Intimate Banff Wedding at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir
This intimate Banff wedding marked the 100th official elopement we’ve photographed! Banff, Alberta Canada is home to some of the most majestic and picturesque mountains in the world. The town of Banff was incorporated as a municipality in 1990. It is one of two Canadian towns located inside of a National Park. This space really has it all! The landscapes are truly stunning, and there are a plethora of hiking trails and scenic spaces to explore. Downtown, there are many adorable shops and restaurants that provide unique experiences for you to enjoy!
A Banff Wedding Amidst the Picturesque Canadian Landscapes
Our friends, Natalie and Zach, exchanged private vows at sunrise in Banff National Park. At sunset, they had an intimate Banff wedding at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir with their closest friends and family. As a Canada elopement photographer team, it was truly an honor to capture this wildly charming intimate Banff wedding!
Intimate Banff Wedding First Look & Private Vows
We met Natalie and Zach just before dawn at a trailhead for their first look and subsequent private vow ceremony. It gets very busy in this area, particularly in the summer. So we scouted ahead of time to find some private areas that were perfect for this! Nestled amidst vibrant pine trees, these cuties shared a sweet and tearful first look in the quiet of the morning.
Soon, we hiked over a nearby ridge for a most magical sunrise elopement vow ceremony. In the calm of the brightening morning, Natalie & Zach readied themselves and had their private vow ceremony. Their vows echoed in the serene landscape. All around was quiet – it was as if you could hear a teardrop dampen the soft ground below. This would not be possible just about any other time of day.
Afterward, we visited another blue glacial lake and welcomed the fresh heat from the rising sun on our skin. It’s well worth the early wake-up call for the privacy that sunrise typically provides. This morning session was its own adventure and one that created a meaningful space with profound memories. This was merely the beginning of a full day of natural beauty, exploration, and celebration!
Maximizing Quality Time in a Shared Space
As the day unfolded, we witnessed the thoughtful efficiency of Natalie and Zach’s planning. They rented two adjoining Airbnbs which became a haven for creating shared memories with their friends and family. Cleverly, one side was designated for later hours, and the other was for those wanting to go to bed a little earlier. It was a brilliant way to maximize quality time and create a welcoming and comfortable space for everybody!
Tunnel Mountain Ceremony with Guests
Unconventionally, Natalie and Zach opted to eat dinner with guests before their ceremony since the sun sets so late in Banff, Alberta during the summer. The light can be a little harsh until about 7 o’clock or even later, and it was simply smarter and more efficient to do it this way. They supplemented their dinner with snacks and champagne that everyone got to enjoy after the ceremony.
Kevin officiated, and a few other guests contributed as well. Both of their parents spoke and Zach even crafted a beautiful wooden time capsule where everyone placed letters inside that will be opened on their first anniversary. It’s even equipped with a nice bottle of wine! This unity ceremony is really great because it is inclusive of every guest. The best man conducted a passing of the rings where everyone held Natalie & Zach’s rings to imbue them with well wishes and love.
Sunset with Friends
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Natalie and Zach cut their cake and popped a bottle of sparkling water for an effervescent effect that didn’t harm the environment or waste any of that sweet bubbly! Many of their guests made toasts, and it was really something to simply enjoy the lavender sunset in the midst of so much love and joy. We all stayed until the light had mostly faded and the stars began dotting the night sky.
Attention to Detail
Natalie and Zach were very thoughtful and creative about their elopement details. In addition to their time capsule, they had a custom handkerchief made, tote bags, vow books, cake stand, and more! Oftentimes, it’s the minutiae that hold our memories the closest. If you find joy in small details, we encourage you to search on Etsy for specialized artists and even make your own keepsakes and mementos to commemorate your special day.
In the heart of Banff, Alberta Canada, Natalie and Zach experienced a day that celebrated their union and fully reflected the thoughtfulness, emotion, and love that defines their true connection. As storytellers who truly cherish these moments, please consider how much meaning and fulfillment an intimate elopement ceremony can bring to your wedding day!
Meet Your Banff Wedding Photographer Team!
If you’re dreaming of an intimate Banff wedding or elopement in Canada that captures the essence of your relationship, let us be your guides. As destination wedding photographers and adventure elopement photographers, we bring a unique blend of passion and experience to craft timeless artistry imbued with your love. Contact us, and let’s embark on a journey where this chapter of your love story is written within the breathtaking landscapes of the world.
Vendors:
Elopement Photographers: Run Wild With Me Photography
Ceremony Arch and Benches: JMWilkinson Wedding & Events
Brides Dress: The Wedding Shoppe in Berkley, MI
Grooms Suit: Joshua Gold
Wedding Cake: Kake by Darci
Rings / Jewelry: Miner’s Den
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Julia Joy
Florist: Blue Lakes Floral Design
Restaurant: Chuck’s Steakhouse
