• Learn About Banff National Park
  • Where is Banff?
  • How do you get to Banff?
  • When is Banff open?
  • Do you have to pay to get into Banff?

• How to Elope in Banff
  • Can we get married in Banff?
  • Where can we get married in Banff?
  • Do we need a permit to get married in Banff?
  • How much does it cost to get married in Banff?
  • How do I legally elope in Banff?

• Best Time of Year for a Banff Elopement
• 10 Best Places to Elope in Banff
  • Bow Lake
  • Peyto Lake
  • Lake Minnewanka
  • Two Jack Lake
  • Healy Pass/Egypt Lake
  • Big Beehive
  • Parker Ridge
  • Mount Assiniboine
  • Marvel Pass
  • Tunnel Mountain

• Where to Stay In/Near Banff
• Where to Eat In/Near Banff
• Banff Elopement Photographer
• Banff Elopement Packages

Banff National Park is THE destination to elope in Canada if you’re looking for insanely beautiful mountains, almost too good to be true clear blue lakes, and locations that will suit every level of adventure. This guide will take you through everything that you need to know about how to elope in Banff, from permits, locations, to lodging and more! I spend a ton of time in Banff, planning and photographing elopements and a lot of personal adventure time with the family, so I know it WELL. I can’t wait to share all this information with you to make planning your Banff elopement easier!

Learn about Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest National Park and it’s nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. Banff National Park is within the present-day territories of the Treaty 6, 7, and 8, First Nations as well as the Métis Homeland.

Where is Banff?

Banff is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains about a 1 hour 30 minute drive from YYC. The park itself is 6,641 square km’s and lies along Alberta’s western border to British Columbia. The town of Banff is home to around 9,000 people and then there is also the village of Lake Louise located about half an hour northwest of Banff townsite that is home to around 500 people.

How do you get to Banff?

If you’re considering a Banff elopement & you’ll be flying in, you should fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). You can get to Banff from YYC by private shuttle bus (like the Banff Airporter or the Brewster Express) but I would suggest renting a car once you land in YYC. Having a rental car for your trip means that you can have your own schedule, make stops whenever you want, and explore parts of the park that buses and shuttles don’t go to.

If you plan to visit Banff in the winter, make sure you get a rental car with winter tires and be prepared for some less than ideal road conditions.

When is Banff open?

Banff National Park is open all year! You can visit anytime, day or night. Some spots might have different hours or services, but you’ll find something awesome to do no matter the season. Certain roads close in the winter (looking at you, Moraine Lake road) so make sure you check out the seasonal closures when trip planning! Certain hiking trails are inaccessible in the winter as well (hello, avalanche risk) and there are seasonal restrictions in some areas to reduce bear disturbance and protect the sensitive alpine environment.

The visitor centre hours vary by season, you can check that out here!

Do you have to purchase a pass to visit Banff?

Yes! To visit Banff National Park you’ll need to purchase a Parks Canada pass which must be displayed in your vehicle. Passes can be purchased at the park gate, visitor centre or in advance of your visit online (but you have to pay for shipping, so I suggest just getting in when you get here). If you plan on just driving through Banff National Park, you won’t need a pass, but if you want to stop or drive one of the scenic routes, you will need to purchase a park pass.

You can get either an annual Discovery Pass or a daily pass and can purchase as an individual or get family ones (covers up to 7 people in the same vehicle). You can do the math to see which option will be the best value for your visit.

How to Elope in Banff 

Can we get married in Banff?

Yes (and you should!). There are some park rules of course to follow (more on that later) and you will need to submit a Special Event Registration form to the park.

Where can we get married in Banff?

Wherever ceremonies are allowed! Small gatherings of 20 people or less are permitted if you want an outdoor ceremony with some conditions. There are also some bookable larger outdoor venues as well as indoor venues that accomodate larger groups and full on traditional weddings.

Do we need a permit to get married in Banff?

Yes! Like I mentioned above, you will need to complete a special event registration form in additional to the regular entrance fees to elope in Banff (outside of a venue). You can download the form, fill it out, and then either email or mail it to the park. There is no fee associated with this and the information is just for administration purposed.

Here is some additional info on the conditions of eloping in Banff:

• A maximum of 20 participants may attend the ceremony.
• Wedding participants are required to comply with national park regulations at all times.
• Temporary props, if used, are to be small and limited to a wedding arch, registration table and a chair.
• Tents or temporary shelters are not permitted.
• Opt for quiet music options such as a guitar, flute or harp.
• Gas-powered generators, excessive noise, unruly behaviour, loud music or P.A./amplification systems are not permitted.
• Choose a less popular location, or a time earlier or later in the day to avoid congestion.
• Keep vehicular traffic to a minimum (carpool or use public/group transportation).
• Park in designated lots only.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• Throwing of confetti (natural or synthetic). This includes paper, rice, eco-alternatives, flower petals or leaves, etc.
• Use of drones
• Off-roading to access the site
• Use of pyrotechnics
• Release of live animals (e.g. doves, butterflies, etc.)
• Overnighting at day-use areas

FYI, you won’t need to fill out this permit information if you are already married and just taking wedding portraits.

How much does it cost to elope in Banff National Park?

It costs at least $61 to get married in Banff. The cost of entrance in is $10.50/person for daily admission and your marriage license will cost at least $40 (the additional service fees may vary by registry).

Of course, the rest is up to you for choosing your own adventure here with added costs of lodging, florals, food, photographer, officiant, etc.

How do I legally elope in Banff?

You will need to arrive to Alberta at least a business day before your Banff elopement so that you can go get your marriage license. To get your license, you’ll need to apply together at a registry agent office, affirm the appropriate affidavits, and pay the required $40 government fee. Check out this article for more specifics when it comes time to actually apply for your license!

Here is some information about the marriage license:

• There are no residency or citizenship requirements for getting a marriage license in Alberta
• There’s no waiting period once you get your license, so you can get married right away
• Your license will be valid for 3 months from the date it’s issued and is only valid in Alberta
• Blood tests are not required
• Both of you must be at least 18 years old
• You will need at two witnesses over the age of 18 (I can be one and then I can help sort out the second witness if your elopement will just be the two of you)

For more information about how to legally elope in Alberta, read this section of my How to Elope in Alberta Guide.

Best Time of the Year for a Banff Elopement

Banff shines all year long so it’s up to you to decide what kind of scenery you want for your elopement. The most popular time of year to visit Banff is in the summer, so late June to early Sepetember. The lakes are free from ice, the weather is warm, and accessibility is at it’s peak. That being said, there are some considerations for when the best time of the year to elope in Banff is, so here are some pros and cons for each season:

Spring in Banff (April-June)

Pros:

• Pretty snow still on the mountains
• Temperatures begin to warm up
• No bugs out yet

Cons:

• The weather can be unpredictable (with snowstorms still a potential)
• Trails can be muddy and the alpine is still snowy
• The lakes are all still frozen and snow covered

Summer in Banff (July-September)

Pros:

• Long days (summer solstice is in late June and the sun rises at 5:30am and sets at 10pm)
• Warm days but temps can still be cool at night (perfect for those sunrise hiking elopements)
• Wildflowers are in bloom and lots of wildlife out
• Warm enough to go for a dip in the lakes

Cons:

• Busiest tourist season
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common
• Can get pretty hot during the day
• Chance of forest fire smoke is higher

Check out Phenix and Sam’s summer Banff wedding for some inspiration.

Fall in Banff (September-December)

Pros:

• Larches start to turn golden end of September/early October and it’s the most magical thing
• Cooler weather for hiking and a later start for sunrise photos
• Popular locations are not as busy as summer

Cons:

• Can get below freezing overnight
• Snow is likely and will make higher elevations inaccessible

Check out Kenneth & Jeanine’s September hiking elopement or Camille and Yusney’s October Moraine Lake wedding photos for some fall elopement inspo!

Winter in Banff (December-April)

Pros:

• Gorgeous winter wonderland vibes
• Chinooks can roll through to bring the temperature up
• Less crowds
• Travel can sometimes be cheaper
• Perfect skiing and skating weather

Cons:

• Gets very cold (like -30C cold)
• Higher elevation roads/viewpoints close for the season

Check out Kaitlin & Charlotte’s winter Canmore intimate wedding or Emma & Kieran’s snowy snowshoeing elopement for some winter elopement inspiration!

10 Best Places to Elope in Banff

Banff National Park has so many incredible locations that it is so hard to narrow it down to a short list but I did my very best, so here are my fave places to elope in Banff National Park:

Let’s start with some easily accessible options-

1. Bow Lake

Just up the Icefield’s Parkway about a half hour north of Lake Louise lies Bow Lake. An incredible lake nestled into the mountains and glaciers with the most beautiful shoreline. My favourite thing about Bow Lake is how accessible it is! It’s a short 5 minute walk down to the lakeshore and is all flat, so this is great if you’re bringing some guests that require an accessible location. It’s also gorgeous all year round. There are beautiful hikes nearby so this is also one I suggest if you want to have a sunrise hike just the two of you and then come down and meet your friends & fam along the shoreline for your ceremony.

2. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is just north of Bow Lake and after a little 15 minute hike up, you get to a stunning viewpoint overlooking this lake that looks like a howling wolf. It’s one of my fave spots for sunrise or sunset and even if you don’t elope here, you should add it to your itinerary.

3. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is nice and close to Banff townsite and is a large beautiful lake that is pretty all year round. There’s enough space that you can usually find a nice private spot, especially early in the morning or at sunset.

4. Two Jack Lake

Just down the road from Lake Minnewanka is this cute lake. Popular during the daytime for picnics, SUP, and canoeing, but it’s a perfect spot for those sunrise or sunset ceremonies and is a great place to bring along a canoe for a fun elopement activity.

The rest of these locations are a little to a lot more adventurous options for your Banff elopement!

5. Healy Pass/Egypt Lake

This one would be perfect for a backpacking elopement in Banff in the summer or fall. The meadow going up to Healy Pass has some of the best wildflowers I have ever seen and the larches in late September are something that you have to see for yourself to believe.

If you want to know more about how to plan a backcountry camping elopement check out the blog I wrote after my own backpacking elopement!

6. Big Beehive

A stunning and steep hike that begins out of Lake Louise and takes you up to one of the most beautiful views to watch the sun come up and see that insanely blue colour of the lake. You can even stop on the way down at Lake Agnes tea house for a little treat after!

7. Parker Ridge

An easy/moderate hike that is on the north side of Banff National Park (close to the Jasper National Park boundary) that offers great views along the ridge. This effort to view ratio is one of the best in the park!

8. Mount Assiniboine

A long backpacking trip that leaves from Sunshine in Banff and goes into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that is worth every single step you will take. Stunning views, incredible lakes, and something that you will never forget. You can also helicopter in and/or out if you want! This one is for those couples who want a challenging and epic adventure to start the rest of their lives!

9. Marvel Pass

This one is for the people who want a remote and gorgeous location without having to hike for it- say hello to the option for a Banff helicopter elopement! Book a tour with Alpine Helicopter and they’ll zoom you both, an officiant, and your photographer (hi, me) up to the top of Marvel Pass for an adventure.

10. Tunnel Mountain

If you want an easily accessible location right by Banff townsite that you can book for a ceremony with friends and family before or after the “just the two of you” part of the day, Tunnel Mountain is a great option.

There you have it, those are 10 of the best locations for a Banff elopement! There are also plenty more backcountry camping sites and longer hikes to chose from if you’re wanting a more adventurous day! I also have a ton of off the beaten track gems that I would love to share with you, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Where to Stay for Your Banff Elopement

There’s really something for everyone in terms of lodging for your Banff elopement. I like to tell couples to make a whole trip out of your elopement and to stay somewhere that really fits your vibe. There’s also nothing cuter than starting or ending your photo coverage for your elopement where you’re staying. You can capture those memories all cozied up in front of the fire or in the hot tub and have the whole feeling and experience of your elopement documented! You deserve it!

With that in mind, here are some of the best Airbnb’s, campgrounds, and hotels in the Banff area:

Best Airbnb’s near Banff

1. Banff Log Cabin
2. Brampton Cabin
3. Private Suite with Rooftop Sauna & Deck in Canmore
4. Miner’s Peak 4 BR/4 BTH Private Hot Tub/Townhouse

Best Campgrounds near Banff

1. Tunnel Mountain
2. Two Jack Lake
3. Waterfowl Lakes
4. Banff has some of the most beautiful backcountry camping sites in the world. Just say the word and I will be there, bag packed, ready to capture your most meaningful adventure yet!

Best Hotels near Banff

1. Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Hot tip: this one is located right near Tunnel Mountain and has elopement packages and also large rooms to host a small reception in.
2. Moose Hotel and Suites
3. Fairmont Banff Springs
4. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
5. Baker Creek by Basecamp

Where to eat near Banff

Banff and surrounding areas have such great options for food, from grab and go to upscale dining. You have allll the options!

1. Best Pizza:
   • Bear Street Tavern: Known for their artisanal pizzas with unique toppings and a cozy atmosphere
2. Best Breakfast:
   • Wild Flour Bakery: Popular for its freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items (and fast wifi! I work here a lot when I’m in Banff)
3. Best Tacos:
   • Magpie & Stump: A local favourite for Mexican cuisine, serving tasty tacos and other traditional dishes.
4. Best Fancy Dinner:
   • The Bison Restaurant: Known for its upscale Canadian cuisine and a cozy ambiance perfect for a fancy dinner.
   • Eden at Rimrock Resort Hotel: Offers an elegant dining experience with exquisite dishes and stunning mountain views.
5. Best Sushi:
   • Hello Sunshine: Right in Banff, they have top notch food, service, and vibe.
6. Best Grab and Go:
   • Trailhead Cafe: this is my favourite. I eat there every single time I have a shoot out that way. Great coffee, great food. Try it!

Enjoy!

Banff Elopement Photographer

Okay, how excited are you getting for your Banff elopement?? I know I am! Banff is truly such a magical place and you cannot go wrong planning your elopement here! And if you’re looking for a fun, adventure-loving, and knowledable photographer to help you figure out how to elope in Banff, I’m your girl!

As a Banff elopement photographer, I know all the good places and would love to help you plan your most intentional and meaningful experience yet! We are going to not only have the most fun, but also capture the most YOU photographs and memories that you can imagine!

Scroll down to learn more about my Banff elopement packages! Or head on over to my website to find out more about me and see more photos or just jump over to my contact form and let’s get started planning your Banff elopement!

Banff Elopement Packages

Okay, before we get into the $$, click here to discover my process, what all you’ll get in each package, and to learn more about me!

Now, jumping into the details – my Banff elopement packages are custom made to each client to make sure that you get exactly what you had in mind for your day.

Starting at $3600, all of the packages include:

• at least 4 hours of photo coverage
• my digital 100+ page How to Elope Guide
• local and amazing vendor recommendations
• personalized location suggestions for your day
• a custom timeline

It’s my goal to make sure that you have the most stress-free experience planning your elopement and have the best day ever where you can be present with each other and have the space to be completely yourselves. I’m all about helping you craft the best day ever, whether you’re dreaming of having a multi-day elopement in the backcountry or simply want the ceremony and some casual portraits of the two of you captured.

Send me a message and let’s get started planning your Banff elopement! I can’t wait!!