Banff helicopter elopement packages here!
Feel like going on a bit more of a thrilling adventure in Banff? There are plenty of opportunities for climbing in the area, including canyoning, sport climbing, caving, and even ice climbing.
There’s nothing better than taking in breathtaking views from the comfort of a warm and cozy hot spring in the middle of the mountains! Banff Upper Hot Springs is one of the most popular in the park and would be an amazing way to experience the natural beauty of Banff during your time in the area.
How could you not want to take a relaxing canoe ride out on one of these eye-catching lakes? It would be the perfect activity for an excursion with your family and friends the day before or after your elopement.
Many of the resorts around Banff are known for their luxury stays and upscale amenities, including lavish spas and hot springs. Reconnect to yourselves and breathe in the excitement of your elopement as you enjoy a couples massage, a soak in a hot spring or mineral pool, or maybe a specialized facial.
Banff has a ton of wildlife that can be really cool to see in-person, including grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, cougars, and more—just make sure you stay a good distance away and avoid feeding them.
Next up, let’s chat about the logistics of getting married in Banff, and what is + isn’t allowed for ceremonies in the park.
First, you’ll need to pay the regular admission fees to get into Banff National Park. Daily admission for adults is $11, or you can opt for an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass for $75.25 if you’re an avid park goer. The only additional fees you would need to pay are if you want to go camping, plan to use public transportation, or will be parking along the Lake Louise Lakeshore, which has its own parking fee.
You don’t actually need any sort of Special Use Permit to elope in Banff National Park—all you need to do is complete a registration form to let the park know of your intentions + get familiar with the conditions and requirements you must follow! This form is free, and there are no additional fees for having wedding ceremonies in the park. Once you’ve filled it out with your event date, number of attendees, and desired location, you can email it to banffadministration@pc.gc.ca.
Here are the most important rules you’ll need to adhere to for your Banff wedding or elopement ceremony:
Getting a marriage license in Alberta is fairly easy! You must both be at least 18 years old with valid photo ID, and have proof of divorce if applicable. There are no residency or citizenship requirements, meaning that you do not have to be Canadian/live in Alberta to get married in Alberta. Once you’ve received your license and have paid the $40 government fee, there is no required waiting period—you can get married as soon as you’d like, and your license will be valid for 30 days from the day it’s issued. You will have to use it in Alberta, as it won’t be valid in any other province.
First things first: gather up the necessary documents. If you’re Canadian, you will likely only need valid photo ID and proof of divorce if that is applicable to either of you. If you’re US citizens, you’ll need a valid original passport, photo ID, and a birth certificate with an apostille from the state it was issued, showing that it’s valid for use in Canada. You’ll then need to apply for a marriage license through a registry agent office in Alberta, pay the $40 government fee, and voila—you’ll be all set to tie the knot in Banff!
Way back at the beginning of this guide, I mentioned that Banff has all kinds of incredible lodging options, ranging from cozy cabins in the woods, to modern penthouse retreats with sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies, to luxury 5-star resorts with on-site spas. Below are a few of the best Airbnbs and hotels in Banff that would be fabulous for your elopement!
Banff also has a huge amount of campgrounds to choose from; if you’d rather spend your nights gazing up at the stars from a cozy tent, you can browse this PDF to learn more about camping in Banff + see what options you have.
With years of experience under my belt as a Banff elopement photographer, I know this area like the back of my hand, and have firsthand knowledge of all the opportunities Banff has to offer. I’ve photographed countless Banff elopements and have gained so much experience shooting in this type of dynamic environment, as well as guiding my couples on the adventure of a lifetime, every single time. When you work with me as your Banff elopement photographer, you’ll not only get photography coverage of your special day, but also:
It would be my honor to document + tell the story of your day, and to take you on an adventure you will never forget through the awe-inspiring landscape of Banff. Let’s connect and get this party started—I can’t wait to help you create your perfect elopement experience!
Searching for more Banff elopement inspiration? Here are a couple of my recent couples + their stories that I think you’ll love!
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