Top 4 Locations To Elope In Banff
Peyto LAke
If you are looking for an easier access location that provides a mountaintop view without a full-day hike, this is one of the spots to choose for your mountain elopement. Peyto Lake is named after the famous mountain guide Bill Peyto, who crossed Bow Summit and explored the Mistaya Valley around 1894. With a 25-30 minute hike up to a lesser-known extra viewpoint that I take my couples to, you are treated to one of the most truly spectacular views in all of Banff National Park! I like to make sure that we allot 2 hours minimum for this spot to include our hiking time. Knowing the best days of the week and ideal times for lighting is a crucial aspect of making your dream photos a reality.
Things to know before visiting: You will want to check the conditions before heading out there as the weather can sometimes be quite different in comparison to the town of Banff. Make sure that you have packed proper footwear for this location. Although it is a short hike, it has a steeper elevation and good footwear is important. A full water bottle and snacks are a great idea to have for this portion of your elopement day.
What it is known for: Hiking, viewpoints, and lakeviews.
Moraine LAke
This lake view is something else. With just a short 5-10 minute walk up to the rockpile viewpoint, you will be hit with a nearly unbelievable lake view. If you’re looking for a turquoise-coloured lake for your elopement photos near Banff, this is a top pick for location! On top of the Lakeview, you will also see a full view of the 10 different mountain peaks on a clear weather day. Due to its high elevation and road conditions, it is only open from around mid-June to the beginning of October. (Make sure to check opening dates beforehand.)
Things to note about an elopement at Moraine Lake: The one main road in and out is no longer accessible by car. To get to the lake for your wedding photos, you will need to book a bus ticket. When hiring me as your photographer, I will advise you on the best bus options to book, and the ideal times of day for us to schedule this location into your adventure! You’ll be looking at setting aside a minimum of 2+ hours for Moraine Lake. This factors in the Bus/lake time to ensure we have enough time for photos at the rockpile.
Lake LOUISE
Lake Louise is world famous and rightly so. With its unparalleled turquoise blue waters that it’s famous for, it’s no wonder that millions of people visit this iconic lake every year. Of all the lake locations around Banff, this is by far one of the top-rated places to visit in Banff. It is open year-round, with the peak busy season going from June to October. If you are planning to choose Lake Lousie as your wedding location, you must plan around peak busy days and times of year. As your photographer, I will help you navigate the details and make suggestions that will make your elopement day run smoothly.
What to expect: Limited parking on weekends/holidays and in summer during the busy season. Parking is no longer free during the summer months and it is a flat fee of around $37 per vehicle to park. The reward? Gorgeous lake views and various hikes including the the iconic tea house hike that wraps up behind the lake.
lake minnewanka
Why I love this location for an elopement: Lake Minnewanka is a short 10 drive from the town of Banff. Some couples prefer to keep the driving to a minimum and are looking for a close mountain location to photograph their wedding memories. Not only do you have access to Lake Minnewanka, but Two Jack Lake is another elopement location that is right down the road. This ring road loop provides an array of various lakeside and mountain views close to Banff. It’s my top choice for couples looking to book their photos near Banff.
What to expect: During Banffs busy season from June to October, the main parking lot can often be full with no available parking. Don’t worry though. With me as your elopement photographer with local expertise, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on the best times of day, and what days are best to go to avoid the rush of crowds. If need be, I will always suggest more secluded alternate location options to my couples if I don’t see this location being the best option for them. :)