Choosing to get married in Canmore already tells me you are not into cookie-cutter weddings.

You’re probably daydreaming about exchanging vows with the Three Sisters as your witnesses or envisioning an intimate elopement by one of Canmore’s many beautiful lakes. 

Maybe the only thing you’re sure of right now is that Canmore is where your heart wants to say, “I do.”

Either way, you’ve come to the right place. 
As a local Canmore wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all and am here to share all the intel on getting married in this magical mountain town. From tips on choosing your Rocky Mountain wedding attire to my secret stash of the best photo locations, I’ve got you covered. 

Please feel free to screenshot, copy, and paste and use any tips you find helpful!

Canmore wedding topics in this article:

Why Choose Canmore

You want a unique and beautiful wedding, and that’s exactly Canmore’s jam.

A cross between small-town charm and world-class amenities, Canmore invites you to live like a local while being surrounded by mountain beauty.

Here, your wedding won’t be just an event—it will be an experience that’ll leave your guests breathless (and not just from the altitude🥰).

The Best Times to Get Married in Canmore 

Maybe I’m biased—being a Canmore local wedding photographer—but over here, there is no such thing as a bad time to tie the knot.

Every season brings its magic. All that matters is what you picture for your wedding.

• Summer (June-August): Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? This is your time. Longer days and warm temperatures make for perfect al fresco celebrations. Just remember to book early!
• Fall (September-October): Want the colors of fall framing your pictures? Book mid-September! October might bring some snow, but softly falling flakes are their magic.
• Winter (November-March): Do you fancy snow or cozy indoor receptions? A winter wedding might be your ticket to a magical mountain wonderland.

Remember, whatever your choice, your mountain wedding will be one for the books!

How to Get Legally Married in Canmore

Now that we’ve got the timing settled, let’s talk about the legal stuff. You must have a marriage license before you can say “I do” in the Rockies. 

Get one through any registry agent in Alberta within 3 months before your wedding day. The best part? In Canmore, you need no residency permission to wed!

$40, two witnesses aged 18 or older, plus you and your partner’s government-issued photo ID, and you’re good to go!

As for shooting permits, I will take care of that on my end (if you choose me as your photographer)

Canmore Wedding Venues

Ah! The necessary evil of weddings and one of the biggest hurdles too: Finding a wedding venue.

It’s tempting to want to skip this step for a while and move on to the more fun things, like dress shopping.

However, where you hold your wedding pretty much dictates the rest of your planning. 

You don’t want to spend money on a dress only to find that it doesn’t match the vibe of your chosen venue.

From reception spaces and spaces for outdoor ceremonies to affordable spaces that help you get creative with your budget, I hope this list saves you some of the stress of the hunt for a wedding venue in Canmore.

✅ Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

+1 (403) 762-1235| Directions to Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

Just a short 20-minute drive from Banff, this venue offers breathtaking mountain views that’ll make your heart skip a beat. It’s dog-friendly and easily accessible for event rental companies. With space for up to 150 guests, it’s perfect for those who want to say “I do” surrounded by nature’s grandeur.

✅ Silvertip Resort

+1 402 678 1600 | Directions to Silver Tip Resort

Imagine exchanging vows with a backdrop of rolling greens and majestic peaks. Silvertip Resort offers just that, plus the bonus of being able to accommodate up to 200 guests for your reception. It’s a great way to see the mountains and be out in nature, even if you have zero interest in golf.

The views you get on these courses are pretty hard to find elsewhere. You’d have to do an insane hike to get to the elevation required to get the views.

✅ Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club 

+1 (877) 993-4653 | Directions

This hidden gem combines rustic charm with elegant sophistication. Perfect for intimate gatherings, it can host up to 80 people for both your ceremony and reception. The panoramic mountain vistas will leave your guests in awe, making for unforgettable wedding photos.

✅ The Malcolm Hotel:  

+1 (403) 812-0680 Directions

Want to feel like royalty on your big day? The Malcolm Hotel offers a private rooftop balcony and elegant ballrooms with mountain vistas that’ll make you feel on top of the world. With a capacity for about 100 guests, it’s ideal for those seeking a touch of luxury in their mountain wedding.

✅Cornerstone Ranch

+1 403 609 0004 | Directions

 As a preferred vendor here 💅, I can tell you firsthand that Cornerstone Ranch is a dream come true for nature-loving couples. 

Hold your ceremony in a private, forested space with sweeping mountain views. With in-house catering, decor, and beverage services, plus day-of wedding coordination, they’ve got you covered. 

Perfect for weddings of 80-200 guests.

Indoor Wedding Venues in Canmore

✅ The Iron Goat

+1 (403) 609-0222| Directions

With amazing mountain views from the top floor and lots of wonderful photo opportunities, The Iron Goat is a great choice. It’s also got a good atmosphere if you’ll have kids around.

✅The Sensory Restaurant and Event Space: 

+1 (403) 812-0837 |Directions

Offering a beautiful view of the Three Sisters from their patio, The Sensory is perfect for couples who want to combine gourmet dining with breathtaking scenery.

Stunning Wedding Portrait Locations in Canmore

If you’ve stuck with me this far, then you deserve to know these stunning wedding portrait spots in Canmore. They’re all within a 10-minute drive from Canmore venues:

✅ Quarry Lake: versatile with many different mountain views, a gorgeous corridor of trees, and a small lake. Note: You have to pay to use the parking lot.

✅Rundle Forebay Reservoir: Right beside the Canmore Nordic Center, nestled between Ha Ling and Rundle peaks.

✅Three Sisters Viewpoint at Policeman Creek: A bit of a trek but worth it for amazing Three Sisters views and still, reflective water. 

Other stunning portrait locations in Canmore include:

Larch Island, Grassi Lakes, Canmore Engine Bridge, Policeman Creek Boardwalk, and Riverside Park, to name a few. 

Affordable Wedding Venues in Canmore

We can both agree that “inexpensive” and “Canmore” don’t often go together in a sentence. But one thing Canmore is not going to do is leave you with no options.

If you are looking at chic and affordable wedding venues in Canmore, here you go: 

✅ Main Space 

Direction to Main Space

Main Space in Canmore is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch to make it shine. Modern, intimate, and chic, this venue is perfect if you prefer a small wedding of up to 60 guests. 

✅Canmore Seniors Centre

+1 (403) 678-2457 | Directions

I’ve shot here, and let me tell you, the outside space is nice! It’s easily accessible for guests and offers a whole weekend booking, giving you ample time for setup and takedown.

✅Canmore Miners Union Hall:

+1 (403) 609-2007 | Directions

This versatile space is perfect for a wedding reception and can be done with beautiful decor.

With a kitchen that’s a great fit for any caterer and a room for about 100 guests, it’s a fantastic budget-friendly option.

Remember: Always check if additional permits are required for outdoor locations, especially in provincial parks.

Best Reception Spaces in Canmore

Here are a couple of the best reception spaces for weddings in Canmore: 

✅ The Gem:

+1 (587) 575-2020| Directions to the Gem

New, gorgeous, and perfect for small to medium-sized weddings, The Gem can accommodate up to 160 seated guests or 200 standing guests. It’s close to Banff if you want to have your ceremony at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir. The best part? They provide everything from onsite rentals to gorgeous chairs, cutlery, and glassware.

✅ Bill Warren Training Centre: 

+1 (403) 678-5759| Directions

 Tucked up a bit from Canmore, this venue offers a stunning view of the town nestled in the mountains. It can be transformed into a gorgeous reception space and doesn’t need much decor because it’s already beautiful!

Canmore Wedding Attire Guide

When it comes to choosing your Rockies wedding attire, the goal is to hit the sweet spot between practical and elegant. 

As a bride, you may want to choose attire that doesn’t have a long train since beautiful mountain locations require a bit of walking through nature.

However, a long train is also amazing! Just know that it won’t stay pristine the whole day. You could also consider having removable layers or stylish cover-ups for when the mountain breeze kicks in. 

Grooms can opt for breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes for outdoor photos. The goal is to look hot, not feel hot. 😂

As for your guests, advise them to bring layers and comfortable footwear for outdoor venues, especially when it cools down in the evening.

Moreover, Canmore venues have been known to speak for themselves. 

Enjoy the natural elements. Take in the sweeping Mountain views—you’re the lucky couple who’ll be saying “yes” to forever in these beautiful mountains!

Recommended Canmore Wedding Vendors

Here are some of the vendors behind the mountain weddings you love. They are all very talented people you can trust. I have linked their portfolios or at least a contact number below. 

Florists:

• Hawthorn Plains: Calgary-based, but services Canmore often.
• Adventure Floral (Calgary-based, services Canmore)
• Alpine Blooms
• Willow Flower Co

Hair and Makeup:

• Julia Joy Beauty Co 
• Glamaway beauty
• Kayley Ashley Beauty
• Lilies and Lace

DJs

• Revolution Entertainment: +1 (780) 452-5211
• Pez Productions: +(403) 980-2172
• Class Act DJ- +1 (800) 661-6044
• Bow Valley DJ

Officiants:

• Married by Cole
• Hitched by Dustin
• Cheryl Cooper
• Love Speaks

More Tips for Your Canmore Wedding

Canmore is pretty chill, but here are more things I’ve learned that can elevate your Canmore wedding experience:

Budgeting:

• Indoor venues can be cost-savers as you’re paying for two perks with the value of one.

• Consider high-quality faux flowers to save money and avoid allergy issues.

• Not big on dancing? Skip the DJ and plan activities you’ll enjoy.

• Opt for a brunch wedding with breakfast foods; it’s often cheaper and people tend to go easier on the alcohol.

• Consider a weekday wedding to save on costs and have more venue options, especially during peak season.

Choosing Vendors:

• Do your homework. I suggest choosing vendors with licenses over unverified vendors on Facebook Marketplace.

Guest Welfare:

• Give your guests a heads-up about appropriate attire. Stilettos and mountains don’t mix!

• Consider transportation for your guests if you’re venturing to more remote spots.

Canmore Etiquette:

• Respect the wildlife—they were here first! If you make wildlife change its course of direction, you’re too close

Whew! We’ve covered a lot, haven’t we?

But here is the most important thing to remember: your Canmore wedding is about celebrating your love in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. 

Don’t get too caught up in the details and forget to enjoy this magical time.

And hey, if you’re feeling like your head is about to explode or you just want to chat with a local, that’s what I’m here for! 

Whether you need help finding the perfect photo spots, want the lowdown on awesome vendors, or just need a friendly ear when wedding planning gets tough, I’ve got you covered.

After all, I’ve been capturing love stories in these mountains for years, and I’d be thrilled to help make your Canmore wedding dreams come true!