Is it any wonder that weekend weddings in Banff and the rest of the Canadian Rockies are becoming increasingly more popular? Weekend weddings allow family and friends to gather for an unforgettable celebration with plenty of activity.
The main idea is for your loved ones to get to know one another and to have fun. You don’t need a tropical location to keep your guests entertained and feeling loved either. There are many fabulous places in the Canadian Rockies to be married, including the destinations of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper.
Not only are these destinations breathtakingly beautiful, they offer unlimited promise of adventure and activity. These locations are known for their picturesque beauty and incredible year round, adventurous activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and so much more!
A weekend wedding can be as casual or as extravagant as you’d like. It can take place at a lake or cabin, a beautiful mountain resort or just about anywhere. There are a wide variety of hotels and lodging in the Canadian Rockies to choose from. In general, the wedding weekend begins with a welcoming activity such as a casual barbeque or dinner.
The following morning typically involves various activities such as a round of golf or a white water rafting excursion. Then everyone comes together for the wedding ceremony and reception which are usually a little later in the day in order to accommodate the various activities. Sometimes, the party will linger well into the evening with various festivities, followed by a farewell brunch to wrap up the weekend.
Of course, you’ll want to personalize the activities based on the location you choose and your interests. Sharon Auld, wedding planner and owner of Naturally Chic suggests a weekend wedding at either Emerald Lake Lodge or at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Both these locations are idyllic for action packed weekend extravaganzas that don’t have to break the bank. Auld suggests a “camping style” wedding at Emerald Lake complete with a welcome barbecue, canoe rides, a campfire, and smores? In winter, a weekend wedding at the Lake Louise Ice Castle would certainly be memorable for wedding guests. “Activities could include skating on the frozen lake, sleigh rides, skiing and a hot chocolate / espresso bar at your reception”.
Or, maybe an elegant castle in the mountains such as the Fairmont Banff Springs is more your style, where your guests could enjoy golfing, sightseeing, fine dining and a visit to the spa. Whatever your style or taste, a weekend wedding is a sure way for you and your loved ones to bond. Standard wedding etiquette does not necessitate that the couple pay for all the activities either. It’s common for various family members to host an activity.
Oftentimes it’s enough to just arrange the activities or provide information on activities that your guests can partake in. Most guests attending a weekend wedding will want to get out and experience the sites anyway. Most will treat your wedding as a mini-vacation or getaway weekend and they’ll appreciate having something to do. There’s also plenty of activities such as a nature walk or hike that don’t require any expense at all.
The key to a weekend wedding notes Auld is to “provide plenty of activities that appeal to all your guests young and old. Just don’t over-schedule your guests’ itinerary. It’s important to provide down times for your guests so they can explore the area or just relax in their hotel room. There’s really no better way to show your guests how much you care about them then by spending quality time with them. The immense value of a weekend wedding is that everyone feels appreciated and valued.”
With so many fabulous locations and activities to choose from, you can be sure that your weekend wedding in the Canadian Rockies will be unique, personal and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.