How To Plan A Sustainable Wedding In Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest and most visited national park. Established in 1885, the park now sees over four million visitors each year and is the backdrop for thousands of weddings and elopements annually. Over the years, Parks Canada has adopted an ecosystem-based management approach to preserve ecological integrity in the park ecosystems. The management plan for the park also outlines a long-term vision based on respect: for the Indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants and their knowledge of the land, for the intrinsic value of unspoiled natural landscapes and ecosystems, and for experiences rooted in the park’s unique human and natural history.

Parks Canada aims to inspire visitors to contribute to preserving the national parks system and the natural and cultural heritage it represents. With such popularity, it’s more important than ever to embrace sustainable practices to ensure that Banff’s stunning scenery remains pristine. By working together to protect and cherish this natural treasure, we can continue to enjoy and celebrate Banff’s unparalleled beauty for generations. In this blog, we will discuss why Banff is the perfect destination for a sustainable wedding and what steps you can take towards planning a sustainable celebration of your own! 

Why Is Banff National Park The Perfect Destination For A Sustainable Wedding?

With its pristine natural surroundings, unwavering dedication to conservation and culture, and diverse selection of eco-friendly vendors, Banff National Park is the perfect destination for a sustainable wedding. Opting to elope or host an intimate wedding outdoors within this breathtaking environment aligns perfectly with sustainability principles, as it minimizes the environmental impact typically associated with more conventional wedding venues. 

Moreover, Banff boasts a vibrant community of eco-conscious vendors eager to contribute to your special day. From talented local chefs crafting delectable dishes with sustainably sourced ingredients to barber shops dedicated to eco-friendly grooming products, ample opportunities exist to infuse your elopement with sustainability at every step. By embracing these eco-friendly options, you create unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Banff’s stunning landscapes and leave a positive ecological footprint on your wedding day.

How Can I Integrate Sustainable Practices Into My Wedding Planning Process?

The first step in integrating sustainable practices into your wedding planning process is researching and selecting vendors that focus on and prioritize sustainable practices. For example, hiring a florist who uses seasonal greenery or petroleum-free products is an excellent start towards making your celebration eco-friendly. As mentioned above, eloping is more sustainable than a large wedding. In 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported a shocking statistic about eco-friendly weddings: “The average wedding produces 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of carbon dioxide.” This waste includes one-use products such as invitation suites, florals, flowers, decorations, lighting, food, and more!  

To minimize environmental impact and conserve resources, those eloping can opt for sustainable alternatives in their wedding planning. This includes selecting vintage jewelry instead of new pieces, choosing used or rented attire rather than purchasing new clothing items, and opting for rented decor over buying. Hiring an eco-friendly planner who prioritizes sustainability throughout the event can also make a significant difference. 

Additionally, supporting small businesses committed to eco-friendly practices over larger, more impersonal enterprises can promote sustainability by selecting individual hair and makeup artists over larger, high-volume studios. Choosing online or plantable invitations helps reduce paper waste, while vegan or plant-based food and dessert options minimize the carbon footprint associated with animal products. Furthermore, selecting in-season restaurants and fine dining establishments supports local and sustainable food sourcing practices, aligning with the couple’s commitment to eco-conscious choices for their special day.

What Measures Can Be Taken To Ensure That Wedding Decorations Are Eco-Friendly and Sustainable?

To promote eco-friendliness in wedding preparations, those eloping can prioritize selecting vendors committed to sustainable practices. It’s crucial to engage vendors in conversations about their sustainability efforts, steering clear of greenwashing tactics. For instance, some florists claim to use eco-friendly practices by sourcing in-season flowers, yet they might package their products in petroleum-based materials instead of exploring alternative options. It’s about ensuring vendors genuinely strive for sustainability with the available resources and are dedicated to ongoing education and improvement in this area. While achieving carbon neutrality may only be feasible for some after some time, setting such goals and actively working towards them is commendable. Open dialogue with vendors or utilizing provided sustainable guides can guide lovers in making environmentally conscious choices throughout their wedding planning journey.

Are There Any Local Wedding Vendors Near Banff National Park Specializing In Sustainable, Eco-Conscious Practices?

Florals

• Staci at Little Daisy Florals: Offers beautifully arranged, eco-friendly floral designs tailored to your wedding vision.
• Elli at Small Flower Floral Studio: Specializes in unique, sustainable floral arrangements using locally sourced flowers. 

Hair and Makeup 

• Christina at Devoted To You Artistry: Provides stunning, eco-conscious hair and makeup services for weddings and special events.
• Beatnik Salon: An eco-friendly salon offering expert wedding hair and makeup services with sustainable practices.

Full-Service Eco Planner

• Perrier Planning: A dedicated eco-friendly wedding planner ensuring your special day is both beautiful and sustainable.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Attire & Accessories

Wedding Dress Rentals

• The Fitzroy: Offers a curated selection of stylish wedding dresses for rent, perfect for an eco-friendly bridal look.

Wedding Suit Rentals

• Moore’s Clothing: Provides a wide range of eco-friendly wedding suit rentals, combining style with sustainability. 

Second-Hand Wedding Dresses

• Stillwhite: An online marketplace for buying and selling pre-loved wedding dresses, promoting sustainability in bridal fashion.
• Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses: A one of a kind website to buy and sell gently used wedding dresses.

Vintage Wedding Dresses

• Etsy Vintage Wedding: Features a variety of unique and vintage wedding dresses from independent sellers.
• Happy Isles: Specializes in exquisite vintage wedding dresses with a commitment to sustainability and style.
• Decades Inc.: Offers a curated collection of high-quality vintage wedding dresses, ideal for eco-conscious brides.
• Adore Vintage: Provides timeless, vintage wedding dresses with a focus on sustainable fashion practices.
• Shareen: Renowned for its collection of beautiful, vintage wedding dresses, offering an eco-friendly alternative for brides.
• Madly Vintage: Specializes in charming vintage wedding dresses, ensuring an eco-friendly and stylish bridal look.
• Blossom Vintage: Offers a curated selection of vintage wedding dresses, perfect for brides seeking sustainable and unique attire.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Dress Companies

• Pure Magnolia: Designs eco-friendly wedding dresses using sustainable fabrics and ethical production practices.
• Wear Your Love: Specializes in handmade, eco-friendly wedding dresses crafted from sustainable materials.
• Anita Dongre: Offers luxurious, eco-friendly wedding dresses with a focus on sustainable fashion and ethical practices.
• Kamperett: Creates elegant, eco-friendly wedding dresses using sustainable materials and local production.
• Reformation: Known for its stylish, eco-conscious wedding dresses made from sustainable fabrics.
• Grace Loves Lace: Offers beautiful, eco-friendly wedding dresses crafted with sustainable materials and ethical production.
• Lost In Paris: Designs unique, eco-friendly wedding dresses using vintage lace and sustainable practices.
• Maison Sully: Creates luxurious, eco-friendly wedding dresses with a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship

Rings

• Sin Kim Jewellery: Crafts unique, eco-friendly wedding rings using recycled materials and ethical practices.
• Brilliant Earth: Known for its ethically sourced and eco-friendly wedding rings, promoting sustainability in fine jewelry.
• Staghead Designs: Specializes in custom, eco-friendly wedding rings made from sustainable and recycled materials.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Suit Companies

(Women)

• Quince: Offers sustainable, high-quality suits made from eco-friendly materials at an affordable price.
• Sézane: A French brand known for its chic and timeless styles crafted with sustainable practices and materials.
• Aday: Focuses on versatile, sustainable clothing with minimalist designs and eco-friendly fabrics.
• Reformation: A trendy brand offering stylish, eco-conscious suits designed with sustainability in mind.
• Everlane: Known for its transparent production process and sustainable materials, offering elegant and eco-friendly suits.
• Kotn: Provides ethically made suits using sustainably sourced Egyptian cotton and fair trade practices.
• Amour Vert: Specializes in eco-friendly, stylish suits made from sustainable fabrics and low-impact dyes.

(Men)

• Moss Bros: A well-established brand offering a range of stylish, eco-friendly suits made from sustainable materials.
• Hangrr: Customizes sustainable suits using eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production methods.
• Octobre Editions: A French brand creating timeless, eco-friendly suits with a commitment to sustainable practices.
• Buck Mason: Focuses on classic, durable suits made with sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing.
• Carpasus: Offers eco-friendly suits made from organic and sustainable fabrics with a focus on fair production
• Brave Gentleman: Provides luxurious, vegan suits crafted from sustainable materials and ethical production processes.

(Gender Neutral)

• Duchess Clothier: Custom tailors eco-friendly, gender-neutral suits with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
• Sharpe Suiting: Creates custom, gender-neutral suits using sustainable materials and ethical practices.
• Kipper Clothiers: Specializes in bespoke, eco-friendly, gender-neutral suits with a commitment to sustainability.
• The Tailory: Combines bespoke tailoring with sustainable practices to create stylish, gender-neutral suits.
• Jag and Co.: Offers sustainable, gender-neutral suits made with eco-friendly materials and ethical craftsmanship.

Hotels & Venues

• Banff Collective: A vibrant community hub offering a mix of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences in Banff.
• Rim Rock Resort: A luxurious mountain resort known for its stunning views, fine dining, and serene spa services.
• Banff Springs Hotel: A historic and iconic hotel with majestic architecture and world-class amenities in the heart of Banff National Park.
• Banff Aspen Lodge: A cozy and comfortable lodge offering modern amenities and exceptional service in downtown Banff.
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: A prestigious hotel set on the shores of Lake Louise, offering breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations.

Restaurants, Catering & Bakeries 

Restaurants

• Nourish Bistro: A plant-based restaurant known for its creative and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes
• White Bark Cafe: A charming cafe offering specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Stock Food & Drink: A modern market-style eatery offering fresh, locally sourced food and gourmet products.
• Eddie Burger Bar: A lively spot known for its gourmet burgers, craft beers, and fun atmosphere.
• Una Pizza: A popular pizzeria serving delicious wood-fired pizzas with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Shoku Izakaya: A Japanese pub-style restaurant offering a variety of sushi, sashimi, and izakaya dishes.
• Afternoon Tea at Rundle Bar, Fairmont – Banff Springs: An elegant afternoon tea experience featuring a selection of fine teas, pastries, and sandwiches in a luxurious setting.
• The Chimney Corner: A cozy dining venue offering hearty meals and stunning mountain views.
• Lakeview Lounge at Fairmont Chateau – Lake Louise: A sophisticated lounge with panoramic views of Lake Louise and a menu of fine beverages and light bites.
• Banded Peak Base Camp: A relaxed and rustic eatery known for its craft beers and hearty mountain fare.
• Farm & Fire at Elk Avenue Hotel: A farm-to-table restaurant featuring wood-fired cuisine and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
• Ramen Arashi: A cozy ramen shop offering flavorful ramen bowls and Japanese comfort food.

Click here to read about more Banff and Lake Louise plant-based dining options.

Bakeries 

• Hoopla Donuts: A delightful bakery specializing in gourmet donuts with creative flavors and high-quality ingredients.
• Canela Bakery: A charming bakery offering freshly baked breads, pastries, and desserts.
• Organic Bytes: A health-conscious bakery providing organic and gluten-free baked goods and snacks.

Private Gourmet and Locally-Sourced Catering

• Cornerstone Catering: A top catering service in Banff offering tailored menus and exceptional service for events and gatherings.
• Patti’s Pantry Catering: A trusted catering company providing delicious, homemade-style meals for any occasion.

How Can Sustainability Be Incorporated Into a Banff Ceremony in Unique Ways?

Instead of opting for traditional travel arrangements, lovers can invite their family and friends to contribute to their ceremony in heartfelt ways, such as writing letters of wisdom for marriage or sharing their favorite memories. Those eloping can read these letters aloud during or after the ceremony, creating a touching connection to their community while keeping the focus on their love. For family and friends inclined toward modern touches, creating videos instead of letters can add a personalized flair to the wedding proceedings. 

Additionally, lovers can take a moment during the ceremony, perhaps during or after vows, to acknowledge and thank the land they are standing on, especially if there isn’t an officiant present to do so. 

Another thoughtful and sustainable gesture to mark your wedding day is by planting a flower or tree! When you opt to invest in our eco-conscious services at The Organic Moment, we’ll honor your special day by planting trees. The number of trees we plant directly corresponds to the day of the month you exchange vows. This act not only celebrates the journey of love and lifelong growth you’ll experience as lovers but also positively impacts the environment while supporting our commitment to embracing sustainable wedding practices. 

Are There Any Specific Regulations Or Guidelines For Planning A Sustainable Wedding In Banff National Park?

Following the Leave No Trace guidelines and ethics is paramount when exploring the delicate ecosystems of places like Banff National Park. As a photographer and videographer team that loves the environment, we prioritize staying on designated trails during elopements to protect the fragile flora and minimize human impact on the environment. 

Adhering to Banff National Park’s rules and regulations, particularly those concerning wildlife conservation, is crucial. During your elopement, we’ll emphasize the significance of not feeding or approaching animals, as such interactions can have dire consequences for humans and wildlife. By respecting wildlife and their habitats, we can help preserve Banff’s natural beauty for future generations. 

Furthermore, when engaging in recreational activities such as boating, it’s imperative to follow regulations and cleanliness protocols to prevent the spread of invasive species and maintain the integrity of the park’s waterways. Taking these precautions ensures that our enjoyment of Banff’s pristine wilderness doesn’t come at the expense of its ecological health and biodiversity.

What Are Some Ways To Support Or Give Back To The Environment And Community After A Banff National Park Wedding? 

One way to make a meaningful contribution during a wedding celebration in Banff National Park is to encourage friends and family to donate to organizations instead of giving traditional gifts. Supporting Indigenous communities and organizations can be particularly impactful. Additionally, directly contributing to wildlife conservation efforts or local conservation initiatives helps ensure your time spent in Banff had a positive impact. Here is an excellent list of local organizations accepting contributions. 

Are You Ready To Plan A Sustainable Wedding or Elopement In Banff National Park?

Hi, we’re Liz and Jason, a sustainable photographer and videographer duo! We love crafting intentional and meaningful moments while capturing lovers’ raw and authentic connections on the journey to “I Do!” If you’re planning a sustainable wedding or elopement in Banff, we’d love to help bring your ceremony dreams to life! You can share your love story, vision, and more with Jason and me through our inquiry form. And remember to check out our Banff elopement packages and our travel page! Interested in learning more about planning an eco-friendly celebration? Take a look at our Eco-Friendly Elopement Planning Guide! We also have an awesome freebie available for download on our website that helps lovers figure out How To Choose Their Dream Elopement Destination!