With the evolving situation & learning how COVID19 effects Alberta Weddings – most couples are looking for guidance on where to have their Alberta elopement or intimate wedding. This list of 5+ Places to have your Alberta Elopement has been carefully crafted to bring the most important information quickly into your hands if you are currently restructuring your wedding day. Since the Provincial & National Parks are all closed, it can be tricky to find a place that you can carry on your 2020 plans to marry your best friend. I reached out and interviewed the owners of the following venues to bring you this blog – 5+ Places to have your Alberta Elopement – outside of Banff National Park!

Check out the post below for how to have your Alberta Elopement in an epic outdoor location (listed in order of opening dates) that are not inside Banff National Park!

Looking for Part 2? Read More Here For 5+ New Wedding Venues in the Canadian Rockies the National and Provincial Parks

*this information is updated as of May 4th, 2020*

The Lodge at Panther River, Sundre Alberta

image curtesy pantherriver.com

“The perfect Alberta Elopement location doesn’t exist”–insert DJ record scratch here– if you are looking for something wild, rustic and full of good ol’ Alberta adventure – then the Lodge at Panther River is for you. Fearless, spontaneous and honest are 3 words that define this venue and it’s staff. Looking to go on a multi-day guided horse trail? Want to have a helicopter fly you up to a summit for a 3 day hike? Like the idea of Glamping in an Outfitter tent, or staying cozy in a log cabin? Maybe fishing is your favourite hobby? This is the ultimate location to use as an inclusive retreat!

Basic Info:

• Taking bookings NOW for the 2020 season.
• Currently available to host elopements under 10 guests.
• weekday & weekend bookings available
• Offers rentals set-up/tear-down of ceremony location; multiple private locations to explore; cowboy-style catering options; guest lodging up to 9 log-cabins, outfitter tents & fully serviced camping/RV spots.
• *dog-friendly venue*
• Contact to reach out to is: Amanda Safron, Resort Manager at [email protected]
• Packages start at $2500
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: The Lodge at Panther River

Getting Here:

• The nearest Airport is YYC (Calgary International Airport), a 2-hour drive away, or YEG (Edmonton International Airport) 3-hour drive away.

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Primrose Lane Farm, Waterton Alberta

image curtesy primroselanefarm.ca

A seasonal family-run flower farm located just 20 minutes outside of Waterton Lakes National Park, Primrose Lane Farm has amazing mountain view’s for beautiful photo backdrops. With 130 acres, the floral farm is in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, located in the very SW corner of Alberta. This venue gets a big check of approval from me personally as they practice sustainable agriculture in both cattle/pasture management and flower farm making them a member of the Floret Flower Farm Collective (also, have you seen their Highland Cattle? SO CUTE)! You can read more about my own sustainability practices here. The owners of Primrose Lane Farm are now offering Garden Elopements for couples struggling with how COVID19 effects Alberta Weddings.

Basic Info:

• Taking bookings NOW for the 2020 season (July 21-Sept 7).
• Available to host elopements under 10 guests.
• weekday & weekend bookings available.
• Offers rentals & decor (archways & florals); set-up/tear-down of ceremony location; multiple private locations to explore.
• nearby guest accommodations, including a list of B&B inns.
• Contact to reach out to is: Kristen Primrose, Owner at [email protected]
• Packages include floral design through onsite floral studio.
• Packages start at $400 for 2 hours, with additional time available.
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: Primrose Lane Farm

Getting Here:

• The nearest Airport is YYC (Calgary International Airport), a 3-hour drive away.

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Willow Hill Lodge, Longview Alberta

image curtesy willowhilllodge.ca

Located a short drive from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park & Kananaskis, Willow Hill Lodge has amazing mountain view’s for beautiful photo backdrops. With 67 acres in the heart of Albertas ranch country, the private property is boosts of meandering trails and hills, with picturesque mountains nearby.  The owners of Willow Hill Lodge are going above and beyond for couples, offering both their services at Rustic Rentals by JL & to host elopements for those struggling to restructure their wedding dreams.

Basic Info:

• Taking bookings NOW for the 2020 season.
• Available to host elopements under 15 guests.
• Offers rentals & decor (archways, tables, chairs, etc); set-up/tear-down of ceremony location; with multiple private locations to explore on property.
• On site accommodations available for the couple, with nearby accommodations for guests available.
• *dog-friendly venue*
• Contact to reach out to is: Cathy, Owner at [email protected]
• Packages start at $500 for 1 hour on site, average package is $2500 with officiant included.
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: Willow Hill Lodge

Getting Here:

The nearest Airport is YYC (Calgary International Airport), a 1-hour drive away.

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52 North Venue, Sylvan Lake Alberta

image curtesy 52northvenue.ca

52 North Venue is located in the heart of Central Alberta and has 7 acres of beautiful natural scenery, including a babbling creek & towering spruce trees, located just minutes north of Sylvan Lake. The venue consists of industrial chic features including brick wall, exposed beams, copper pipe details, hand-crafted tables, a bar & lounge area. We offer complete event freedom so our clients are able to create their ideal event with vendors of their choice for no additional fees.

Basic Info:

• Taking bookings NOW for the 2020 season.
• Available to host elopements under 15 guests.
• Includes rentals of archway, tables, chairs, full access to the private property.
• On site accommodations available for the couple, with nearby accommodations for guests available.
• *dog-friendly venue*
• Contact to reach out to is: Katrina, Owner at [email protected]
• Packages start at $1500 for 3 hours on site.
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: 52 North Venue

Getting Here:

The nearest Airport is YEG (Edmonton International Airport), under 1.5-hour drive away or YYC (Calgary International Airport), under 1.5-hour drive away.

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Pine & Pond Wedding Venue, Wetaskiwin County Alberta

image Cedar Lane Weddings

Although not in the mountains, no list of gorgeous Alberta venues would be complete without adding Pine & Pond! 2018 was their debut wedding season & they haven’t stopped rocking weddings since! They offer a unique indoor reception space in a large transparent 3-season tent, both giving protection from the elements & the airy aesthetic many couples are looking for.

Basic Info:

• Open for the 2020 season May-July on available weekdays or weekends.
• Available to host elopements under 15 guests.
• If booking later than July, elopements are only available on weekdays.
• Available dates can be seen on their website: https://www.pineandpond.com/dates.html
• Offers rentals & decor (transparent tent/chairs/tables/linens); set-up/tear-down of ceremony location; multiple private locations to explore; getting ready stations; modern bathrooms; fire pit & row boat; catering options including use of tent or bar.
• nearby guest accommodations, including camping options available.
• *dog-friendly venue*
• Contact to reach out to is: Keith Tarry, Co-owner at [email protected]
• Packages start at $1500 for 4 hours
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: Pine & Pond Wedding Venue

Getting Here:

• The nearest Airport is YYC (Calgary International Airport), a 2.5-hour drive away or YEG (Edmonton International Airport) 1-hour drive away.

 

David Thompson Resort, Clearwater County Alberta

image Cedar Lane Weddings

Nestled just 30-minutes away from Banff National Park boundaries, the David Thompson Resort has everything you need to celebrate your Alberta elopement in the mountains.

Basic Info:

• Opening for the 2020 season after July 1.
• Available to host elopements under 15 guests.
• week day & weekend bookings available
• Offers rentals (chairs/tables/linens); set-up/tear-down of ceremony location; multiple private locations to explore; luncheon/catering options; guest lodging up to 45 rooms in hotel, 16 cabins, 90 spot camping ground & RV camping.
• *dog-friendly venue*
• Contact to reach out to is: [email protected]
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: David Thompson Resort

Getting Here:

• The nearest Airport is YYC (Calgary International Airport), a 3.5-hour drive away, or YEG (Edmonton International Airport) 3-hour drive away.

The Crossing At Ghost River, Benchlands Alberta

image curtesy crossingexperience.ca

Epitomizing class, the Crossing at Ghost River is just minutes down the Trunk Road from my family land! Hi there neighbours! Part of the Charming Inns & Small Hotels in Alberta, the location and options offered by this venue cannot be beat – they are working alongside me to create custom elopement packages for couples with under 30 guests, and this post will be updated as soon as that information is made available!

Basic Info:

• Opening for the 2020 season after July 1.
• Available to host elopements under 15 guests.
• week day & weekend bookings available
• Offers rentals (chairs/tables/linens); set-up/tear-down of ceremony location; multiple private locations to explore; luncheon/catering options; guest lodging up to 27 rooms.
• Contact to reach out to is: Carol Pegg, Reservations Manager at [email protected]
• Packages start at $2750
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: The Crossing At Ghost River

Getting Here:

• The nearest Airport is YYC (Calgary International Airport), a 1-hour drive away.

Obsidian Ridge, Tofield Alberta

image curtesy obsidianridge.ca

Located just outside the busy hub of Edmonton, Capital of Alberta, Obsidian Ridge is a perfect space for intimate weddings. With 10+ glamping sites, spanning across 20 acres of hills, trees, meadows, and lakes, the property is fully developed and landscaped to offer unique options to fit every couples dreams.

Basic Info:

• Opening for the 2020 season in the late fall/winter.
• Available to host elopements under 15 guests.
• Packages start at $995 for 4 hours on site.
• Contact to reach out to is: Jodi LaFayette, Owner, at [email protected]
• To get more updated information on current regulations, and to connect with their staff visit the website: Obsidian Ridge

Getting Here:

• • The nearest Airport is YEG (Edmonton International Airport) 40-minute drive away.