Jasper National Park Wedding Guide: Pros and Cons of Each Season from a Professional Photographer's Perspective
It’s that time of year again, engagement season! I know that many people are looking into planning their future weddings at the moment and there are a lot of couples hoping to get hitched in the mountains. Getting married in the Rockies can be an absolutely magical experience, but there can be a lot to consider when it comes to planning your special day here.
As a wedding photographer living in Jasper National Park, I have seen firsthand the beauty and magic that this incredible location can bring to a wedding. However, one of the most common questions I get asked is, "What's the best season to get married in Jasper?" The truth is that each season has its own unique pros and cons, so let's take a closer look at what you can expect if you decide to have your wedding in Jasper National Park in each season.
Spring Weddings in Jasper
This elopement happened on a lovely spring day in April, I loved their relaxed and cozy vibe. ♥
Pros:
Spring temperatures in Jasper are typically cooler than in the summer months, providing a more mild environment for outdoor weddings and activities. If you’re someone who doesn’t love the summer heat this could be the best time for you. Just remember that the mountains still have chilly days in the spring so bring warm clothing options just in case.
It is also a great time for wildlife sightings, which can add an extra special touch to your wedding experience (as always, make sure you are a safe distance away when viewing wildlife).
With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy a more peaceful and intimate wedding experience.
Spring is typically considered the shoulder season in Jasper, which means you may be able to take advantage of lower rates for accommodations, venues, and other services.
If you come before late May, generally the rivers are still beautifully clear/blue, not yet turned milky from the glacier melt.
As the season progresses, the days become longer, providing more time for outdoor activities and photography.
Cons:
Spring weather can be unpredictable, with the potential for rain or even snow. This means you may need to be flexible with your plans and prepare for changing weather conditions.
Mosquitoes and other bugs can be prevalent in the spring, so be sure to pack some bug spray.
Be prepared for mud on the trails if you are keen on getting photos in areas off of the paved/landscaped spaces of the park (I have ideas that can help, so feel free to ask me during our call).
Higher risk of trail closures. Depending on the weather and trail conditions, some trails may still be closed due to snow/mud or wildlife (like calving elk and increased bear activity) in the early spring months.
Some roads are closed until late May or mid June in the Park, so if you are eloping into a certain area make sure to do your research.
Late Spring is also the time when the snow melts and the rivers can swell up. This can lead to some trails or areas of the park being closed due to flooding.
Summer Weddings in Jasper
This elopement photo was snapped in the last weekend of August. ♥
Pros:
Summer is the most popular season for weddings in Jasper National Park, and for good reason! The weather is warm and sunny, making for a comfortable and enjoyable wedding experience.
With long daylight hours, you'll have plenty of time for wedding photos and other outdoor activities.
There are many great outdoor venues and locations to access and choose from in the summer, including lakes, forests, and mountain vistas.
Lush foliage and greenery: The vegetation is in full bloom during the summer, adding to the natural beauty and scenery of Jasper. The wildflowers tend to be in full bloom during June but can last until early August.
Fun outdoor activities! With the weather being warm and sunny, there are plenty of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy before or after the wedding, such as hiking, biking, or picnics. Or for you to incorporate into the wedding itself!
Easier transportation and accessibility. With the roads and trails cleared and open in the summer, transportation and accessibility is much easier, making it simpler for you to explore and guests to attend.
Cons:
Summer is also the busiest season for tourism, which means crowds and potential traffic congestion. It's important to plan accordingly and book early to secure your preferred venues, vendors and accommodations. It can also mean higher prices and fewer available dates as well.
The rivers tend to be high and dirty during the summer months, although the lakes will remain clear and blue.
While the summer weather is generally warm and pleasant, it can also be hot at times. Plan ahead with lots of water available to yourselves and your guests throughout the day. A ceremony later in the day might also be a good way of combating the intense sun/heat.
The warmer weather can also bring an increase in bugs and insects, which can be annoying. Be sure to pack bug spray for you and your guests!
Risk of wildfires. Summer is also the season when wildfires can be a risk in the area, so it's important to be aware of local fire/smoke updates and to have a backup plan in case of emergency. It can also mean smoky photos on your wedding day, but that has pros/cons too! Read more about that here.
With summer being a popular time for vacations and travel, some guests may not be able to attend a summer wedding due to scheduling conflicts or other commitments.
Fall Weddings in Jasper
This photo was taken on October 1st. Although keep in mind that this was during a mild fall, sometimes the leaves are gone after a windstorm or two in mid September. But if you can catch the yellow leaf season, it’s gorgeous! ♥
Pros:
Fall is a beautiful season in Jasper National Park, with stunning autumn foliage and crisp, clear days.
With cooler temperatures, you and your guests can enjoy outdoor activities without the heat and crowds of summer. It generally makes for a comfortable wedding day, but remember that it can still be chilly in the fall. Be sure to bring warm clothing if necessary.
Fall is also a great time for wildlife sightings as the ungulates like elk and deer will be in their rut (just be sure to stay a good distance away from any wildlife for your safety).
With longer nights it increases your chances of seeing the aurora and can make for exceptional stargazing during your stay.
The rivers start to clear up once again, making for lovely riverside photos.
The bugs tend to die off this time of year, woo hoo!
Cons:
As with spring, fall weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changing conditions and potential rain or snow.
The fall tends to be very popular for weddings, which means it may be still tricky to book with some wedding venues/vendors.
The fall foliage can be short lived, so if you are dead set on the colourful leaves for photos booking in early fall (early to mid September) is highly recommended.
Less daylight. With shorter days in the fall, you'll have less daylight to work with for photos and other activities.
Seasonal Closures start happening once again in the fall. At a certain point some roads close, some tourism opportunities end (like the Miette Hotsprings) and some trails become inaccessible. So it's important to do your research and plan accordingly.
Winter Weddings in Jasper
This was from a wedding at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in late February. ♥
Pros:
Winter weddings in Jasper National Park are truly magical, with snowy landscapes and the increased potential for stunning northern lights displays (because of the longer nights and clearer skies).
The winter season offers unique and cozy wedding venues, such as log cabins and the Jasper Park Lodge (it is incredible to see during the holiday as it is totally decked out in beautiful Christmas decor).
With fewer tourists around, you'll have more privacy and a quieter wedding experience.
Some venues can offer discounted rates for the winter season.
Unique Winter activities. There are plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy before or after your wedding, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
A festive atmosphere. The holiday season adds a special festive atmosphere to a winter wedding, with Christmas lights lighting up the town, decorations a glow, and holiday-themed activities happening before Christmas. Afterwards Jasper puts on another fantastic event, Jasper in January, which has fun activities all around town like wine tasting, storytelling, polar plunges and sleigh rides.
Cons:
Winter weather in Jasper National Park can be cold and unpredictable, so be sure to dress warmly and prepare for potential snow and ice. It is also highly recommended to have a bad weather back up plan in place on your wedding day (something I can help with!)
Some wedding vendors and services may be unavailable in the winter season as some accommodations and restaurants close up entirely until spring.
There can be (expected and unexpected) road closures, so be sure to plan accordingly. The parkway is very unpredictable in the winter, something to consider if you need to travel to and from the airport in Calgary. It is the safer bet in general to fly into the Edmonton airport and drive to Jasper from that direction. Things like avalanche clearing can lead to long closures on the parkway and it can be dangerous to drive if you don’t have winter tires or experience with winter driving in general.
Limited daylight. With shorter days in the winter, there is less daylight available for activities and photos.
Not all areas of the park are safely accessible at this time of year due to avalanche terrain and seasonal closures. Be sure to do your research beforehand.
Limited outdoor photography options. While winter provides beautiful snow-covered landscapes, the cold weather can make it challenging to take outdoor photos, especially for extended periods of time. We put your health and safety first so sometimes that means we need to schedule warm up breaks into your timeline, or simply arranging a backup plan if the weather becomes too extreme.
Truly, there is no "best" season to get married in Jasper National Park - it all depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Each season offers its own unique beauty and challenges, so it's important to consider all of your options and make an informed decision. As a professional wedding photographer, I have captured beautiful and unforgettable wedding moments in every season, and I am always excited to work with couples to create the perfect wedding experience in Jasper National Park, no matter what time of year. If you would like to chat more about planning your own wedding and you are looking for a photographer; reach out! I’m always happy to help if you have more questions before deciding on a wedding date. :)
