How to Legally Elope in Banff
You’re probably wondering how to elope in Banff because you’re considering this as one of your top locations for your day. While it may seem like it’s difficult to elope in Banff, it’s really not! There are a few essentials you need to legally elope in banff which I will lay out in the first few points. The rest is all extra to make your day even more special to you
Hire an Officiant / Marriage Commissioner
First off, you will need someone to marry you! This is an important step to get legally married in Banff. If you’re a Canadian citizen you can actually have a friend/family member marry you for free! The paperwork can be tedious so if you don’t want the stress of it then I highly recommend hiring an officiant or Marriage commissioner.
Officiants / Commissioners in the area:
Canadian Friend / Family member to marry you :
2. Get your Marriage License
More fun paperwork ;) If you’re planning to legally get married in Banff you will need to get your marriage license. You can do this by heading to a registry and acquiring the marriage license. It is good for up to 3 months from the date you received it. The marriage license costs $40. There are a few key documents you’ll need to bring to get the license;
apply together at the registry agent office
swear/affirm one or more affidavits
provide your personal information, and the full names and birthplaces of your parents (including a parent's maiden name)
Be 18+ years of age
Acceptable ID such as; Drivers license, Passport, birth certificate or immigration document
Divorced;
Proof of divorce is needed; the divorce document provided must be the final document (for example, Certificate of Divorce, Decree Absolute).
A divorce document that says a marriage is dissolved in X amount of time is not acceptable as there is no way to know if the final documents were filed or the divorce was contested during that time.
Where to get your marriage license in Banff;
It can be at any registry office in Alberta but here are the closest ones to Banff
3. Banff Permit
Banff has special conditions for eloping in the national park. The permit is free however it does need to be filled out and sent in. It is super important as the national park wants to ensure that the land isn’t being disrespected and you’re aware of the rules in place!
We want to respect the national park land and leave no trace. You can fill out the form and familiarize yourself with the conditions HERE
4. Park Pass
To access the national park and avoid any tickets from bylaw it is important to get your park pass. If you plan to stay for a day I recommend just getting a day pass but if you plan to stay for 3+ days I recommend getting the year pass as it’s cheaper!
This pass can ONLY be used for your vehicle and can’t be shared with anyone else or other vehicles. You can pay when you arrive at Banff national park at the booths as you drive in or you can prepay for your pass.
Acquiring your park pass;
5. Pick a Date
There are a lot of things to consider when picking a date to elope in banff! What season do you want to get married in? If you pick the summer it’s important to note that there are often a lot of tourists. A weekday is more ideal if you decide on the summer
You will need this date for when you hire your officiant, get your marriage license and your banff permit.
6. Decide on a location
In order to acquire your documents you will also need to pick a location. Keep in mind, there are multiple national parks nearby so you will want to ensure you’re picking a location in Banff national park! If you plan to hire a photographer and/or videographer they can usually recommend good locations and ones that are more tucked away for a bit more privacy
A popular spot is Lake Minnewanka, you can view some photos of this spot HERE
Here’s what your location can look like if you want to go to a more secluded and tucked away location → HERE
7. Hire Photographer / Videographer
At this point the rest of these are optional but to make your day even more special and memorable, I recommend creating a budget for them.
Photographers and videographers are there to capture these memories. Sometimes the day can go by so quickly you don’t remember much but with these vendors you’re able to cherish the memories. More importantly, you’re able to share with others if you choose to! Your day is worthy of being documented even more so that it is so unique to you.
There are photographers that also help with the planning process which makes it so much easier for you as a couple to plan and execute! Often when photographers help with the planning process they specialize in Elopements and/or small weddings so they have a TON of knowledge to share with you.
Banff Elopement / Small Wedding Photographer Recommendation:
Banff Elopement / Small Wedding Videographer Recommendation:
8. Get Florals
Just because you’re deciding to elope doesn’t mean you should skip out on a bouquet of flowers for your day! Flowers really pull together the bridal look and they are something you can take home to remember your day by, especially if you get them preserved. I highly recommend getting a bouquet, boutonniere and a statement piece, even if that piece is for your dinner table or for your ceremony.
There are some incredibly talented florists in Banff who can make your floral dreams come true! Such as; Mountain Top Flowers, Forget me not flowers and Alpine Blooms
9. Accommodations
This is an important one if you’re planning to stay in or around Banff for your elopement! Booking far in advance is highly recommended as accommodations can book up quickly, especially during the months of late June - Early September. If you plan to go around Christmas or New Years I recommend booking asap as well.
Accommodation Recommendations;
MTN House by Basecamp
There are many other vendors to consider hiring when eloping such as; Hair and Makeup stylist, Private Chef, Stationary or a cake decorator. I recommend splurging a bit on your elopement as it’s just as important as a traditional wedding!
I hoped this helped you understand how to Legally Elope in Banff National Park. If you’re looking to hire a photographer who also helps with the planning process please fill out the form below and I will be in touch! I also offer inclusive packages so you have even less to stress about when it comes to planning your dream day.