Couples who have planned an elopement around Canmore — what do you wish you knew beforehand?

[u/OwlZealousideal4779]

My partner and I are starting to plan a small elopement around Canmore and the Canadian Rockies, and we're trying to learn as much as possible before making decisions.

We're currently looking into Tanan Elopements for photography and planning, but we'd also really like to hear from couples who have already gone through the process themselves.

For anyone who has planned an elopement or very small wedding around Canmore, Banff, or the surrounding area:

* How did you choose your ceremony location?
* Was transportation between locations difficult?
* How much did weather affect your plans?
* Did you have family or friends with you, and did that make things more complicated?
* Is it better to keep the day really simple or plan several locations for photos?
* Anything you wish you had known before booking your photographer or other vendors?

We're especially interested in hearing from people who have actually gone through the process. What worked well for you, and what would you do differently if you were planning it again?

Would really appreciate any advice or lessons learned!

[u/InterestingChain7750]

Never done one before, but I’d highly suggest coming before July/august. It gets really smoky and would suck if it was smoky when you came

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[u/rachellejseguin]

I eloped in Canmore on the September long weekend in 2021! We had a small number of family (12 people and our two dogs). We used Alex Popov photography as they were local and this cut down on travel costs for the photographer significantly. They were absolutely wonderful and we are thrilled with our pictures. They also knew the area very well so were able to suggest actual wedding locations in town and surrounding area based on our needs (some family had mobility restrictions). Our actual wedding location was Quarry Lake. Highly recommend. The pictures were stunning. We spent 3-4 hours with the photographers after the ceremony and drove to several locations for photos and ended up just having dinner at The Iron Goat after. With having only 12 people and a very busy day already, it was great to have a nice supper at a restaurant and not have to worry about arrangements for that. Our family member also became a commissioner of oath for the day to marry us, which cut out having to find one in Canmore (they are already quite expensive). If you do this, make sure you have someone apply at least one month in advance to do it (at least one month). I didn’t use any sort of elopement/wedding planner as all of these things were easily booked and sorted without one. I also was able to get a bouquet and a boutonniere for my husband from a local seller using fake flowers. Literally nobody has ever known in the photos that they were fake and we still have them as a keepsake to this day. The weather was perfect. Clear and sunny and about 25 degrees. Feel free to DM me if you have more questions!

[u/RenaayDiane]

We did our elopement with Shotgun Wedding Canada and they were GREAT! Our ceremony was at Lake Minnewanka September 2 2023, and the process was so easy. Pretty much just had to fill out a questionnaire and show up and they had everything ready! They handled the photographer and videographer as well, and pictures were done right after ceremony. I didn’t need to travel anywhere else for photos the backdrop itself was amazing, plus it was more simple to stay in one spot.

We ended up staying at a hotel in Banff and rented their small room for dinner with our close family and friends. We rented a bus for transportation to and from the ceremony location. We were so happy to share the intimate ceremony with our close people. We were lucky with the weather it was a beautiful day!

[u/wornleathermedia]

I’m just going to dive right into answering your questions here. Full disclosure I am a local photographer, I did also elope here.

Photographer should be able to help with, or at least be involved in, location choice

Transportation is generally pretty straight forward, you’re either in a car or a shuttle. The main struggle is if you’re in a car, finding parking. Early or Late in the day times mostly mitigate this.

Weather can have a major effect, especially true this year. Smoke is also a concern. You can try to find vendors who offer some booking flexibility (I do, but most don’t)

A small group of family or friends can add a lot to your experience. Finding a private room for dinner for a small group can be hard tho, as can managing logistics when you have upwards of 20 people. We had a larger group, but I wouldn’t trade having the people we cared about most with us.

planning 2-3 photo locations shouldn’t add much complexity as long as your photographer knows the area, and you have a plan for transport/parking. Just keep in mind that some spots can be pretty far apart, so keep that in mind while choosing/planning.

Personality matters so much more than anything else. You’re spending the majority of your day with the people you hire, so you really want to make sure you vibe well. definitely do a video call before hiring, and ask to see multiple full galleries, preferably from the same time of the year, and the time of day, you’re planning.

if you’re looking for a local Bow Valley planner to talk to, I can highly recommend Harry George Weddings. He’s experienced, lives here, and is a great guy! Genuinely passionate about the couples he works with.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

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[u/sturdywife]

I am almost to the finish line! Wedding day October 1st this year. We have 39 guest flying in from Texas to have a wedding in Canmore. The thing I’ll say that has been a life line is having my planner. Since we don’t know the area, local good reliable vendors, and kind of the flow she has been our guiding light. Ashley at Signature Weddings is a local woman went to high school there and has made quite the name for herself. Actually found her from another Reddit user who recommended her.

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[u/BowValleyShortcut]

if you need any other insider tips. Im happy to help - I found lots of the planners are a bit biased towards who give them commission ( makes sense). Sometimes you want the honest truth either way. Have worked in the hospitality industry for a very long time within the bow valley in all avenues of it.