Sunny & Kitty elope at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, photo by The Organic Moment
So, you’ve fallen in love with the Canadian Rockies. Can’t say that I blame you. Between glacial lakes, pine-covered peaks, and that crisp alpine air, it’s hard to imagine a more magical place to say “I do.”
But now comes the impossible question: Banff or Jasper?
One is iconic, the other underrated. But both offer the kind of wild beauty that makes an elopement feel like a dream.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the pros, cons, and elopement vibes of each so you can find the one that fits you best.
Meet Banff: An Icon, A Legend, Queen Of Instagram
Callen & Alexa elope at Lake Louise; photo by The Organic Moment
Banff is the main character of the Canadian Rockies — and for good reason. With snow-dusted peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and cozy mountain town energy, it’s the place that probably sparked your elopement daydreams in the first place.
Banff doesn’t just deliver on beauty, she’s iconic, photogenic, and filled with everything you could want for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Banff always delivers, whether you’re after jaw-dropping views, easy-to-reach locations, or that just-right mix of wild and refined.
Stunning & Iconic Nature
Pro: Banff is the kind of place that lives in your imagination long before you ever see it in person. Glacial lakes that look Photoshopped, forests that smell like pine and possibility, and snow-dusted peaks that stretch into the sky. There’s a reason it’s one of the most photographed places in the world.
Con: Banff National Park sees about 4 million visitors each year. She’s beautiful, but she’s not exactly a secret. That means trails can get crowded, parking fills up early, and you’ll want to plan around the hotspots to make it feel like your own.
Famous Landscapes
Sunny & Kitty elope at Moraine Lake; photo by The Organic Moment
Pro: From the shores of Moraine Lake to the views at Lake Louise, Banff’s big-name photo ops really are worth the hype. If your dream elopement includes epic backdrops that look straight out of a movie, Banff delivers.
Con: Those iconic views come with strict access rules. Some locations (like Moraine Lake) require shuttle bookings months in advance, and permits are a must for ceremonies. This is where having a planning partner (hi, it’s us!) who knows the ropes can save you from the “wish we’d known…” moments.
The Hustle & Bustle Of City Life
Erin & Tyler elope at Moraine Lake; photo by The Organic Moment
Pro: You don’t have to choose between mountain seclusion and modern comforts in Banff. After your sunrise vows at Moraine Lake, you can be sipping cocktails, hitting the spa, or grabbing a bite in town within the hour. Banff’s bustling village energy means date nights, coffee runs, and cozy post-hike dinners are all on the table.
Con: That convenience comes with a little chaos. Banff townsite can feel more like a tourist hub than a hidden gem, especially in the summer months. If you’re craving total stillness and solitude, the energy might feel a little less “private elopement” and a little more “group tour just arrived.”
Convenience & Amenities
Photo from an elopement at Banff Mountain Gate Resort by The Organic Moment
Pro: Planning a luxe elopement experience? Banff’s got options. From luxury hotels and fine dining to helicopter rides, gondola dinners, spas, and private chefs. It’s easy to add elevated, high-touch moments to your adventure.
Con: With more amenities comes more demand, which means higher price tags and the need to book early. Banff’s popularity also means accommodations and dining options can fill up fast (and budget options are limited). So if you’re planning a last-minute trip or hoping to keep things simple, it may take a little extra effort.
Meet Jasper: A Rugged, Solitary, & Underrated Gem
If Banff is the bold, headline-making destination, Jasper is her more grounded, effortlessly cool cousin. It’s the place people stumble into and fall in love with — laid-back, uncrowded, and full of surprises.
Jasper National Park feels personal, peaceful, and refreshingly off the radar. She always delivers on quiet magic, starry skies, and the kind of elopement experience that feels like a true escape.
Off The Beaten Path Adventures & Views
Pro: Jasper’s landscapes feel like a well-kept secret. They’re just as stunning as Banff’s, but with a wilder, more rugged energy. Towering peaks capped with snow, glassy alpine lakes hidden deep in the forest, and canyons carved by time and glacier melt.
You won’t find postcard crowds at every overlook, but you will find raw beauty, quiet trails, and views that feel untouched and undiscovered. Jasper also has no shuttle-only zones (as of now) meaning you can drive yourself to popular spots unlike in Banff.
Con: Some spots require a little more effort to reach (think gravel roads or longer hikes), but that’s exactly what makes them feel so special.
Jasper’s iconic locations: Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake, Pyramid Lake, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Edith Cavell.
Seclusion & Privacy
Pro: Jasper is the kind of place that surprises you. Roughly a 3.5 hour drive from both Banff and Edmonton, Jasper is quieter, wilder, and somehow still under the radar. You’ll find yourself on winding roads with no one around for miles, sharing sunrise with only the mountains and maybe a curious elk or two.
The trails feel like they’re yours, the lakes mirror-still, and the silence? Soul-filling. It’s the kind of privacy that makes you feel like the world paused just for you. Because of this there are so many secret spots and hidden gems that are swoon — and Insta — worthy.
Con: With all that peace and space, you won’t find quite as many vendors, luxury amenities, or big-name hotels nearby. But for many couples, that’s part of the charm.
Dark Sky Preserve & Stargazing
Pro: Jasper isn’t just stunning by daylight, it’s one of the few places in the world where the stars show off, too. As the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper offers incredibly clear night skies free of light pollution. Think: thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and maybe even the Northern Lights if the timing is right.
Con: While you don’t need a telescope, you do need a little patience and the right timing. Cloud cover, moon cycles, and weather can impact visibility, so we always build in flexibility and backup plans. And of course, late nights may not be ideal for early birds or little guests.
Cooler Temperatures
Pro: Jasper’s higher elevation and northern location mean it tends to stay cooler than Banff throughout the summer. That crisp mountain air? It’s a very real thing, and it makes elopement days feel fresh, cozy, and comfortable.
It’s unfortunate and heartbreaking that we have to say this but wildfires need to be factored into your elopement decision. If there’s a wildfire in Banff, most of the time Jasper is not experiencing smoke.
Con: Cooler temps mean you’ll definitely want layers, especially at sunrise or sunset when it can dip unexpectedly cold, even in July. We’re talking fleece-lined tights, hand warmers, or rain gear that won’t ruin the vibe (don’t worry, we’ve got recs).
Small Town Charm & Laid-Back Vibes
Pro: While Banff is hustle and bustle, Jasper feels like a secret you’re lucky to be in on. It’s quieter, more laid-back, and full of that cozy, small-town energy that makes it easy to slow down and actually feel your elopement day.
Fewer crowds mean you can stroll the main street without weaving through tourists, snag a dinner reservation without a waitlist, and chat with locals who are genuinely stoked you’re there.
Con: With that slower pace comes fewer options. You won’t find quite as many high-end restaurants, spas, or luxe hotels here.
Jasper Is For Foodies
Pro: For a small mountain town, Jasper punches way above its weight when it comes to food. You’ll find cozy cafés, creative bistros, and a few unexpectedly elevated spots where the cocktails are handcrafted and the views are chef’s kiss. Local game meats, vegan-friendly eats, really good burgers and craft beer after your hike, Jasper delivers the goods with less fuss and more flavor.
Con: That said, you won’t find as many restaurants to choose from or a ton of late-night options. Reservations can also be trickier in peak seasons since there are fewer tables to go around. But, a little planning ahead (or our recs!) can go a long way.
So, Banff Vs. Jasper, Which One Is More YOU?
Erin & Reagan at Moraine Lake in Banff; photo by The Organic Moment
Both Banff and Jasper sound pretty amazing, don’t they? We’ve got good news and a little more good news:
- Good news #1: You cannot go wrong! Either way you’ll have a gorgeous, intimate day to remember forever.
- Good news #2: We plan & photograph elopements in both Banff and Jasper! So once we know your priorities, we’ll help you find the place that fits like a glove.
If you’re still torn, let’s think about it this way:
- Prefer iconic views you’ve been adding to your Pinterest board?
- Love a full-service luxury hotel or spa day built in?
- You’re good with crowds if it means that view?
- Want to mix wedding photos with a night out downtown?
Then Banff is calling your name!
- Don’t want to determine your elopement date based on tourists?
- Crave wide open spaces and privacy in any season?
- Want to stargaze from a hot tub with zero light pollution?
- You’d rather have wedding photos that come with a story because they’re not immediately recognizable?
Sounds like Jasper is the one for you!
Ready To Plan Your Dream Elopement?
Photos from The Organic Moment from a Moraine Lake elopement
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not the only one, and you’re definitely not in this alone. As your photographers, videographers, and planning partners, we’re here to help you navigate the Banff vs. Jasper decision, and everything after that as well.
Ready to start planning your elopement adventure? Take a look at our 2025 packages, download the free planning guide, or get in touch to start planning a day you’ll never forget!
FAQs About Eloping in Banff vs. Jasper
As part of our commitment to sustainability and living lighter on the land, we live in each location we photograph in for a few months throughout the year. We might be biased but we think July, August, & September are the absolute best months for eloping in both Banff & Jasper National Park. Summer is unbeatable in the Canadian Rockies — and don’t worry, you’ll still get snow and some chilly weather high in the mountains.
Yes, you need permits and marriage licenses to elope in both Canada and the parks (but we help you through it all!). And special permits for both parks are free to apply for. Both come with rules and requirements which is not a problem for us. We know the parks like the back of our hand!
Yes! Neither British Columbia (Yoho) or Alberta (Banff) have citizenship requirements for obtaining a marriage license. If you want your ceremony to be legally binding, you do need to get a marriage license which is fairly simple. Otherwise you can do the legal portion in your home state/country and come to Canada for the fun part!
Both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park have gorgeous views and plenty of iconic photo opportunities.
Which park you choose is going to align with how you want your day to feel, your couple vibe, and so much more.
You can absolutely go to both Banff National Park & Jasper National Park on the same trip! They’re about 4 hours driving distance from each other (pending weather and animal crossings) so we would recommend picking one for your big day and heading to the other as an extracurricular activity on your vacation.
If it’s incredibly important to you that both are in there, let us know and we’ll see what can be worked out.
Read or Leave a Comment
SHARE THIS POST: