Unique Banff Venues for a Small Wedding
a touch of Yoho, Canmore & Kananaskis
Back in 2015 when Sam and I were planning our own small wedding we tossed around the idea of getting married right here in the Canadian Rockies. Of the utmost importance was that we wanted our day to be an experience for our guests, not simply a beautiful backdrop. That the food would be delicious, and that our guests could enjoy themselves whether their interests were in relaxing, or enjoying the outdoors fully. Ultimately we decide to host our 40 friends and family for a ceremony in the Redwoods and a reception in a San Francisco outdoor courtyard. But through research then and my own experience as a Banff wedding and elopement photographer, I would love to share my findings.
Each of these venues is nestled in the Canadian Rockies, has unique ceremony locations right on site (or the chance to go offsite to equally delightful locations), accommodation that is updated and comfortable, and food that is sure to delight.
Storm Mountain Lodge
Located along the Banff-Windermere Highway in Banff National Park, is Storm Mountain Lodge – a place that I visited as a child and continue to visit photograph weddings and elopements. Built-in the early-1920s the log cabins have heaps of rustic charm, with all the comfortable amenities. Located just 30 minutes from the Banff townsite, 20 minutes from Lake Louise, and 10 minutes to Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park it’s a perfect quiet place to set out to explore.
Available all year round, their packages include a one night stay in their 16 cabins, several course dinner, continental breakfast the following morning, champagne toast following the ceremony, and use of their lodge. They are able to host up to 34 guests.
Summer ceremonies may be held behind the lodge overlooking Storm Mountain with sweeping mountain views, in front of one of the cabins which makes a charming backdrop and could be complemented with some floral detailing, or perhaps along one of the trails leading off from the lodge itself. For the colder months, a fireplace ceremony is coziness at it’s finest. With some arrangement of existing furniture, your guests will huddle around, as you say your vows under a bison. Down for a bit of a venture? Head into Kootenay National Park and explore the canyons and glacial valleys for an elopement ceremony
Storm Mountain Lodge is such a hidden wedding venue gem in Banff, providing unparalleled service, a unique charming setting, and delicious food and drink. Also, for the dog-lovers out there, well-behaved dogs are permitted.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Just outside of Banff, in the adjacent and much less known national park of Yoho, is Cathedral Mountain Lodge. You’ll find it tucked just off the Trans-Canada Highway on the Yoho Valley Road that leads to Takakkaw Falls. They do not formally host weddings, but I am including it for those who are perhaps thinking of an intimate wedding, or elopement with family. For those that want to keep things simple, head out during the day, and return for fine dining (and nightly s’mores!), and are okay to share the dining room with fellow guests, I find it to be a perfect spot.
The cabins are more luxurious and spacious than the historic lodges. Each has a meandering path taking you to it. It sits on the Kicking Horse River, which is a surreal greyish-blue shade, fresh from the glaciers found along the Iceline Trail. Amenities may be found in the nearby mountain town of Field, or Lake Louise. A short drive down the Trans-Canada brings you to Emerald Lake from where you can rent a canoe, go on a hike to Hamilton Lake, or dine at one of their restaurants.
For ceremonies, you could have one on the glacial silt beach behind the lodge, or along a nearby creek for privacy. Perhaps you can go offsite and find your own location to hike into, or walk along to the back of Emerald Lake and have an intimate ceremony there overlooking Mount Burgess.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge is a British Columbia mountain venue for those that want a lavish experience, but are keen on independently planning a wedding.
Mount Engadine Lodge
Kananaskis is the local’s playground. The world visits Banff, the locals visit Kananaskis Country. It is a park system just east of the National Parks with numerous trails and backcountry campsites. In Spray Valley Provincial Park just off the Smith Dorrien Highway south of Canmore, is Mount Engadine Lodge. When I think of Mount Engadine Lodge, I think of enjoying after an arduous day of hiking Tent Ridge or Burstall Pass their delectable Afternoon Tea with a (seemingly neverending) cheese plate, then I think of how it is the best place to spot moose, then I think of that dang cheese plate again.
With accommodation for up to 36 guests, two-night minimum stay, and an assortment of lodge rooms, and yurts(! yes, yurts), it is sure to be a unique experience.
Wedding ceremonies may be held on the patio overlooking the expansive meadow and towering mountains. Small elopements may be able to happen in the meadow below like this winter elopement where the ceremony was along a path carved out by a bull moose who passed by the couple’s window earlier that morning. Or perhaps for the adventurous souls head up Tent Ridge, to Burstall Pass, up Rummel Lake (the trailhead is right across the road), or to Chester Lake. Afterwards, perhaps take a honeymoon out to Assiniboine Lodge by helicopter or foot.
For a small dog-friendly wedding venue near Canmore, in a place completely apart from the usual tourist droves, Mount Engadine Lodge stands apart. Also, that cheese plate.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Truthfully I have only photographed one elopement getting ready at Baker Creek Mountain Resort, but oh how I would love to go back. Every time I pass it on the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise (for a slower and more scenic trip between the two I highly recommend this instead of the typical Trans-Canada route), I always admire how adorably set it is. Located just 20-minutes from Lake Louise, and backing onto a creek that flows down to the Bow River, it has so much charm in both winter and summer.
Ceremonies could be held along the creek where this couple’s first look was, or particularly small weddings in a nearby meadow along the Parkway. A short drive brings you to Lake Louise to be married in the meadow or perhaps at the back of the lake on the sand bars. Perhaps continue to hike to the Plains of Six Glaciers or up to the Lake Agnes tea house. Couples down for a hike could take the meandering forest trail up to Rockbound Lake behind Castle Mountain – particularly if you are Game of Thrones fans, as it’s hard not to stand at the lake and not see The Wall. Receptions for up to 30 people can be held in their Heritage Centre.
For a small wedding in Banff, located near Lake Louise, along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, Baker Creek Mountain Resort is delightful. Also, they allow dogs.
Creekside Villa
For those that want the comfort of being close to all the stores and amenities, with the privacy of a place to yourself and more modern decor, Creekside Villa in Canmore is a wonderfully unique option. A boutique hotel along Cougar Creek, with both wedding packages for up to 80 guests and elopement packages for less than 20 guests.
It is a space that lends itself with a lot of character. You can celebrate here as is, or chose to personalize with decor and florals. Ceremonies could be held onsite in front of the riverstone fireplace, or the courtyard and arbor outside. For more mountainous backdrops one could book through the town of Canmore Quarry Lake for weddings less than 50 people, or Rundleview Parkette, or venture along the extensive pathway system for a spot all your own.
Creekside Villa is an ideal venue in Canmore for a small wedding. Unfortunately, I have only shot a very private event here so I don’t have any photos to share, but trust me, it’s beautiful inside.
Post Hotel
I don’t take this statement lightly as someone who lives with a former sushi chef who cooks delectable food. The best wedding food I have ever eaten is at The Post Hotel in the hamlet of Lake Louise. Paired with being a historic lodge along the Pipestone River, minutes from Lake Louise, with a lodgepole pine pathway meandering directly behind it, it very well could have been where we celebrated our marriage. The library commonly acts as the ceremony room, with vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace. The private dining reception in the wine cellar with lowset ceilings adorned with twinkle lights. The dancefloor in rustic The Outpost Pub.
Ceremonies could be held elsewhere on the grounds overlooking the Pipestone River, at the meadow overlooking Lake Louise, or perchance a hike past Moraine Lake towards Consolation Lakes for an elopement.
To see a timeless winter wedding at the Post Hotel check out Loring and Ryan’s small wedding here.
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There we have it, six venues in Banff, Canmore, Yoho, and Kananaskis that are ideal for small and intimate weddings. Venues that excel at making sure your guests have a wonderful experience, from the food, to the locale, to the rooms. If you are planning a small wedding in the Canadian Rockies and are looking for a photographer I would absolutely love to connect with you.
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