A Canmore elopement can be a magical experience. With breathtaking mountain landscapes serving as the backdrop to your special day, eloping to Canmore for a small, intimate wedding will be an unforgettable experience.

But what do you need to know about eloping in Canmore? Here’s our guide to venues, things to consider and a few key tips:

Key Takeaways

• Canmore provides stunning mountain backdrops for elopements.
• Canmore elopements provide couples with the freedom to design the wedding they want.
• It can still be important to book venues early for your Canmore elopement.

What Is Elopement?

Historically, eloping often meant couples were being sneaky and leaving town to secretly get married without the permission or consent of their parents. In modern times, though, the definition has changed, and when most people think of elopement, they think of small, out-of-town weddings that minimize many of the more traditional elements of larger weddings.

What Should an Elopement Include?

This is entirely up to the two people getting married, and one of the great things about eloping is that it lets you define your wedding day. Maybe that includes a small list of guests or maybe it’s just you, your bride-or-groom-to-be and an officiant. 

For many couples who choose to elope, the location is one of the most important things to figure out. It could be a place where you shared a special experience, or it could be a bucket-list destination you’ve always wanted to visit together, but picking the right location is a big part of making your elopement magical.

Why Elope in Canmore?

Canmore is a popular wedding destination for a reason. The Canadian Rocky Mountains that surround the town provide an unrivalled backdrop for weddings, sweetening your special day. The same is true for Canmore elopements. 

While couples who choose to elope in Canmore may be choosing to forego some of the expensive traditions that come with bigger weddings, that doesn’t mean they don’t want the day where they exchange their vows to be any less special. Canmore provides a gorgeous mountain backdrop, has all the modern conveniences you’ll need, and has small, intimate venues that are perfect for your Canmore wedding elopement.

What Are the Best Canmore Elopement Venues?

Most elopements in Canmore will have smaller guest lists, and that means you’ll be looking for a more intimate venue that still brings a sense of romance and majesty to your special day. Here are a few great options:

1. Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is one of the town’s premier wedding venues for a reason, and if you’re looking to have a Canmore elopement, it might be exactly what you’re looking for. Why?

• The larger Wildrose Ballroom can be divided into 4 smaller spaces
• Options for plated or buffet-style dinners
• Round tables that seat up to 8 guests will accommodate your guests
• Special room rates for guests at your wedding in the hotel
• A head table, black or white napkins, tablecloths and skirting

If you choose to elope at one of Canmore’s outdoor wedding venues, the Coast Canmore can also serve as the perfect place to return with your new husband or wife. 

2. TABLE Food + Drink

One of Canmore’s very best restaurants, TABLE Food + Drink has a beautiful and private room that can seat up to 30 guests. It’s a gorgeous venue for small weddings and Canmore elopements.

Table Food + Drink offers a wedding package that includes:

• A 3-course plated dinner
• A 1-night stay in the bridal suite
• A prosecco table
• Tables, chairs and place settings, as well as a cake or guestbook table

3. Canmore Golf and Curling Club

The Canmore Golf and Curling Club is located on the edge of town and has a patio with an absolutely unbeatable view of the mountains. It’s great for small weddings, including Canmore elopements.

Note: Any of the venues listed in our guide, 7 Small Wedding Venues in Canmore, would also be great for Canmore elopements. However, many are booked far in advance, so securing one for a last-minute elopement may be challenging.

Canmore Elopement Tips for Your Special Day 

A Canmore elopement is a special occasion for any couple, and just because you choose to have a smaller, more intimate wedding day, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t feel like the biggest day of your life. Here are a few Canmore elopement tips to make sure you get the special day you deserve:

1. Decide on a Budget

A Canmore elopement may not cost as much as a bigger wedding, but the expenses can add up fast. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and then prioritize the things that matter most to you. That might include rings, photography or the meal you serve family and friends.

2. Book Early

While traditional elopements may have been seen as last-minute decisions, that’s not what modern elopements generally entail. If you’re looking for a wedding venue on a specific day, make sure you book it early. Competition for spaces can be fierce, especially on weekends and during the busy summer months.

3. Pick Your Season

For Canmore elopements, it’s important to consider what you want the weather to be like on your big day. It gets cold in the winter, but many couples love that. Summer is a popular time for weddings, but you’re also dealing with bigger crowds. This is especially important if any part of your Canmore elopement will be outdoors.

4. Have a Photographer

Even if your Canmore elopement will only include you and your partner, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to capture the day and share it with family and friends who weren’t in attendance. In fact, photographers might be more important at elopements than traditional weddings for that exact reason.

5. Know the Legal Requirements

An elopement is no less official than any other wedding, and you’ll want to make sure you know what’s legally required. In Alberta, for example, you need at least two adult witnesses. Make sure you know the rules to prevent future issues.

Book Your Canmore Elopement Today

Your wedding day is a huge personal milestone, and that’s true whether you’re having a big ceremony with hundreds of guests or if you and your partner elope. If you do choose a Canmore elopement, the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre has everything you need to make the day extra special.

Start planning your dream elopement in Canmore today.