There’s something wildly romantic about choosing to celebrate your love story on your own terms, free from the constraints and requirements that come with a traditional wedding ceremony.
At Elope in Banff (EIB), we’re here to help couples enjoy no-stress micro-weddings and true elopements surrounded by the wonder of Banff National Park. From saying “I do” under majestic soaring peaks to exchanging vows in front of iconic landmarks like Lake Louise or inside the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, elopements are a great way to celebrate without stress.
Not sure which option is right for you? No problem! Below, we’ll take a closer look at both elopements and micro-weddings so you can find the perfect fit for your special day.
What Are Elopements?
Modern elopements are designed to be intimate affairs that are deeply personal and put your love story at the centre of everything. To facilitate this, elopements typically refer to ceremonies that involve just the eloping couple (and their little ones if children are involved). Elopements focus on the connection between the wedding couple with minimal distractions, and…for those looking to get married fast may even involve a “shotgun” (planned in less than 30 day) style planning package.
At Elope in Banff, we’re thrilled to offer true elopement-style outdoor ceremonies at multiple popular spots and viewpoints throughout Banff. We’ve designed our elopement packages to take care of all the little things—from florals to photography—so you can simply show up, take a breath, and soak in every moment of your wedding without having to worry.
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding shares the same heart as an elopement—simplicity, intimacy, and privacy—but with a small group of your nearest and dearest by your side. At Elope in Banff, we recognize that many couples want the same benefits of eloping (choosing your perfect destination, extra intimacy, etc.), and they also want to share their special moment with those who mean the most to them and have played an important role in their love story. We offer packages with either 10 or 20 guests, so you can include mom and dad, your siblings, best friends, and those who you can’t imagine celebrating without so your closest loved ones can share in your special moment. While the ceremony itself will be the same, now those you cherish can celebrate with you!
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re still deciding between an elopement and a micro-wedding, that’s okay! Weddings are an incredibly personal experience, and it’s important to choose what feels best for you. If you’re on the fence and feel like you could go either direction, here are a few things to consider:
- Do you want it to be just the two of you? If your dream is a deeply personal, private moment with no distractions, that’s perfectly okay! Elopements are great for couples who cherish intimacy and can sometimes feel stressed when choosing their guest list. This way, you get to focus on what matters most: love!
- Do you want a small circle of loved ones there? If you can’t imagine your day without a few important people by your side, that’s perfectly okay, too! Lots of couples love the idea of escaping to the mountains but often tend to feel sad at the thought of “leaving” a special person in their lives “behind” or excluding them. A micro-wedding offers a beautiful balance of intimacy and connection and, best of all, ensures that those who matter most never feel left out.
- Are you planning quickly or keeping it simple?True elopements are perfect for couples looking for a quick turnaround or a no-fuss experience, whereas micro-weddings can take a little more time to plan. Our team excels in planning quick ceremonies, even with guests, but if you’re aiming to get married in less than 30 days, check out our Simply Shotgun package that’s just for couples!
- Are you inviting guests out of guilt?
One of the most important things to remember about your wedding, whether you opt for a true elopement or a smaller ceremony, is that this is meant for you. You both are coming together to celebrate your love, and you should never feel pressured to invite anyone, or include anything that doesn’t make you happy. For couples who do choose to elope, you can easily celebrate with your friends and family when you get home, without the added “stress” of it being your wedding day and feeling like you need to perform or fit into anyone else’s expectations.The bottom line is, only you can decide what makes you both happy. This is your new chapter to write in your love story; don’t let guilt or obligation get in your way!
Why Alberta Is Perfect for Elopements and Micro-weddings
From the quiet forests of Canmore to the turquoise shores of Lake Louise and the many iconic destinations in the Town of Banff, Alberta’s Rocky Mountains offer some of the most stunning backdrops in the world. Whether you elope just the two of you or bring a small group to celebrate, the Rockies turn your day into a breathtaking adventure that you’ll remember forever. EIB is here to guide you through the process of finding your location, getting all your legal paperwork handled (for those wanting a legally binding ceremony), and more so all you have to do is show up and get married!
Here’s what one of our happy couples had to say:
“We had such a great experience. The communication was detailed, clear, and timely. We had a wonderful wedding day, in spite of challenging weather. I had no umbrella or coat, but the planner came prepared! They knew a gorgeous spot that we never would have found on our own… Our officiate, photographer, and planner were absolutely lovely people, making the whole process stress-free and extra special!” — Christina M.
Let Us Make Forever Unforgettable
Whether you’re leaning toward an ultra-intimate elopement or a cozy micro wedding, Elope in Banff is here to bring your vision to life. Our curated packages take care of the planning so you can stay focused on each other. After all, love is the ultimate adventure. We’re just here to help you begin it beautifully.
View our elopement and micro-wedding packages here!