Kananaskis Elopement Guide

ElopementsResources
Written By Kaitlyn Hill

You’ve chose to elope in Kananaskis Country - amazing! Kananaskis is one of the most incredible parks in Alberta to elope in. It has everything that Banff National Park has to offer like  mountain peaks, waterfalls, turquoise blue waters, canyons, forests, and breweries - but offers a bit more intimacy. Kananaskis is for you if you want to incorporate nature and adventure into your elopement while staying off of the beaten path!

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 Kananaskis!

WHEN TO ELOPE IN KANANASKIS

There’s really no wrong season to elope in Kananaskis. 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

  • Larch trees are a bright yellow in September

  • 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

Kananaskis’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 you’ll find less privacy and popular trails will be busier. However, it’ll still be quieter then heading into Banff National Park. Canmore - the largest town in Kananaskis Country - will also be at it’s busiest during on-season.

The quieter seasons in Kananaskis 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 Kananaskis can see temperatures as high as 35℃-40℃. From November to February Kananaskis can see temperatures as low as -40℃.

For a bit more information on average temperatures in Kananaskis check out their website HERE.

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 Kananaskis!

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 KANANASKIS

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

East End of Rundle

Ha Ling

Troll Falls

Elbow Lake

Check out my 5 Kananaskis elopement locations guide.

WHERE TO STAY IN KANANASKIS

The most popular places to stay in Kananaskis Country is in the town of Canmore and Kananaskis Village. There are many great hotel options ranging from luxury all the way to hostels and camping. Here is a list of a few hotels to consider:

Lamphouse Hotel

Malcolm Hotel

Basecamp Suites

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

There are many great Airbnb options in Canmore and Kananaskis too.

For more info and recommendations on where to stay in Kananaskis check out my full Kananaskis and Canmore Accommodation Guide HERE.

WHAT TO DO FOR YOUR KANANASKIS 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 Kananaskis elopement:

  • Horseback riding

  • Picnic

  • Canoeing

  • Hiking

  • Lunch or dinner at a brewery

  • Helicopter ride

  • Camping

  • Dog sledding (winter only)

WHAT TO DO BEFORE/AFTER YOUR ELOPEMENT

If you’re eloping in Kananaskis 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 and Canmore

  • Visit the breweries

  • Eat delicious food at Canmore’s and Banff’s restaurants

  • Hike, hike, hike!

  • Whitewater rafting

  • Nordic Spa

  • Hot springs

  • Canoeing, kayaking, and paddling

  • Golf

  • Cave tours

  • Snowshoe (winter only)

  • Dog sledding (winter only)

  • Ski or snowboard (winter only)

VENDORS I RECOMMEND FOR YOUR KANANASKIS 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 KANANASKIS

STAYING IN CANMORE

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

BY PLANE - Alberta has two international airports, Edmonton International Airport and Calgary International Airport. Both are great airports, but Calgary is closer to Canmore.

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

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

BY BUS - There are many shuttles that will take you directly to Canmore from the Calgary International Airport. Here are a few to check out:

Brewster Express

Banff Airporter

For bus rides from Edmonton to Canmore check out Busbud for the best options.

STAYING IN KANANASKIS VILLAGE

BY CAR - Kananaskis Village is also easy to reach by driving. All roads are paved and accessible by a regular car. Below are directions to Kananaskis Village from Calgary:

  • When travelling along the Trans Canada Highway from Calgary you’ll turn south on Highway 40/Kananaskis Trail and take this road for about 25km.

  • Turn west onto Mr. Allan Drive and follow for 850m.

  • Turn south onto Centennial Drive until you reach Kananaskis Village!

HOW TO LEGALLY ELOPE IN KANANASKIS

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

  • Alberta marriage license

  • Alberta registered marriage officiant

  • Two witnesses

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

BONUS TIP: Foreigners can legally get married in Alberta too! Check out the Alberta Government’s website at the link above to find the requirements.

PERMITS

You’ll require two different permits to legally elope in Kananaskis:

  • Conservation Pass

  • Ceremony registration - in some circumstances

The Conservation Pass is what everyone entering the park requires to have. A day pass is currently set at $15 per vehicle and a yearly pass is $90 per vehicle. You can find more information on the Conservation Pass HERE.

YOU MIGHT HAVE TO REGISTER YOUR CEREMONY.

Don’t need to register if:

  • hiking on a trail with a small group and no décor/props being used.

Need to register if:

  • using a day-use area.

  • setting up décor or props.

  • renting a location in Canmore.

The ceremony registration is required to help ensure long-term conservation of the park. There are two different permits based on whether your ceremony is in the park or a location in Canmore. You can find more information on the permits and apply for them here:

SO WHY SHOULD YOU ELOPE IN KANANASKIS?

  • Because it’s awesome!!!

  • Have an adventure off the beaten path

  • To connect with nature

  • Get epic views and landscapes in your photos

  • Because you’re going on an adventure!!!!

ARE YOU READY TO ELOPE IN KANANASKIS? I’LL MEET YOU THERE!

Kaitlyn Hill
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