Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to Banff/Where Can I Stay?

Elope in Banff is thrilled to welcome plenty of international couples to Banff for their elopement! If you’ve never visited this part of the Canadian Rockies, you may need a few pointers on where to go. Banff is located approximately 90 minutes away from Calgary International Airport (YYC). There are several ways to get from YYC to Banff, but for eloping couples, it is particularly valuable to have access to your own transportation to and from so you can explore at your leisure before and after your ceremony. It is also worth noting that you will need a Park Pass for the duration of your stay in Banff, which can be purchased as you enter the park. 

What Venues do you offer Elopements at?

We are pleased to offer packages that feature many of Banff’s most iconic and sought-after locations, as well as venues in Canmore and several outdoor locations throughout Kananaskis, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and more. Our most popular locations include:

  • The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Banff)
  • Silvertip Golf Course (Canmore)
  • The Malcolm Hotel (Canmore)
  • Heli-Mountain Top Weddings
  • Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (Kananaskis)
  • Multiple outdoor locations within Banff National Park, including Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
What is included in my elopement? Do I need to get any paperwork first?

We endeavour to include as many of the essentials as possible in your elopement package, including wedding licenses, officiants, venue, photography, options for hair/makeup and more. Couples will simply need to book their own travel and accommodations, bring their own attire, and handle dining details (we are happy to assist where possible), and we’ll handle the rest!

We love helping couples create extra special moments on their big day and will do our best to fit many additional asks that fit within the scope and realm of an elopement-style ceremony. Extra photography time, harpists, and day of transportation may be arranged at your request and we are happy to try and accommodate other requests where possible.

Can I bring my children/are my children included in my guest count?

Of course! Your children play an important role in your love story and are more than welcome on your special day. We recognize how important it is to be able to celebrate as a family, and for the eloping couple package, children are included from your guest count.

Can we have more than 20 guests?

In order to facilitate intimate packages that fall within the parameters of a smaller outdoor wedding and following the regulations of the Banff National Park, our maximum guest count is 20 guests for any package, the wedding couple is included in the count. If you are having a ceremony at venue, there may be some flexibility (maximum 22-23 guests) – let’s chat! Note that Simply Shotgun is only available for an eloping couple (with children being the exception).

Where can I have a reception dinner in Banff?

Banff offers an incredible selection of dining options for couples and their guests, ranging from international to home-style cuisine and fine dining to casual restaurants. We are happy to help couples find the best local spot for their reception dinner, and we work closely with Banff Hospitality Collective. Note: For those booking Simply Romantic at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, you will have the opportunity to choose your menu (and will have separate dining costs) to be arranged with the hotel directly.

Are you still able to offer ceremonies at Moraine Lake? And is it crowded?

Yes! Despite the parking lot being closed to private vehicles, we are able to offer elopements at Moraine Lake. Those looking to book these packages will need to include a bus, limo or taxi rental to accommodate guest transport to the site as well. Moraine Lake is a popular destination, and is public space, but with our help, we will find a perfect spot for the ceremony. 

Can I set up chairs at my outdoor ceremony site?

. No. This is not permitted at most outdoor sites, with the sole exception being Buffalo Mountain Meadow when booked through the town of Banff, or if booking our Simply Stirling at The Malcolm Hotel, or The Gazebo with our Simply Silvertip Package at Silvertip Resort. Chairs may not be used otherwise.

Can we hire and bring our own photographer?

We get wanting to capture all of the love and magic of your elopement experience, and there’s nothing we adore more than helping you frame those moments forever. The Elope in Banff team encourages couples to document their wedding journey as they see fit, both before and after the ceremony; however, for the day of, only in-house photography is permitted. You are welcome to hire your own videographer, but we do work with some of the best in town – let’s chat! This is to ensure we can best facilitate your special day and pay full attention to every last detail without having too many extra variables or distractions to contend with.

Elope in Banff is proud to feature photographers that bring decades of industry experience and countless happy weddings under their belt to your special day. View our portfolio HERE !

What happens if it rains?

We know that mother nature can be fickle, and in the Rockies, weather can change at a moment’s notice. To help ensure our couples and their guests don’t have to worry about being stuck in the event of inclement weather, we’ll always do our best to have a backup indoor location for your nuptials!

Testimonials

Savannah and Joel Married on December 11,2024

If you’re thinking about having a wedding in Banff, Canada, but have no idea where to start—or if planning isn’t your strong suit, like me—Christianne and her amazing team are exactly what you’ve been looking for! From the very first moment I spoke with her, I knew I didn’t have to worry about a single thing. Christianne’s expertise and confidence instantly put me at ease. Honestly, my wedding day was one of the calmest, happiest, and most perfect days of my life, all thanks to this wonderful team. The Elope in Banff team gave me a wedding that was bigger and more perfect than I could have ever imagined. Their kindness, efficiency, and attention to detail are truly unmatched. I will be forever grateful to have worked with such an amazing group of people!

 

Eva and Max Married on October 26, 2024

We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect experience than what Elope in Banff created for our wedding! The whole day went by like a movie and still feels like a dream. From start to finish, EIB made our elopement so special, easy, and stress-free. They took care of every detail, from suggesting locations (complete with pros and cons for each) to handling the required paperwork, coordinating our flowers, and even helping us choose the ideal time of day for that golden mountain glow. The team’s local knowledge and passion for the Banff area truly made a difference — they knew all the most stunning and private spots.

 

Carol and Andrew Married on October 13, 2024

What a magical day! My wedding was more than I ever dreamed it could be. Everything was absolutely perfect, thanks to Elope in Banff. From the flowers, the itinerary, the officiant and everything in between, it was carefully thought out and I was able to completely enjoy the day with my husband stress free. Christianne and Simon were so fun to be around and set the carefree tone for the day. The photos were able to capture our love and personalities perfectly. What an amazing experience, I am so grateful and would highly recommend Elope in Banff.

 

Lily and Zach Married on August 11, 2023

100% hands down, the best experience ever! We eloped at Moraine Lake. Literally, Sharon and Christianne (coordinators) helped us get everything we needed prior to eloping in Banff and Christianne went above and beyond ensuring everything went off without a hitch on our wedding day. It was perfect, stress-free, and beautiful. ,Bryan (photographer) did an amazing job, all of the logistics & travel was made for us getting to and from all locations, hair/makeup was fantastic, as well as flowers, Twyla (our commissioner), and the weather cooperation :). If I had to do it all over again, 100 times, I would use Elope in Banff again. I cannot express the gratitude for the staff, the amazing quality of services, and the stress immediately lifted off my shoulders knowing I was in good hands. I highly recommend Elope in Banff!

Kelly and Matthew Married on September 23, 2023

From our initial interest email, we've received timey responses from Sharon who had answers to all our concerns and had everything mapped out months ahead. Our coordinator, Chris, was an absolute gem who dedicated such precious time and energy in getting to know us and sizing exactly what we wanted to capture with each other, but also, for ourselves on that day. Malcom, our photographer made us comfortable from the start and let us join in on the creative elaboration so our images could feel like they were truly a reflection of us. Our team was beyond professional and competent. Most importantly, they were incomparable astounding people who made our day so unique and personal. We'd elope all over again in a heartbeat!

Michelle and Austin Married on September 18, 2023

We had the most amazing day and cannot thank Malcom and Christianne for all their assistance and working with us that day! They truly went above and beyond and made it a dream come true! Thank you for taking us on and making this experience better than we could’ve ever imagined!

Leanne and Carlo Married on August 8, 2023

Wow! We had such a great experience! Way beyond our expectations! The team was very accommodating and so willing - we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Special shout out to Christianne! Our wedding day angel who was prepared with needle and thread when a bridesmaids dress tore... also prepared with motion sickness remedies when the bride got sick going up the mountain... also prepared with an umbrella when it started to rain! Bryan our photographer was fantastic! We all had so much fun with him and we love our photos! Our hairstylist (Sam) and limo driver (Alan) were top notch! And the flower bouquets were exactly what we hoped for! What a great group of people! Not only were they outstanding in their respective jobs, but it felt like we all became friends and had lots of fun together! Highly recommend Elope in Banff!