Are you dreaming of an intimate, unforgettable wedding that removes all of the stress of a large-scale ceremony and that truly allows your love to be the centrepiece of your special day? Eloping and micro-ceremonies with just the wedding couple and a few of their closest friends and family members have become an increasingly popular option, with many couples enjoying the freedom and closeness that a small ceremony affords.
Canada’s Rocky Mountains, especially Banff National Park, are a favourite elopement destination for couples who love the great outdoors and want the opportunity to have a breathtaking backdrop to frame every moment of their little “big day.”
At Elope in Banff, we’re here to help you plan the elopement or small wedding ceremony of your dreams, surrounded by the beauty of some of Canada’s most famous natural features. Below, we’ll highlight just a few of the many reasons to consider eloping in Banff and how our team makes it easy to say “I do!”. Read on to learn more!
Rustic Charm and Historical Wonder
Did you know Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and the third created globally? Established in 1885, largely due in part to the expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the discovery of the Sulphur Mountain hot springs, Banff National Park is full of history and a rustic charm that carries through into the modern era.
The historic charm of Banff, coupled with its stunning landscapes, creates a uniquely romantic atmosphere for your wedding day. Whether you choose to say your vows near the historic Banff Springs Hotel or at one of the many outdoor spots in the region, your ceremony will be framed by decades of stories woven into the beautiful wilderness of the Rockies!
Unparalleled Scenic Beauty and Iconic Landmarks
The Canadian Rockies are known around the world for their beauty. Banff National Park is home to over 1000km (620 miles) of terrain and features iconic destinations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the infamous Banff Springs Hotel. Whether you’re looking for a wedding destination that puts the beauty of nature front and centre, like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake* or want the elevated elegance of a gothic Chateau-style castle in the mountains found at the Banff Spring, there’s a fairytale setting that’s perfect for every couple. Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and surrounding destinations offer incredible views and an unforgettable setting for one of the most important moments in your love story, and at Elope in Banff, we’re here to help you find the best fit for your special day!
See our FAQs about Moraine Lake weddings here
Seasonal Splendor
One of the best parts of getting married in Banff is that you will be treated to incredible views, no matter what season you choose for your wedding. While Banff is a popular destination during the summer and winter (and is known around the world for its famous ski hills!), the truth is, there’s never a time of year when the beauty of the Rockies isn’t on full display. Banff loves to show off its natural scenery all year round, with the summer bringing lots of sun and greenery, the fall offering a vibrant explosion of red, golds and oranges across the Bow Valley, spring showcasing the beauty of new life emerging and moody rainy displays, and winter blanketing the park with twinkling snow that shines from majestic peaks and frozen lakes. Simply put, no matter when you want to get married, Banff National Park will treat you to a breathtaking show that creates an intimate atmosphere you’ll remember forever.
Endless Adventure Opportunities
Eloping means that you get to plan a wedding ceremony that puts your love story and your preferred pacing first, including before and after your big day. Escaping to the Rockies is ideal for those who want to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter together, with plenty of regional activities making it easy to stay and play in Banff. Prepare for your big day with a relaxing session at one of Banff’s luxurious spas, hit the golf course for a few rounds, and save up for a bucket list helicopter flight to begin a mini-moon once you say, “I do!”*.
Fun Fact: While there are endless ways to explore Banff National Park and the Bow Valley Region, we advise that couples keep in mind the park’s size and that many activities may involve more travel than expected to reach your starting point. Lake Louise, for example, is approximately 40 minutes from the Town of Banff, and Moraine Lake adds an extra 20 minutes of commuting on top of that. Consider this when booking activities and your elopement venue to avoid disappointment and extra stress caused by tight turnaround times!
At Elope in Banff, we make it even easier to focus on fun when getting married by removing almost every aspect of planning your little “big” day. Our team of experienced planners will help you create your dream elopement and take care of key elements like booking the venue, providing in-house photography, and other little details that can take time away from celebrating each other and the incredible commitment you’re making! We handle core 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 legally wed, all the necessary paperwork and filing!
View our portfolio of happy couples here!
Discover Your Dream Elopement in Banff National Park Today
With over 4000 weddings under our belt, Elope in Banff is here to help you plan your dream Rocky Mountain elopement. View our packages here, and contact us today to start booking your wedding!