How to Plan a Backcountry Elopement
January 24, 2025
Planning a backcountry elopement is all about combining your love for the great outdoors with one of the most important days of your life. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows in the shadow of a rugged peak or celebrating your commitment by a pristine alpine lake, the Canadian Rockies offer unparalleled beauty and adventure. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a memorable backcountry elopement in Banff, Kananaskis, and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose a Backcountry Elopement
- Types of Backcountry Elopements
- Picking the Perfect Location
- Best Time of Year for a Backcountry Elopement
- How to Elope in Iconic Backcountry Destinations
- Best Backpacking Trips for Your Elopement
- Backcountry Huts for Your Elopement
- Best Backcountry Lodges in the Canadian Rockies
- What to Pack for a Backcountry Elopement
- Safety and Planning Tips
Why Choose a Backcountry Elopement?
Backcountry elopements are perfect for couples who crave intimacy, adventure, and a deep connection with nature. Instead of a traditional wedding venue, you get to celebrate your love in a breathtaking, secluded setting. Imagine hiking to a serene mountaintop, exchanging vows under a glacier, or cozying up in a rustic hut surrounded by towering peaks.
Plus, a backcountry elopement lets you skip the stress of a big wedding while focusing on what truly matters: each other.
Types of Backcountry Elopements
1. Backpacking Elopements
For the adventurous couple, backpacking into the wilderness is a magical way to elope. Carry everything you need on your back, spend the night under the stars, and wake up to sweeping mountain views for your ceremony. This options allows you to get a little off the beaten track and there are even incredible locations in the Rockies that allow random camping so no need to book anything (just make sure you have the appropriate permits).
2. Hut-Based Elopements
Backcountry huts provide a cozy, rustic base for your elopement. They’re perfect if you’d rather not carry a tent or if you’re planning a winter elopement. Options like the Elizabeth Parker Hut in Yoho National Park offer incredible settings for your special day. Check out this intimate hut elopement with dogs for some inspo!
3. Backcountry Lodge Elopements
If you’re looking for a mix of comfort and wilderness, backcountry lodges are a great option. Places like Skoki Lodge or Assiniboine Lodge combine luxurious accommodations with stunning landscapes, making them ideal for couples who want a little extra pampering. This is your elopement day after all, so feel free to go all out if you want to!
Picking the Perfect Location
Choosing the right spot for your backcountry elopement is key. Consider scenery, accessibility, and your comfort level with hiking or skiing. Some iconic locations include:
- Banff National Park: Think turquoise lakes and dramatic peaks.
- Kananaskis Country: Known for its rugged beauty and quieter trails.
- Yoho National Park: Home to incredible spots like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls.
Make sure to research permits and regulations, as many parks require you to apply for backcountry camping permits (either in campgrounds or in remote wilderness locations).
Best Time of Year for a Backcountry Elopement
Each season in the Canadian Rockies offers its own unique charm:
- Spring (May-June): Snow is melting, waterfalls are roaring, and wildflowers start to bloom. Be prepared for variable weather and definitely snow at higher elevations.
- Summer (July-August): The most accessible time of year with warm weather and snow-free trails. Summer is for sure the busy season in the Rockies, but for a reason. This is usually when we recommend most backcountry elopements take place.
- Fall (September-October): Larch trees turn golden, and the crowds thin out. Cooler temperatures make for crisp, beautiful mornings.
- Winter (November-April): A snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, or hut stays. Winter elopements require extra preparation but are incredibly magical.
How to Elope in Iconic Backcountry Destinations
Elope at Mount Assiniboine
Mount Assiniboine, often called the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” is a bucket-list destination. Accessible via a multi-day hike or helicopter, this stunning area offers sweeping alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and dramatic peaks. Accommodation options include the Assiniboine Lodge or nearby campgrounds.
Pro Tip: Book your heli rides or lodge stays well in advance, as they fill up quickly.
Elope at Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park is a dream destination for backcountry elopements. Its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and larch forests, make it a photographer’s paradise. Due to limited access, you’ll need to reserve your spot through Parks Canada months ahead.
Pro Tip: Plan a sunrise or sunset ceremony to capture the best light and avoid crowds.
Best Backpacking Trips for Your Elopement
For couples who want to combine adventure and intimacy, these backpacking trips in Banff, Kananaskis, and Yoho are perfect options:
1. Skoki Valley (Banff National Park)
- Distance: 22 km round trip
- Highlights: Alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and views of Skoki Mountain.
- Interesting Features: Skoki Lodge, a historic backcountry lodge, and nearby campsites make this an excellent choice.
- How to Book: Skoki Lodge reservations are required if you’re staying overnight. For camping, check Parks Canada for permits.
2. Egypt Lake (Banff National Park)
- Distance: 24 km round trip
- Highlights: Stunning lake views, lush meadows, and waterfalls.
- Interesting Features: Egypt Lake Shelter, a rustic hut for overnight stays.
- How to Book: Reserve through Parks Canada for backcountry camping or shelter stays.
3. Northover Ridge (Kananaskis Country)
- Distance: 32 km loop
- Highlights: Jaw-dropping ridgeline views, alpine lakes, and rugged terrain.
- Interesting Features: A challenging and rewarding option for experienced hikers.
- How to Book: Aster Lake and Three Isle Lake can be reserved through Alberta Parks.
4. Floe Lake (Kootenay National Park)
- Distance: 21 km round trip
- Highlights: Towering cliffs of the Rockwall, a serene alpine lake, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Interesting Features: A great blend of scenic beauty and moderate difficulty.
- How to Book: Reserve backcountry campsites through Parks Canada.
5. Iceline Trail (Yoho National Park)
- Distance: 21 km loop
- Highlights: Close-up views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and Takakkaw Falls.
- Interesting Features: One of Yoho’s most scenic trails, perfect for adventurous couples.
- How to Book: Reserve backcountry campsites through Parks Canada.
6. Hermit Meadows (Glacier National Park)
- Distance: 6 km round trip
- Highlights: Short and steep and one of the best effort to rewards ratio in the area.
- Interesting Features: Wood tent pads dot the alpine environment.
- How to Book: Reserve backcountry campsites through Parks Canada.
Backcountry Huts for Your Elopement
Huts offer a cozy and practical option for backcountry elopements. Here are some top picks:
- Elizabeth Parker Hut (Yoho National Park): Nestled in a meadow with views of Lake O’Hara.
- Stanley Mitchell Hut (Yoho National Park): A charming hut in the Little Yoho Valley, surrounded by waterfalls and peaks.
- Bow Hut (Banff National Park): Close to the Wapta Icefield, perfect for glacier lovers.
Best Backcountry Lodges in the Canadian Rockies
If you’re dreaming of luxury in the wilderness, backcountry lodges are an excellent choice:
- Skoki Lodge (Banff): A historic lodge with cozy cabins and unbeatable hospitality.
- Shadow Lake Lodge (Banff): Tucked away in a tranquil valley, this lodge offers stunning scenery and comfort.
- Assiniboine Lodge: The oldest backcountry lodge in Canada, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views.
- Lake O’Hara Lodge (Yoho): Exclusive and picturesque, this lodge is perfect for a small, intimate celebration.
What to Pack for a Backcountry Elopement
Packing smart is crucial for a successful backcountry elopement. Here’s a quick checklist:
Essentials
- Hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing
- Backpacking backpack, poles, tent and sleeping set up (if required)
- Headlamps, first aid kit, and navigation tools
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Camp kitchen equipment & food
- Water purification supplies
Wedding-Specific Items
- Dress or suit or whatever attire you want to wear (lightweight and packable fabrics are ideal)
- Bouquet or boutonnière
- Vow books and rings
- Any personal details you want
Safety and Planning Tips
- Hire a guide or knowledgeable photographer: Someone familiar with backcountry travel can help with navigation and safety (pssst.. we are really experienced with this)
- Check the weather and trail conditions: Always have a backup plan in case conditions change.
- Pack out everything: Leave no trace to keep these beautiful places pristine.
- Emergency preparedness: Bring a first aid kit, bear spray, and a satellite communication device if you’ll be in remote areas.
Conclusion
A backcountry elopement in the Canadian Rockies is a truly unforgettable way to start your married life together. With careful planning, the right gear, and a sense of adventure, you can create a wedding day that’s as wild and beautiful as your love. If you need help planning or capturing your dream elopement, Elope Wilder is here to guide you every step of the way!
