Sharon + Lindsay
LGBTQ Emerald Lake Elopement

I so adore when couples are willing to go a bit beyond the norm – to seek out a ceremony location that is away from the crowds and unique to them. That is exactly what Sharon and Lindsay opted to do.

These two flew up from Denver, Colorado, wanting a bit of an ode to the Rocky Mountains in a place not so familiar. As the rain fell in typical June fashion, they got ready together in their little cabin at Cathedral Mountain Lodge, a luxury lodge nestled out of sight beside the Trans Canada Highway as one makes the descent from Lake Louise towards Field. It’s just across the Alberta-British Columbia border and the Great Divide, meaning the rivers flow towards the Pacific rather than the Atlantic. Located on the road to Takakkaw Falls and minutes from Emerald Lake, Cathedral Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem of the Canadian Rockies.

After completing the finishing touches, they meandered down to the milky glacial blue Kicking Horse River to skip stones, before taking their adorable rental car the twenty-minutes to Emerald Lake. As we arrived the rain began to fall once more, making for a wonderfully somber walk to the back of the lake. Umbrellas going up and down. The hum of quiet discussion between us all. Many moments of quiet, to take in the atmosphere and feel. Low lying clouds made their way across the lake, seemingly matching our pace. Then we arrived, the forest pathway opened up to sandy flats with patches of mud and marshlike foliage. From the path they pointed at a location, near two trees that had stubbornly planted roots where few others would. One a bit taller than the other.

The rain stopped, the wind picked up, the clouds threatened to part to allow the sun through. They read their vows and were pronounced each other’s. On cue, they played their song, and much celebration was had. We explored Yoho, then Sharon and Lindsay left to enjoy the evening and dinner back at Cathedral Mountain Lodge.

Getting Ready | Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Yoho National Park . Ceremony | Back of Emerald Lake in British Columbia . Celebrant | Kim from Field

If you want to see more colour images you may also be interested in seeing Benjamin and Ryan’s proposal at Peyto Lake, and Carissa and Chris’ intimate hiking wedding at Sundance Canyon.