From locations, to vendors, to makeup artists, florists, and more. I know planning your Banff elopement can feel overwhelming. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope in Banff, from permits and timelines to picking your perfect location.

How to Elope in Banff: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Season

Your season shapes everything: the light, the colours, the locations available, even the mood of your photos.

Summer is a popular time not only for elopements, but tourists. The days are warm and long, the trails are open, and the lakes are that rich turquoise color. 

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Banff. The weather isn’t as hot, crowds lessen, and all the trees turn to a beautiful red, gold, and yellow colour. 

Winter in Banff turns into a magical place. When the snow falls, there’s a quiet that settles in that allows you to take in Banff’s beauty in a calm and quiet way. However some locations aren’t accessible in winter, and it can be very cold. 

Spring is one of my favourite seasons in Banff. Everything is that rich green, and the wildflowers are just starting to bloom. 

For a more in depth guide on each season and what it has to offer, read When to elope in Banff

2. Pick Your Elopement Location

Banff is filled with iconic lakes to hidden gems. Some of my favourites include:

Moraine Lake – I think everyone knows of Moraine Lake when it comes to Banff. The view is incredible. However, it is only accessible from June-September, and you need to book a shuttle to the lake as outside vehicles are prohibited. Whether you elope at this location or not, I highly suggest seeing it while you’re there.

Lake Louise- Known for its beautiful scenery, Lake Louise is not only a great place to elope, but a place you can add in a hike or canoe ride on your elopement day.

Two Jacks Lake- Close to Lake minnewanka, this beautiful lake offers beautiful views as well as a more private area.

Peyto Lake – This may be one of my favourite lookouts in Banff. A short paved walk up to the lookout takes you to an incredible view above the lake where you are surrounded by mountains.

Lake Minnewanka – Is a beautiful spot for those “wow” photos. The background is dramatic with tower peaks, and depending on what time of day you visit you can get some wind on the lake to blow your veil in that dramatic editorial way.

Bow Lake – This might be my favourite place to elope in Banff. It’s less crowded, has incredible views, and offers enough room if you’re bringing along a few guests.

Think about the feeling you want: epic views, cozy forest vibes, mirror-like reflections, or soft meadows. Read Where to Elope in Banff for iconic and secluded locations.

3. Decide if You Want Guests

Banff is beautiful whether you elope in complete intimacy or with your closest people.
Most locations allow small groups of 5–20 guests. If you’re not sure which spots fit your group size, I will help guide you.

4. Hire Your Photographer (Hi, that’s me ✨)

As your photographer, I’m also your guide, location expert, timeline builder, and Plan B creator.
When you book with me, you get:

• A curated list of the best locations for your vision
  
• A customized elopement timeline
  
• Sunrise + sunset guidance
  
• Permit and travel help
  
• Backup locations + weather plans
  
• Vendor recommendations
  
• Gentle, romantic posing + candid direction
  
• A whole lot of heart

Check out my Banff elopement pricing page to get all the details.

5. Secure Your Permits

Banff is a national park, so permits keep things organized and protect the natural environment.

You may need:

• Parks Canada Wedding Permit (simple + inexpensive)
  
• Sunshine Gondola Tickets (for Sunshine Meadows)
  
• Moraine Lake Shuttle Reservations (summer only)
  

Don’t worry, I guide all my couples through exactly what they need.

6. Book Your Travel + Accommodation

I share my accommodation spots with every couple who books with me. Banff has everything from cozy cabins, luxury hotels, camping, and airbnb. I also help suggest accommodations to your elopement location. Since Banff National Park is so huge it can take over an hour to drive to and from certain lakes. 

7. Hire Your Other Vendors

Banff is full of incredible elopement-friendly businesses. From officiants, florists, hair and makeup, bakeries, private chefs, to helicopter elopement companies. I share my curated list with every couple booked.

8. Build Your Timeline

This is where your day becomes a story.

I craft timelines based on:

• Sunrise/sunset times
  
• Best light for locations
  
• The feeling you want (slow + emotional, adventurous + playful, etc.)
  
• Weather considerations
  
• Travel time between locations
  

Every timeline is dreamy, intentional, and gives room for connection.

9. Plan Meaningful Moments

Elopements are about intimacy. Romance. Quiet magic.

You can include:

• Love letters – This is my favourite things to capture on an elopement day. Wether we have you both snuggled up in the morning enjoy a cup off coffee and writing your letters together, or you read them in a quiet part of the forest as the sun peaks through the branches. This moment is one of true connection, and beauty.
  
• First look – Getting ready together can be really fun, but having a first look can create some anticipation that allows you both to get excited and capture the moment you both see each other for the first time in your wedding attire.
  
• Champagne pop – Such a fun and easy way to really celebrate this special occasion.
  
• Canoeing – Not only does this make for beautiful photos, but the time you spend together just the two of you on the lake is a great way to connect with each other and create a special moment for just the two of you to share.
  
• Hike for sunset – If your a hiker, there’s nothing more beautiful then watching the sun set over the Banff mountains. Not only do you get those iconic “golden hour,” photos, but watching the sunset together can create a quiet intimate moment for you as the day ends on your magical day.
  
• First dance by the water – I love to romanticize everything. Imagine a still lake, the sun set over the mountains, the crickets and birds chirps as you both wrap each other in your arms and sway by the lake as you lock this memory away for a lifetime.
  
• Private picnic – Your going to have to eat at some point throughout your elopement day, so you might as well make it a picnic. You can do this simply by packing a picnic, or even hiring a company to set up one for you.

Your day can be simple, or a fun filled adventure. Whatever you decide I’m here to help create your dream day.

Final Thoughts: Eloping in Banff is Easy with the Right Guide

Banff is one of the most magical places in the world to elope. Whether you’re from Alberta, across Canada, or flying in from the other side of the world, your elopement here can be effortless, intentional, and overflowing with love. (Travelling from outside of Canada? Read How to Elope in Banff if your Not From Canada)

I’d be honored to help you plan it.

If you’re dreaming of eloping in Banff, reach out, let’s create a day that feels like pure magic.