How to Plan a Mount Assiniboine Elopement

Mount Assiniboine Elopement: Your Guide to Eloping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Eloping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is more than just a wedding; it's a journey into the land before time! This beautiful backcountry elopement location in BC is the ultimate place to celebrate your love against the backdrop of majestic mountains, alpine meadows, and serene lakes. If you want to plan an epic elopement that feels like a fairy tale (with a touch of adventure), you're in the right place. Let me help guide you through some helpful steps that will help you plan your perfect elopement at Mount Assiniboine.

Picking the Right Season

Mount Assiniboine wears different colours with each season, and choosing the right time can transform your elopement into a visual masterpiece. There is a lot to consider when picking the time of your visit! If you’re hoping for some golden hour photos, when the mountain views really show off, shoulder season might be worth considering so that you don’t have to get up super early or stay up super late to catch the magic of the alpine glow. While summer brings lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers and is definitely the most comfortable season temperature-wise, depending when you visit there might still be snow on the trails! If you’re asking me, late summer or fall would be the ideal time to elope at Mount Assiniboine. In August you will likely be snow free but there is also the chance of bugs or wildfire smoke, but September is when the larches turn to gold, all the snow from the past winter has finally melted and the sun is rising and setting at a more reasonable hour. Winter turns the park into a snowy wonderland and would be a magical experience but makes the hiking a lot more serious. Consider the season and the unique benefits and challenges that come with each one and choose the one that resonates most with your vision! I’m always happy to discuss this more with you!

Permits and Regulations

Before you exchange your vows with the epic Mount Assiniboine watching over, ensure you obtain the necessary permits. Mount Assiniboine is a protected wilderness area, and respecting its regulations is key. Secure your camping, hiking and wedding permits well in advance, and be mindful of Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine beauty of the park. Be prepared to sign a waiver or two!

Choosing Your Ceremony Spot

Mount Assiniboine offers numerous breathtaking spots for your ceremony. The iconic Nublet, Magog Lake's shores, and even the meadows surrounding the charming Assiniboine Lodge all present unique and incredible settings. You really can’t go wrong! Make sure to reflect on what kind of backdrop makes your heart come alive - whether that’s panoramic mountain views, the serenity of a lakeside ceremony, a nearby waterfall or meadow, or even the rustic charm of the historic lodge. Another aspect of Mount Assiniboine Park that I love is that you’re able to wander off-trail here (according to the park/trail guide at the lodge!) because the number of visitors to the park is actually quite low compared to most other places like this in BC or Alberta. As long as you walk mindfully, travel in a small group, bring bear spray and ensure that you’re respecting the wilderness, you can explore the area to find the place that speaks the loudest to you! Nicole and Matthew chose to officially get married in Canmore with their friends and family before we hopped in the helicopter so that is always an option too if you don’t want to fly your officiant in!

Accommodations

While the wilderness is obviously the main draw to Mt Assiniboine park, having a cozy place to retreat is equally important, especially if you’re going to be doing some hiking and wearing your wedding gear all day! Assiniboine Lodge provides an intimate and charming option, complete with comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals. The food is actually AMAZING and they can suit any dietary preference or restriction. I loved staying at the lodge for Nicole & Matthew’s elopement - there were interesting books to read, yoga mats to borrow, hot water on demand, packed lunches and daily tours, not to mention getting to know the other guests at the lodge. It felt like an experience in and of itself just staying there! Nicole & Matthew got an adorable cabin with a view of the lake and Assiniboine peak and it was epic. Alternatively, if you're inclined towards a more immersive camping experience, set up a backcountry campsite and spend your nights under the stars. It’s important to know that all the reservations can be quite difficult to make so be sure to look well in advance of when you’re hoping to visit!

Getting There

Reaching Mount Assiniboine is an adventure in itself. Whether by helicopter, hiking, or a combination of both, the journey to this remote paradise adds a touch of excitement to your elopement. Consider the logistics and choose the mode of transportation that aligns with your vision, ensuring a seamless and memorable arrival. To hike in requires about 26+ km of backpacking. While this option is unique and makes you really feel like you’ve earned something special, it can be quite draining to try and hike around once you’ve arrived after that many km just getting to the park. An option I love is helicoptering in and then either hiking out with all your gear OR flying your gear out so you can hike down with just your daypack! Take it from someone who has done it both ways - I love the adventure of hiking it but it is HARD WORK and you may not want to lug in all your wedding gear so I would recommend flying in and hiking out. Talk to the lodge about booking the helicopter. They fly from two locations so coordinating your departure location will be something to consider as well.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHER (thats me!)

Mount Assiniboine's beauty deserves to be captured, and hiring a skilled photographer will make that part a breeze (did you see what I did there??!!). Working with a professional photographer (like me!) who has been to the park before and understands the area’s unique challenges and opportunities, will help ensure that every moment, from exchanging vows to exploring the wilderness together, is immortalized in stunning images. I would love to help you plan your magical elopement in a way that feels authentic to you. Reach out below and let’s do this thing!

My sister and I hiked in and out of Mount Assiniboine and backcountry camped in 2021

be prepared!

Nature is unpredictable, and Mount Assiniboine is no exception. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially at higher elevations. Dress in layers, bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and bear spray (we saw a grizzly mama and baby!!) and have a contingency plan for unexpected changes. Flexibility is key to embracing the spontaneity of nature. I would also recommend making sure that you and your photographer are at Assiniboine Park for at least two days so that you can make any adjustments to the schedule for photos if needed. Please also bring proper hiking gear including shoes, poles, water and emergency supplies! This is the backcountry and you can never be too safe!

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

An elopement at Mount Assiniboine is an intimate celebration of love. Whether you choose to exchange vows privately or share the moment with a small group of loved ones, tailor your ceremony to reflect your unique connection. Consider personal vows, symbolic rituals, or even a champagne toast after a cold plunge to mark the occasion. Mount Assiniboine Lodge no longer hosts large weddings so contact them to learn more about what options are available for your elopement and any guests you would like to include.

Post-Ceremony Adventures

After saying "I do," embark on adventures to explore the park's wonders. Hike to Sunburst Lake, canoe on Lake Magog, or simply stroll hand in hand amidst the alpine meadows. The park offers endless opportunities for post-ceremony bliss, allowing you to create cherished memories against the backdrop of one of Canada's most stunning landscapes. Or perhaps you would be up for a cold plunge in an alpine lake with your wedding photographers like Nicole & Matthew????

Leave No Trace

As you revel in the magic of your elopement, remember to leave no trace. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a pristine wilderness area, and maintaining its integrity is crucial. Pack out all waste, minimize your impact, and ensure that the park remains a haven for future generations of lovers and adventurers.s

soak it all in

Eloping at Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is not just a wedding; it's an adventurous journey into the heart of nature's most breathtaking views. With careful planning, respect for the environment, and an open heart, your elopement can become a chapter in a love story written against the backdrop of towering peaks and whispering pines. So, embrace the wilderness, exchange vows in the company of mountains, and let Mount Assiniboine weave its magic into the tapestry of your love.

Here's to the mountains, the love, and the timeless beauty of your Mount Assiniboine elopement.