How to Elope in Banff National Park Canada
Famous for its turquoise lakes, inspiring mountains, and an array of breathtaking scenery and wildlife, Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique places to elope. Canada’s first national park, Banff captivates the imagination with miles and miles of hiking trails, trees, and relaxing hot springs to create a stunning place to say I do. Most of the National Parks allow elopements and ceremonies to take place within their boundaries, but many of them have rules/suggestions when it comes to getting married in their specific park.
To elope in Banff National Park in Canada, a special use permit must be secured first with the National Park and the Town of Banff. The permit itself varies in cost according to your specific approved arrangements, and requires a refundable $250 damage deposit, plus a park pass, which is $9.80 for each adult. The application for the permit can be found here, and the application for the Town of Banff permit can be found here. Additional information can be found here.
The permit must be received at least 30 days before the requested elopement date, and can be submitted up to 18 months prior to your special day. The rangers are typically easy to get a hold of to ask questions about the permits, approved ceremony locations, approved props/décor, etc. In Banff, there are seven preapproved churches, five preapproved outdoor ceremony sites: The Fenlands Meadow, Tunnel Mountain Reservoir, Central Park, the Gazebo, and the Recreation Grounds; and five preapproved indoor sites within The Fenlands: the Concourse, the Lounge, Meeting Room One, Meeting Room Two, and Dry Floors. Since these areas are designated, there’s a chance that some of them are booked well in advance, so the earlier you’re able to turn in your permit, the better. Some people choose to forgo the permit, simply winging it or risking it, but I strongly advise applying for the permit. You certainly wouldn’t want to be fined or asked to leave on your wedding day because of a permit that wasn’t acquired.
Some common restrictions in Banff National Park are the types of props/décor that can be used. Refrain from feeding the wildlife, or leaving food and garbage outside. To preserve the experience of all park guests, leave your drone at home and leave all rocks and flowers where you found them. The park does not allow confetti, rice, glitter, or the use of tape or permanent markers. You are responsible for setting up and tearing down all your decorations. Please carry bear spray while hiking and be mindful to reduce your use of plastic and greenhouse emissions. Bring a reusable water bottle, and carpool or walk as often as possible. These are in place to protect the park and its flora and fauna, and these are great questions to ask a Park Ranger (403-762-1500) when you ask about your permit!
Some of the approved ceremony locations require hiking, and many are extremely popular. I suggest planning your ceremony time for either sunrise or sunset. This will give you the most flattering light of the day, with the least amount of foot traffic from other visitors. The Gondola starting at Sulphur Mountain is quite popular, as well as both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The iconic Fairmont Springs and The Basin are fantastic elopement locations for a picturesque backdrop, but if you want a sunset wedding, Vermilion Lake is perfect. When it comes to Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is the perfect site for a sunrise ceremony, be sure to get there pretty early! Chat with your photographer about what time and location make the most sense to you. A morning ceremony gives you the opportunity to explore around the park, take photos, and then you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset afterwards.
For couples looking to pamper themselves, Banff is home to the only five-diamond restaurant west of the Ottawa. Tucked into the ridges of Sulphur Mountain, Eden Restaurant at the Rimrock Resort overlooks Mount Rundle, the Fairmont Banff Springs, and the Bow Valley. Enjoy a romantic meal while sitting atop a surreal mountain peak. The Juniper Inn not only has an incredible view, but an amazing summer patio. Two elegant dining options with floor to ceiling windows include, Sky Bistro and Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar. Our two favorite fine dining restaurants in Banff are The Bison Banff (see photos below!) and Saltlik
You can also experience a guided “helicopter-hike” through the mountainous sky, or even dogsled in the winter!
Here are a few things to bring with you as well:
Hiking shoes, as well as the shoes you’ll be wearing for your ceremony
Sweater/jacket – the mornings and evenings in Banff tend to be cool, especially if you’re eloping outside the summer season
Water/snacks, maybe some bubbly? (All outdoor locations at Banff are not licensed for alcohol, however, sites at The Fenlands are licensed to serve alcohol.)
Any easy, cute props, like a rug/blanket to stand on
Headlamp or flashlight if you are shooting at sunset and need to hike down in the dark
If there is a chance of rain, bring a jacket and/or umbrella. KLEM Studios is all for embracing the weather and running around in the rain—it can be so dreamy! Just be sure to have a jacket or blanket along to warm up afterwards
Have a few locations in mind to take photos after the ceremony (your photographer can help you with this as well)
A Banff National Park elopement in Canada provides a vast and jaw-dropping venue for one of the best days of your lives, filled with gorgeous scenery and amazing photo opportunities. It’s perfect for the adventurous couple that wants to start their forever with an unbeatable view. We share so many more tips and tidbits that I have with our couples that book their elopement photography with us. If you’re looking to elope in Banff and would love to work with a photographer that helps research the perfect locations for your elopement, from lodging/campground options, to hike suggestions, to post-ceremony celebrations. I would love to connect with you. Feel free to inquire with me directly at kate@klemstudios.com.
Stay bold,