How To Elope In Banff National Park

Elopements, Tips & Tricks

March 1, 2024

There’s truly nowhere in North America like Banff National Park. The park’s natural beauty, full of brilliant blue lakes and snowcapped mountain peaks, spans over 2,500 sq. miles. From helicopter rides to hiking, kayaking, ice skating, and skiing, there are many things to do and see in and around Banff National Park. Whether you and your partner are thrill seekers or enjoy the stillness of the outdoors, Banff National Park is the perfect mountain backdrop for your vows! This guide is packed with the best ceremony locations, accommodations, activities, and tips to help you plan and prepare to elope in Banff National Park.

A bride and groom stand in front of Lake Louise during their Fall Banff elopement.
A Banff elopement couple stand on the rocky shores of Lake Louise during their National Park elopement.

A man and woman elope in Banff during the Fall at Lake Louise.

A bride and groom elope in Banff at Lake Louise in Autumn.
A bride and groom take lakeside wedding portraits at an alpine lake in Banff.

A woman in a fur bridal shawl is held by her husband after their intimate Banff National Park elopement
A woman in a fur shawl is held by a man in a suit coat and cowboy hat at Lake Louise during their Banff elopement.

A bride and groom elope in Banff and share a kiss near Lake Louise.

A man is wearing a suit coat, jeans and a cowboy hat near Lake Louise during a Banff elopement.
A bride with an updo, wearing a long sleeve white wedding gown holds a dried floral bouquet from Adventure Florals at Lake Louise.

A newlywed couple celebrates their wedding in Banff near Lake Louise.

The Best Time To Elope In Banff National Park 

June through September is the best time to visit Banff National Park for your elopement! Summer is the perfect season to explore lakes on kayaks, hike to mountain tops, camp in the Canadian Rockies, admire wildflowers, and experience wildlife. Fall is much quieter, with milder temperatures compared to Winter. Mid to late September brings beautiful fall colors to Banff National Park’s forests and valleys. Larch season reaches its peak during this time of year, making Banff a stunning backdrop for an adventurous autumn elopement. 

A bride and groom exchange vows lakeside in Banff while their officiant, Married By Cole stands in the background.

Cole from Married By Cole officiants a Banff elopement with a couple at Lake Louise.
Cole from Married By Cole officiates a National Park elopement in Banff at Lake Louise.

A bride and groom hold hands during an alpine lake vow ceremony in Banff.

An officiant. bride and groom stand on the shores of Lake Louise as a couple elopes in Banff.
A groom is seen smiling at his bride during an intimate vow ceremony on Lake Louise in Alberta.

A bride and groom hold hands with one another while their officiant, Cole from Married By Cole, asks them to recite their vows.

The Best Places To Elope In Banff National Park 

01. Lake Louise 

With its glacier-fed, blue turquoise water reflecting the Canadian Rockies’ rugged peaks, Lake Louise is one of the most picturesque elopement locations in Banff. From incredible kayaking in Summer to ice skating in Winter, Lake Louise is home to many outdoor activities. The lake is also near one of Canada’s best ski resorts, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola!

02. Bow Lake 

For couples searching for a quieter and more relaxed lake elopement location, Bow Lake is easily accessible and just as magnificent as Lake Louise. The bright blue alpine lake offers a peaceful picnicking shoreline, along with many beautiful surrounding hiking trails of varying difficulties, including a waterfall viewing trail — Bow Glacier Falls. In Winter, Bow Lake is a great location for snowshoeing and glacier viewing! 

03. Helicopter Mountain Top Ceremony 

If you and your partner are thrill seekers looking for a unique and adventurous Banff elopement experience, look no further than RockiesHeli! Couples will be flown to an intimate, quiet elopement location on a private helicopter high above the Canadian Rockies. There, you’ll say vows, take portraits, and admire the gorgeous views with celebratory drinks!

04. Two Jack Lake/Lake Minnewanka 

Mount Rundle soars high above Two Jack Lake and is a popular spot for paddleboarders and kayakers. The lake has a peaceful shoreline trail perfect for a post-elopement stroll or a cute lakeshore picnic. A long canal connects Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, easily traveled by relaxing boat ride! Lake Minnewanka is one of Canada’s top canoeing destinations in Summer and a massive ice skating spot in Winter. This large glacial lake is rich in history and a hub for wildlife viewing. 

05. Tunnel Mountain Reservoir 

If you’re planning an intimate wedding, micro wedding, or elopement with family and friends, Tunnel Mountain Reservoir is a hidden gem ceremony location perfect for your Banff celebration. Located near Buffalo Mountain Lodge, couples get to say their vows in a quiet, lush green meadow with panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. Tunnel Mountain Reservoir is a dreamy mountain ceremony location for Summer or Fall weddings!

A woman wearing a long white wedding dress and a man wearing a suit coat, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat stand near an alpine lake stream in Banff.
A couple is seen walking while holding hands as they elope in Banff in the Fall near Lake Louise.

A couple walks hand and hand along the shoreline of an alpine stream near Lake Louise as they elope in Banff.

A Banff elopement couple walks along a paved path during Autumn at Lake Louise.
A couple strolls along a paved path at Lake Louise during Autumn in Banff.

A bride admires her groom as they stand along an alpine stream during their Banff elopement in Alberta.
A man lightly touches his brides back, who is wearing a button back wedding gown.

A couple is seen with their officiant Cole with Married by Cole, during their Lake Louise elopement in Banff.

The Best Accommodations In And Around Banff National Park

01. Luxury Hotels

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

An elevated and luxe retreat for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation during their Banff elopement. 

Fairmont Banff Springs

A massive resort with royal charm and breathtaking mountain views. 

02. Lodged and Hotels

Moose Hotel and Suites

A cozy, rustic stay in the heart of Banff with modern luxuries and gourmet dining. 

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

An elevated lodge-style getaway tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town of Banff. 

03. Bed and Breakfasts

Beaujolais Boutique B&B

A quaint bed and breakfast known for superb hospitality and delicious morning bites. 

The Poplar Inn

A home away from home stays for couples seeking to unplug and relax at a sweet, simple bed and breakfast. 

04. AirbBnbs

The Cabins At Edelweiss Creek

A private luxury cabin situated in the Columbia Valley with incredible ski slope views and a relaxing hot tub. 

Pur Lodging Mountain Cabin

A private and modern twist on a rustic cabin stay that’s located close to all the best outdoor activities Banff has to offer.

Makeup Asipenko does a bride's makeup look at a luxury Banff hotel.
A bride gets her hair and makeup done at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise by Makeup Asipenko.

A bride puts on a black drip earring while getting ready at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before her Lake Louise elopement.
A long white wedding gown hangs from a wooden railing along a staircase at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

A bride looks at her wedding gown that hands from a hotel window looking out onto Lake Louise.
A bride admires her wedding gown that hangs from a window at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

A bride in a long wedding gown poses in front of a large, floor to ceiling window at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
A groom helps carry the train of his bride's long, white wedding gown as they elope in Banff.

The Best Activities In And Around Banff National Park

A bride admires her groom just before their Banff vow ceremony at Lake Louise.
A couple holds hands during their intimate Banff elopement at Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

A groom, wearing a suit coat with a boutonniere on the lapel, kisses his bride's forehead, who is wearing a fur bridal wrap and drip earrings.

A couple poses for an elopement portrait during their Banff ceremony in Canada.
A man kisses his bride on the head near a stream at Lake Louise.

A bride in a white, long sleeve wedding gown adjusts her groom's grey cowboy hat before their Banff elopement.

A bride in a long white wedding gown holds hands with her groom during their first look by a stream in Banff.
A groom in a grey cowboy hat, jeans and a suit coat holds his bride's hands during their first look by a stream in Banff.

How To Make Your Banff National Park Elopement Official

Obtain A Banff National Park Elopement Permit

As long as you have 20 guests or less, you can elope in Banff National Park! Parks Canada does require couples to fill out a registration form at least three days before elopement ceremonies. However, I recommend filling out and submitting this form at least three months in advance. There is no registration cost, and an emailed permit will be sent upon receipt of your registration form. Upon arrival at the park, you and your partner will be required to pay a small entry fee, or you can choose to purchase the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for 1-year unlimited admission!

Hire Local Vendors

I recommend couples use local vendors when planning their elopement or intimate wedding! While the town of Banff is tiny, Calgary is just a little over an hour from Banff and home to some of the best vendors in Alberta! Here are some of my favorite local vendors:

Book Your Travel Accommodations

Calgary International Airport is about an hour and a half drive to Banff National Park. The airport services major airlines such as Delta, Alaskan Airlines, and Air Canada. From Calgary, you can either choose to rent a car or travel by train to Jasper with VIA Rail! From Jasper, you’ll be able to take a bus or private car to Banff!

A dried floral boutonniere on a groom's lapel from Adventure Floral at Lake Louise.
A bride holding a dried floral bouquet from Adventure Floral near Lake Louise.

A Banff elopement couple pose for a wedding portrait near Lake Louise with snow-covered mountain peaks in the background.

Cole from Married By Cole stands with a Banff elopement couple after officiating their wedding at Lake Louise.
Reagan from Regan Taylor Photography stands next to a Banff elopement couple at Lake Louise in Alberta.

Ready To Elope In Banff National Park?!

If you’re ready to escape to the Canadian Rockies with the love of your life and say I Do, I’m here to help bring your Banff ceremony dreams to life! As your photographer, I’ll ensure your elopement day is stress-free by assisting with location scouting, permits, timelines, and more. You can take a peek at my Banff elopement packages here and share your vision for your special day through my contact form. If you’re in need of some elopement planning inspiration, check out this intimate Banff National Park elopement! 

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