Banff National Park Elopement Guide

Banff is one of the most picturesque and adventurous national parks to elope in Canada. Aside from the amazing views from the different hikes you can go on, there are also some excellent places to stay during your elopement to enjoy your wedding adventure further together. Banff is one of the best places to elope, so it’s no surprise that thousands get married (elope or plan bigger weddings) here every year. Our guide below specifically caters to elopements and small Banff weddings. Learn where to elope in Banff, team up with the best elopement vendors, and more below.

Where to Elope in Banff

Photo by Steven Wallace Photography

Parker Ridge

If you’re looking for a hiking option that is relatively easy, then Parker Ridge is perfect. The trail itself is 3.3 miles long and you’ll be sitting at 820 feet elevation. It’s an easier hike compared to others in Banff National Park, but it’s still important to plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes for this hike. On the way there and at the top, you’ll get to appreciate picturesque views of several peaks!

Healy Pass

Did you know you can take a gondola when visiting Healy Pass? The gondola itself takes you up to the beginning of the hike, where you’ll be able to appreciate meadows, mountain views, and more. 

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a popular choice when it comes to planning a Banff wedding ceremony. Despite how popular it can get, you can always plan a sunrise or sunset ceremony during the weekday to avoid the larger crowds. We love the bright blue lake and the gorgeous mountain peaks that line up behind it. 

Peyto Lake

If you’re ok with a short, steep hike, then Peyto Lake is a good location to consider. There’s a viewing platform at the top where you can appreciate the water and mountain view. Since this short walk is a bit challenging for some, this spot doesn’t get as crowded as the more accessible lakes. It’s still a good idea to talk to your vendors about the best times to plan your ceremony at this lake location.

Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

The Tunnel Mountain Reservoir is great for small weddings with a bigger guest count. You can use a small setup here too such as an arch and some chairs, but make sure to mention this to the park’s staff before setting it up on your big day. The meadow itself is located in the town of Banff and it’s open and filled with gorgeous views to appreciate. 

Lake Louise

Another popular lake spot in Banff is Lake Louise. There are mountains all around this blue, clear lake, and it’s gorgeous during the summer and winter months. During the summer, you can enjoy summer water activities like canoeing through the lake and soaking in the view, hanging out by the meadow by the lake before or after your ceremony, or just enjoying the view during a romantic picnic. During winter, you can even get married on the lake itself if it’s frozen over! 

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is another popular spot for your ceremony or portrait photos. While this spot, like most lake spots gets busy, it’s absolutely possible to visit and take photos here for sunrise photos!

Sulphur Mountain

This is another spot where a gondola ride is involved. You’ll be taken to the top of Sulphur Mountain, which is right above the town of Banff! Here you’ll find one of the best mountain views. Another aspect we love is there is actually a restaurant at the top, so you can enjoy some yummy food after your adventure together.

When to Elope in Banff

Planning & Styling: Love Spell Co | Photography & Planning: Willow and Wolf

You can elope in Banff whenever you want! You really just have to think about what type of adventure you two want to go on, and how adventurous you want to be.

Summer elopements in Banff

This season is perfect for couples who want to see the highest points during your hiking adventure, or if you want to camp somewhere. You can also enjoy wildlife and flowers during this time since it’s the most colorful time of the year to visit Banff. If you’re planning a full-day adventure, then summer months are ideal because they do offer more sunlight hours. Just remember that summer is also a popular time for tourists to visit, so plan accordingly with your vendors and ask about any remote locations tourists may not know about for your ceremony.

Fall elopements in Banff 

This season is our favorite because they tend to be less crowded, the leaves are changing, and you can see snow at some mountain locations, but you can still enjoy the crystal blue lakes. With that being said, some areas may be restricted during the fall depending on weather conditions.

Winter elopements in Banff

Winters are magical. You’ll get the most epic snow-covered mountains as a backdrop for your photos! It’s also the perfect time to plan if you want to have the area almost all to yourself. However, winter in Banff is COLD! Plan accordingly, pack accordingly, and wear lots of layers. The wind during this time is no joke, and some trails may be closed, so you may not be able to hike so high during this time of year. Ask your vendor what they suggest when it comes to planning a winter elopement in Banff.

Spring elopement in Banff

You can get some snow, and you can appreciate foliage beginning to bloom. You’ll be able to get snowy mountains in your photos background without winter freezing temperatures. Just remember that things may still be frozen over, so if your goal is to see the crystal blue waters of Banff’s lakes, then plan later into the spring months and into summer.

Permits and Leave No Trace in Banff

Eloping in Banff is pretty awesome, but let’s make sure we are following the correct permit and leave no trace (LNT) regulations when planning your adventure here. You can have your ceremony pretty much anywhere you want in the national park with a special use permit as long as there are less than 20 people in your wedding party (yes, that includes vendors too). If you’re planning on just taking portraits in Banff, then you don’t need a permit. Double-check Banff’s website for the latest permit requirements.

Keep in mind, you don’t have the right to block off any area for the use of just your ceremony. Meaning, you may have hikers passing through during your ceremony. Please be respectful of the land around you and leave it better than you found it while staying on the trail and adhering to the common LNT principles. We also recommend asking the park’s officials for any specific rules and restrictions they have when it comes to wedding ceremonies.

Marriage License Requirements in Canada

If you want to make your ceremony official in Banff, the good news is you can! You don’t need to be a Canadian resident to elope in Banff and apply for a marriage license. 

An Alberta marriage license will cost you about $100, depending on where you go. There is no waiting period once you receive your marriage license (which we love), and it’s valid for three months. Having no waiting period allows you to get married that same day, but we always suggest doing this the day before, so you don’t cut into your adventure timeline together. 

An important thing to remember is to think about where you are going to have your wedding ceremony before you apply for your wedding license. If you get the marriage license in Alberta, the ceremony has to take place in Alberta. The same thing applies to British Columbia (BC) and if you’re planning your elopement at a popular location like Emerald Lake. With this said, double-check with your vendors where specifically you should apply for your marriage license.

If you don’t want to go through the application process, then you can always plan a commitment ceremony in Banff instead!

Elopement Vendors For Your Banff Elopement

Planning & Styling: Love Spell Co | Photography & Planning: Willow and Wolf

So are you ready to plan your Banff elopement? Let’s team you up with a vendor who specializes in Banff adventure weddings and elopements. Remember, counting on a vendor who has experience in the area you’re eloping in can help you avoid any stress and help you get prepared for any conditions, especially when planning a multi-day hike adventure. These vendors below can also be helpful when picking what spots in Banff to visit to avoid crowds! Team up with one of our featured vendors below.

Best Places to Stay Near Banff

Planning & Styling: Love Spell Co | Photography & Planning: Willow and Wolf

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a destination renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. When planning a visit to this stunning region, finding the perfect place to stay is essential to fully experience all that Banff has to offer. From luxurious mountain lodges with panoramic views to cozy cabins tucked away in the forest, the accommodations near Banff cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a serene retreat, the area surrounding Banff offers a wide range of lodging options that provide comfort, convenience, and a true sense of mountain living.

Check out some of our favorites below:

Check out this studio near Banff!

Check out this home near Banff!

Check out this suite with a balcony. 

Photo by Steven Wallace Photography