Where to elope in Banff? Popular Elopement Locations in Banff
Having spent over a decade living and playing in mountain towns around the world, it’s no surprise that we now call Banff and Canmore home…for now! As locals, we’re always driven to help couples find their perfect location to elope. Whilst it’s always enjoyable to find somewhere completely unique, we don’t want you to ignore the more popular and easily accessible areas as they might just be the perfect place for you! Usually, we get asked how busy these places are and honestly, if you’re in Banff at a peak time of year or season for visitors then it will be busy everywhere and that’s just part of it. Whilst we can sneak away to quieter spots, you should expect to be a little on display, especially in summer.
For a more extensive overview to eloping or getting married in Banff, check out our complete guide.
Maybe you just want to explore some of the best outdoor ceremony locations in Banff and if that’s you, then check out this guide.
In the meantime, let’s take a peek at 9 popular elopement locations in Banff. In no particular order, here they are!
1. Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
Tunnel Mountain Reservoir is beautiful as an elopement location and is suitable year around. For more info, or to book, continue over to the Town of Banff site. It’s a popular spot and for good reason. With some of the best views around, easily accessible and a space that you can book for private use, you can guarantee your privacy. You are even welcome to set up your own archway, decor and chairs if you want!
2. Lake Minnewanka
One of our favorites in the “popular” locations list is only a 15 minute drive from Banff. This is another great location that is accessible year around and provides a great variety of spaces for photography, not to mention easily accessible too. With great views of the surrounding peaks and a beautiful deep blue hue to the water (in Summer of course!) you can’t go wrong. We’ve also had the pleasure of photographing winter celebrations here too and they are equally spectacular.
3. Two Jack Lake
Just a couple of minutes from Lake Minnewanka, it’s common to visit both lakes when you drive the road loop and it’s easy to see why. Two Jack, provides a different perspective of Mt. Rundle and is simply beautiful. Whilst this is accessible in winter, expect to have to walk (sometimes climb!) over snow banks and depending on the conditions, bring some snowshoes to help you get down to the lake.
4. The Norquay Lookout
A great little spot to visit as you can enjoy some more elevated views without having to do any hiking. It’s easily accessed by car and there’s a surprising amount of space up there so moving away from other people wouldn’t be too tricky. This is another great location that is suitable all year around.
5. Lake Louise
World famous for the incredible scenery, glacial backdrop and turquoise water Lake Louise is a great location to elope. You can customize your celebration by staying at the Chateau, or somewhere else if you prefer and simply exchange vows by the lake shore. A beautiful location year around!
6. Peyto Lake
This location is accessible year around too but does require a short hike in any season to get to the best photography spot. You’ll need to factor in a little more drive time for this gem but the reward of elevated views over the iconic lake is certainly worth it. On the plus side, it’s easy to link together more locations for photography as the drive is one of the best in the world.
7. Moraine Lake
We feel obligated to include Moraine Lake as there’s no denying how magical it is! That said, the crowds, the parking issues and never really knowing if you can “guarantee” that you’ll be able to visit, it’s becoming trickier to ensure the logistics run smoothly. That said, if you are staying at Moraine Lake Lodge then we can guarantee that we will be able to join you for your celebration. The road is only open from late May/early June through to mid October (weather conditions allowing) so planning ahead is key.
8. Vermilion Lakes
The closest location to Banff offers perhaps the most iconic view of Mt. Rundle. Whilst there’s less to do photographically at this location, it is easily accessible all year round. It’s even one of the few places you can find some open water in winter thanks to a natural thermal pool too.
9. Bow Lake
This is one of our personal favourites thanks to the photographic variety on offer, it’s feel of grandeur and beautiful drive too. Another location that makes the year round list, but be prepared to be very limited with where you can walk in winter, especially with a deeper snow pack.
That concludes our list of popular elopement and intimate wedding locations in Banff National Park. Of course there's a lot more to choose from, all over the Canadian Rockies that are more private and just as beautiful. If “popular” and “well known” doesn’t cut it for your plans then get in touch and let’s explore somewhere more adventurous, more remote and even more jaw dropping!
If you need some more inspiration for what a more remote location might look like, then check out this Kananaskis hiking elopement, this Banff heli-elopement and this sunrise elopement in Kananaskis!
Kahli & Leo
Wild Alpine Image Co.