Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Calgary, Banff and the Alberta Rockies
In my last few years as an intimate wedding photographer shooting destinations like Banff and Jasper in and around the Alberta Rockies, I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time at some amazing wedding venues. While these might not be the most “hidden” of all the gems, a few are probably not the first to come to mind when considering a wedding venue in Calgary, Canmore or Banff National Park! I’ve tried to include a good variety here of unique venue options that are ideal for smaller, intimate weddings and elopements, as well as a few that are good for the larger wedding of your dreams. I created this list as a jumping off point to inspire you while you plan your intimate wedding in Calgary, Banff & The Alberta Rockies.
My favourite unique wedding venues in Calgary, Banff & Alberta
The Valley WeddingsRoots & RosesArchway ManorThe Norland Historic EstateStorm Mountain LodgeCreekside VillaThe LakehouseEmerald Lake LodgePomeroy Kananaskis
Calgary, Banff & Alberta Wedding Venues
The valley weddings
The valley weddings
For a province with so many beautiful forests, there is a distinct lack of venues that truly feature hidden among the trees. Located outside of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, The Valley Weddings offers couples a tranquil, picturesque place to exchange their vows surrounded by giant trees. This venue is family-owned and operated and features a warm, welcoming atmosphere to make each guest feel right at home. It has a variety of spaces to use as your backdrop, from the babbling creek to the lush forest surroundings.
maximum capacity?
188 guests + 14 at head tableceremony site?
yes. outdoor - clear umbrellas provided if neccessaryrain plan?
ceremony can be moved to timber structure if needed. venue is primarily outdoors though.is outside catering allowed?
YESis outside alcohol allowed?
yescurfew?
1 am (including tear down)pet friendly?
yes (of the wedding couple)is a coordinator required?
optional & not includedis there a getting ready space?
YESaccommodation options for guests?
not on property. Camping & a local hotel located nearby.
roots & roses
roots & roses
Roots and Roses is a unique forested wedding venue nestled in the serene countryside of Cochrane, Alberta. This whimsical wooded setting is located an hour from Calgary and Canmore, amongst the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Offering outdoor ceremonies, elopements, micro-weddings and tented receptions on their own private 160 acres!
maximum capacity?
100 guestsceremony site?
yes. multiple outdoor locations to choose from.rain/backup ceremony option?
clear span tent as a back upis outside catering allowed?
YESis outside alcohol allowed?
yes (with some considerations)curfew?
2:00 ampet friendly?
yes!is a coordinator required?
not required. set up & tear down options available.is there a getting ready space?
YESaccommodation options for guests?
not on property. Camping, airbnbs, & local hotel options nearby in cochrane.
archway manor
archway manor
Archway Manor is set on 25 acres of captivating scenery, embraced by the beauty of spruce trees, a tranquil pond, and impeccably landscaped grounds. The European-inspired venue is meticulously fashioned, with every detail carefully considered to craft the perfect setting for bringing dreams to life. With its romantic architecture, abundant natural light, and a graceful grand staircase, the venue is thoughtfully designed to present an idyllic wedding setting, both indoors and amidst the enchanting outdoor surroundings.
maximum capacity?
170 guestsceremony site?
yes. outdoor ceremony space surrounded by beautiful spruce trees and a grand stone entrance.rain/backup ceremony option?
yes! two options: covered terrace or inside the venue.is outside catering allowed?
YES. can also provide recommendations.is outside alcohol allowed?
venue offers all inclusive bar packages.curfew?
midnightpet friendly?
ceremony only (leasheD).is a coordinator required?
not required but planner is encouraged.is there a getting ready space?
YESaccommodation options for guests?
cottage for couple. camping availble on site for guests.
the norland historic estate
the norland historic estate
Nestled on nine acres of meticulously landscaped grounds in Lethbridge, Alberta, The Norland Historic Estate emerges as a breathtaking wedding venue. At the heart of this estate stands a Southern Style Colonial Mansion, a relic from 1910 initially crafted as a residence. Featuring well-tended lawns, gardens, and mature trees, the Norland's expansive grounds offer a range of event spaces, including a striking Ballroom and a charming Gazebo nestled within the enchanting gardens. Featured images by Malorie Reiter Photo & Nikki Collette Photography.
maximum capacity?
300 guestsceremony site?
indoor and outdoor options available.rain/backup ceremony option?
yes. including the ballroom, drawing room and gazebo.is outside catering allowed?
exclusive catering partner, LA Chefs Cateringis outside alcohol allowed?
corkage fee.curfew?
2:00 am (1:00 am last call)pet friendly?
ceremony only (except for service dogs)is a coordinator required?
day of venue host included.is there a getting ready space?
YESaccommodation options for guests?
wedding party access to 5 guest rooms.
Storm mountain lodge
Storm Mountain Lodge is located in Banff National Park, along highway 93 heading towards Radium. If you are looking for a venue that feels remote and close to nature, then this is the cosy mountain spot for you.
Storm Mountain Lodge was where I photographed my first intimate winter elopement (and got my first feature!) ever, and it is still one of my favourite rustic wedding venues. The romantic log cabins at Storm Mountain Lodge are the perfect place to disconnect, each with their own wood burning fireplace, a picture-perfect front porch and my favourite - no wifi. If you are having a winter wedding or elopement you can snowshoe the many trails around the lodge itself, or during the summer maybe adventure down to the nearby Marble Canyon. The food served at the restaurant was mind blowing and I’m not sure it will ever be topped!
Bride and groom snowshoeing after intimate wedding ceremony at Storm Mountain Lodge
I was really excited to hear about a cool new mountain venue being opened in Canmore a couple of years ago. In the span of a couple of weeks I photographed an amazing styled shoot and a stunning wedding at Creekside, and I was not disappointed. The venue itself is stunning with a lot of natural light and reclaimed wood walls which gives it an intimate and cosy, yet modern vibe. One of the great things about having your wedding at Creekside Villa is you can have the ceremony and reception all in one location - meaning more time for cocktails and visiting with your guests, rather than traveling between locations! The staff at this boutique hotel is flexible and accommodating to every need and are really lovely to work with. I hope to be back for a wedding soon!
Modern, edgy bride and groom during portraits in intimate Canmore wedding venue
Edgy and romantic bride and groom portrait at glacial lake in Canmore Alberta wedding
Bride and groom holding hands during intimate wedding ceremony at Lake House wedding venue in Calgary AB
The Lake House is a special venue for me because I grew up in Lake Bonavista and spent my summers swimming and kayaking around the lake. Being able to photograph a wedding here was a highlight for me and it is one of the most romantic and . Not only is this venue stunning and one-of-a-kind in Calgary, it also has an incredible menu and an elegant interior. Not only that but the food is amazing. And for photos, the beautiful wrap around deck provides an amazing opportunity to get those magical golden hour portraits without having to travel anywhere.
Bride and groom cuddle on outdoor deck overlooking Lake Bonavista at sunset during Lake House wedding Calgary
Emerald Lake Lodge is my favourite mountain wedding venue of all time and the first place I think of when I dream about escaping to the mountains, even though it’s technically in BC not Alberta. Whether you are eloping or planning a big party, this rustic lodge in Yoho National Park can do it all! The food served at their restaurant, Cilantro, won’t disappoint. But more importantly, at this lodge you really feel like you’ve been immersed in nature. Guests are shuttled onto the island so you will leave the sound of cars far behind. The smell of wood burning fire follows you around as you trek around the lake, taking in the turquoise waters and getting lost in the tall trees and trails that surround the shoreline.
The Hive is a lesser known venue in Canmore but it's perfect for an intimate wedding or a creative couple. It’s actually an art gallery but the space can easily be transformed into a bright and welcoming space for a seated dinner or if you are into a cocktail reception, then this is the perfect place for guests to wander and mingle. With a rooftop patio and catering options at your disposal, you can really transform this venue into the wedding of your dreams! I’m looking forward to being back here this summer.
The Commons is a uniquely modern industrial venue in historic Inglewood in Calgary. While they don’t strictly do weddings (they are a coworking space during the day!), weddings are one thing they do exceptionally well. The ladies who run the show here are amazing to work with and will do whatever it takes to bring your vision to life. From a photographers standpoint, the vintage-industrial vibe of this space is something that not a lot of venues offer in Calgary and photographs like a dream!
Baker creek resort
Here’s another adorable mountain cabin wedding venue in the Alberta Rockies which would be perfect for an intimate elopement! Baker Creek Resort is located a short 20 minute drive from Lake Louise, one of Alberta’s most photographed destinations for weddings. However, you don’t have to even leave the resort for amazing views and photo opportunities! With a number of charming cabins of all shapes and sizes scattered around the property as well as fire pits, hiking trails and the sense of peace that only comes from being surrounded by pine forests and mountain views, this is a dream location for a cosy, romantic elopement in Alberta.
Kananaskis Provincial Park & pomeroy kananskis mountain lodge
Alright, this last one isn’t so much a specific venue (although the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge combined with the Kananaskis Nordic Spa would make for an epic place to stay the night of your wedding!) but rather about the benefits of eloping or having a micro wedding in Kananaskis as an alternative to Banff or Canmore. Kananaskis is full of incredible roadside mountain views and a short hike or a random pull off on the side of the road can lead to the perfect spot for your intimate wedding ceremony location in the Alberta Rockies. I’ve always dreamed of photographing an elopement at the Sundance Lodges Trappers Tents or at the bottom of one of the amazing waterfalls in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Or have you ever considered a camping wedding at one of the many campgrounds in the area? As a nature lover these are all places that I would envision hosting my own wedding.
Whether you’re looking for an amazing mountain venue or a quirky urban venue, Banff, Calgary and Alberta are full of intimate and unique locations for you to hold the intimate wedding or elopement of your dreams. If you’re looking for more inspiration I have plenty of other ideas and would love to chat about what you’re looking for and suggest some creative options! No matter if you’re just starting the planning process or if you have a vision but just haven’t found the perfect spot yet, I can help you figure it out!
Can’t wait to hear from you!
xo Bree
For more unique wedding venue ideas check out the links below!
Calgary is full of creatively styled restaurants, which makes it easy to give your wedding a unique vibe! I've done a ton of research for you and found the best options for restaurant wedding venues in Calgary. Check them out through the link below!
CALGARY RESTARAUNT WEDDING VENUES
BANFF WEDDING VENUES
ALBERTA WEDDING VENUES