Top 11 Best Lakeside Wedding Locations in Banff and the Canadian Rockies

Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task, but if you're dreaming of a picturesque lakeside ceremony surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies, you're in for a treat. Banff National Park and its surrounding areas offer an array of breathtaking lakeside wedding locations that will make your special day even more memorable. In this article, we'll explore some of the best options out there. These are all well known, accessible by vehicle and are short walks so should be great for most of your accessibility needs for your guests. These are in no particular order.

1.Lake O'Hara

Nestled in Yoho National Park, just a short drive from Banff, Lake O'Hara is a hidden gem that offers an intimate and secluded lakeside wedding experience. Surrounded by emerald waters and pristine wilderness, this location is perfect for couples seeking an enchanting and remote setting…it really is a slice of paradise. It is only accessible by a pre-booked shuttle bus on the access road (unless you fancy hiking 11kms one way to reach it). Alternatively, you can book Lake O’Hara Lodge to secure your dream elopement!

2.Lake Louise

Lake Louise is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and sought-after wedding destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The turquoise waters of Lake Louise, overlooked by the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, provide a majestic backdrop for your ceremony. Whether you choose to wed in the summer or the winter, this location is nothing short of magical. Of course, it can get very busy so being aware of that and setting your expectations is key.

3. Emerald Lake

Also located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is a hidden paradise with its strikingly vibrant emerald waters. The secluded lodge on its shores offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for couples who want to escape the crowds. If you wanted to make a weekend of it, you could always book at Emerald Lake Lodge and enjoy the “after hours” experience when many, if not all of the daily visitors have left.

4. Bow Lake

Situated along the Icefields Parkway, is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and serene waters. With its rustic charm and serene ambiance, it is an ideal spot for a lakeside ceremony. The Lodge at Bow Lake, nearby can host your celebration, making it a convenient and beautiful choice. We love the versatility at Bow Lake with lots of shoreline to explore and even when it is very busy, you can find a space to celebrate without too much attention following you around in the shape of tourists. Bow Lake is also suitable for year around celebrations.

5. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, is a stunning location for lakeside weddings. With the Canadian Rockies as your backdrop, you can choose to have your ceremony on the lakeshore or at the nearby Cascade Ponds, where you can capture the essence of the Rocky Mountains.

6. Peyto Lake

With its stunning wolf-head shape and brilliant blue waters, Peyto Lake offers a unique and awe-inspiring backdrop for your lakeside wedding. This location is perfect for those looking for an elevated view without any of the leg work.

7. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake, with its vibrant blue waters and the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks as your backdrop, is a truly remarkable location for a lakeside ceremony. Accessible only in the summer months due to its high elevation, Moraine Lake offers a short but enchanting wedding season. Now, only accessible by shuttle or private taxi/limo services, planning ahead is key. It is definitely a viable option but you will ultimately lose the flexibility of simply “showing up”, unless like others have before, you book the Moraine Lake Lodge.

8. Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake, located near Lake Minnewanka, is a serene and intimate location for lakeside weddings and elopements. The tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by forests and pristine waters, provides an enchanting setting. Two Jack Lake is usually one of the first lakes to thaw in the Spring, bringing mirror-like reflection of the notorious Mt. Rundle.

9. Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lake, with its reflective waters mirroring the surrounding mountains, offers a tranquil and picturesque lakeside location. Vermilion Lakes actually has 3 main bodies of water, each with a slightly different view of Mt. Rundle. Each with their own boat dock, they can get busy and compared to some of the other lakeside locations, the physical space to move around in is somewhat limited.

10. Upper Lakes

The Upper Lakes in Kananaskis offer a peaceful and serene location for your lakeside wedding. In the bigger picture, this is a lesser-known lake, with a vast shoreline for those seeking a quieter option for their special day. You could easily pair this with many of the hiking trails for a small “guestlist friendly” ceremony and more adventurous photos up in the mountains.

11. Spray Lakes

Spray Lakes, located just south of Canmore on the Smith-Dorrian trail (highway 742), is another beautiful location for a lakeside elopement. The gravel road makes this an ideal choice for couples who want a more private and rustic wedding experience. That said, if having friends and family along for the journey is important, you could always book Mt. Engadine Lodge and enjoy a more luxurious experience for your ceremony, away from the lake and then drive to the lake or one of the many hiking trails for more adventurous photos.

Banff and the Canadian Rockies offer an abundance of stunning lakeside wedding locations, each with its unique charm and beauty. Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony by a hidden lake or a grand celebration by one of the iconic lakes, the Canadian Rockies have it all. When you start getting more into the planning side of things, you’ll need to consider which (if any) permits you’ll need to apply for to have your ceremony there. The processes are very simple and in our suggested locations, every location is in Banff National Park, except Upper Lakes and Spray Lakes which are located in Kananaskis Country, a provincial park of Alberta.

Considering all of these are easily accessible, be aware that you can’t book a public space for “private closure”. This means you will be sharing the space with other visitors to the area. If you really do want a hidden gem, somewhere completely different or a lake that has never witnessed an elopement before then get in touch. We’ve many, many more lakes that would be perfect for an elopement, if you are prepared to make the journey on foot, or via helicopter.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this collection and we hope to hear from you so we can help with your planning questions!

Kahli & Leo

Wild Alpine Image Co.