Jasper Wedding Venues: Athabasca Day Use Area
Looking for more Jasper wedding venues? Click here for to see our guide. All photos by Megan Posein Photography
Athabasca Day Use Site (15km from the Jasper Townsite, approx. 15 minute drive)
THE ATHABACA DAY USE SITE: A Hidden Gem for Your Wedding in Jasper
The Athabasca Day Use Site is undeniably one of the most breathtaking places to exchange your vows, so much so that it’s where I chose to have my own wedding. Conveniently located just a short drive from Jasper townsite, this stunning venue offers unparalleled views of the Athabasca River, making it an idyllic setting for your special day.
CEREMONY SPACE
The Athabasca Day Use Site provides a distinctive ceremony space that is sure to impress your guests. A short stroll down a gravel pathway leads to a flat, grassy area overlooking the majestic Athabasca River. This exclusive and intimate spot can accommodate up to 150 guests, creating a serene backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Additionally, the site offers a rustic outdoor reception area, equipped with 15 picnic tables, a cook shelter, a large firepit with wood, three outhouses, and potable water. While there’s no electricity on site, a generator can power the cook shelter's plug-in and light, ensuring a seamless experience. Please note that camping is not allowed at this location.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
The Athabasca Day Use Site is a photographer’s dream, featuring breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river. The natural beauty of the area means you won’t need to venture far for stunning wedding photos – this location truly has it all.
PRICING
Managed by Parks Canada, the Athabasca Day Use Site offers affordable rental fees (compared to other venues in the Park), making it a popular choice for couples. Due to its high demand, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your date.
POST FIRE UPDATE
While the Athabasca Day Use Site's infrastructure remains intact and the ceremony location looks as stunning as ever, the surrounding forested areas did experience some fire damage. The forest near the reception area, especially just past the ceremony spot, was affected, and the once-lush trees in that area were burned. In July 2024, the grass had burned to a crisp, but by September, it had already rebounded to a lush green, and I am confident it will continue to recover beautifully. If you're hoping for panoramic views and the rustic prairie/mountain vibe for your photos, the site remains a fantastic choice. However, for those seeking a greener, more forested atmosphere in their wedding photos, we may want to explore a secondary location. It’s also important to note that with the fire's impact on the trees near the reception spot, there may be a bit less natural shelter from the wind, so couples should prepare accordingly. I have updated this page with some new photos to showcase the current state of the site, so you can get a clear idea of what to expect.
HOW TO BOOK
Click here to inquire for more information on booking your wedding day.
Pros:
Incredibly scenic with majestic views of the Athabasca River and surrounding Rocky Mountains
Can accommodate a larger number of guests
Affordable
You can hold your ceremony and reception in the same location
Pets are allowed if on a leash
Extremely Private
Cons:
Aside from the cook shelter and the surrounding spruce trees (now burned) there is not much shelter, meaning you need to be prepared for all weather scenarios
Booking can be difficult due to its affordability
Very limited cellular service
There is no power on site, a generator might be necessary
Because it is in a more remote setting you need to be vigilant about wildlife
Truly one of the best hidden gems for weddings in Jasper, this spot makes for a wonderful location to say I do!
