The Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Banff or Canmore Wedding Venue

Congratulations on your engagement! Getting married in Banff or Canmore is a truly magical experience with its stunning mountain views and picturesque landscapes.  It’s no wonder that so many couples choose to tie the knot in this beautiful corner of the world. But before you start planning your dream wedding, there are a few things you need to know.

Here are the top 5 questions to ask before booking your Banff or Canmore wedding venue:

1. What is the best time of year to get married in Banff or Canmore?
2. What is the best day of the week to get married in Banff or Canmore?
3. When should I book my Banff or Canmore wedding venue?
4. Do my vendors need a Banff or Canmore business license?
5. Do I need a permit for my outdoor ceremony?

What is the best time of year to get married in Banff or Canmore?

This depends largely on what kind of weather you and your guests are hoping for on your big day. If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding complete with snow-capped mountains in the background, then getting married between November and March would be ideal.

However, if you’re not a fan of the cold, then spring or summer would be a better choice. Imagine your I do’s surrounded by wildflowers and sun kissed peaks. Keep in mind that peak wedding season in Banff and Canmore runs from June to September.  Therefore, you may want to avoid these months if you’re looking to save some money.

Cornerstone Weddings hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions year round at all venues.

What is the best day of the week to get married in Banff or Canmore?

Since Banff and Canmore are such popular wedding destinations, any day of the week is great for your mountain wedding.

Many guests choose to stay an extra day and make a mini vacation out of their time in the mountains.

If you consider any day of the week to get getting married it should give you a greater pick of venues.  Did you know choosing a non traditional day may save money on vendors and other costs associated with your big day.

When should I book my Banff or Canmore wedding venue?

If you’ve already set your sights on a particular venue, it’s important to book as soon as possible.  If you’re hoping to get married during June-September great wedding venues book up quickly. Most couples begin their search for a venue at least 12-18 months in advance. Which means they have plenty of time to compare prices and availability. However, if you’re getting married during an off-peak month (October-May), you may be able to find a venue with less lead time.

At Cornerstone Weddings we begin booking on 1^st October for the following year plus one.  For example, dates will be available on 1^st October 2023 for all wedding dates in 2025.

Do my vendors need a Banff or Canmore business license?

All businesses operating within the town limits of Banff or Canmore must have a valid business license – including wedding vendors such as photographers, florists, caterers, etc. If your vendor is based outside of these towns but will be providing services within their limits, they must also have a business license. 

There are so many local wedding vendors to choose from.  Plus many Calgary vendors work in the mountains on a regular basis and have all the relevant paperwork.  Deciding on a vendor that is either local or has experience providing their services in Canmore or Banff is super important and can make a huge difference to your special day.

Do I need a permit for my outdoor wedding ceremony?

 

Banff Weddings

If your ceremony is held outdoors, you’ll need a permit from The Town of Banff (for ceremonies held within town limits). You can visit Town of Banff for more information.

Please note that all visitors to Banff National Park will require a park pass too to enter the park.

Canmore Weddings

For Canmore weddings, check out the Town of Canmore if you are looking to host your outdoor ceremony at one of their parks.  You will need to reserve your date in advance.

If you are hosting with Cornerstone Weddings at either the Canmore Ranch or the Canmore Nordic Centre, you do not require a ceremony permit, but you do need to book in advance.

So there you have it – (almost) everything you need to know about getting married in Banff or Canmore!

There are certainly some things to consider before booking your dream wedding in this beautiful corner of the world.  However, we hope this guide has given you a better idea of what’s involved in planning a destination wedding in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.

 

Cornerstone Weddings and Cornerstone Catering have been providing full service weddings and catering services throughout the Canmore and Banff area since 2014.  With two exclusive venues in Canmore providing full service weddings and the ability to provide catering anywhere in the area, we are the perfect choice for your mountain wedding. We have over 600 weddings under our belt and provide exceptional service to all our couples. Contact us for more details