by Sharon Auld
Tip #9 Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper Wedding Requirements
The town of Jasper is located in the heart of Jasper National Park, three and half hours west of Edmonton and approximately four hours from Calgary (if taking the scenic Icefields Parkway). Jasper National Park is the most northern of the four designated Rocky Mountain National Parks. As with the other Rocky Mountain National Parks, Jasper is as equally stunning and picturesque.
The Town of Jasper is becoming increasingly popular as a wedding destination especially for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, rafting and more! Another added bonus? Jasper is often less busy than its counterpart, Banff. There are so many great ceremony spots located in close vicinity to the Town of Jasper, that most ceremonies take place in the Park or at one of the many great mountain lodges. However, the Town of Jasper does rent out their large multi-purpose hall for weddings and events. Contact the Town of Jasper, if you are interested in this facility. You will be required to fill out an Facilities Booking Request Form; for more information call: 780-852-3381.
For weddings in Jasper National Park there is currently no formal process or permission required to hold a wedding ceremony at a public area in the park. Parks Canada does not keep track of weddings in the park, however, local marriage commissioners are a helpful resource in advising you of when other weddings are scheduled for the more popular day-use areas. Here are some guidelines from Parks Canada for Jasper National Park:
- There must be compliance with National Park regulations at all times.
- It is recommended that the maximum number of guests attending the ceremony not exceed 25 people.
- At no time does an event have exclusive rights to an area. The function must not displace regular visitors’ enjoyment of the park and its facilities. Day-use areas should only be used for the ceremony. Extended stays or receptions are not appropriate.
- Participants and guests require a valid National Parks Pass.
- There must not be any significant impact on the park’s natural and cultural resources. Do not pick the flowers, stay on pathways, no shelters or chairs are to be set up in the area. (A few folding chairs for the elderly or infirm are allowed.)
- The event must comply with the Gaming and Liquor Control Act of Alberta. No liquor is permitted in public areas.
- A thorough cleanup of the site immediately after the event must be done. Organizers accept full responsibility for any incidents, and/or costs of clean up or site rehabilitation resulting from the event. Nothing shall be thrown/scattered: no confetti, rice, flower petals, no butterflies or balloons released.
- Decorated cars are discouraged. Decorations blow off and litter our roadways.
- Day-use areas are closed after 2300 hrs.
- The person responsible for the event will attempt to keep vehicular traffic to a minimum. Car pooling or group transportation is preferable.
- No gas-powered generators are allowed.
- No excessive noise, horn honking, loud music or P.A. systems are permitted.
So where can you get married in Jasper National Park? You can be married just about anywhere so long as you can get your marriage commissioner and two witnesses there (your wedding planner and photographer are always happy to bear witness)! A couple of popular wedding spots in Jasper National Park include:
- Pyramid’s Island lookout points
- Maligne Lookout
- Patricia Lake
- Medicine Lake
A couple of suggestions for wedding receptions in the Town of Jasper include:
Contact Naturally Chic at 1.888.679.9056 or info@naturallychic.ca to discuss your Jasper wedding.
