Most people have an ideal image in their mind of the Canadian Rockies. The sweeping mountain slopes conjure up images of peace, stillness, and a magical atmosphere. 

There’s no better example of this ideal wedding spot than Banff, an area nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Whether your preference is serene lakes, rugged peaks, beautiful skylines (or all of the above!), Banff has got it all in spades.

It’s no wonder that it’s become such a popular spot where couples from all over the world come to capture their special moment. 

Even though it’s a popular spot, the scenery is so diverse (and there’s so much space) that you can still find a unique spot all your own to capture the perfect wedding portraits.

But with so much space, how do you know where to start when choosing the ideal spot for your Banff wedding photos? Well, here are a few of the most popular areas to get you going!

Banff Wedding Photos at Two Jack Lake

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness for your Banff wedding photos, you can’t go wrong with Two Jack Lake.

With the crystal clear water reflecting the light, you’ll have the perfect shimmering backdrop for your photos. On a good day, you can see right to the bottom of the lake, even in the deepest sections! 

Mix it up with a few shots taken on one of the many trails that lead off the lake, or take a stroll along the lakeshore as your Banff photographer snaps away.

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The best part is, it’s only a 15-minute drive away from Banff, so you can be there and back in no time at all!

The World Famous Chateau Lake Louise

If you want a world-famous lakeside spot for your wedding photos, you absolutely must check out Lake Louise. It’s best known for its beautiful blue lake, the mountainous backdrop, the Victoria Glacier, and it is overlooked by the luxurious Fairmont Chateau.

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Lake Louise is considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Banff National Park, and for good reason! The backdrop of your Banff wedding photos will feature mountain peaks perfectly reflected back by the lake below them.

It’s a popular tourist spot, but don’t worry, your local Banff photographer will know all the best spots so you can avoid the crowds and still capture the majestic grandeur of Lake Louise.

Stunning Moraine Lake

Another one of the most popular lakes in Banff National Park is Moraine Lake, located 14km away from Lake Louise. Moraine Lake can often be found at the top of “most beautiful places” lists, and for good reason!

Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks at an elevation of 6,183 feet, you’ll find a classic Rocky Mountain vista between the lake, the imposing faces of the Ten Peaks, and wide, open sky.

That being said, it’s a super popular tourist spot, so you may want to follow the path around the lakeshore to find quieter spots with the same stunning views. Your local Banff photographer will point you in the right direction!

If you’re planning a September wedding, you absolutely must consider Moraine Lake for your wedding portraits. In September, along the Larch Valley hike, autumn colours explode when the larch trees produce striking shades of yellow and orange. It’s such a beautiful site that many people make the trip especially just to see them – and you won’t find a more perfect backdrop for an autumn wedding!

Intriguing Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake that is the second longest lake in the Canadian Rockies at 21km long. It’s located just 5km northeast of the town of Banff. 

For the historically minded couple, Lake Minnewanka is the perfect location for a wedding shoot. The word “Minnewanka” means “Water of the Spirits” in the Stoney Indian language, an apt name for the serene and imposing lake nestled in the shadow of Cascade Mountain. At this scenic spot, artifacts as old as 10,000 years have been discovered!  

In more recent history, the lake hides an underwater secret. A former resort town was covered over by the water when a new dam was built in the mid-twentieth century. Scuba divers can now peruse the eery site and spot structures such as hotel foundations, an oven, a chimney, a cellar, and sidewalks.

Lake Minnewanka is the perfect spot for the more adventurously minded couple, especially if you plan on eloping! Imagine capturing the perfect wedding portraits before taking the time to explore this beautiful, historic site.

Looking for a more “secret” spot for your Banff wedding photos?

For truly unique Banff wedding photos, you should put your trust in the hands of your local Banff photographer. Their local knowledge will serve you well in helping you discover places a little more off the beaten track.

They’ll also be able to guide you on the right spot for you as a couple. It can be difficult to know how accessible some of the spots are without consulting someone who knows the area well. Whether you want to drive, hike (or even fly!) to your location, they can advise you on the best course of action. Find the perfect photographer for you, and they’ll lead you to your perfect location!