Lake Louise Elopement Tips + Inspiration
Lake Louise is one of my favourite locations in Banff National Park for intimate weddings and adventure elopements. Between the turquoise blue waters and surrounding glaciers, it’s evident why it’s one of the most photographed places in all of Canada.
When I saw that fellow elopement photographer Liv H was putting on this styled hiking Lake Louise elopement shoot, I jumped at the opportunity to take part. It was truly a dream of a morning and I’m so grateful to have been able to experience and photograph such an incredible day.
The day started with a 12am wake-up call. A few hour drive later, we all met at the Lake Louise parking lot at 3am. Even in mid-summer, it was a chilly morning and layers were most definitely necessary. With our headlamps on and backpacks full, we hiked up the trail in the pitch dark. We got to the peak by morning twilight and the view was absolutely magical. We all marvelled at the mountains and Lake Louise in the distance.
Shelby and Spencer changed into their wedding attire at the top and held each other close while taking in the stunning views. Moments later, we witnessed the sun rising from behind the mountains and it was truly breathtaking. We spent hours at the peak!
There were so many talented creatives that contributed to putting this together, and I’m so grateful to have been able to document this dream of a morning. Before we get to the photos, I wanted to share a few tips if you’re considering eloping at Lake Louise!
Tips For Planning Your Lake Louise Elopement
1) Decide on a ceremony location
While the stunning glacial lake is just minutes away from the parking lot, there are a ton of other options for your ceremony spot. From the short and easily accessible trails to the longer and more challenging hikes, there is an option for everyone! Regardless of what you choose, all of the trails are incredibly scenic. Below are a few of my favourite locations for a Lake Louise elopement:
Lake Louise Shoreline
I absolutely love how accessible Lake Louise is! This view is just a few short steps away from the parking lot. It’s a great ceremony location if you’re including guests, especially those with limited mobility.
Lake Agnes
The trail to Lake Agnes is relatively short but moderate 3.5km hike from Lake Louise. It’s definitely one of my favourites because it ends not only with this incredible view, but a cute little teahouse! How cool is that?! A fresh cup of tea and snacks on a hike, yes please!
Big Beehive
The trail to Big Beehive actually passes through Lake Agnes, so you’ll get to explore that area plus stop for snacks! And plus it’s not too much further from this point to get to the lookout point. You’ll get to see Lake Louise from a bird’s eye view, which is pretty amazing!
2) Decide on time of year
It’s no surprise that Lake Louise attracts a lot of visitors year round and is always busy, even on weekdays! It’s gorgeous year round – from the frozen lake in winter, to the wildflowers that surround the lake in the summer, to the larch trees in fall.
If you prefer having more privacy, definitely consider the timing and season when planning your Lake Louise elopement.
3) Complete Wedding Ceremonies Registration Form
Once you have your date set, you’ll need to complete a registration form. As per Parks Canada, this form is required for wedding ceremonies at Lake Louise. Keep in mind that the maximum number of guests at the ceremony is limited to 20.
4) Get A Banff National Park Pass
You’ll need to get a National Park Pass for the dates you’ll be visiting Banff National Park. You can get the pass online here or at the park gates when entering.
And without further ado, here is some inspiration for a sunrise hiking elopement at Lake Louise!
SUNRISE HIKING ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION AT BANFF NATIONAL PARK
The Incredible Team of Vendors
Planning: Create Gold, Love Spell Co
Dress: Truvelle
Boutique: Lovenote Bride, EW Men’s Wear
Hair & Makeup: Amplified Artistry
Florals: Adventure Floral
Vow Books: Forest Nine
Mr/Mrs Signs: Custom Laser Works
Lake Louise Elopement Packages
All my packages include the following:
- Starting at 4 hours of photography coverage
- 80+ 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
If you’re looking for more elopement inspiration, be sure to check out my Banff Elopement Guide.
Dreaming of a Lake Louise Elopement?
If you’re getting married at Lake Louise in Banff National Park and you’re looking for a photographer who can help you have the most incredible day, I’d love to chat! Check out my elopement packages and contact me for more details!