Abby and Vinh’s Kananaskis hiking elopement was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever had the chance to photograph. Surrounded by endless mountain peaks, glacial-fed lakes, wildflowers and a dreamy sunrise—this day ticked off all the boxes, and reminded me once again of why I adore shooting elopements in Kananaskis so much!
I freaking love these two, let me tell you. I photographed their original elopement back in the spring of 2023, which they celebrated with their family; then later that summer, they reached out to me again to take some more photos of just the two of them, in their wedding attire on top of a mountain. I literally did a happy dance in my kitchen—it’s the best feeling in the world when clients come back to you, and even better when they’re the best humans ever (plus when it involves mountains)! They loved that they were able to have their family present on their elopement day, but it was important to them to have some photos of them in the mountains as well. I’m all about couples who aren’t afraid to break the norm and make their elopement look however they want it to, whether that’s a one-day celebration, a full weekend of festivities, or one day with guests + a private celebration at a later date (or vice-versa!). Who says you can’t get married twice—or at least celebrate your marriage twice? 😉
When Abby and Vinh reached out and asked for a remote location, with a lake in the background, surrounded by mountains, I knew just the place that would be perfect for their elopement! Kananaskis is my favourite place to explore, without a doubt. It’s typically much less busy than Banff National Park, and it’s within close proximity between Calgary and Banff. There are endless hiking options, from half-day to full-day adventures, and the mountains have some of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen.
A couple of things to note if you’re considering eloping in Kananaskis:
What better way to kick off your (second) elopement day than with a pre-sunrise wake up call? Abby and Vinh wanted an adventure, so an adventure we had! We got up before the sun, the two of them feeling energized and ready to hike in the dark in order to get to the epic mountain top in time to watch the world wake up for the day. And Abby was looking like a stunner after getting her makeup done (bright and early) by Katie Lucy Beauty!
Once we arrived in the pitch black parking lot, only the light from our headlamps and cars showing the way, we laced up our hiking boots and began hiking up through the trees, all of us so excited we could hardly contain it! Chatting with these two as we walked past a little waterfall, through a field of vibrant pink and purple wildflowers, and next to a glacier-fed lake is one of the best memories from the day. We climbed up toward the ridge and reached the summit just as the sun was poking through the wildfire smoke, and with the whole place to ourselves, it was pure magic. If you’re looking for a mountain top ceremony and location to say your personal vows, no need to look any further—this is it!
One thing I wanted to touch a little more on is the fact that the skies were completely covered in wildfire smoke on Abby + Vinh’s elopement day. As a Kananaskis elopement photographer, I’m very used to dealing with the wild and unpredictable weather that the mountains often bring: rain, clouds, sunshine, fog, smoke, you name it. Many couples ask me what will happen if the weather isn’t ideal on their elopement day, or are worried about what the day will look like—and to that I say, just look at how spectacular Abby + Vinh’s was! The skies may not have been the clear blue color we were dreaming of, instead drenched in the gray smog of recent wildfires, but these conditions really did create their own brand of magic. I’m obsessed with the way the colors of the wildflowers and the lake stand out so brightly against the white-washed skies, and the soft, gentle lighting we had all day; we even had the sun peek out for us at certain moments!
All that to say, I want to encourage you to embrace whatever weather your elopement day may bring, especially if you’re eloping in the mountains. As much as we wish we could plan for every scenario, and cross our fingers for the absolute best weather conditions, sometimes we just have to go with the flow and be ready for the adventure, prepared to make the best out of anything and everything. That is the purpose of an adventure elopement is, right? 🙂
This truly was the most incredible day. Thank you so much Abby and Vinh for letting me be part of your dreamy Kananaskis hiking elopement!
Your love story deserves to be told the way that actually reflects who you are as a couple. As a Kananaskis hiking elopement photographer, my goal is to help you create a day that focuses on you where you get to celebrate your day doing the things that matter the most to you—in one of the most stunning locations in Canada.
As an avid hiker in Kananaskis, I have so many incredible hidden gems I can’t wait to share with you that would be perfect for your day. From half day hikes to full day hikes, there are endless options for you two to say “I do” on! I’m also proud to say that I’m a certified Advanced Wilderness First Aid + Adventure Medic, which means I’m prepared to not only guide you on an unforgettable elopement experience, but also to keep you safe in this wild and rugged Canadian alpine wilderness. If you’re feeling like we might be a great fit, you can learn more about me here—or just skip straight to my contact form if you’re ready to get started! I’m so stoked to create the elopement experience of a lifetime with you!
Want to look through some more breathtaking Alberta elopement inspiration? Check out Austin + Kevin’s Dreamy Fall Alberta Helicopter Elopement with Rockies Heli!
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