Rocky Mountain wedding Archives - Banff And Canmore Wedding Planner

A Modern Guide for Choosing Your Wedding Party

July 6, 2016 By Sharon Auld

Choosing your wedding party can be one of the most fun tasks that you’ll get to do as part of the wedding planning process! What can be more fun than deciding on which of your besties will stand up for you as you marry your true love? Unfortunately, for some, this can be one of the most complicated, stressful undertakings. Not everyone’s relationships and family dynamics are clear cut. What is an easy task for some people, might be a daunting task for others!

Choosing your wedding party will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make! On your wedding day, you want to be surrounded by loving, supportive people. With great people around you, how can your wedding not be amazing? While we can’t guarantee all your decisions will be straight-forward and drama free, there are ways to help make the decision making easier.

Here are our Best 8 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Party

Take time to enjoy your engagement before selecting your wedding party. There will be time enough to ask friends or family to be your attendants. Enjoy this time in your life. Don’t rush into any important decisions without time to think. Tell friends and family that you haven’t had a chance to give your wedding planning much thought yet. Let them know that you are currently focusing on enjoying your engagement. Don’t let yourself be pressured.
Discuss Your wedding vision with your partner. One of the first things you should do when you’re engaged is discuss your wedding vision with your partner. One of you may be thinking about a large, lavish wedding, while the other person is envisioning a small wedding. It’s best to work out your shared vision before committing to a wedding party.
Consider your budget. This is an exciting time and you may be tempted to rush into asking friends to be part of your wedding. Instead, take the time to consider not only your wedding vision but also your budget and other restrictions. While it might be nice to think “the more the merrier”, most people don’t realize that the more people you have in your wedding party, the more it can impact your overall budget. More attendants can mean more bouquets and boutonnieres, more wedding gifts to give, more people to feed at your rehearsal dinner etc. A large wedding party may also be challenging in terms of space. There may not be room at your venue for all your attendants to stand at the ceremony. If your wedding party is large and there are space restrictions at your venue, you may need to consider having a sweetheart table instead of a big head table.
Discuss your expectations. What are you expecting from your wedding party? It’s best to think first about what you are wanting, and how much support you require. What role do you want your attendants to play? If you are counting on them being at every pre-wedding event and helping with all the wedding plans, you may not want to consider the friend who is living on another continent. On the other hand, if it’s more important to have them stand up for you on your big day, feel free to invite your long distant bestie. When everyone knows your expectations up front, they can make informed decisions.
Give your friend time to consider the responsibilities and decline gracefully if need be. Is your bestie away at Law School and in the middle of exams? As much as they would like to say yes, he or she may need to say no. Is your sister expecting a baby and not able to be there for you? Or, is your friend experiencing financial difficulties, and will the added responsibilities be more than they can handle? Depending on their circumstances, they may have to decline. Don’t take it personally if someone says no. After all, you want the people who are willing and able to stand up for you, be part of your wedding party. Don’t however, automatically exclude someone based on your preconceptions about their situation. You might think they will say no and assume you shouldn’t ask them, but you never know! Maybe they can make it work? Even if they have to say no, they still may be thrilled that you considered them. It’s best to have an open and honest discussion, and then let your friend decide. Be sure to give them time to make their decision.
Break the ‘rules’. Nowadays there are no rules. You’re planning a modern wedding, and you don’t have to stick to old traditions. You don’t have to have an equal number of attendants on both sides. You don’t have to have all female bridesmaids. You don’t have to have a child for your ring bearer. You may just want your adult brother to be the ring bearer! Your ‘best man’ just might happen to be the ‘best woman’. And, while it’s nice to have your sisters or brothers be in your wedding party, there are no rules saying you have to. Choose people who are important to you, and that you really want to have in your wedding.
Be considerate. Now that we’ve suggested you break the rules, we still want you to be considerate. If you want to have your best friend as your maid of honor instead of your sister, you’ll want to sit down and have that conversation with your sister (preferably before you ask your friend). Though, in the end, it just might make sense to do things the traditional way. You may decide that it’s more important to keep the peace than to do something out of the ordinary. Your budding relationship with your partner’s sister might be more important than including an old school friend you haven’t seen in years. Whatever the situation, the decision is yours. Do yourself a favor and consider the relationships you have. Be mindful of possible hurt feelings and do what you think is best for your relationships. How you handle things can make all the difference. You may want to come up with more positions of honor for the other VIP’s that don’t make the cut (e.g. readings, ushers etc.).
Choose a wedding party that meshes. Choose a group of people that you think will get along well. There’s nothing worse than having to referee the drama between a couple of friends who don’t get along. Where possible, save yourself the headaches, and opt for a fun, cohesive group. This, of course, relates back to our previous tips. Break rules if you need to, but be as considerate as possible.

After all, is said and done, it’s your day. Plan the wedding that you want to have, not the wedding that’s expected of you.

Tell me how you’re breaking the rules when choosing your wedding party? Any challenges you’re facing when it comes to making these decisions?

Happy Planning!

For more information on planning a Canadian Rocky Mountain Wedding, contact us at Naturally Chic, or at hello@naturallychic.ca.

Photo Credit: T.LAW Photography.

Top 5 Tips to Get Your Partner Involved in the Planning

July 3, 2016 By Sharon Auld

The struggle is real! Wedding planning isn’t always easy! As much as it’s fun, there’s also a lot of stress. From where to start, to what to do next, to tackling the never ending to do list, sometimes you just wish it was over already!

If you feel like your partner isn’t excited or involved in the wedding planning, this tip is for you.

You’re super stoked about the wedding and can’t wait to dive into the planning. Your partner isn’t as motivated, and it’s starting to put a damper on your spirits. More than anything, you want this wedding to be something you both do together, but you’re at your wit’s end trying to get your partner to be more involved. If you hear “whatever you want” one more time, you just might pull your hair out!

Here’s our Top 5 Tips to Get Your Partner Involved in the Planning Process

Communicate. The first thing you need to do is come up with a clear vision of what you both want. Remove all expectations of what you think a wedding is supposed to be. Discuss your vision for the wedding. Nowadays there are no rules. You truly can do whatever you want. If you think it’s lame to have a receiving line, then don’t. Are you or your partner dreading family formals? Opt for candid photos instead. Define what your wedding looks like for the both of you.
Compromise. Remember this wedding is about the two of you. If you want your partner to be more excited, then you really have to listen to what they want. If your partner is uncomfortable with something, it’s going to be hard for them to get excited. Be prepared to scrap an idea that doesn’t work for you both. At the same time, is there something that has special meaning to your partner? Would you be willing to make it happen for their happiness? When you’re supportive of each other’s ideas, you’ll create a meaningful experience for the both of you and hopefully this will go a long way in your partner’s willingness to be involved in the whole process.
Personalize and plan a wedding that looks like the both of you. It’s easy to get caught up in your wedding vision, especially if it’s something you’ve imagined forever! Lavish flowers, pink tulle and white doves may have been your childhood dream, but it might not be a true reflection of who you are now, or who your partner is. This is a great opportunity to define your ‘together’ style.
Divide up tasks based on your interests. One sure way, to get your partner fired about his or her’s roles, is to divide up tasks catered to you and your partner’s interests. If music is their jam, let them come up with the reception playlist. If he or she is all about signature cocktails, let them conjure up drink ideas for the reception. Designing color schemes and floral choices not your thing? Let your partner dive in!
Ask for help. This is really just communication. We can’t stress it enough! Instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed, sometimes asking for your partner’s help is what’s needed. He or she may think that you’ve got this, but if you don’t, let them know! Alone you can only accomplish so much, but together you can accomplish so much more! If necessary, recruit help from your wedding party, family and friends, or hire a professional to step in where needed.

Bonus Tip:

Keep things fun! Remember this is supposed to be a fun and exciting time. Sure, there is a lot to do, but there’s a time and place. If you’ve dedicated a wedding planning weekend to work through your to do list, take time out for a walk, or have a nice dinner as a reward for all your hard work! Better yet, plan frequent date nights and keep the romance alive.

I would love to hear from you in the comments. In what way is your partner is involved with the wedding planning?

Happy Planning!
Sharon | Naturally Chic Wedding Planning & Styling | www.naturallychic.ca . 1.403.679.1409, Email: hello@naturallychic.ca.

Photo Credit: Crispin Cannon Photography.

Caroline + Brock’s Whimisical Winter Wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge

April 10, 2014 By Sharon Auld

by Sharon Auld

One of my favorite weddings to work on was Caroline and Brock’s winter wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge (one of our favorite places!). Caroline and Brock are one of the nicest couples and working with them was a pleasure! From the start, I knew working on their wedding would be a wonderful journey. I loved that Brock was very involved in the wedding process and Caroline put so much of her heart (and creative soul) into their wedding. Working together was a collaborative effort as Caroline really wanted to “DIY” several projects. I also loved that they wanted to incorporate their personalities into every aspect of the wedding and it was really important to them that their guests were well taken care of!

I waited to post this wedding as it was just featured on the fabulous blog Wedding Chicks. The wedding take place at Emerald Lake Lodge (not Vancouver as mentioned in the title on their post). 🙂

Caroline and Brock live in Red Deer, Alberta but spend much of their free time in the Rocky Mountains. Brock proposed to Caroline while snowshoeing during a surprise weekend at Emerald Lake Lodge, so it was a natural fit to get married there too! Caroline had actually never really thought about getting married in the winter but after Brock suggested it, she really warmed to the idea. They both love skiing and the outdoors; Emerald Lake Lodge was a natural fit!

Once the wedding venue was chosen, we got to work. One of the first things Caroline and Brock did was choose Julie Williams Photography for their wedding! The couple loved Julie’s fun, relaxed and up-beat personality, and of course loved her photography style! Julie did a fabulous job photographing all the details on snowy and somewhat chilly February day!

Caroline looked gorgeous with her hair and make-up done by Stephanie Roy.

The snow was falling…

The scene was set for a magical, outdoor winter ceremony with a mountain view, on the Cilantro on the Lake patio.

Mt. Burgess is always a gorgeous backdrop…

Snowflakes and scarves ceremony decor.

I love that the Caroline and Brock wanted to take care of their guests (as they were having an outdoor ceremony). They provided hand-warmers (packaged in cute bags – an easy DIY project), as well as fleece scarves, gloves and blankets. Guests helped themselves to whatever they needed before the ceremony.

Warm up station by Naturally Chic | Photo by Julie Williams Photography.

Here comes the bride (with her mom and dad). Caroline looked amazing in her vintage inspired, lace gown.

Brock’s pinecone boutonniere.

The Ceremony…

Caroline and Brock are so sweet and their ceremony was touching.

Caroline and Brock decided to include a wine box filled with love letters during their ceremony. The plan is to open it on their fifth wedding anniversary!

Yay! Congratulations! We wish Caroline and Brock a lifetime of happiness!

Following the ceremony a hot chocolate / coffee station was set up for the guests to enjoy while the family and wedding party had their portrait session with Julie. Even though it was a little chilly out, the guests didn’t seem to notice as they milled about.

Time for some fun… Enjoy Julie’s photos of the couple and their wedding party and some winter fun!

Photos on the lake…

Caroline and her girls looked absolutely adorable!

Brock actually proposed to Caroline on a snowshoe trip out to Emerald Lake Lodge, so it was only naturally they get a photo of the two of them snowshoeing.

Brock and Caroline LOVE skiing, so it is no surprise their wedding has a ski theme to it (You’ll see more creative ski ideas in Part 2 of this post)!

We hope you will stop by again soon to see Part 2 of Caroline and Brock’s winter wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge. Their wedding colors were inspired by this HBC blanket and of course their love of skiing! Don’t miss it!

Planning a winter wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge, give us a call at 1.888.274.6994 or email us at hello@naturallychic.ca!

The Creative Team:

Wedding Planner / Designer: Sharon Auld Naturally Chic

Photographer: Julie Williams Photography

Venue: Emerald Lake Lodge (www.crmr.com/emerald)

Venue Coordinator: Tyler Trapp

Flowers: Katrina Russel of Cattleya Chic (now working at Calyx Floral Design)

Hair and Make up: Stephanie Roy

DJ: Patrick Smiley Entertainment

Wood Stationery: Naturally Chic

Wood Items (birch vases, signs, letters etc.) : Naturally Chic

Dress Designer: Allure Bridal

Groom’s Attire: Prada

Jewelry: Tiffany and Co.

Shoe Designer: Sorel

Veil or Hair Accessories: The Sparkling Sparrow

Maid of Honour: BHDLN

Maid of Honor: Jim Hjelm Occasions

Best Man: Banana Republic
Rings: Tacori
Hanger: LilaFrances
Mr and Mrs. Owls: The Owl Shoppe & wood signs by Naturally Chic

Pom Pom Buntings & Knitted Napkin Tie Scarves: Bride & Bride’s Mother

Officiant: Kim Chapman

Canmore Wedding at Silvertip – Preview

February 5, 2014 By Sharon Auld

By Sharon Auld

We’ve been incredibly busy the last few weeks preparing for two upcoming winter weddings. It looks like the busyness will continue for a few more weeks, but I am working on getting a few blog posts up! In the meantime, here is a preview of the next wedding we will be posting, a Canmore Wedding at the Silvertip Resort.

I used snapshots we took on wedding day of the ceremony at the Silvertip Gazebo and uploaded to one of my favorite apps “Waterlogue“.

We worked with a fantastic couple, Jena and Gordon, on their Canmore wedding at the beautiful Silvertip Resort, and we made this unique backdrop for behind their head table. I am looking forward to sharing!

Happy Planning!

Sharon

For more information on our planning and design services, contact us at www.naturallychic.ca or email us at hello@naturallychic.ca /call us at 1.888.679.9056.

Rustic Emerald Lake Wedding featured in Weddings Alberta

May 9, 2012 By Sharon Auld

by Sharon Auld

We are so thrilled that this rustic emerald lake wedding that we planned and designed with our amazing couple Kimi and Scott is featured in the Weddings in Alberta magazine! Stay tuned tomorrow as we will be blogging about our experience working on this wonderful Emerald Lake Lodge wedding! We have lots more details to share!

Photos by Orange Girl Photographs

Emerald Lake wedding of Kimi and Scott

Colorful and Rustic wedding at the beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge

Canadian Olympian Kimi Zakreski marries her sweetheart Scott at Emerald Lake Lodge

For more information about our planning and design services at Emerald Lake and in the Rocky Mountains, contact us at 1.888.679.9056 or info@naturallychic.ca (www.naturallychic.ca), or visit our sister site Canadian Mountain Chic for more inspiration.

Happy Planning!

Bundle Up We’re Expecting Snow…What to Wear to a Winter Wedding

December 7, 2011 By Sharon Auld

By Sharon Auld

Ahhh, the dilemma of what to wear (and pack!) for a winter wedding in the mountains. Most likely, when you think of a winter wedding in the mountains, you’re thinking snow-capped peaks and bundled up guests. Well, the truth is, here in the Rocky Mountains, that’s likely what you’ll get (and we couldn’t be happier!).

In the mountains, its all about function – staying warm and dry, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! The mountain chic culture dictates, first and foremost, practicality. However, an indoor ceremony at the Fairmont Banff Springs, is very different than an outdoor wedding on a ski hill! Step #1, find out exactly what kind of winter wedding; indoors or out, formal or casual? Sometimes though, even the couple won’t have a clear vision of what they expect for their guests! Weather and location are often a deciding factor in what to wear.

If the ceremony is outside, whether at a ski hill or outside the venue. Dress appropriately. In general, winter weddings are a little more relaxed especially if there’s an outdoor ceremony. No couple choosing an outdoor ceremony wants their guests to sit shivering while they say their vows and perhaps they’ve even taken steps to ensure their guests’ comfort (think outdoor heaters and warm throws). Regardless, you will likely be outside in the elements for at least fifteen minutes and it could get downright chilly!

If you are invited to an outdoor ceremony on a ski hill, then nice, warm activewear is a must. We’re talking, down parka, tights or pants, mitts, hat and nice boots are all usually appropriate attire (skis or snowboards too if you’re heading down the slopes afterwards)!

Winter ski wedding via Martha Stewart Weddings

Of course, if you are attending an outdoor ceremony in a courtyard outside the venue, the dress code is generally a little less casual. A warm coat or jacket is still a must, and a scarf is a stylish touch. Dress pants are usually acceptable and often warmer, heavier fabrics are fine too. For footwear, choose closed-toe shoes (not strappy sandals) or stylish winter dress boots. If it’s really cold, a stylish hat is not out of the question either. For older guests and children it is especially important to put warmth and comfort over style if need be.

Grey wool coat and black cashmere dress via Ralph Lauren.

As well, keep in mind that inside the venue is going to be warm and heated. If you don’t have time to change your attire, don’t fret too much about what you’re wearing. The dress code, is likely more relaxed and chances are there will be others in the same boat. If you do have time to change, ladies may want to change into a dress and heels. Sleeveless dresses are fine if you plan on wearing a shawl or cashmere sweater, otherwise slightly heavier fabrics with longer sleeves may be more comfortable. If you can’t change entirely, consider bringing a second pair of shoes for inside.

Cashmere scarves via Restoration Hardware

Winter weddings do afford the opportunity to wear rich, vibrant colors and fabrics especially around the holidays. Deep reds, purple and sapphire blues, slate grey, velvet and shimmering metallics can all look fabulous! Just remember, wearing white is still considered a “don’t” by many (though Pippa Middleton’s white bridesmaid dress is changing some people’s views!).

Festive Dresses from BHLDN

Stay tuned for more tips on keeping the wedding party stylishly warm and what to wear to outdoor, winter activities in the mountains.

Happy Planning!

For more information on our wedding planning and design services contact us at 1.888.679.0956 or info@naturallychic.ca or via website at

www.naturallychic.ca

Getting Your Guests Safely to Your Winter Wedding

December 5, 2011 By Sharon Auld

By Sharon Auld

With all the major mountain ski resorts open for the season (and reporting excellent snow conditions for this time of year), our attention turns to driving in winter weather conditions. If you’re planning a winter wedding in the mountains, you are no doubt watching the weather very closely!! Likely you planned your wedding in winter because you’re dreaming of a “white winter” wedding; your guests may not all be as excited, especially if it means driving in winter conditions.

Weddings are a time for celebration and we all want guests to arrive safely at their mountain destination, so I’ve decided to post Tip #12 – Consider road conditions on the mountain highways especially in the winter from our popular series 30 Tips for Planning A Canadian Rocky Mountain Destination Wedding in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper to help get your guests get safely to your winter wedding.

photo courtesy of Orange Girl Photographs

Check in tomorrow as we have some fresh new tips for planning a Winter Wedding!

Happy Planning!

For more information on our wedding planning and design services contact us at 1.888.679.0956 or info@naturallychic.ca or via website at http://www.naturallychic.ca.

Banff Wedding Planner / Canadian Rocky Mountain Wedding Tips

October 23, 2011 By Sharon Auld

If you’re planning a wedding in the mountains, carefully consider the items you will need to take to the site.

Rocky Mountain Weddings photo by Naturally Chic

Having a wedding in the beautiful outdoors is a great experience for the adventurous; however, it can be more challenging logistically. Whether you’re planning an outdoor ceremony at a lake, a camping style reception, or even a wedding at a rustic mountain lodge, you’ll want to carefully consider every item you’ll be taking to the site. The last thing you’ll want is to forget an essential element for your ceremony or reception!

Carefully and meticulously going through a list of items required for both your ceremony and reception is important for any destination wedding in the mountains, but is especially true for weddings where you need to carry items in on foot, up a mountain in a gondola or transported via helicopter! Remember, what goes in, is also going to have to go out. You should pack only what’s absolutely necessary. Extra weight or extra trips could end up costing you.

Organization is key. When possible, pack your gear in carefully labeled, clear bins. Inventory each bin and attach a list of contents to the outside of each bin so you know exactly what’s inside. If you can, try and keep ceremony and reception items separate. You may even want to label each bin according to how many overall bins, for example,“1 of 10”.

Of course, you will likely need to recruit some extra help to get your gear where it needs to be. Surely, packing in gear isn’t something you want to be doing on your wedding day!

Other things to keep in mind:

Carefully wrap and protect breakables (if possible limit the amount of breakables you bring).
Avoid overly bulky, heavy or large decor items.
If you have heirlooms, valuables or custom-made decor items, package these separately and bring yourself or have someone responsible take care of them.
If you’re being married in a natural setting, consider the environment. Sometimes less is more.
Utilize a checklist. Check it twice.

Remember, if something is inadvertently forgotten or misplaced, it isn’t the end of the world (in most cases). Stay focused on your sharing your special day with your loved ones instead.

Contact Naturally Chic at 1.403.679.1409 or email at hello@naturallychic.ca.

Banff Wedding Planner / Rocky Mountain Wedding Tips

September 16, 2011 By Sharon Auld

by Sharon Auld

For the next few weeks, we will be re-capping some of our most popular posts from our 30 Tips to Planning a Canadian Rocky Mountain Destination Wedding in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper series.

These posts generated so much interest, so we decided to re-cap some of the tips in case you missed them. Once the busy wedding season is over, we’ll be posting not only about some of our wonderful couples’ weddings, but also more helpful tips!

This was Tip #2 (originally posted December 10, 2010) :

Planning a destination wedding in the Canadian Rocky Mountains can be a little more complicated than planning a wedding at home. We’ve been sharing tips that will help you plan and organize a memorable wedding in the mountains.

Tip #2 – Consider an “all in one” venue to have your ceremony, reception and guest accommodations all in one place. Not only is this a great eco-friendly option for the environment, but it makes it easier for guests who have flown into the region and either don’t know the region well or are without a vehicle. Your guests will find it easy to get from the ceremony to the reception and they can even take a break in their hotel room if they desire.

Most of these all inclusive venues will offer all sorts of activities nearby or on site for your guests such as; hiking, golfing, dining, shopping or even relaxing spa treatments (great for getting wedding day hair and make-up done too)! Not only that, you may even find that your guests will have more opportunity to mingle and get to know one another than if they were staying at all different locations throughout Banff National Park.

A couple of our favorite all in one venues in the Canadian Rockies are: Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, B.C.; The Rimrock Resort in Banff, Alberta; the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, Alberta and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta. All offer stunningly beautiful scenery, first rate meals, accommodations and a wide variety of activities for you and your guests. And if that weren’t enough, they’re all pet-friendly!

You can read about Tip # 1 here.

Summer wedding at Emerald Lake Lodge | Photo by Jesse Hisco Photography

Contact Naturally Chic for assistance with your Rocky Mountain Wedding at 1.888.679.9056 or at info@naturallychic.ca.

Photo credit: Jesse Hisco Photography

30 Tips for Planning a Canadian Rocky Mountain Wedding in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper – Tip #19

December 28, 2010 By Sharon Auld

by Sharon Auld

Tip # 19 – Consider your special need guests when choosing your ceremony location.

In the Canadian Rocky Mountains you can be married virtually anywhere, even on the highest peak overlooking a glacial lake. However, if you have guests with special needs, you’ll want to take special care when choosing your ceremony location. Remote locations can be especially challenging for guests with mobility limitations. You may have to make some tough choices if getting married in a remote location is a priority for you. You could opt for a small intimate ceremony, and hire a videographer to capture the live ceremony, then later meet up with your guests. If that’s not an option, you’ll need to find a ceremony spot that is accessible to everyone. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to find beautiful ceremony spots in the Rocky Mountain areas of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper, that are easily accessible to almost everyone.

When you’re choosing an outdoor ceremony site for your wedding, there are a few things to consider:

Is it a long walk to the ceremony site?
How far away is the parking lot?
Is it an uphill (or downhill) climb?
Is the path rocky, gravelly or uneven?
Is there limited parking access?
Is there handicapped parking?
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Are handicapped accessible washrooms available nearby?

Even if you don’t consider the walk to your ceremony site long, some guests will, especially in hot or windy weather conditions. To someone with mobility issues, uneven terrain can be quite difficult to maneuver. Even small inclines or declines can be challenging. If you have several guests with mobility issues then you may want to choose a site that is easily accessible, level and preferably has a paved walkway. On-site ceremony locations are a great option. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has beautiful lawn space with a great view of Mt. Edith Cavell, while the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s terraces provide stunning views of the lake. Parks can also be a good option. Riverside Park in Canmore or Central Park in Banff are both charming sites with paved pathways. Other sites may not have paved pathways, but are still quite accessible for the mobility challenged with a little assistance or a willing arm to hold on to. Tunnel Mountain Reservoir in Banff is one such option. Although there is no pathway, it’s fairly flat and located only a short walk from the road. There are also numerous viewpoints and recreational areas throughout the region that are suitable for ceremonies and yet are still easily accessible by vehicle.

Tunnel Mountain Reservoir in Banff - Photo by Naturally Chic-DB Photography

If there’s some distance or difficult terrain to traverse between the parking area and the ceremony, then you may want to see if it’s possible to drive limited mobility guests closer to site. You could even inquire about the availability of a golf cart to transport these guests. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s staff are quite happy to assist in matters such as this. At the ceremony site, see if there’s reserved handicapped parking. If not, you may be able to post your own signs to help designate handicap parking for guests who require it. Just be sure to let your guests know in advance there’s limited space reserved for this purpose. If you’re considering hiring a bus or shuttle to transport guests to your ceremony site, be sure to check that they can accommodate your guests with special needs. If you have several guests with limited mobility you may even want to consider hiring a van with wheelchair accessibilty.

Finally, make sure all your guests are well taken care of. Let your guests know to wear comfortable footwear if appropriate. Have plenty of water available for your guests in hot temperatures and umbrellas in case of inclement weather. Remember, mobility challenged guests aren’t able to quickly seek cover from the elements as easily as others. With a thoughtful approach and a little extra planning, all your guests can be present at your wedding ceremony.

Feel free to contact Naturally Chic at 1.888.679.9056 or email us at info@naturallychic.ca if you have questions about ceremony locations in the Rocky Mountains suitable for guests with special needs.