Celebrate your love of nature while declaring your love in front of friends and family with an outdoor wedding ceremony! For those looking for a stunning natural backdrop, Canmore, Alberta is the perfect place to celebrate and plan the wedding of your dreams. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is great for couples that want to be removed from the hustle and bustle of Banff, while still enjoying some of the most jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring views you’ll find in the Canadian Rockies.

At Cornerstone Weddings, there’s nothing we love more than helping our couples plan their dream wedding in the mountains. We offer access to two outdoor ceremony sites at the Canmore Nordic Centre, as well as a more private and secluded option at the Canmore Ranch. We have more than 600 weddings under our belt and we’re happy to share some of the most important tips and need-to-know tidbits we’ve learned along the way. Below we’ll cover some of the top things to keep in mind when planning an outdoor ceremony in the mountains.

Dealing With Mother Nature

If you’ve spent time in the mountains, you know that the weather is ever-changing. Regardless of what season you’re planning on getting married, you need to be prepared for the potential of rain, snow, and even extreme heat during the summer. To make sure you’re able to enjoy your big day comfortably, knowing how to handle the elements is essential. Make sure you have key items like water, umbrellas, blankets, sunscreen, and mini hand-warmers available for guests. Be sure everyone knows to check the weather report before arriving.

When booking your outdoor ceremony site it is important to consider having an indoor backup location just in case mother nature decides to be extra fickle. For those booking both their ceremony and reception with Cornerstone Weddings, we make sure you’re always covered. You will have access to your reception venue as a back up location. You’ll never have to worry about being left out in the cold!

A Note on Privacy

One thing you may not be aware of when booking an outdoor venue in Canmore is that most outdoor venues in the area are NOT private. While most visitors in the area are respectful of ceremonies, there is the chance that you may have a few unexpected ‘guests’ sharing your special moment. If you prefer a more private and intimate setting, we recommend booking the Canmore Ranch for your outdoor ceremony. As a dedicated privately owned facility, the Canmore Ranch offers you stunning mountain views well as a secluded tree-lined setting for privacy. The Canmore Ranch also features full-service bathrooms and ample parking and is available exclusively through Cornerstone Weddings.

**The fine print: the Canmore Ranch is only available to couples hosting their wedding reception at Cornerstone Theatre.**

Consider Your Guests

As a final note to consider when booking an outdoor ceremony site: keep in mind any limitations or mobility challenges your guests may face. Even though you may be able to easily navigate the terrain leading to your ceremony site, be aware that those with mobility challenges may have a much harder time walking across gravel, rolling grassy knolls, etc. If you’re not sure that everyone will be able to safely reach the site, you may want to consider a different venue.

At Cornerstone Weddings we will bring your dream wedding to life. Contact us today to learn more about outdoor wedding ceremonies for the 2023-2024 wedding season!