Eloping at Shadow Lake Lodge in Banff National Park
Table of Contents
- Where is Shadow Lake Lodge
- How to Get to Shadow Lake Lodge
- Why Elope at Shadow Lake Lodge
- Best Time of Year to Elope at Shadow Lake Lodge
- A Simple Multi-Day Elopement Flow
- Hiring Experienced Shadow Lake Lodge Photographers
Thinking about eloping at Shadow Lake Lodge? We couldn’t be more excited for you! Shadow Lake Lodge is ideal for couples who want a true backcountry experience in Banff National Park without fully roughing it. You hike, bike, or ski into the mountains, stay a few nights, slow right down, and get married somewhere that feels intentional while you’re immersed in some of the most stunning scenery you’ve ever seen. With heated private cabins, hot showers, and a full kitchen waiting for you at the end of the day, it really is a hidden gem in Banff. Here is everything you need to know to plan your Shadow Lake Lodge elopement and then get in touch with us and let’s book your best adventure yet!
Where Is Shadow Lake Lodge?
Shadow Lake Lodge is located deep in Banff National Park. It is a backcountry lodge, which means there is no road access. While there are a couple different ways to get to the lodge, most couples approach from the Redearth Creek area, hiking (or biking, or skiing) approximately 14 km one way along an old fire road for about 10km of the way and then a forested path and boardwalks the rest of the way. If you’re flying into Calgary, you will need to rent a car to get to this trailhead.
Because the lodge sits inside a national park, eloping here requires some planning around permits, timelines, and logistics. Once you arrive, though, it feels quiet, remote, and completely disconnected from the craziness that can be Banff.
How to Get to Shadow Lake Lodge
Getting to Shadow Lake Lodge is definitely part of the experience! In the warmer months, couples typically hike in or bike part of the way before hiking the final section. The trail is steady and manageable for active couples, especially when you are staying multiple nights and not trying to rush the experience. Because your packs will heavier than a normal backcountry trip thanks to all the extra wedding gear and the bougie food you might want to bring in, we can go pretty slow and take as many breaks as needed!
In winter, access shifts to skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking. The approach becomes slower and a whole different vibe. If you are comfortable travelling in winter conditions (the trail does pass through some avalanche paths), a winter elopement here can feel very quiet and private.
Why Elope At Shadow Lake Lodge?
Luxury backcountry accommodations, stunning scenery, and an elopement experience that just lets you relax and be with your favourite person… eloping at Shadow Lake Lodge is truly one of the best ways to elope!
Shadow Lake Lodge works so well for elopements because it gives you time and space, not just a quick ceremony moment. You can spend a few days there, playing cards, reading, watching the sunrises and sunsets, stargazing, and really just being in the moment and enjoying the beginning of this new chapter together. It will become one of those places that you two come back to in the future and reminisce about where it all started and where life has taken you since.
Luxury Backcountry Accommodations
In terms of backcountry amenities, it’s hard to beat. You stay in private cabins with real beds, heat, and solar power. Each cabin has a cute little front porch where you can take in the valley views. There are hot showers available in a shared building, which honestly feel extra luxurious after a day outside. The lodge also has a fully equipped communal kitchen with stoves, a fridge, drinking water, and cookware, making it easy to prepare proper meals. It’s attached to a dining room but you can also eat outside or on your front porch. There is even a small on-site store stocked with snacks and drinks (including celebratory beverages – yessss please!). There is also the restored CPR cabin with a wood burning stove and an assortment of games and books in there for your use!
If you want to elope at Shadow Lake Lodge but also can’t imagine getting married without all of your favourite people, there is also the option to fully book out the lodge for an intimate wedding, which honestly would be such a cool way to do things! The max capacity is 35 guests in the 12 cabins and you exclusive use of the entirety of the lodge. There is a two-night minimum for this and you can find out more by inquiring with their group bookings.
We do want to note that dogs are not allowed at Shadow Lake Lodge, but we have lots of tips on how to include your pets in your elopement even if they’re not present.
Stunning Scenery
There are an abundance of different areas to explore around Shadow Lake Lodge, which makes it a great base for your elopement adventure. Want to say your vows on top of a mountain with 360 degree views? Check. Want to spend a quiet morning lakeside watching the sun light up the surrounding peaks? Check. Want to explore fields of wildflowers or larch forests? Check. Want to frolic barefoot in a field as the sun sets and then watch for shooting stars? Check. We can tailor your elopement to exactly how much and what kind of adventure you’re looking for. And because we will be there for a few days, we can explore multiple places and capture the two of you not only in your wedding attire having the adventure of a lifetime, but also in those quiet moments having coffee together on the front porch or playing your favourite card game late into the evening next to the fireplace.
Best Time of Year to Elope at Shadow Lake Lodge
Shadow Lake offers some of Banff’s best scenery and unforgettable experiences in every season, but some are definitely better for elopements depending on what kind of adventure you’re dreaming of. The lodge is open seasonally, from January to April and June to October.
If you imagine an elopement filled with sunshine, warm weather, wildflowers, and fully enjoying the outdoors, then summer (July & August) is the best time to elope at Shadow Lake. The days are long, the skies are bright blue, and the mountains are at their most vibrant. Summer is perfect for hiking up to those spots with views for days, watching the sunrise or sunset over the lake, or even taking a quick dip in the cool alpine waters. Everything is alive, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the views are absolutely epic. That being said, this time of year does often come with afternoon thunderstorms (ask us about the time we were stormed off a mountain by Shadow Lake), but being out at the lodge for a few days means we have flexibility to work with the weather windows.
If you’re craving a more private and intimate elopement with fewer people around, then fall (September-October) or late spring (June) are amazing options. Fall brings crisp air, golden larches, and stunning autumn colours reflected in the lake. It is ideal for couples who love that cozy, peaceful feeling while surrounded by nature’s beauty. Late spring is when the snow melts from the higher trails, wildflowers start popping up, and wildlife becomes more active. It is a fresh, lively season that feels like the perfect reset and a chance to celebrate in the mountains as they start to wake up.
Winter (January-April) is for couples who are drawn to a dramatic, quiet, and truly magical setting. The lake and mountains are blanketed in snow, the forests are still, and the whole backcountry feels like your private winter wonderland. If you don’t mind chilly temperatures, you’ll have the trails almost entirely to yourselves, and cozying up in a cabin after your vows feels extra special. Plus, the snow-covered landscape makes for photos that are nothing short of magical.
All in all, there is no wrong time to elope at Shadow Lake. It all comes down to what kind of experience you want. Whether you want summer adventure, fall colours, spring vibes, or a winter wonderland, Shadow Lake will deliver breathtaking views, private moments, and a truly unforgettable elopement.
A Simple Multi-Day Elopement Flow
Most Shadow Lake Lodge elopements work best as a three day experience.
Day One is all about getting there and settling in. We can hike or ski into the lodge, unpack, explore nearby areas, and ease into the adventure. This is a great day for relaxed photos, writing your private vows, reading letters from loved ones, and an early night.
Day Two usually includes an early start for your ceremony and portraits somewhere scenic nearby, followed by a slow afternoon back at the lodge. Cooking together, napping, wandering, and playing games are all part of the plan. We can stay up and capture sunset portraits as well and even plan for a night of stargazing if the weather is looking clear.
Day Three can include optional sunrise photos closer to the lodge, a final breakfast, and a relaxed hike back out.
We intentionally keep exact locations flexible and tailor every timeline to each specific couple and what their priorities are. Having this extra time also allows for us to take advantage of weather windows to make the most of your time there and get the photos and experience that you’re dreaming of.
If you are new to backcountry planning, our How to Plan a Backcountry Camping Elopement guide breaks down ideas, packing, and logistics in more detail. Shadow Lake Lodge is also featured in our 15 Best Places to Elope in Alberta if you are still comparing locations.
Hiring Experienced Shadow Lake Lodge Photographers
Shadow Lake Lodge elopements require more than just showing up with a camera. They require thoughtful planning, flexibility, and a solid understanding of the area and backcountry travel.
We have photographed multi-day elopements in places like this for years. We help couples plan timelines that make sense for their desires, the season, and the weather, without overloading the day. We know how to curate the experience to each couple and how to adapt when mountain conditions change.
We also photograph elopements with two photographers, which is especially valuable in backcountry settings. It allows us to document the quiet in-between moments while also capturing the scale of the landscape, all without rushing or staging your experience. Travel is safer in the backcountry and you get two creatives, each with our own vision and strengths. We will document the whole story of your adventure, from the moment we get to the trailhead, to the cozy lodge moments, the epic mountain views, and everything in between, in a way that focuses on authentic storytelling so that you have memories that will last forever.
Are you ready to start planning your Shadow Lake Lodge elopement? Reach out today to learn more about our special Shadow Lake Lodge elopement packages and let’s start planning your best adventure yet!
