A Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Alberta

From the famous Canadian Rockies to the bustling cities, Alberta is fast becoming a sought-after destination for couples from all over the world to say “I do”. The province is chock-full of exceptional wedding venues that suit a wide range of styles and budgets, whether you’re planning a lavish occasion, an elopement or anything in-between. The diverse Alberta landscape also provides opportunities for you and your guests to explore and enjoy a getaway together.

Keep reading to get inspired by venue ideas and wedding weekend experiences.

City weddings

Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta’s two largest cities, have distinct identities, histories and attractions that set the stage to make any wedding vision reality.

Edmonton

Edmonton, the province’s capital, is often known for its expansive North Saskatchewan River Valley. It creates a gorgeous setting for wedding photos, and many of the city’s top venues are only a short distance away.

The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald and JW Marriott ICE District are ideal for larger luxe weddings. The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald brings a sense of vintage charm to wedding celebrations — the Empire Ballroom is a designated historic site — while the JW Marriott ICE District is a stylish, contemporary setting for a downtown city wedding.

For art lovers, the Art Gallery of Alberta is full of possibilities. The modern building features swirling zinc, glass and steel in an architectural wonder that’s a must for magazine-worthy photos, and the state-of-the-art venue can accommodate groups large and small.

Restaurants have become popular choices for wedding receptions (and even ceremonies) in recent years, and Edmonton is spoiled for choice. The Butternut Tree is steps from the Alberta Legislature grounds and the river valley, and the contemporary restaurant showcases the best in seasonal Canadian flavours and wines. Ampersand 27 on Whyte Avenue is a versatile venue with gorgeous decor (the sculptural light features are a must-see) and custom menus focused on local ingredients. If you’re planning an intimate wedding, Woodwork’s sleek atmosphere, cocktails and wood-fired cuisine will make for a memorable evening.

Calgary

Alberta’s largest city is where the mountains meet the prairies and where history meets modernity. Its eclectic collection of wedding venues spans historic homes, chic restaurants, vintage hotels and blank-canvas spaces to embody your wedding vision.

The Fairmont Palliser, one of the city’s top hotels, pays homage to the past along with modern touches, like the newly renovated Oak Room near the elegant Hawthorn Room lounge.

Calgary’s restaurant scene is world-renowned, and many of the city’s popular establishments host wedding receptions — complete with delicious in-house catering. Rouge and the Deane House in Inglewood — Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood — are vintage houses dating back to 1891 and 1906, respectively. Each restaurant serves its take on Canadian flavours and dishes in exceptional settings. Farther south, the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant — located in a century-old ranch house — is a stately fixture in Fish Creek Provincial Park, an expansive natural oasis right in the city.

Downtown, the River Cafe is a peaceful natural setting for a ceremony and reception on Prince’s Island Park, or you can travel 40 floors up for panoramic views of the city at ultra-chic Major Tom.

Between Calgary and the Canadian Rockies — about a 45-minute drive — you’ll find Azuridge Estate Hotel. The gorgeous boutique hotel was once a private residence, and you can book out the entire place for your destination wedding. The hotel and its immaculate grounds in the mountain foothills are a beautiful year-round setting for a wedding, and having exclusive access for you and your closest friends and family will make it all the more special.

City wedding weekend activities

Planning a city destination wedding in Alberta is a perfect opportunity to explore local sights and hotspots with friends and family. Treat yourself and your wedding party to some pre-wedding pampering with a spa day — the Fairmont Palliser, RnR Wellness in Hotel Le Germain or SKA Thermal Spa have all the treatments you need in Calgary, while the Spa by JW Marriott ICE District is the ultimate relaxation destination in Edmonton.

Step back in time and learn about regional history at Heritage Park Historical Village or Fort Edmonton Park, one of Western Canada’s largest living history museums. Music lovers need to visit Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre in Calgary, where they can visit the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and browse more than 400 years of music history. In Edmonton, wander through the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM), the largest museum in Western Canada.

Stop by River Valley Adventure Co., which has locations in both cities, to rent Segways or e-bikes and explore the winding river valley trails while you discover the city like a local. Or book a guided food tour to sample culinary delights.

Mountain weddings

Plan an unforgettable wedding with the soaring Canadian Rockies as your backdrop in one of Alberta’s national or provincial mountain parks.

Banff National Park

The Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are arguably two of the most iconic wedding destinations in Alberta. The Banff Springs — Alberta’s Castle in the Rockies — feels like the setting of a real-life fairytale, and the exquisite Mount Stephen Hall, Cascade Ballroom and outdoor terrace are its most well-known wedding locations.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is situated on the shore of its famous namesake, and the Lakeview Terrace is a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. Inside, the Victoria Ballroom and Mount Temple Ballroom are enchanting reception options. Keep in mind, these popular destinations often book up more than a year in advance.

Have you dreamed of getting married on a mountaintop? You can in Banff, with no climbing required. The Banff Gondola and Sky Bistro will treat your guests to panoramic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain — plus delectable Canadian cuisine. Back at ground level, downtown Banff has fantastic restaurants to host your wedding reception, like Park Distillery (with house-made spirits and campfire-inspired fare) or the Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse (a charming mid-century chalet).

If an elopement or small wedding is in your future, Storm Mountain Lodge is a cozy retreat for up to 34 guests, complete with quaint cabins, custom menu options and a welcoming lodge for receptions.

Canmore & Kananaskis

The charming mountain town of Canmore is a quieter setting for destination weddings, and it’s only a short drive from Calgary. The Malcolm Hotel and Silvertip Resort are two of Canmore’s premier venues, with year-round ceremony options and reception spaces — and plenty of gorgeous photo spots a short distance away.

Mainspace is a newer addition to the local wedding scene, and it’s quickly becoming a popular choice for its sleek, industrial design paired with mountain views.

In Spray Lakes Provincial Park, about an hour from Canmore, is Mount Engadine Lodge. It’s one of the only backcountry lodges accessible by car, and it’s ideal for a couple who wants nature at the centre of their celebrations.

Jasper National Park

In the Northern Rockies, Jasper National Park brings a sense of untamed nature to nuptials.

Did you picture tying the knot next to a crystal-blue lake with mountains all around? Try the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (suitable for small to extravagant weddings) or Pyramid Lake Lodge (for an exclusive shoreline ceremony with up to 90 guests).

Mountain wedding weekend activities

Nothing says pre-wedding relaxation like a mountain spa day. The Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Rimrock Resort and Cedar & Sage Co. all have an extensive menu of luxurious treatments to leave you feeling ready for the big day. Or take a dip in the geothermal waters at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Exploring the great outdoors is a must during your time in the Canadian Rockies. There are year-round hiking trails for all experience levels, seasonal sightseeing tours, wildlife tours, water sports (canoeing on a mountain lake is a Canadian must) and even horseback riding adventures for an authentic Western experience. During a winter wedding weekend, don’t miss skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts, ice skating on frozen lakes, snowshoeing and dog sledding excursions.

Know before you go

A lot of details go into planning a wedding, and here are some essential tips for planning your destination wedding in Alberta.

• Choose the right season for you. There’s no “perfect season” to get married in Alberta. Summer may be best if you want to maximize your time outdoors, while winter can be equally stunning with plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Pick a season that makes sense for your wedding plans.
• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Alberta can change quickly, especially in the Canadian Rockies. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, it’s important to have a backup plan in the event of rain or inclement weather. Pack appropriate clothing for any outdoor adventures, too. Check out these lists for summer and winter.
• Enlist a planner. A local wedding planner can help you source reputable vendors, navigate logistics and details (like applying for your marriage license) and help alleviate stress as you plan from afar.
• Consider a shoulder season wedding. Many of Alberta’s most popular venues book up during the high summer and winter seasons, but spring or fall can be gorgeous too. There are often fewer people in popular destinations, and these seasons can be easier on your wedding budget too.
• If you get married in an outdoor space, make sure you have the proper documentation to do so. Outdoor spaces within city limits need to be reserved through the City of Calgary and City of Edmonton, while in Banff National Park you must limit standing ceremonies to 20 or fewer guests and have completed a registration form to do so. For more information about required permits, conduct and designated ceremony sites, check out these guides from Parks Canada (for Banff National Park and Jasper National Park) and Alberta Parks (for Canmore & Kananaskis).