Dreaming of tying the knot quickly without the hassle of a big, traditional wedding?
While some couples may dream of an elaborate affair with lots of guests, many modern lovebirds are choosing far smaller ceremonies, either in the form of a micro wedding (typically under 20 guests) or true elopements with just the two of them and their officiant. Small weddings afford plenty of perks to consider, with one of the biggest pluses being the fact that they’re often significantly faster to plan.
For those looking to do away with long waiting periods (or maybe you’ve waited long enough and finally have the time to say “I do!”), Elope in Banff is here to help you plan the perfect “shotgun” (or, as we prefer, quick-turnaround) elopement or microwedding. Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s Rockies, Banff National Park is the perfect destination for couples from all walks of life, with beauty and intimate tranquillity that helps frame your perfect special day.
Here are our top tips for planning a fast wedding or elopement in Banff:
Flexibility is Key
True “shotgun” weddings are often driven by a tight timeline tied to specific circumstances that don’t allow for much flexibility. For modern couples looking to elope quickly, however, it’s best to have the ability to adapt when it comes to your date or location. Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, and other surrounding locations are popular all year round, so being willing to consider a weekday ceremony or a less traditional time will go a long way to helping you nail down your date and venue.
For those considering popular venues like the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Lake Louise, or Moraine Lake, you may also want to be aware of when peak tourist season is if you’re hoping for as much intimacy and privacy as possible. The good news is, you’ll likely also save on your accommodations (more on that in a moment!) by doing so!
Keep the Guest List Small
One of the joys of a quick wedding is the simplicity of a small guest list. Elopements are typically intimate affairs, often featuring just the couple and their closest loved ones. Keeping your guest count small allows for more flexibility in choosing a ceremony and reception venue while also creating a more personal experience for everyone.For those who do want to include a few guests in their special day, it’s important to give them as much notice as possible and clearly communicate any key details that will help them travel to Banff. Consider hosting a casual night before dinner or a small celebration afterwards to thank them for sharing in your (little) big day. Bear in mind, however, that the more people you invite, the more time they’ll likely need to figure out their own accommodations and arrangements, which might mean you’ll need to extend your initial timeline a little to make things easier for everyone.
Have Your Legal Documents Ready
Before you say “I do,” it’s crucial to ensure you’ve met all the legal requirements for getting married in Alberta. Be sure to bring the necessary identification and any related documents (i.e. certificates of divorce if needed) and plan a trip to the registry office before your wedding day.
You’ll also need an authorized marriage commissioner to officiate your ceremony legally; fortunately for couples choosing Elope in Banff, we make all of the above as easy as possible by providing all available documentation, an officiant, and dedicated photography so you don’t have to worry about scoping out multiple vendors!
View our photography portfolio here!
A Note on Attire
With limited time to plan, couples will benefit from choosing easy-to-access attire. Many brides-to-be can forget that custom dresses take several months to complete, and from grooms, nailing down a rental can be surprisingly difficult. Consider ready-to-wear attire, or for a fun twist, put your own spin on what you consider wedding attire to be. After all, it’s your elopement!
As an added note, don’t forget to consider practical footwear if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony in the Rockies! A pair of elegant yet sturdy shoes will ensure you’re comfortable while exploring Banff’s natural beauty.
Accommodations
Banff and the surrounding areas offer a variety of accommodations to suit every style and budget. From luxury lodges with breathtaking views to modern suites that give you the perfect blend of rustic meets future, there’s no shortages of places to stay. With that said, it’s important to think ahead and make sure and book as far in advance as possible, even if you’re planning a more “spontaneous” ceremony. This becomes even more important if you’re eyeing a wedding during the summer or winter month, when the area is particularly popular.
We recommend considering accommodations that are close to your chosen ceremony location to simplify logistics for everyone involved. Many couples also opt for accommodations that double as a reception venue, creating an intimate and convenient celebration space.
Partner with a Planner You Can Trust
Finally, as much as fast elopements cut down on the need for extensive details and a long, drawn-out process, they do require expertise and precision to pull off without extra stress. At Elope in Banff, we love love! What we love even more is helping couples plan their special day without all of the stress of handling countless details. Our team specializes in creating intimate celebrations that put your love story at the centre of your (little) big day, and allow you to enjoy getting married without any distractions. We’ll guide you through every step of planning your ceremony so you can focus on what matters most: Saying, “I do!”. Our team will partner with you to arrange key details like:
- Securing your venue
- Providing transportation for the wedding couple
- Booking professional hair styling (with the option to add professional makeup application for an extra fee) to be done from the comfort of your hotel room
- Day of wedding coordination
- Photography
- Posy bouquet and boutonniere
- For those wishing to be formally wed, all the important legal paperwork and filing!
Plan Your Perfect Elopement with Elope in Banff
Ready to plan your fast wedding in Banff? Elope in Banff offers tailored elopement packages, breathtaking ceremony locations, and expert coordination to make your dream day a reality.
Contact us now to learn more!