The Best Banff Elopement Guide For 2022
Banff National Park, also known as Banff, is a stunning national park located near Calgary, Canada. Famous for jagged mountains, turquoise-colored lakes, and multiple glacier, Banff is one of the best places in the world to elope.
This guide is jam-packed with useful information and tips on how to plan your very own Banff elopement.
- How Do You Get To Banff National Park?
- When Is the Best Time of Year to Plan Your Banff Elopement?
- 5 Best Places to Elope in Banff National Park
- Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Banff National Park?
- How Do I Get a Marriage License For My Banff Elopement?
- Do I Need an Officiant and Witness?
- Best Places to Stay For Your Banff Elopement
- Banff National Park Elopement Packages
How Do You Get To Banff National Park?
The easiest way to get to Banff is by flying into the Calgary International Airport. From here, drive the 1 hour and 35 minutes it takes to get to the park.
If you don’t want to rent a car, there are multiple public transportation options from buses to Ubers.
The cost to enter the park is $10 per adult.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Plan Your Banff Elopement?
The weather in Banff can be a bit unpredictable, no matter the season. Depending on what type of scenery you’re looking for will determine what month is best to elope.
Summer
Summer, specifically the months of July and August, is Banff’s peak season. While the weather is lovely during this time, this can come with a few drawbacks, such as large crowds, high prices, and a lack of snow on the mountain peaks.
However, this is the best time to visit the beautiful lakes and hike the trails without the snow.
Fall
Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the park, specifically in mid-September to mid-October. The crowds during this time have died down, and the weather is still quite pleasant. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful fall colours and wildlife that roam the park. And the best part about eloping in Banff in the fall? It’s larch season! Larch trees turn golden for a few short weeks in the fall and it’s definitely something you have to see for yourself!
However, like I stated before, the weather in Banff can be a bit unpredictable. October is when it usually starts to snow and temperatures drop fast, making it pretty frigid. Be sure to dress warm for your elopement.
Winter
Winter is a magical time to visit the park. While you won’t get the chance to see the turquoise lakes due to snow, it’s a great time of year to elope. The park is quiet, prices are lower, and there are plenty of things to do and see. This is also the perfect time to see the Northern Lights!
Spring
Springtime weather can be a bit temperamental. One day you could have gorgeous sunny skies and the next could welcome in a snow storm. Regardless, this is a great time to visit the park. Prices and crowds are low and there are still plenty of accessible areas in the park for your elopement.
5 Best Places to Elope in Banff National Park
Full of mountains, turquoise lakes, and beautiful forestry, Banff is one of the most awe-inspiring locations in the world. Below are just a few of the many different locations you can elope at.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a popular turquoise lake surrounded with mountains, trees, and numerous hiking trails. The lake is open year-round, making it a perfect ceremony site spot year-round.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is the most popular lake in Banff National Park. Known primarily for its unworldly color of blue, millions of people visit this lake every year. If you decide to elope at this beautiful location, consider sunrise or sunset to avoid all the crowds. It’s also important to note that this location is not accessible in the winter.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is another beautiful lake situated between two mountain ranges. There’s a short hike from the parking lot to get an amazing viewpoint above the lake, perfect for a small wedding or elopement.
Marvel Pass
If you’re up for an adventurous mountaintop elopement, Marvel Pass just might be the perfect location for you. The only way to reach this location is by a helicopter. You’ll be teleported to the top of a mountain to exchange vows. How cool is that?! Photo by: Explor8tion.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is an accessible lake just outside the town of Banff. It has numerous hiking trails and private spots for a ceremony. It’s a beautiful spot without the giant crowds that other lakes in the park get.
Pro tip: If you’re down for an epic adventure, consider hiking one of the thousands or trails that can be found within the park. It will give you a much more intimate and quiet experience than heading towards all the big must-see locations.
Right outside the park, you’ll find the towns of Canmore and Kananaskis. While not technically in Banff, these two towns are littered with hidden gem locations I can help you find as a Banff elopement photographer!
To see more of this fall hiking elopement at Moraine Lake, be sure to check it out here.
Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Banff National Park?
Yes, a permit is required to elope in Banff National Park.
You are only allowed to have 20 people at your elopement, including your photographer, officiant, etc. The permit is completely free, but you’re still required to submit paperwork that guarantees you will follow all rules of the national park.
You can see all the information on the park’s website here.
Once you fill out the application found on the bottom of the park’s website, you can mail it to Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2, fax it to 403-762- 3380, or deliver it in person to the Banff Administration Building, 101 Mountain Ave.
How Do I Get a Marriage License For My Banff Elopement?
In order to get a marriage license in Alberta, you’ll need to appear at least 3 months before your wedding date. All you need to do is gather all the legal documents (I.D., divorce documents, etc.), and go to a registry agent with your spouse to apply.
The cost of the marriage license is around $40 with a service fee of around $30.
You can also go to the office in Banff, located just 15 minutes from the park to get a marriage license.
To see all the documents you will need, along with step-by-step instructions, check out the Alberta marriage license page here.
Do I Need an Officiant and Witness?
Yes, you will need an officiant and two witnesses to elope in Banff. Unfortunately, a family member or friend cannot officiant your ceremony, as Alberta requires all officiants to be registered with the Vital Statistics office in Canada.
Best Places to Stay For Your Banff Elopement
Banff National Park has numerous Airbnbs and lodging options for your elopement, all of which are within the park! Check out some of my favorite places to stay below.
The Canmore Cabin – A modern cabin filled with cozy touches.
Canmore Home with Beautiful Views – A 2-story townhome with beautiful mountain views from the porch.
Deluxe One Bedroom Chalet – A cozy cabin right in the heart of Banff.
Fairmont Banff Springs – A 4-star hotel right at the base of a mountain.
The Malcom Hotel – A 4-star luxurious hotel with dining and views.
Banff National Park Elopement Packages
I’m Indy, a photographer based in British Columbia who helps couples plan adventurous elopements in beautiful places like Banff.
All packages include photography coverage, a 75+ page elopement guide, unlimited planning assistance, and more. The best part? Travel fees are already included! To view more pricing details, check out my packages here.
All packages include the following:
- Starting at 4 hours of photography coverage
- 75+ page elopement planning guide
- Customized location suggestions + unique activity ideas
- Unlimited planning assistance
- Personalized timeline for your day
- High-resolution digital photos
- Private online gallery to view, download, print, and share your images
- All travel fees to Banff National Park included
- Starting at $4400
And if you’re looking for more elopement inspiration, be sure to check out my Lake Louise Elopement Tips & Inspiration read my British Columbia Elopement Guide and
