Revealed: The Best Wedding Venues in Canmore

As a Rocky Mountains local and Canmore wedding photographer, I may be biased, but I believe Canmore has something to offer for every couple’s style and vision! Nestled in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Canmore is famous for its turquoise blue lakes and stunning mountain scenery (it really is as beautiful as it sounds!), which is why I am thrilled to share a breakdown of the best wedding venues in Canmore! Below, I’ll share a variety of venues, helping you make an informed decision that suits your preferences and requirements. So, let’s get right into it!

Elopements (up to 25 guests)

1. Marvel Pass

For a secluded elopement location near Banff, choose Marvel Pass! Accessible by helicopter at approximately 7200 feet elevation, it offers breathtaking views of larch trees, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks. Most helicopters can accommodate up to 5 passengers, making it perfect for an intimate ceremony.

2. On a Mountain Top

Canmore’s mountains offer unique and adventurous locations for intimate ceremonies and breathtaking photos. However, it’s important to consult with an experienced Canmore photographer (like me!) to help find the best spot based on your abilities, desired views, and guest count. I promise that I will help you find a location that matches your vision, hiking comfortability, and even more – I will help you with a safety checklist so that nothing important is forgotten on your special day!

3. Gap Lake

Gap Lake, a scenic outdoor space just a quick ten minute drive from downtown Canmore, can accommodate up to 15 people for intimate elopements. However, a special event permit is required due to its location within Kananaskis Provincial Park and the fact that it’s always open to the public can affect the privacy you’ll experience.

4. Malcolm Hotel

The Malcolm Hotel offers a Rooftop Stage for elopements, providing panoramic mountain views and hosting up to 20 people. In my opinion, it’s one of the best wedding venues in Canmore. It also has two other event spaces for larger guest counts. On top of that, the fact that it’s a gorgeous 124-room hotel means that your guests don’t need to worry about finding accommodation. Plus, guest’s can enjoy their exclusive rooftop heated pool and hot tubs with incredible views of the Three Sisters Mountain range and Mount Lawrence Grassi.

5. Barrier Lake

Only a short 25-minute drive from Canmore, Barrier Lake offers stunning lake and mountain views. The location is perfect for an intimate wedding of up to 25 people. However, a special event permit is required because it is located within Kananaskis Provincial Park. Similarly to Gap Lake, the openness of the location to the public may impact privacy

6. Evan Thompson Provincial Rec Area / Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge

Located 25 minutes from Canmore, this lookout offers stunning mountain views and is a 5-minute walk from Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge. The lodge provides accommodation options, and the nearby Kananaskis Nordic Spa adds luxury to the whole experience! A special events permit is required for this location, as with other venues in Kananaskis Provincial Park.

Small Weddings (up to 25-50 guests)

1. Riverside Park

Nestled near downtown Canmore, Riverside Park is a scenic choice for small weddings! The space is gorgeous, complete with mountain views, nearby amenities, and space fit for up to 50 people, without a large guest count. Keep in mind, there is no indoor option, and the park is open to the public.

2. The Sensory

If you want a high-end restaurant with Rocky Mountain views, The Sensory is one of the best wedding venues in Canmore! It has three event spaces with occupancies ranging from 15-60 people, providing an intimate and elegant setting. The large windows connect the indoor space with the stunning mountain scenery, creating a memorable celebration (and natural light for your photos!).

3. Lady MacDonald Inn

Located in downtown Canmore, Lady MacDonald Inn is a convenient and charming venue for small weddings. If your drawn to the natural charm and rustic nature of the mountains, Lady MacDonald Inn can accommodate up to 30 guests and provides easy access to nearby outdoor photo locations. Plus, the on-site stay is an added benefit with 13 guest rooms available (so convenient!). 

Larger Weddings (50+ guests)

While I specialize in elopements, I do photograph larger weddings too! Below are some of the best wedding venues in Canmore for guest counts greater than 50 people.

1. Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake in Canmore is an excellent choice for larger weddings in Canmore. First, it offers stunning mountain views in a natural setting, with a deep lake fed by an underground spring (talk about beautiful!). Next, the venue has grassy picnic areas and wooded hiking trails. It can accommodate up to 150 people, but keep in mind there is no indoor option.

2. Rundleview Parkette

If you’re looking for a semi-private outdoor venue with scenic views of Canmore, Rundleview Parkette is a great option. It can accommodate weddings of up to 120 people and is conveniently located near downtown Canmore. This one also has is no indoor option, but it does have one of my favorite views. 

3. Silver Tip Resort

Silver Tip Resort is an perfect venue for larger weddings. It offers two stunning outdoor ceremony spaces with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike most of the other options on this list, the resort has indoor reception spaces that can accommodate up to 180 people, ensuring a seamless transition from ceremony to celebration!

4. Stewart Creek Golf

If you love golf or nature, Stewart Creek Golf is one of the best Canmore wedding venues! With the beautiful Canadian Rockies as a backdrop, this boutique-style location offers a charming and picturesque setting for your celebration. Hosting weddings of up to 80 guests, with an outdoor ceremony space and a convenient tent coverage option.

5. Alpine Club of Canada

Nestled in the mountains, the Alpine Club of Canada is perfect for mountain-inspired weddings. It offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options with scenic views. Guests can stay on-site in hostels or private cabins, accommodating up to 31 people on-site. This creates a unique and immersive experience for all.

6. Bill Warren Training Centre

Located 10 minutes from downtown Canmore, the Bill Warren Training Centre, also known as the Nordic Centre, is a versatile wedding venue in the heart of the Rockies. It provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. The banquet room, with floor-to-ceiling windows and mountain views, can accommodate up to 130 guests. 

The Best Canmore Wedding Locations

Canmore, with its awe-inspiring mountain vistas and charming alpine town atmosphere, offers a plethora of wedding venues to make your dreams come true.! Each venue truly offers its own unique charm and beauty. As a Canmore elopement photographer, I’m passionate about capturing the magic and love that fills the air on your special day. If you’re planning a wedding in Canmore, I would be honored to document your love story and help create lasting memories. Feel free to reach out to me for more information or you can find out more about me here!