How To Elope In Kananaskis
The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Kananaskis Wedding or Elopement
Eloping is a romantic and intimate way to celebrate your love, and what better backdrop for your special day than the stunning wilderness of Kananaskis? Nestled in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Kananaskis offers breathtaking mountain vistas, serene lakes, and lush forests, making it a dream destination for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your elopement in Kananaskis, from choosing the perfect location to obtaining permits and finding local vendors.
Best Places To Elope In Kananaskis
Choose Your Location: Kananaskis Country spans over 4,000 square kilometers, offering a plethora of picturesque spots for your elopement ceremony. Whether you envision exchanging vows overlooking a pristine lake, beneath towering peaks, or amidst a grove of pine trees, Kananaskis has something to suit every couple's style. Some popular locations for elopements include:
Barrier Lake: With its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of Mount Baldy, Barrier Lake is a stunning setting for an intimate ceremony.
Wedge Pond: This serene alpine pond surrounded by majestic mountains provides a romantic backdrop for exchanging vows.
Upper Kananaskis Lake: Surrounded by rugged peaks and pristine wilderness, Upper Kananaskis Lake is a tranquil and picturesque location for an intimate elopement ceremony.
Spray Lakes: The Spray Lakes Reservoir offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for elopements, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Best Locations In Kananaskis For A Hiking Elopement
If you're an adventurous couple looking for a stunning and intimate backdrop for your elopement, Kananaskis Country in Alberta offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes for a hiking elopement. Known for its pristine wilderness, majestic mountains, and serene lakes, Kananaskis is a paradise for nature lovers. Here are some of the best places for a hiking elopement in Kananaskis that will make your special day unforgettable.
Tent Ridge Horseshoe
Rawson Lake
Smutwood Peak
Sarrail Ridge
Kananaskis Country is filled with stunning landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for a hiking elopement. Whether you prefer the serene beauty of alpine lakes, the dramatic scenery of mountain ridges, or the powerful presence of waterfalls, Kananaskis offers a diverse range of locations to make your special day truly unforgettable. Remember to plan ahead, consider the hiking difficulty, and ensure you have the necessary permits and preparations for a seamless and beautiful elopement in the wild.
Best Kananaskis Wedding Or Elopement Venues
After your elopement ceremony, indulge in the luxurious accommodations offered by Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge or Mountain Engadine Lodge.
Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge: Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge: This luxurious lodge offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Nestled in the heart of Kananaskis Country, the lodge features spacious rooms, gourmet dining options, and a range of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and spa treatments.
Mountain Engadine Lodge: Tucked away in the serene Spray Valley, Mountain Engadine Lodge is a cozy mountain retreat offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The lodge features charming accommodations, delicious cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, and access to an extensive network of hiking trails and outdoor adventures.
These lodges provide the perfect romantic retreat for couples, with cozy rooms, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities. Spend your days exploring the natural beauty of Kananaskis, from scenic hikes to leisurely strolls along mountain trails. Unwind in the evening with a romantic dinner and toast to your love against the backdrop of the majestic Rockies.
Best Time Of The Year For Your Kananaskis Wedding Or Elopement
Choosing the perfect time to get married in Kananaskis is a decision that can greatly impact your wedding experience. As a stunning mountain destination, Kananaskis offers breathtaking scenery year-round, but each season brings its own unique charm and considerations for couples planning their special day. July- September is peak season for visitors.
Summer, with its warm temperatures and long daylight hours, is the most popular time for weddings in Kananaskis. The months of June through August offer lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, and the opportunity for outdoor ceremonies with stunning mountain backdrops. Couples can exchange vows amidst the beauty of alpine meadows, beside tranquil lakes, or in charming mountain lodges. However, it's important to keep in mind that summer is also peak tourist season in Kananaskis, so popular wedding venues may be in high demand, and accommodations and vendors may be booked up well in advance.
Fall, with its crisp air and vibrant foliage, is another popular time for weddings in Kananaskis. The months of September and October showcase the mountains ablaze with hues of red, orange, and gold, creating a romantic and picturesque backdrop for ceremonies and photoshoots. Fall weddings in Kananaskis offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months, making it an ideal time for couples who prefer a quieter and more intimate celebration.
Winter weddings in Kananaskis are a magical and unforgettable experience. Blankets of snow transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions. Couples can exchange vows beside crackling fires, in snow-covered forests, or even on skis or snowshoes for a truly adventurous elopement. While winter weddings in Kananaskis require careful planning to ensure that guests are comfortable and safe in snowy conditions, they offer the opportunity for unique and memorable celebrations that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Spring weddings in Kananaskis bring the promise of renewal and new beginnings. As the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer, the mountains come alive with blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Spring weddings offer the chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of nature awakening from its winter slumber, with the added bonus of milder temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Couples can exchange vows amidst fields of wildflowers, beside babbling streams, or beneath towering waterfalls, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Ultimately, the best time to get married in Kananaskis depends on your personal preferences and vision for your special day. Whether you're dreaming of a sun-drenched summer ceremony, a cozy winter wedding, or a vibrant fall celebration, Kananaskis offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable wedding experience.
You’ll need a Marriage License
You can pick you a marriage license at an Alberta Registry Agent. Make sure to fill in the paper work before going. You and your partner will need to go together. You will need to provide your personal information as well as the full names (including maiden names) and birth locations of your parents. You need to be over the age of 18. The fee is only $40.
Your license is valid for 90 days and you can pick it up at anytime within 90 days of your elopement date. If you change your date you will need a new license. The license will be filled out with your officiant and witnesses on the day of your elopement, so make sure to bring it along with you and don’t fill it out before hand.
If you’re a American getting married in Alberta your marriage license will be considered valid. You need to submit it locally when you get home. Confirm with local authorities that you have all your ducks in a row.
You can find everything you need to know about getting your marriage license in more detail HERE.
You can find the link to the paper work you’ll need to fill out before visiting the Banff Bureau Office HERE.
Obtain Permits and Permissions: Before you plan your elopement in Kananaskis, it's essential to make sure you understand what permits you needs. You’ll need a special event permit $105 + a park pass.
You’ll need a park pass: You can buy a Kananaskis Conservation Pass online or in person at Kananaskis Visitor’s Centres. The fee is $15 per car for a Day Pas or $90 for a Yearly Pass that can register up to 3 vehicles.
Plan Your Ceremony: Once you've chosen your location and secured any necessary permits, it's time to plan your ceremony. Decide whether you want to exchange vows at sunrise, sunset, or under the clear mountain skies. Consider incorporating personal touches into your ceremony, such as writing your own vows or including meaningful rituals. Keep in mind the weather and seasonal conditions when planning your elopement, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Find your officiant
There are specific requirements for who can officiate your elopement in Alberta. An officiant must be a legal officiant appointed by the Government of Alberta, a member of a church, or a Canadian resident who is over 18 years of age who has applied for and decided day of licensing for your ceremony.
You can find a list of Alberta officiants HERE
You can find all the information on having a friend or family member officiate your elopement HERE
If you are already legally married you do not need an officiant.
Choose your witnesses
You will need to have two witness over the age of 18 present for your ceremony and they must be available to sign your marriage license. Your witnesses must be fluent in English or a translator must be present. If you aren’t having any family or friends present you still need two witnesses! You can consider having your photographer and videographer (or other vendors) as witnesses. I’ve signed a few marriage licenses over the years.
Hire Local Vendors: Supporting local vendors not only contributes to the community but also ensures that you have experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of Kananaskis..While eloping is all about simplicity and intimacy, you may still want to enlist the help of local vendors to ensure your day runs smoothly. From photographers and officiants to florists and caterers, Kananaskis has a wealth of talented professionals who can help bring your vision to life.
Consider Accommodations and Activities: After your elopement ceremony, take some time to explore all that Kananaskis has to offer. Whether you're into hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing in nature, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy. Consider booking a cozy cabin or luxury lodge for your stay, where you can unwind and celebrate your newlywed status in style.
Pomeroy Kananskis Mountain Lodge
Mountain Egadine lodge
What should you bring with you?
Hiking shoes
Water and snacks
Bear spray
A sweater or jacket. It can get chilly in the mornings and evening and the weather can change rapidly in the mountains
Headlamps
Rain jacket and or clear umbrella’s. I recommend checking the forecast frequently leading up to your elopement and bringing along rain gear and having it in your car even if there isn’t rain forecasted
Crampons if you’re eloping in the winter, spring or late fall
Props, this can include vows books, hand written letters etc
Eloping in Kananaskis offers couples a unique and unforgettable wedding experience surrounded by the beauty of nature. Whether you're planning a simple ceremony with just the two of you or inviting a few close friends and family members, Kananaskis provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic mountain escape. By following this guide and tapping into the resources available in the area, you can plan a magical elopement that you'll cherish for a lifetime.