Winter Wonderland Weddings in Jasper: What You Need to Know

Winter wedding photos captured in Jasper (all photos by Megan Posein Photography)

A winter wedding in Jasper is the epitome of romance—think snow-dusted landscapes, cozy fireside moments, and stunning mountain backdrops that look like something out of a fairytale. If you’re planning a winter wedding, Jasper National Park provides a magical setting, but it’s important to be prepared for the unique conditions that come with the season. As a local photographer, I’ve captured countless winter weddings and can offer practical tips to make your day unforgettable, warm, and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know about Winter Weddings in Jasper.

Why Choose a Winter Wedding in Jasper?

While summer weddings in Jasper are undeniably beautiful, winter weddings have their own distinct charm and advantages. Here are some reasons couples fall in love with the idea of saying “I do” during the colder months:

1. More Affordable: Winter is Jasper’s off-season, which means you can often secure better rates for venues, accommodations, and vendors. If you’re working with a tighter budget, a winter wedding can give you more value without compromising on the magic.

2. Easier Availability: With fewer couples getting married in the winter, it’s much easier to book your dream venue and date.

3. Stunning Scenery: Imagine a fresh snowfall dusting the trees, glistening icicles, and mountains glowing under a winter sky. Jasper in the winter is like stepping into a snow globe.

4. Intimacy and Quiet: Fewer tourists on the trails and in popular locations means you get more privacy for your ceremony, portraits, and celebrations. It’s peaceful, serene, and incredibly romantic.

A couple enjoying a quiet moment to themselves to take in the beautiful scenery on their wedding day.

Getting to Jasper in Winter: Travel Tips for You and Your Guests

One of the most common concerns for winter weddings in Jasper is travel. The good news? With proper planning, getting here can be straightforward and safe.

Recommended Route: Fly into the Edmonton International Airport (YEG). From Edmonton, take Highway 16 (the Trans-Canada Highway) west to Jasper. It’s a smooth 4-hour drive with cell service for most of the route, and the highway is well-maintained with regular plowing and sanding.

Avoid Highway 93 in Winter: While the drive through Banff and up Highway 93 from Calgary is stunning, it’s not ideal for winter travel (especially when you can't be flexible with booked dates). Here’s why:

• Large stretches of the road have no cell service.

• The route is remote with unpredictable alpine weather.

• Closures for avalanche control can happen suddenly.

• The road isn’t maintained as frequently as Highway 16.

Pro Tip: If you plan to rent a car, ask the rental service if winter tires are included. Not all rental vehicles in Alberta come equipped with them, but they’re essential for safety on snowy and icy roads, especially in the mountains.

If you do plan on traveling on Highway 93, I would recommend doing so as a daytrip from Jasper, not as a necessary drive through from Calgary, especially when you have an important wedding date scheduled and can’t be flexible with your arrival.

Hwy 93 from Jasper traveling to the Columbia Icefields.

Staying Warm: Practical Tips for Winter Wedding Portraits

Winter weddings in Jasper are breathtaking, but the cold can pose challenges—especially during your portrait session. Here’s how to stay warm while capturing stunning images:

1. Layer Up: Wear multiple layers under your wedding attire. Thermals, leggings, and thick socks will be your best friends. You’d be surprised how much warmth you can retain with smart layering.

2. Plan for Warm-Up Breaks: We’ll take quick pauses during your session to warm up inside or near a fire. I always keep this flexible and work at a pace that keeps everyone comfortable.

3. Bring Extra Clothing: Keep a bag with warm essentials: mittens, scarves, a cozy coat, and even an extra pair of boots. Having these on hand ensures you’re prepared if the cold becomes too intense.

4. Choose Winter Wedding Accessories: Incorporate beautiful and functional winter attire into your wardrobe. Think fur wraps, capes, velvet shawls, and elegant muffs. Not only will they keep you warm, but they also look stunning in photos!

5. Hand Warmers Are Key: Stick hand warmers in your pockets, boots, or even your bra—wherever you need them most. They’re a small but mighty addition that makes a huge difference.

6. Plan A and Plan B Locations: I always work with couples to create a Plan A and a Plan B for portraits. Jasper has a mix of exposed and sheltered areas—if the weather is unbearably cold, we’ll switch to a warmer, more protected location to keep everyone happy and safe.

Embracing the cold with a fur wrap and some extra snuggles.

Our Favourite Winter Wedding Venues in Jasper

While I won’t reveal all the magical spots here, I do want to highlight a couple of incredible venues that excel at winter weddings:

1. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge:
The Fairmont is a fantastic choice because they offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. What makes this venue particularly great for winter weddings is their flexibility. You can decide on the day whether you want your ceremony indoors or outside, depending on the weather conditions.

2. Pyramid Lake Lodge:
Pyramid Lake Lodge is a winter gem. It boasts a stunning view of Pyramid Mountain, and there’s always a cozy bonfire burning. If the ice is thick enough, you can even skate on Pyramid Lake—how magical is that? You’ll get breathtaking winter portraits, and you can easily warm up inside or by the fire between shots.

The bonfire burning just outside of Pyramid Lake Lodge.

Embracing the Winter Theme: Unique Ideas

A winter wedding in Jasper is already magical, but you can lean into the season to make your day extra special. Here are a few ideas:

1. Winter Decor: Think pinecones, evergreen garlands, candles, twinkle lights, and cozy blankets for guests. A winter-themed hot chocolate bar or mulled wine station is also a fun and festive touch.

2. Creative Send-Offs: Traditional send-offs like sparklers may not always be allowed in the park during winter, so consider these alternatives:

• Lanterns: Guests can hold lanterns or fake candles to create a romantic, glowing path.

• Bells: Have guests ring small silver bells as you make your exit—it’s charming and festive.

3. Warm Treats: Offer cozy comfort foods like s’mores, hot apple cider, and warm pastries to keep guests toasty.

These wedding favours from this Jasper wedding were adorable, and a hit with the guests!

Final Thoughts: Why Local Expertise Matters for Winter Weddings in Jasper

Planning a winter wedding requires careful thought and flexibility, and having a local team makes all the difference. As a Jasper-based photographer, I know:

• Which areas are sheltered and ideal for winter portraits.

• How to create backup plans for unpredictable weather.

• Which venues and trails remain open and accessible during the winter season.

• The conditions of areas affected by recent burns and how they’re recovering.

Your day should be magical, stress-free, and perfectly you—and that’s exactly what I aim to deliver.

Keeping couples warm when it is chilly takes some planning, but we make it work! The images are always so worth it.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Winter Wedding in Jasper?

Winter weddings in Jasper are unlike any other, combining breathtaking natural beauty with cozy, intimate moments you’ll treasure forever. If you’re dreaming of a snowy celebration, I’d love to chat with you about bringing your vision to life. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

Contact Me Here to start planning your perfect winter wonderland wedding!