How to elope in Alberta: a 15 step guide
By Kalla Ramberg Photography (Canmore, Calgary, Banff + beyond)
So you’ve decided to elope. Now what?
In this ‘all you need to know’ guide about eloping in Alberta and beyond, I’ll explain the specific steps you should take, address common concerns, and sprinkle in tidbits of knowledge that I’ve learned as an elopement photographer + guide. I start with my biggest word of advice that I pass along to couples before diving into the specific steps that will help you to go through the planning process before tossing out other tips and things to be aware of. Buckle in, baby.
Alright, before we get into the logistics and cover specific steps of planning an elopement, I have a weird word of advice, something I always say to my couples. It sounds odd but…
View your elopement as a date night.
Seriously, for a minute just forget that it’s a wedding. Weddings have old school expectations, traditions and rituals that might not be right for you. Ask yourself what you truly want. If those traditions don’t feel like they fit with what you imagine the perfect day being then cast them aside. Seriously, just yeet ‘em into oblivion if they aren’t what you want! That’s the beauty of elopements, a lot more freedom and flexibility to curate your experience.
For a moment, pretend you’re planning the perfect date. What would you want to do if you and your partner were given the opportunity to shape the most fun day possible? I’ve had couples opt to go to an arcade, schedule a nap during the day, or go for drink at a pub because that’s what they would do for their perfect date.
With elopements, you can absolutely do whatever you’d like, however wild or mild it may be! (Take a nap or scale a mountain wall, totally up to you!) On that same note, don’t feel obligated to base your elopement off of what you’ve seen paraded online as the ‘perfect’ elopement. No pressure to go on a 84 mile hike to get married at the top of Everest, part of my job as your elopement guide and photographer is to work with you to find the perfect location whatever your needs are. An elopement in a forest that’s a 2 minute walk from a parking lot is just as valid as the hardcore alternative of going on a massive expedition.
If you’re choosing to elope there’s a good chance that you’re the kind of people who might not always choose to fit in the confines of tradition. Which leads me to this point: Fuck tradition. Fricken’ heck it. Most rules that govern tradition are arbitrary. Try to remove the sense of obligation that’s been ingrained in you to go with the flow of societal expectations. For me, the idea of getting married in a formal church just wouldn’t work, it’s not a match. I’d feel like a dog trying to ride a bike- uncomfortable, awkward, and not in their true nature. And hilariously out-of-place. Yes, that’s the best comparison I could think up and YES I’m sticking with it.
1. CELEBRATE: First order of business. Celebrate! The stress of planning can override the excitement of just getting engaged so the first step is to step back. Pop some champagne, make sure that you soak in the excitement, and then (I’m biased on this) read this step-by-step guide for your first steps.
2. BRAINSTORM: Next, talk with your partner about what your dream elopement looks like for both of you. Do you want it to be as minimal as possible or do you want a small group of your closest people with you? Do you want to go on hardcore hike or somewhere accessible and keep it simple?
3. SEASON/SETTING: Okay, now the REAL planning begins. First, talk with your partner to see if you have a preferred season for the wedding. The most popular season is, of course, summer since it’s generally warm and free of snow so there’s less need for a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Fall is the runner up because of the gorgeous foliage (the golden larches in the mountains are magical in September and early October! Fall is my favourite from a photography standpoint so I’m biased, but PLZ ELOPE DURING LARCH SEASON OMG.) Winter is great for those dreamy winter wonderland shots and most areas are MUCH less busy but for obvious reasons some people steer clear from it because, brrrr. Only consider a winter wedding if you’re willing to put up with winter weather. I’ve seen too many rushed ceremonies because the weather is –30, which is just a tad sucky for the couple to stand in. Spring can be a toss up since unpredictable rain (and general muddiness) can happen. But if you have a rain-or-shine mentality, Spring can be beautiful!
If you’re planning on a fully outdoor elopement the first thing that you should consider is the weather and what to expect. If you’re wanting to hike or helicopter to the top of a mountain, keep in mind that the elevation change and exposure to wind can make it much colder at the peak.
Winter elopements are beautiful, but the frostbite isn’t. Only consider an outdoor elopement in winter if you know you can handle it.
4. LOCATION: Once you have a season or seasons in mind, the next order of business is the location or general area if you don’t have one in mind already. Most elopement photographers will have lots of hidden gems for locations, so it’s not necessarily needed to know the exact spot you’ll be eloping in. If you have an exact spot in mind, that’s great! And if you don’t... That’s also great! Most of us elopement/adventure wedding photographers are happy to help out with it.
5. TOP PRIORITY VENDORS: If you’ll be using a venue or rented space for the ceremony, reception, or dinner, check with them for their availability first before booking other vendors. But if you have a certain vendor that you absolutely NEED because you adore them so much, reach out to them before securing a date so that you can work together to find an availability with them.
6. DATE: Time to select a date. If a weekday is a viable option for you, I almost always recommend it (less traffic, less people, more private in general.) Some rented spaces/venues will often offer cheaper rates for weekdays since they’re not peak demand days (lookin’ at you, Saturdays!)
7. VENDORS/SERVICE PROVIDERS: Awesome. Boom. Your date is locked in if you’re using any rented space/venue. You now begin your search for vendors! I know- it can be overwhelming as hell. I recommend making a list of which vendors starting with the most important to you then work your way down. Lets start with the service providers and then break down the rest. Here are some vendor options that you might want for your elopement although if you don’t want ‘em you don’t need ‘em (aside from the officiant):
Officiant/commissioner, photographer, videographer, hair/makeup artist, florist, caterer/cake baker, bartenders (if you’re using a venue/rental space), wedding planner/coordinator
8. OTHER THINGS TO BOOK: As you start locking down the service providers, you can start looking into less date-exclusive services/goods. Here’s a list:
Dress/Suit/Attire, hotel/accomodations (air bnbs are great), activities you’d like to book during or after your elopement (heli rides, car rentals, event tickets etc.), decorators/decor rental companies, stationary/invites
Vendors get snatched up quickly. If there’s one you adore, reach out ASAP. (Like me, shameless self promo)
9. DRAFT A TIMELINE: Things are coming together now! This is a great time to work out a loose timeline. I recommend starting with what time you’d like the ceremony to be then work around it. My personal recommendation is at least 1-2 hours before sunset so we can have time to run off for sunset photos before it’s dark. In the summer the sun sets incredibly late, but in the fall/winter the earlier sunset time is good to keep in mind. Speak with your photographer about the best time for the ceremony based on the location (pro tip- sunset can seem earlier in the mountains than google tells you since certain areas will be surrounded by mountains so the sun dips below them slightly earlier). I like to create this timeline 2-6 months before the elopement. I personally build a timeline/itinerary by working with the couple and guiding them through it. Photographer’s have a good idea of how long things take and how to plan the flow of a wedding day.
Another thing to consider with the timeline are any activities/bucket list things you want to do during the elopement. If you badly want to take a gondola up a mountain for funsies, think of where it fits in the day and make sure you budget time.
10. TEQUILA: Have a damn drink. After all this planning, you deserve it. Take a breather and just know that everything will come together beautifully
Pssst- Check out the real-life timeline below from a Kananaskis elopement below along with photos from their day.
11. FINE TUNE THE TIMELINE: Lets circle back to that timeline. There are a few common stages during an elopement that we'll plan the timeline around, including but not limited to: Getting ready, 1st look, ceremony, 1st dance, family/friend photos, private couples session, reception, dinner/cake cutting, speeches, sunset photos, as well as any other activities during your day.
It’s best to consult with your photographer or videographer to figure out how to budget time, they’ll know how much time you need for each part of the day.
Here’s a simplified timeline from a real elopement as an example:
5:30am Getting ready at Lodge
6:30am Bride & groom depart separately from Lodge
6:45am Arrive at ceremony site
6:50am 1st look, hilltop
7am Ceremony by the pond
7:30am Celebrations/first dance
8am Family photos at ceremony site and then bride & groom photos
9:30am (apx): Group returns to lodge for brunch
10am Brunch
-Designated nap time/relaxation-
3pm : Photos of bride/groom in and around the Lodge
-Dinner/Break time-
6:00pm Bride + groom leave Lodge to meet photographer at 2nd location Apx 40-45 minute drive from Lodge to address
7:30pm Bride + groom arrive to 2nd location
Walk down to shoot location (15 minute walk)
7:45pm-8:45pm: Sunset session
Check out some of the photos from this elopement below:
12. HONEYMOONIN’: After you have everything organized for the actual elopement, think about what else you’d like to do after your elopement day. Are you wanting a chill weekend, want to dream up a great big adventure, or maybe head to a different area? Tip- Ask your vendors what to do or see in the area.
13. BACKUP PLAN: Especially with unpredictable weather in the mountains, you should always have a backup plan. Road closures, sudden inclement weather, or full parking lots in popular areas can throw a wrench in your plans. For example, if you’re planning to elope at the popular Moraine Lake on a Saturday in June, you’re gonna have to get there basically before dawn for a chance to snag a parking spot due to the high traffic and demand. Communicate with your vendors to see if they have a backup plan.
For this elopement, we decided on a quiet lake tucked in Kananaskis before setting up for a picnic for sunset.
14. PACK + PREP: As the day gets closer and starts to feel more real, you can start considering the packing/planning. In my itineraries I send a list of things that are good ideas to bring along. This is heavily based on the season/day plan. A winter pack-list may include extra layers, good waterproof boots, hand warmers, umbrellas, hot chocolate (or a litre of Fireball in a thermos, I ain’t gonna tell you how to live your life) and make up/mirror to touch-up with. I also send notes about things to do right beforehand (download an offline map, pins plus directions for any locations, reminders about the packing list.) Think about if there are any must-see or must-do activities, sights, or restaurants you want to stop in at and make sure you pack what you’ll need for those.
15. LEGAL SHIZ: Alright with the fun stuff out of the way, lets make sure we’re being legal beagles about this.
To elope legally in Alberta you need these 4 things:
-Marriage license
-Marriage commissioner
-Two witnesses
-Ceremony permit (depending on elopement location)
Here’s a link from the Alberta government that goes more in depth regarding location permits in Alberta
(Tip: Select the park/area you’re interested in from the dropdown menu and it will lead you right to the application form):
Here’s the link about how to get your license:
Here’s a partial list of commissioners/officiants where you can search the region. I also recommend cruising through local Facebook wedding groups as services are often posted there (or post looking for one!) or ask around with your vendors. Make sure that they are comfortable with hiking if that’s the route that you’re going:
http://www.servicealberta.ca/find-a-marriage-officiant.aspx
There’s also the option to have a friend/family member become a temporary commissioner to legally perform the ceremony (apply a minimum of 6 weeks beforehand). Read more about that here:
Click any question/concern in the drop down menu below to expand the answers.
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Whenever you feel like! I’ve planned and photographed a few elopements in weeks notice, as well as one elopement where I was hired 20 hours before due to their travel plans changing. While last minute isn’t ideal, all of these couples had an incredible time and we were able to fast-track the planning and customization process!
I hate to give vague answers so as a ballpark number any time between 4-12+ months is ideal. This stretches out the time period where everything is planned so it helps to minimize the time-crunch stress. The wedding/elopement industry right now is BOOMING (seriously, record numbers of weddings) due to all of the postponed dates over the past couple of years. This means that many vendors are filling up fast, or fully booked out. Allow yourself more time so you can make sure that you can find vendors that are available who you adore.
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If her name is Kalla Ramberg… You got a winner.
(Yes, I’m biased.)
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That’s A-Okay! We work together to find a location that matches your desired level of difficulty. Whether that’s a 2 minute stroll from the car, or a 15km trek into the mountains. Nothing is too wild or too mild!
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-Ask anyone you already have booked for their recommendation
-Google and Facebook can be a great resource! Seek out local wedding/elopement groups on Facebook and look there
-Instagram is also great. Look up hashtags (such as #banffweddingphotographer #canmoreelopement #albertaweddings etc.) and you’ll be flooded with options. If you’re using a venue, I recommend looking at the tagged photos from the venue to see who has worked there before and if you vibe with their work. Set up consultation calls with them to see if you’re a good fit.
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I’ve got great news for you if you hire me. You don’t have to if you don’t want to (with me, anyway!)
For the most part, I create the timeline and itinerary for you. We work together to figure out the flow of the day. As a photographer, I’m also mindful of the timing of the events based on what the lighting conditions will be. Quick example, 100% you need a sunset session. The diffused warm lighting during golden hour is not only the most flattering light in the world, but you often get a gorgeous sunset as backdrop in your photos!
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No worries! If anything, that adds to the adventure of it since you aren’t well versed in the area. Good photographers/videographers/planners are worth their weight in gold if you find ones that are stoked to help you out and are knowledgeable!
Personally, I’m gung-ho about helping as much as possible. This process starts with working together to find the perfect location, and any other locations we’ll use for photos throughout the day. On a call, I ask a series of questions and offer a few ideas for the best spot to meet your needs. I usually send over photos/video of the area so you can get a good feel for it as well. I also give you a list of suggestions/ideas about what else we could do during your elopement to really personalize your experience. Skies the limit!
Whether you want to get hitched at a waterfall, in the forest, on a mountaintop, by the ocean, or even just down-the-road at a park, we’ll find your perfect spot.
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I obsessively check the forecast leading up to the day, but some weather conditions can’t be predicted because that saucy ol’ Mother Nature can have a temper. This is where backup plans (and backup plans to those backup plans come in.) I like to have one sheltered area as a backup plan in the case of rain/snow. Whether that’s a gazebo or under tree cover, it’s definitely good to keep a plan in your back pocket.
I have a very forgiving rescheduling policy as well, so don’t worry if a blizzard postpones the day!
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That’s a very common concern, and tricky to navigate. On one hand, you want to do what sounds best to you and your partner... but also don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, exclude people, or ‘let them down.’ There’s an old-school notion of what an elopement means, where visions of spur-of-the-moment courthouse weddings come to mind- especially with older generations. The current reality is vastly different! Through the years as it’s become much more commonplace, the idea of eloping has evolved into something beautiful, intimate, lower stress, and freeing! It’s often a generational clash that causes this whole “not seeing eye-to-eye" thing. Everyone has different opinions of what a perfect wedding should look like, and they’re entitled to that. However, with all of the emotions and assigned importance of a wedding tied up in these opinions, it’s a recipe for some disagreements.
Love between two people is the foundation of any wedding or elopement and the most important part. The rest pales in comparison! Try to explain to anyone who questions your decision that you want your day to be reflective of your love and not a huge orchestrated event to appease others. It’s not a personal attack or intentionally ‘leaving people out’ it’s about doing what’s best for you. Listen to how they feel and don’t let defensiveness creep in. Defensiveness is a surefire way to elevate already high emotions or disagreement. How they feel is valid, so try to see things from their perspective without your own personal beliefs/bias. Perhaps your mother is upset because her stance is that a large traditional wedding is the ‘best’ kind of wedding, and she only wants the best for you. Maybe your brother feels hurt because he always imagined a great big gathering of all of your near and far loved ones coming together to celebrate you. Disappointment is rooted in when expectations don’t meet reality, so hearing something they weren’t hoping for can trigger this. Try to not take their upset personally, because it’s not.
If you’re expecting a not so stellar reaction, try to start the conversation (ideally in person) and first tell them about how excited you are that you get to marry your person and that you’ve found a way to do it that feels the most authentic to you. Tell them that you’ve carefully considered many options as well as their feelings, but you’ve decided that this is the best option for you. Help them see the “point” of eloping by gushing about the beautiful location you get to say “I do,” the exciting things you have planned, and consider giving them a chance to be involved with the planning process (if that’s something you’re comfortable with.)
The point of eloping is to bring your vision of a perfect union to life, but maybe your family simply never envisioned anything other than a traditional wedding. Not that you need to justify your decision, but try to let them know that it’s not your intention to step on any toes. Whatever your reasons are for eloping, they are valid. Whether it’s because you love nature/adventuring, are reserved and introverted, are concerned about the financial burden of a large-scale wedding, or literally ANYTHING else... You’re entitled to that! Ultimately, it’s your wedding and not theirs. Stand your ground in what you want, but also consider if making a compromise would also leave you with a wedding day that you love. One common way is to have just a small handful of your people together for the ceremony/elopement and then have a larger reception/celebration later on (it could be that night, or even further down the road.) It can even be as simple as a backyard BBQ.
But overall, tradition be damned. If you don’t want a colossal wedding where you have to buy a meal for your 3rd cousin’s friend’s neighbou’s dog (or whatever extended family feels entitled to attend your union) then so be it. Traditions were meant to be broken. If they weren’t, women wouldn’t be able to wear denim jeans and that’s some BS. Traditions become antiquated and should be discarded if they don’t fit in our modern reality.
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I can’t answer that for you. I’ve personally never had a couple want a take-backsies for their elopement. If your intentions and desires for eloping are true and you’ve thought it out with your partner, you definitely won’t!
If you feel like you’re missing out on a big celebration with your loved ones, that’s still an option. Many couples opt for a laidback ‘post elopement party’ later on. This way, you can still gather your fav people together to celebrate.
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Generally, you don’t- unless you want to. If your attire limits your mobility in any way, it’s best to hike in normie clothes that are more functional and change at the location. We can stage the ‘hiking in the dress’ photos in a safe area if desired. I usually recommend changing up at the top. Most brides simply duck out of sight to change, or I offer to bring up a sheet or tarp for a simple DIY changing room if you’re concerned about privacy.
For colder months, plan to wear layers under your attire (you can get away with wearing thermal leggings under many full-length dresses and suits. You can pack heels for photos, although I love the look of hiking boots with a dress.
Make sure that you’re keeping functionality in mind and not just aesthetics. Be sure you can comfortably walk, run, and move freely in your attire.
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I absolutely believe that it’s still an elopement. It doesn’t have to be just yourself and your vendors. It’s very common to have a handful of your people there! If that’s what you want it can greatly enhance your day. Don’t worry too much about the label, the line between ‘elopement’ and ‘micro-wedding’ is blurry at best anyway.
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Absolutely! Whether you’re getting ready at home, an air bnb, or in your car we can definitely make that happen.
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Yuuuup, and it can look like however you want it to. A common one is renting a space out for after the ceremony, or making dinner reservations. Heck, you can even go bar-hop! Pro tip- If you go to a restaurant or bar while wearing your wedding attire, strangers will 100% of the time send over SO many free drinks.
You can also have a chill wind-down for the night instead. Maybe you and and your crew want to head down to a beach, rent a canoe, or just hang out. Go big, go small, go whatever way feels best.
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Whatever you please! Again, imagine you’re planning out the perfect date night. What would you do?
Here are some of my ideas:
-Go canoe/kayak/paddleboard
-Go out for dinner
-Gondola right up a mountain
-Check out a local event/show
-Dinner + drinks
-Take a nap
-Go for a hike/wander
-Local activities like ziplining, skiing, dog sled tour, horseback riding
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It can be overwhelming to find “the” spot, especially if you don’t have a general area in mind. Aside from consulting with your photographer/guide to get recommendations, you can also go rogue and search for a spot.
Whether you want to road trip to find somewhere you love or want to do it from the comfort of your home, you’ll find your match! First, think up if there’s a specific kind of scenery/vibe you want (like a waterfall, lake, ocean side, forest, etc.) then start Googling and asking around. For example, if you badly want a dramatic waterfall in the background try searching up waterfalls in the general area you’re thinking of. If you find one on Google you’re interested in, head over to Instagram (or AllTrails if you’ll be hiking in) and search it up. Tip for Insta searches, look up the area you’re interested in and search by location!
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First and foremost, leave no trace. If you pack it in, PACK IT OUT. Respect nature! This means no confetti/glitter/smoke bombs in nature, since they leave garbage behind which is a big no-no.
Some areas in national parks may have rules again bringing in large props that could disrupt or damage the ecosystem. If you had to pay for a marriage permit for a certain location or rent the space, consult with them to see if they have any rules governing decor/seating.
But if you intend on leaving behind anything from your wedding or elopement, I am not the photog for you.
How do I help you plan the perfect elopement?
-Assistance and as much guidance as you need for planning. I don’t just show up and take photos. I wanna be with you every step of the way to guide you through the process and offer help wherever needed
-Creating a full timeline/itinerary including making backup plans (*shakes fist angrily at unpredictable mountain weather and unannounced road closures*) Free rescheduling due to inclement weather offered
-With 50 summits under my belt last year, I’m ready for ANY hiking elopement (short of Everest)
-Areas of expertise: Canmore/Kananaskis, Bragg Creek, Banff, Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek
-I’m always happy to go explore to scout a new location for you- especially if mountains are involved!
-If we’re doing a hiking elopement, I curate a list of trails with the app AllTrails and send it to you. This includes hike stats, photos, and maps of the area.
-Open door policy. Reach out whenever you have questions
-I have a background in landscape photography (around 14yrs) which ties in nicely with weddings in adventurous places
-Providing activity ideas and must-see things in the area
-Sometimes I say funny shit because I don’t have a filter, which helps boost morale. It’s, like, comedic relief. I also let you eat some of my go-to hiking snack (Sourpatch Kids)
