Calgary – it’s more than just Stampede and frigid cold temperatures in the winter. Calgary is a beautiful city full of hidden gems where YH&M couples love to tie the knot. Planning an elopement in Calgary but not sure where to say I do? We’ve got you covered. Below we’re sharing some of the best spots to elope in Calgary – including some of our officiants’ personal favourites.
The best place to elope in Calgary
Rotary Park
by Deanna Rachel Photography
Rotary Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Calgary and a great choice for an outdoor elopement. The Park is situated on the hill north of Memorial Drive and east of Centre Street in the northeast. It’s easy to see why this stunning park is one of Jodi’s favourite places to marry couples.
Fish Creek Provincial Park
https://friendsoffishcreek.org/
Another one of Officiant Jodi’s favourite outdoor spots to elope in Calgary is Fish Creek Provincial Park. This large park has bike paths, hiking trails, golfing, fishing, beaches and lots of beautiful spots to get married.
Azuridge Estate Hotel
http://www.azuridgehotel.com/weddings/
Azuridge Estate Hotel is the perfect luxury spot to tie the knot, says Officiant Jodi. The grounds offer lots of great options for eloping and the indoor areas are perfect in all weather.
McDougall Centre
https://www.tarawhittaker.com/calgary-elopement/
McDougall Centre was first opened in 1907 as a school for training teachers. Today it’s a government building and the perfect backdrop for your outdoor elopement and wedding photos.
Village Brewery
http://popupweddingscalgary.com/nikki-chris-simple-elopement/
If you love craft beer almost as much as you love your future spouse, why not combine both of your loves and get married inside or in front of your favourite brewery? Check out these awesome elopement photos inside Calgary’s Village Brewery.
River Cross Ranch
http://www.rivercrossranch.ca/photo-gallery/
http://www.rivercrossranch.ca/photo-gallery/
River Cross Ranch is located just outside Calgary and is the headquarters for the charity ROARR, helping underprivileged persons visit and experience ranch life. It can also be rented for intimate events – like your elopement!
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
http://www.doorsopenyyc.org/businesses/inglewood-bird-sanctuarycolonel-walker-house/
Along the bend of the Bow River, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary sits with 36 hectares of wilderness just outside downtown Calgary. The Walker House lawn is one of the most picturesque and popular places for an outdoor intimate wedding in the park.
The Lake House
https://lakehousecalgary.com/2017/07/summer-weddings-lake-house/
The Lake House is the perfect place to elope in Calgary if you want good food, rustic elegance and gorgeous views of Lake Bonavista. While they can accommodate large weddings, there’s nothing stopping you from doing something much more intimate.
Deane House
http://www.deanehouse.com/events-overview
Deane House is a beautiful historic house turned restaurant in Calgary. With lots of stunning rooms and outdoor spaces to choose from, this could be your perfect venue. For elopements, there’s a number of smaller rooms, like the Library and Garden Room, that are beautifully decorated and oh so intimate.
Annie’s Cafe
https://www.bvrrestaurant.com/content/13-annies-cafe
An intimate wedding calls for an intimate venue. So why not try Annie’s Cafe? It’s a quaint farmhouse built in 1905 and nearby Bow Valley Ranch Restaurant (where they also host weddings).
Where to elope outside of Calgary
Quarry Lake Park, Canmore
http://www.quarrylakecanmore.ca/
Quarry Lake Park is a serene mountainside beach and dog park located in Canmore, about an hour outside of Calgary. The mountain and water views are unbelievable for an elopement outside of the city, making it one of Jodi’s favourites.
Barrier Lake, Kananaskis
Also in Canmore, Barrier Lake is another one of Officiant Jodi’s favourite spots to elope near Calgary, and it’s obvious why. This man-made lake is also a great spot for nature loves to hike or enjoy water activities.
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, Kananaskis
http://www.huyerperspectives.com/Nature/Big-Hill-Springs/i-FBFVFfH/
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is about 40 minutes outside of Calgary and another one of Officiant Jodi’s top picks for elopement spots near the city. The unique greenery, abundance of waterfalls and bridged pathways make this a very cool place to tie the knot.
Saskatoon Farm, Winton
https://www.facebook.com/SaskatoonFarm/photos/
https://www.facebook.com/SaskatoonFarm/photos/
Saskatoon Farm is 30-40 minutes outside of Calgary in Winton, Alberta. A memorable venue and meal await if you decide to tie the knot at Saskatoon Farm. This venue is also able to host larger weddings.
Where would you want to elope in Calgary? Once you have your spot, don’t forget to book your Alberta wedding officiant!
written by Riana Ang-Canning
feature image by Kaihla Tonai
https://www.kaihlatonai.com/blog/allienick-kananaskis-elopement-kaihlatonai
Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
