Wedding ceremonies

Parks Canada requires all visitors to follow the health guidelines of Alberta Health regarding group and public gatherings. For more information, refer to the Alberta Health Services website. To minimize the impact of your ceremony on the natural setting as well as respecting other visitors’ experiences:

• A maximum of 20 participants may attend the ceremony.
• Wedding participants are required to comply with national park regulations at all times.
• Temporary props, if used, are to be small and limited to a wedding arch, registration table and a chair.
• Tents or temporary shelters are not permitted.
• Opt for quiet music options such as a guitar, flute or harp.
• Gas-powered generators, excessive noise, unruly behaviour, loud music or P.A./amplification systems are not permitted.
• Choose a less popular location, or a time earlier or later in the day to avoid congestion.
• Keep vehicular traffic to a minimum (carpool or use public/group transportation).
• Park in designated lots only.

All activities and events within national parks are subject to the Canada National Park Act which is aimed at conserving the national resources of the park while providing opportunities for all visitors to connect with nature. As such, the following regulations must be met:

• The park is a public place. Exclusive rights to an area are not permitted. Areas cannot be cordoned off for personal use.
• All participants must possess a valid national park entry pass. Passes can be purchased online, at any park gate or Parks Canada visitor centre.
• All businesses, including wedding photographers, operating within the national park require a business licence. Contact banffrealty-immobiliers@pc.gc.ca to obtain a business licence application.
• The event must comply with Alberta’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, open alcohol is prohibited in public places.
• Wedding participants must not disturb the park’s natural and cultural resources. Do not tie anything to trees or existing infrastructure.
• Take only photographs. It is illegal to pick flowers, mushrooms, cut down trees, branches, remove rocks, cultural artifacts or otherwise cause damage to natural objects or living things.
• Wildlife attractants must not be left unattended at any time; this includes all scented items - food, garbage, recycling, coolers, candles, etc.
• Day-use areas are open from 7:00 to 23:00 daily.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• Throwing of confetti (natural or synthetic). This includes paper, rice, eco-alternatives, flower petals or leaves, etc.
• Use of drones
• Off-roading to access the site
• Use of pyrotechnics
• Release of live animals (e.g. doves, butterflies, etc.)
• Overnighting at day-use areas