Where to Get Married in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper and the Canadian Rocky Mountains? You’re newly engaged and embarking on the wonderful world of wedding planning! One of the first steps for a newly engaged couple is to decide where to get married! If you’re reading this post, we’ll assume you are envisioning a destination wedding in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains!
Many couples immediately think of Banff when they think of a wedding in the mountains and why not? You’ve probably spent time in the mountains skiing or snowboarding, hiking or enjoying the shops in Banff. Perhaps you were engaged in the mountains and find it a natural fit to be married in the mountains. Although Banff has many wonderful places to get married, there are numerous venues in the area to suit almost any couple’s style and budget.
Here’s a small sampling of some of our favorite picks (but don’t worry, there are so many great venues to choose from if these ones don’t suit):
In Banff:
Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a classic mountain lodge with amazing Rocky Mountain Cuisine and is within close proximity to “the meadow” (a popular outdoor ceremony spot with a fabulous mountain view). It’s perfect for smaller to medium weddings (under 100 people)! The Wapiti Longhouse is a beautiful space with wood beams, stone fireplace, and hardwood floors!
The Rimrock Resort with equally stunning views of the mountains and Bow Valley is also worth a look if you are wanting more of a large ballroom style wedding. They offer exceptional service and their food and beverage staff are amazing! They have some beautiful onsite ceremony spots and can easily accommodate small or large weddings (weddings over 100 people).
The Fairmont Banff Springs is a timeless choice for sure. Many brides have long envisioned their Fairytale Wedding at the Castle of the Rockies. With exceptional service and beauty, it certainly is a perfect choice for a ballroom wedding! There are, however, other amazing venues that might be worth considering! Can accommodate small or large weddings.
All three of these Banff venues have onsite guest accommodations.
In Canmore:
Silvertip Resort is a stunning mountain venue suitable for small to large weddings! Their reception spaces have beautiful wood beams and rustic decor. They have delicious food and catering services. They have numerous patio spaces and gazebo lookout for ceremonies. No accommodations on site, but many venues available a short distance away.
Stewart Creek Golf Resort is equally stunning! It is suitable for smaller to medium weddings with on-site ceremony location. They have wonderful food and service, but space is available to non-members from October to May only. Stewart Creek, much like Silvertip Resort, does not have accommodations on site (but don’t worry Canmore has some of the best guest accommodations anywhere in the Canadian Rockies!) and they do have a shuttle available.
The Grande Rockies is a newer, contemporary wedding venue in the heart of Canmore and within walking distance to most amenities. They offer modern reception spaces and top-notch cuisine. They have excellent service and gorgeous guest accommodations onsite. They do have an outdoor ceremony space which is super convenient if you and your guests are staying at the hotel.
In Lake Louise:
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an amazing facility with the most beautiful lake views, superior service, and accommodations; perfect for ballroom weddings. They can accommodate small weddings to extra large weddings (200+).
Deer Lodge is a historic lodge steeped in history with amazing food. It’s within walking distance from Lake Louise, although they do have on-site ceremony locations suitable for weddings. You can buy out the entire lodge for weddings and have the whole place to yourself! It’s a stone throw away from adventure!
Baker Creek Chalets is another of my favorite wedding venues in the Rocky Mountains. It is in a secluded wooded area with streams, wildlife and hiking (or cross-country ski trails) all around. The cabin accommodations are beautifully appointed in all things Canadiana! There are some on-site ceremony locations suitable for smaller weddings, but you may want to consider getting married at Moraine Lake (which is a short distance away) and then having your reception back at the chalets. The food is amazing! Suitable for small to medium small weddings.
In Jasper:
I’ve had the pleasure of working a wedding at both the Jasper Park Lodge and the Sawridge Inn in Jasper and have had excellent experiences with both. The Jasper Park Lodge has a beautiful ceremony site right on the lake, and lodge and cabin accommodations. The Sawridge can host small to large weddings and offer excellent food and nice accommodations.
Bonus Options! These are a few of our favorite options beyond Banff National Park:
- Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, BC
- Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, BC
- The Ranche Restaurant in Calgary, AB
Emerald Lake Lodge is simply one of the most gorgeous venues anywhere and one of my absolute favorite wedding venues! Even Martha Stewart Weddings has recognized it as a fabulous wedding venue (did I mention she mentioned us too :)! We have heard so many of our couples say it is “the most romantic place on earth” and “magical”! The place has a very secluded feel, especially if you book out the entire “island”!
Island Lake Lodge is another amazing option off the beaten path, also with amazing food and views! There you can have a lake ceremony surrounded by mountains, old growth cedar trees and stay in beautiful lodge rooms (in winter they offer cat skiing right out the doors). It’s located in close proximity to Fernie, BC (just a couple hours away from Calgary, Alberta) but is remote at the same time, and you can book the whole lodge for your wedding!
The Ranche Restaurant is operated by the Great Events Group. The historic building located in Fish Creek Park offers a rustic, vintage ambiance and a private outdoor ceremony spot. I love weddings there in part, because of their secluded location; it’s like being in the mountains!
Calgary Wedding Venue
Another great wedding we love that is in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is The Lake House and is operated by CRMR. It’s an amazing venue if you want a contemporary, modern rustic wedding venue in the city. It’s located on Lake Bonavista in Calgary and it’s the next best thing to being in the Rockies!
This is, of course, just a brief overview of these wonderful wedding venues (we are so lucky in this area right?)! You may also be interested in this post on 5 Tips to Know Before Booking Your Wedding Venue.
Need help to find a wedding venue, Naturally Chic can help or see our wedding venue directory on our sister site, Canadian Mountain Chic.
Happy Planning!
from Banff Wedding Planner Naturally Chic. Contact us at hello@naturallychic.ca.