It takes a lot to plan a mountain wedding, but don’t worry, I’m here to help! Take a peek through my guides below to simplify your planning process and to find some wedding day advice.
Jasper Wedding Guides
Expert Advice From a Local Jasper Wedding Photographer
Vendor Recommendations
Still looking to hire some amazing vendors to help piece together your wedding day or elopement of your dreams? Here is a list of vendors that I highly recommend:
Wedding Ceremony/Reception Venues
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
(pictured above)
Old Lodge Road, Jasper, Ab
780-852-3301
https://www.jasper-park-lodge.com/celebrate/weddings/
Pyramid Lake Resort
6 Km North on Pyramid Lake Rd, Jasper, AB
1-800-541-9779
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/pyramid-lake-resort/groups/weddings/
Pyramid Island Wedding Site
7.5 km from the Jasper townsite on Pyramid Lake Rd
https://parks.canada.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/lieuxlouer-rentalvenues/pyramid
Maligne Lake
(lakeside ceremony, boat ride and cabin reception area)
Maligne Lake Rd, Jasper, Ab
1-866-661-1750
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/maligne-lake-cruise/groups/weddings/
Athabasca Day Use Area Wedding Site
(pictured above)
12 km east of the Jasper townsite on Hwy 16, adjacent to the Jasper Airstrip
https://parks.canada.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/lieuxlouer-rentalvenues/athabasca
Forest Park Hotel
76 Connaught Dr, Jasper, Ab
1-800-661-1750
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/forest-park-hotel/groups/weddings/
Jasper Inn and Suites
98 Geikie St, Jasper, Ab
1-800-661-1933
https://www.jasperinn.com/weddings
Florists
Alpenflora (Flowers Jasper)
622 Connaught Drive, Unit b, Jasper, Ab
780-852-3230
Just Bee Cause Floral
112 Athabasca Ave, Hinton, AB
780-865-1035
Officiants
Greg Van Tighem
Jasper, Ab
780-931-0075
Hair and Makeup
Cake and Catering
Floral Creations Cupcakes (pictured above)
Based in Hinton, Ab
kimberlyrosaydavies@gmail.com
Glenda the Great Catering
303 Bonhomme St, Jasper, Ab
780-931-6110
Transportation
Sundog Tours
607 Connaught Dr, Jasper, Ab
780-852-5595
https://www.sundogtours.com/package/weddings-jasper/
Open Top Touring Jasper
1-866-606-6700
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/open-top-touring/groups/
Music
Jasper Music Masters
Entertainment
Mountain Wedding Advice
Getting married in the mountains is such a unique and wonderful experience, you'll look back on your special day for years to come with fond memories. However, because you chose a more rugged location to tie the knot you must be prepared ahead of time to make sure your day goes smoothly. Below I go over a few things my couples may overlook when planning their Jasper wedding/elopement.
Be Prepared for Drastic Weather Changes
As much as we want perfect weather for the big day the reality is that the mountains can have major mood swings. It's not unreasonable to experience all four seasons in one day! We highly encourage you to be prepared for everything the weather could throw at you so that you are comfortable throughout the day. Take a peek at our what to bring guide for more ideas to keep you (and any guests) warm and dry. We also encourage you to have a backup plan on your wedding day just in case the weather is really acting up. We can help with that, but it usually means going to a location for photos where it's a bit more sheltered in the trees or in a canyon.
Let's Work With the Wind!
Before your ceremony it's a good idea to check which way the wind is blowing so that we can face the person with the longer hair into it, resulting in a nicely windswept look. For the couple in this shot we suggested they stand non-traditionally (the man was on the left) so that the wind was working with the brides hair and sash. The photos came out beautifully as a result. Also, it's a good thing to keep in mind when you are looking at wedding hairstyles. I find that when the person with longer hair has their hair half up it works the best on those really windy days. Studio photographers pay hundreds to get a fan set up to get that windswept look for their clients, we are lucky that Jasper does this service for free more often than not!
Makeup Considerations
While we are talking about the elements you may face in Jasper, let's also talk about your makeup. Be sure that when you are getting your makeup done to have your MU artist use products that are more water resistant. This will help if you are sweating from the heat or if it rains during the day. If you are doing your own makeup I would highly suggest sweatproof and waterproof makeup where you can. Lastly, be sure to bring a travel kit with anything you need for touchups throughout the day!
One of the most amazing things about Jasper is the fact that so many incredible species call it home. We often see bears on our shoots and are never surprised when furry creatures pop up out of nowhere. You don't need to worry about bringing bear spray on your wedding day because we'll have that covered. However, please keep in mind that if certain wildlife shows up in the area we are taking photos in we may need to switch plans to keep everyone safe. Please also plan for a bit of extra time travelling to different locations within the park as well, you never know when wildlife near the highway can cause a backup or slowdown in traffic movement.
Be Prepared for Wildlife Delays Detours
Break in your Wedding Shoes/Boots
It's common for couples to purchase new footwear for their wedding, but a word of advice! Start wearing them around home for a while to break them in. You don't want to get blisters on your wedding day, especially if you are doing any hiking for your elopement or wedding photos. Also, be sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes for dancing in later, trust me on this one!
Prepare Your Guests
Now that you know how to plan for your mountain wedding pass along this information to your friends and family so they can be prepared as well. If you do this it will make your day much less stressful for everyone and they can focus on what really matters; celebrating your love story!
What to bring for your Wedding or Elopement in Jasper National Park
Getting married in the mountians makes for a truly unique experience and for some amazing memories. Unfortunately, if you are caught unprepared the rugged location can make things more stressful. So here's my handy dandy guide on what to pack for your wedding day!
Bugspray
At certain points in the year the mosquitoes can be atrocious in certain areas. This will be a necessary item so that you are happy and able to stay still during your photos. I definitely recommend a spray (not lotion) with deet if possible. If you aren't wanting to wear it right away just make sure it's in your pack for the day so you can grab it if needed.
Good Footwear
This is so important for your photo session if you are somewhere a little more adventurous; and let's face it, that's most of Jasper. If you do not have good footwear you run the risk of slipping and falling. I recommend bringing hiking boots/shoes that have sturdy ankle support and grippy soles. This way you can comfortably and safely get into the locations that you chose. If you prefer, we can change back into a more formal set of shoes once we arrive at the exact location of the shoot. Or choose a wedding boot with a good sole. If you do choose to change your shoes between photos make sure to pack both pairs! Not only this but I highly suggest that you bring a cute pair of comfortable dancing shoes for your reception (if you're having one), all too often I see brides limping at the end of the day or going barefoot to dance because their wedding shoes were not comfortable.
Water/Snacks/Lunch
Water is definitely a must when we are shooting, especially if we are hiking into a location or if it is warm outside. Also, you will likely get hungry throughout the day and things like granola bars are perfect for busy days! Please pack items that don't have to be heated.
Rain Jacket/Rain Poncho/Umbrella
Sometimes the weather can change quickly within the park, and we want to make sure you are prepared. Please bring a rain jacket or rain poncho to help keep you dry if it decides to rain (ponchos work really well to throw over a dress quickly). For photos I have a couple of pretty umbrellas you may use (or feel free to bring your own), but moving around shoot locations will require a little more waterproofing.
Sunscreen
When your in the mountains, especially if your location is at a higher elevation, the sun can be intense. Be sure to bring a sunscreen to protect yourself from getting burned. I love the sport spray versions because they are quick to apply and don't easily come off if you are sweating a little.
Thermal Layers
No matter the time of year, the mountains tend to be on the chilly side. Be sure to pack a warm sweater (zip up ones are best because they don't mess with your hair and makeup when you put them on). If you are wearing a dress you can slip on warm pants underneath and then take them off when we shoot. Earmuffs are fantastic for keeping your head warm and not messing with your hair, but if you can't find them simply bring a toque and we can fix your hair as we go. Mittens and gloves are also really nice to have. If you are coming in the colder months I would also suggest to bring wool socks to wear in your boots as well. If you are having your ceremony or reception outside I would highly suggest buying a pretty shawl or wrap to keep you warm. Lastly, tuck a pretty blanket in your bag as an overall way to keep warm throughout the day.
Makeup for Retouches/Small Mirror/Brush
Jasper wedding days are always adventures, and that means that we might have to deal with things like wind and sweat. Be sure to bring a few retouching items to help refresh your look as we go.
Small Backpack
Please bring a small day pack to fit these items in. If you don't have a waterproof layer that stretches over the bag I would recommend packing the items into a plastic bag on the inside. Also, be sure to bag your sunscreen/bug spray and makeup in their own plastic bags in case they decide to leak. Lastly, the bag itself is likely to be photographed during an elopement, so I would highly recommend purchasing a nicer looking one for your hiking wedding photos.