Eloping in Banff if your travelling from outside of Canada is totally doable, and incredibly romantic.

Here’s everything international couples need to know while planning their elopement in Banff.

You Don’t Need to Be Canadian to Get Married in Banff

You can legally get married in Banff Alberta, but their is a few things you will need to do.

1. You must obtain an Alberta Marriage Licence. These can only be acquired in person. Find an office here
2. You need two witness to observe your ceremony and sign your marriage license. As your photographer, I can be one of your witness’s.
3. You must be married by an authorized Alberta officiant. Find an Alberta officiant here. Or use one of my suggestions in my vendor guide when booking with me.

I help couples navigate every aspect of eloping in Banff so that nothing feels overwhelming. To know how I can help you plan your elopement contact me!

Required Documents for International Couples

To get your marriage licence, you need:

• Valid passports
  
• Divorce papers (if previously married)
  
• Legal translation if documents are not in English
  

That’s it. No residency requirement, no long waiting periods.

Travel Logistics for Eloping from Abroad

Here are a few of my top tips when eloping in Banff from abroad.

1. Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). This is the closest airport too Banff.
2. The drive from Calgary airport to Banff is an Hour and a half drive. I suggest renting a car for your stay, especially if you want to drive around Banff national park and explore different viewpoints.
3. Remember: Moraine Lake has no personal vehicle access in summer. If this is a lake you want to see (which I highly suggest you do), you need to book a shuttle or tour. Read more about Moraine Lake shuttles.
4. Pack for a fast changing weather. Always bring layers you can easily take on and off. When visiting lakes, the temperature is always cooler due to the glacier water lakes.
5. Bring travel insurance. You never know what can happen and it’s better to be prepared. Banff is full of hiking trails where you could sprain an ankle or encounter unfriendly wildlife.
6. Build in buffer days into your timeline for jet leg. Trust me, your gonna want some down time. The fresh air, hikes, and crowds can all be overwhelming to the senses. You can enjoy some much needed relaxation at one of Banff’s many spa’s.
7. Weekday elopements are always going to be more quiet then the weekend rush in Banff.
   

I help structure you timeline around all these tips and tricks so that you can make the most of your elopement.

Do You Need to Legalize Your Canadian Marriage for Your Home Country?

For most countries, your Canadian marriage certificate is recognized automatically.
But some places require an apostille ( a stamp of authenticity), and/or you to register in your home country.

If needed, I help you navigate this process.

You Can Do the Paperwork at Home

Many international couples choose to have a legal ceremony at home, and then a symbolic ceremony in Banff.

This is a great way to allow for more flexibility, as well as knowing the paperwork isn’t something you need to worry about once you arrive in Canada. It also allows for you to elope anywhere with anyone officiating. This ensures your elopement is 100% focused on intimacy and connection.

Eloping in Banff from abroad is totally doable

Whatever you choose to do, your elopement in Banff is going to be a once in a life time adventure.

If you don’t want to go it alone I’m more then happy to help you plan your Banff elopement. Contact me and see how we can make your elopement in Banff a reality.