Banff Elopement Guide

ElopementsResources
Written By Kaitlyn Hill

Okay, you’re ready to elope in Banff. Now what? Banff National Park is one of the best places to have an incredible elopement experience. There’s mountain peaks, waterfalls, turquoise blue waters, canyons, forests, and breweries! Banff is for you if you want to incorporate nature and adventure into your elopement! The best part is that you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. I know of so many great locations that are easily accessible - I got you boo!

Keep reading for details and ideas on how to plan your elopement in Banff!

WHEN TO ELOPE IN BANFF

There’s really no wrong season to elope in Banff. It all depends on what you want and what your vision is. To help you narrow down your date, here are a few things to think about with each season:

Summer

  • Busiest time of year

  • Most wildflowers are now in bloom

  • Everything is green

  • Sunrise and sunset hours are VERY early and late in the day

Autumn

  • Still lots of crowds in early autumn

  • Late autumn will be quieter

  • Foliage might be orange and yellow or rich chocolate-y browns

  • There might be snow in early autumn and there probably will be snow in late autumn

  • Sunrise and sunset times are at a more “normal” time of day

Winter

  • Perfect for the “winter wonderland” vision

  • It will be cold

  • Trails will be quieter

  • Some trails and roads will be closed

  • Access to some popular places will be by foot only

Spring

  • Be prepared for any kind of weather or season

  • Early spring wildflowers start to bloom

  • Sunrise and sunset times are at a more “normal” time of day

  • Early spring will still be quiet but it will start to get busier come May

  • Some trails and roads might still be closed until mid June

My best advice is to first look at your personal schedule and see what works best for you. If your schedule is flexible then choose a season that best suits your vision. For example, if you want a winter wonderland elopement you should elope in winter. If you want to surround yourself in a sea of wildflowers, elope in late summer. Or if you’re looking to get that dark “Into the Woods” vibe, elope in mid autumn.
Check out my Best time to elope in Alberta guide.

ON-SEASON VS OFF-SEASON

Banff’s on-season is typically from June to September. The two busiest months of the year are always July and August. There is a second on-season between mid-December to March when the ski resorts are full.

During on-season is when it’ll be harder to find privacy and parking at popular trails. The town of Banff is also quite busy at this time of year.

The quieter seasons in Banff are usually between late September to mid-December and late March to May. During this time privacy and parking are easier to find.

TEMPERATURE

It’s a good idea to understand the average temperatures for the season you’re planning to elope. Although Canada is known for having mild temperatures, the mountains can see the extremes from time to time. From June to September Banff can see temperatures as high as 35℃-40℃. From November to February Banff can see temperatures as low as -40℃.

Check out Parks Canada website for average temperatures in each month.

WEEKDAY ELOPEMENTS

Weekday elopements are THE BOMB! There’s no negatives for opting to elope on a weekday rather than on the weekend. Here are a few perks:

  • More privacy as weekdays are less busy

  • Some vendors and parks locations have reduced rates for weekdays

  • More vendor availability

  • Have the weekend to celebrate a mini-moon as newly weds before heading home

SUNRISE VS SUNSET

I encourage all my couples to consider sunrise or sunset for their ceremony and/or portraits. This is because lighting is the most flattering and beautiful at these times. Another bonus is that you’ll usually have the trail all to yourself! Trust me, waking up early or staying up late is so so worth it when you elope in Banff!

Here are the biggest differences between sunrise and sunset:

Sunrise

  • Beat the heat

  • Weather systems are more stable

  • Higher chance of getting the misty fog look

  • Trails and attractions are very quiet

  • Won’t run out of light

Sunset

  • Warmer

  • If it’s going to rain, it’s probably going to rain in the afternoon/evening

  • Trails and attractions are quieter

  • We might run out of light

  • Get to sleep in

Can you tell I’m a bit biased towards sunrise? Both sunrise and sunset offer magical lighting and moments. No matter which one you choose to incorporate, you definitely need to try to incorporate one or the other!

WHERE TO ELOPE IN BANFF

There are so many great locations to elope in Banff but here are a few of my favourite ceremony and portrait locations:

Moraine Lake

Bow Falls

Mount Bourgeau

Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

Peyto Lake

Check out my 5 Banff elopement locations guide HERE.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF

There are many great hotel options in the town of Banff ranging from luxury all the way to hostels and camping. Here is a list of some great places to consider:

Fairmont Banff Springs

Rimrock Resort

Canalta Lodge

Tunnel Mountain Resort

In my opinion, Banff’s Airbnb game is low and expensive. But there is the rare hidden gem! So if you have the time to search, I encourage you to look through Airbnb.

If you don’t need to stay right in Banff another option is to stay in Canmore. Canmore is roughly 20 minutes away from Banff. Airbnb options are much better here and hotels usually have a bit more availability.

My favourite place to stay in Canmore is the Lamphouse Hotel. They’re a self check-in hotel, have a hot tub, and close to the best restaurants!
Check out my full Banff accommodation guide HERE.

WHAT TO DO FOR YOUR BANFF ELOPEMENT

The best part about eloping is being able to do whatever you want! There’s no cookie cutter formula or expectations like a traditional wedding. But with all this freedom it can feel overwhelming. To help you out here are a few ideas that are perfect for your Banff elopement!

  • Gondola ride

  • Horseback riding

  • Picnic

  • Canoeing

  • Hiking

  • Lunch or dinner at a brewery

  • Helicopter ride

  • Camping

  • Dog sledding (winter only)

Make the most out of your wedding day by doing something special!

WHAT TO DO BEFORE/AFTER YOUR ELOPEMENT

If you’re eloping in Banff I’m assuming you’re also going to be visiting for at least a few days. You totally should make a holiday out of this time! Here are a few ideas of what to do before or after your elopement:

  • Explore the town of Banff

  • Visit the breweries

  • Eat delicious food at Banff’s restaurants

  • Hike, hike, hike!

  • Whitewater rafting

  • Go to the spa

  • Hotsprings

  • Canoeing, kayaking, and paddling

  • Golf

  • Cave & Basin tour

  • Snowshoe (winter only)

  • Dog sledding (winter only)

  • Ski or snowboard (winter only)

VENDORS I RECOMMEND FOR YOUR BANFF ELOPEMENT

Although elopements are a lot smaller than traditional weddings, you’ll need a few vendors. Here’s who I highly recommend:

Hair & Makeup

Officiant

Florals

Videographer

WHO TO INVITE

Most elopements are just the couple and maybe a couple of guests. From experience I don’t recommend inviting more than 15 guests as this is when it starts to become more like a traditional wedding.

Here are a few things to think about when deciding who to invite:

Is there anybody I always pictured by my side when I say my vows?

Are there any weird family or friend dynamics that will cause stress and drama?

Will I feel the need to entertain if we invite people?

Do we want it to be just us?

Remember, no one has a right to be at your wedding. If you want to elope just you two, do it! Don’t allow others to make you feel bad for doing what feels right.
Check out my 5 ways to announce your elopement guide here.

HOW TO GET TO BANFF

The town of Banff is right along the Trans Canada Highway and easy to access by driving. A regular car is all you need to get to Banff. Yet, if you’re travelling down back roads you may want a vehicle with high ground clearance.

Alberta has two international airports, Edmonton International Airport and Calgary International Airport. Both are great airports, but Calgary is closer to Banff.

Edmonton International Airport to Banff = 387km (roughly 3.5 hour drive)

Calgary International Airport to Banff = 143km (roughly 1.5 hour drive)

HOW TO LEGALLY ELOPE IN BANFF

Getting married legally in Alberta is easy and requires these three things:

  1. Alberta marriage license

  2. Alberta registered marriage officiant

  3. Two witnesses

Check out my blog post on how to elope legally in Alberta and the Alberta Government’s website for more specific information.

SO WHY SHOULD YOU ELOPE IN BANFF?

  1. Because it’s awesome!!!

  2. There’s so many unique adventures to have

  3. To connect with nature

  4. Get epic views and landscapes in your photos

  5. Because we’re going on an adventure!!!!

Your elopement is going to be an incredible adventure!

Kaitlyn Hill
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