Backpacking elopement in Banff National Park | Hiking wedding inspiration | Film & Forest adventure wedding photographers
This backpacking elopement in Banff National Park will have you throwing on your hiking boots and strapping a bouquet to your pack in a heartbeat! Rugged mountains and alpine meadows were the showcase for Jamie and Sean’s epic overnight backpacking wedding to Egypt Lake in Banff National Park.
Their Backpacking Elopement was Inspired by Banff Mountain Film Festival
Jamieโs first ever gift to Sean was tickets to the screening of Banff Mountain Film Festival in their hometown, and a few years later it was perfect backpacking elopement inspiration for their adventure of a lifetime. As Jamie put it, โSean and I have both wanted to go to Banff for a long time, but neither of us have ever been, so it will be a new place for us to experience together. We also decided we wanted to pick a place we could go back to over the years, not a far away destination like we first contemplated with Patagonia.โ
Backpacking to Egypt Lake Shelter
We hit the trail to Egypt Lake shelter on a perfect September day for their backpacking elopement in Banff National Park. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the crisp colours of early fall trickled into the alpine. With an eye for design, Jamie matched her hiking boots and backpack perfectly to the burgundy tones of her bouquet by Wild Magnolia Floral. We crested the top of the pass, where Jamie and Sean changed into their wedding clothes for their first look.
Check out this hiking elopement for more adventurous wedding inspiration!
Reading Letters from Loved Ones
Even though they chose to have a backpacking elopement just the two of them, they still wanted to incorporate their loved ones. Jamie and Sean read letters to each other from their families with tears of joy as blue hour washed over the mountains. And afterwards we celebrated with a personal sparkler show!
Darkness fell and it was time to pack up and hike down to the cozy hut waiting for us at the bottom. We settled into the Egypt Lake shelter and swapped stories by headlamp over beers and pad thai (thanks REI ๐).
Personal Vows at Egypt Lake
The next morning, we woke up early for the main event of their backpacking elopement in Banff National Park; exchanging their personal vows to one another at Egypt Lake. The sun illuminated the lake and revealed the beautifully serene place that had been hidden to us the night before. After their vow exchange we said goodbye to the little hut and hiked out, feet sore but hearts full.
Canoeing on Their Backpacking Elopement in Banff National Park
Showers and naps later we all met back up to make things official with our favourite Banff officiant Robin White. Nestled away in a forest grove, Jamie and Sean said โI doโ. Traditionally couples hop in a limo on their wedding day, but true to their adventurous style these two hopped in a canoe instead! The perfect way to finish Jamie and Sean’s backpacking elopement in Banff National Park.
FEATURED!
This backpacking elopement in Banff National Park was featured in Rocky Mountain Bride!
VENDORS WHO HELPED MAKE THIS BACKPACKING ELOPEMENT RAD
Officiant: Robin White | Florist: Wild Magnolia Floral | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Groom's Suit: Indochino | Bride's Shoes: Kodiak Boots | Groom's Outfit: Taylor Stitch, Victorinox, Wise Guy Suspenders, Frederick Thomas Ties, Weavers of Ireland | Groom's Shoes: Red Wing Heritage | Wedding Rings: Melanie Casey and Enso Rings
Film and Forest two Banff wedding photographers capturing adventurous elopements and intimate weddings in the Canadian Rockies. We travel from Alberta to BC and beyond capturing outdoorsy couples in wild places. Learn more about Film and Forest Photography and our adventure wedding photography.
These are gorgeous, unique and fun! Loving all the adventure. Banff is on my bucket list for places to photograph hoping to have a session there soon!
Banff is a beautiful place!
What a dream elopement!! I absolutely LOVE how you have captured them-a little bit of fun, passion, the outdoors, lots of love…simply stunning! So inspiring!
Thanks!
Holy crap. The way you edit these is insane. I am in love with the colors!! And this post is packed full of great information for people wanting to have a backpacking elopement!!
Thanks Kristi! The Canadian Rockies are a colourful place and we love bringing it out in our editing.
Wotttt!!?? Makes me want to get married again. So effing beautiful. The storytelling is really strong here, and I very much felt that I was following along on their elopement adventure. Gorgeous work!
Thanks! It was our first backpacking elopement we did with a couple and we absolutely loved it! Can’t wait to do more ๐
Oh my goodness! What an adventure, this looks like it was such a magical experience and you covered all of the bases. And the photos are breathtaking!
Thank you Sabrina
Oh my gosh you guys, you always do this to me! This is SO beautiful and I’m in complete awe. Amazing work! Banff looks SO gorgeous.
So much to explore in Banff, never short on location options ๐
Wow where do I even begin. What an incredible adventure to have to celebrate your love. It’s awesome that they chose to backpack in a place with so much meaning. I love how you told their story. The detail shots really made me smile and the “type II fun” carving made me laugh!
Hahaha backpacking elopements are definitely type 2 fun on the legs and back but always worth it!
Completely obsessed with this Banff elopement! I am adoring how their day really seems to be all about them and what they love to do together. Coupled with the beautiful backdrop of Egypt Lake and all the gorgeousness Banff has to offer, this elopement is one for the ages!
Thank you Sienna! We were so happy how the photos turned out, the editing was challenging at sunrise balancing overexposed peaks with underexposed water/shoreline but we’re so happy with the results!
This Canadian elopement is perfect and I love how you were able to create a different beginning to their marriage! Everyone should get married in Banff!
Agreed!
Ok WOWWWWW!!! These are absolutely incredible! It looks like this couple had an absolutely fantastic time backpacking with you and I love that they were able to incorporate their loved ones in their day through letters! You told their story perfectly!
Thank you Alex! We hope more elopement couples incorporate loved ones with letters. Such a sweet moment to read them for the first time and something you can cherish for years to come.