The Ultimate Guide to Eloping or Getting Married in Yoho National Park
Welcome, adventurers and romantics, to the complete guide for getting married in one of Canada's most breathtaking national parks. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for your special day, with its towering peaks, beautiful lakes and cascading waterfalls, we really feel like there is a lot on offer and truly something for everyone. Whether you're dreaming of a grand outdoor ceremony or an intimate indoor celebration, this guide will help you navigate the beauty and logistics of tying the knot in Yoho National Park.
How to Legally Get Married in Yoho National Park
Before you say "I do" amidst Yoho's natural splendor, you'll need to ensure your marriage is legally recognized. Here's what you need to know:
1. Marriage License
Obtain a marriage license from a designated registry office in British Columbia. The process can be found online and is pretty straight forward.
2. Marriage Commissioner
Hire a licensed marriage commissioner or officiant who can legally perform weddings in British Columbia. This is a little different to Alberta as the officiants are specifically designated to a region in the province. This means you will have to reach out to those at that location. If you are having a hard time with this we can certainly help. We even know the process from experience to apply for an “out of area” officiant in the event that the locals are booked.
3. Witnesses
You will need two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present at your ceremony. For our elopements, that’s us! We will happily sign as witnesses to your celebration.
4. Permit for Park Use
Secure a permit from Parks Canada for your wedding ceremony in Yoho National Park. This ensures you're adhering to park regulations and helps preserve the natural environment, without negatively impacting the experience of other visitors.
Outdoor Wedding Venues & Locations in Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is home to some of the most stunning outdoor wedding venues. Here are a few of our favourites, so in no particular order:
Takakkaw Falls
Imagine exchanging vows with the towering Takakkaw Falls as your backdrop. One of Canada's highest waterfalls, Takakkaw Falls offers a dramatic and unforgettable setting. Accessible by a short walk from the parking lot, this location combines ease of access with jaw-dropping beauty.
Lake O’Hara
Yes, there is the Lodge for your indoor needs, but let’s talk outside first. This area is literally one of the best kept “well known” backcountry locations in the Canadian Rockies. With quotas on visitation numbers and a reputation as difficult, or even lucky to get a booking on the shuttle bus, this is the place to visit. We’ve lost track of how many times we’ve been up there now and every time it is simply spectacular, even for the most seasoned of visitors.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Nestled in the valley with views of Cathedral Mountain, this lodge provides a rustic yet elegant setting for an outdoor wedding. The surrounding wilderness and river views create a serene and intimate atmosphere. Note, that Cathedral Mountain Lodge is only open seasonally for the Summer season so this is not a year around option.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake Lodge offers a picturesque setting on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies. The vibrant turquoise waters and surrounding peaks make for stunning wedding photos. This venue also provides options for both outdoor and indoor ceremonies. Better yet, this is available year around so you can plan everything from cozy winter weddings, through to intimate outdoor summer elopements.
Natural Bridge
This well known spot is on the same road as Emerald Lake and often pairs well logistically to add some variety photographically, to your day. A beautiful and unique set of falls with a small hidden, riverside beach area that is wonderful to step away from the crowds.
Faeder Lake
If you are looking for low key and quiet then this is the spot for you. A lesser known, in between location, that allows for some variety with riverside and lakeside locations with the “usual” beautiful mountain backdrops you would expect in Yoho National Park.
Wapta Falls
Not your most obvious go-to for wedding photos or an elopement ceremony due to the sheer volume of the water, exchanging vows close by would be a challenge for sure! That said, if you want to pair some forested photos, with some very minimal hiking and en eye-catching water fall then this might be the place for you.
Indoor Wedding Venues in Yoho National Park
For those seeking the comfort of an indoor venue without sacrificing the breathtaking views, Yoho National Park has several charming lodges which may just be the perfect place for you and partner to celebrate your love together.
Lake O'Hara Lodge
Accessible by reservation only, Lake O'Hara Lodge is perfect for a more secluded and exclusive wedding. The lodge offers cozy indoor spaces and incredible outdoor vistas, making it ideal for a multi-day celebration with close family and friends. We’ve photographed engagements and elopements at Lake O’Hara Lodge before and have hiked the entire trail network out there so we really do know things well.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Not only is Emerald Lake Lodge a fantastic outdoor venue, but it also provides beautiful indoor spaces. The main lodge and private cabins offer a cozy and romantic setting, complete with fireplaces and rustic charm.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Similar to Emerald Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge also doubles as a great indoor venue. Its timber-frame lodge and luxurious cabins provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a mountain wedding.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Although technically located just outside Yoho National Park in nearby Golden, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is worth mentioning. This resort offers sweeping mountain views, a stunning gondola-accessible venue, and excellent facilities for both outdoor and indoor ceremonies. Also, this is available year around so winter weddings are a go for this one, plus, if you are skiers and/or snowboarders, this is an unreal resort to spend some time on the slopes, either before, during or after your actual wedding or elopement.
Hillside Lodge & Chalets
A little further down the highway, closer to Blaeberry, you’ll find this gem - Hillside Lodge & Chalets. It’s worth mentioning for this guide as the location is amazing and it is a beautiful place to have it all under one roof so to speak. Even better, they have an incredible outdoor ceremony area too so this one doubles up for indoor and outdoor.
Golden Lodge
Another location that is just outside of the park in Golden, is Basecamp Lodge Golden. This venue offers cozy rooms in a stunning timber framed building located along the Kicking Horse River.
Air BnB
Now, this does seem a little vague to start with, but, hear us out. Whilst there are very few Air BnB options within National Parks, it doesn’t hurt to look further afield to find your perfect location. Having done this before with couples, we know there are some beautiful options within Golden itself that lend themselves to intimate elopements and are picture perfect for your plans.
Heli Weddings in Golden
For the ultimate adventure wedding, consider a heli wedding. Departing from Golden, just outside of Yoho National Park, these helicopter tours take you to remote and breathtaking locations high in the Rockies. Imagine saying your vows on a mountaintop with panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. The best part about the location of the heli base is that you can build your heli in to your wedding or elopement in may ways. For example, it’s perfect for a pre or post ceremony flight, whilst your guests are at cocktail hour or enjoying a break before the reception, or why not center your entire elopement around a sunrise or sunset flight to take advantage of the scenery in the best light of the day.
Getting married in Yoho National Park is an experience like no other. Its raw natural beauty and serene atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for a memorable and magical wedding or elopement. We love getting in to planning mode with our couples and usually, finding the perfect location is what it’s all about! If you love the idea of exchanging vows in the Canadian Rockies but don’t want the typical crowds that come with Banff then Yoho might be your best bet. With arguably more beautiful scenery, feel free to get in touch so we can explore if we’re a good fit for you and your wedding or elopement in Yoho National Park.
Kahli & Leo
Wild Alpine Image Co.