Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Jasper National Park? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know
A couple who eloped at the Jasper Park Lodge (All photos in this blog by Megan Posein Photography)
Dreaming of eloping in Jasper National Park? You’re not alone; this place is magic. But once you’ve found your person and picked your mountain backdrop, there’s one big question I hear all the time:
Do I need a permit to get married in Jasper National Park?
The answer? Not always.
Here’s what you really need to know: whether you’re planning a formal mountain wedding with guests or a spontaneous “just us two” vow exchange in the forest.
I loved these portraits of this couple nestled in the willows near the Athabasca River
If You're Using a Public Location (Like Pyramid Island Off-Season):
You actually don’t need a formal permit or approval to hold a small wedding ceremony in a public area of the park, as long as you're not reserving a site or doing anything that would interfere with other park users.
That said, Parks Canada does have rules, and you’ll need to follow these:
Keep your group under 25 people
Don’t block off areas or displace regular visitors
No decorations that could blow away or leave a trace (no confetti, no petals, no balloons)
Minimal setup — a few folding chairs for elders is fine, but don’t bring an elaborate arch, tent, or anything hard to immediately take down
No overly amplified music, P.A. systems, or generators
Everyone must have a valid National Parks Pass
All vendors (including photographers) must have a Jasper National Park Business Licence
👉 Personal tip from me (Megan): Even if you’re not reserving the space, it’s best to keep your ceremony short and sweet, and avoid peak times at high-traffic locations. You’re sharing the space with other visitors, and while most people are lovely, it’s nice to have some privacy for your vows.
Simple ceremonies with minimal guests can be held almost anywhere, as long as you follow the Parks Canada guidelines
If You Want to Reserve a Ceremony Location
Parks Canada does allow couples to reserve two official wedding ceremony sites in Jasper, and this is where obtaining a reservation permit is needed:
These are the only locations you can officially book through Parks Canada for your ceremony, and it gives you peace of mind that you’ll have access to the space at your reserved time.
You can learn more and make reservations directly through the Parks Canada website.
This couple reserved the wedding area on Pyramid Island. They brought in this simple wooden altar, and had family disassemble it immediately after the ceremony
If You’re Getting Married on a Privately Managed Area in Jasper
Places like Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Pyramid Lake Lodge (an area ran by Pursuit) are great options if you want a venue with extra support. These are private locations, so you won’t need a Parks Canada permit — and their coordinators will help you handle the booking process and logistics.
Portraits on the Jasper Park Lodge grounds in winter
What You Are Legally Required to Have
Regardless of your ceremony location, here’s what’s required to make your marriage legal in Alberta:
An Alberta Marriage License (this is issued by a registry office and valid for 3 months)
An authorized marriage commissioner or officiant
Two witnesses (Don’t stress — Jeff and I can sign as your witnesses, and we’re happy to do it at no charge.)
A valid Parks Canada pass for everyone entering the park
And again, all vendors (photographers, florists, etc.) must have a valid business license for Jasper National Park to operate legally.
📌 Because Megan Posein Photography is based in Jasper, we maintain both a Jasper National Park Business License and a Jasper Municipality Business License every year. There are no added travel fees or permit charges from us; we’re already here, and fully licensed.
Classic Jasper views
So… Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Jasper?
Only if you want to reserve one of the two official Parks Canada ceremony sites.
Otherwise, for most small, low-impact ceremonies in public areas of the park, no permit is required. Just follow the rules, be respectful, and leave no trace.
Black veil, black dress = a unique elopement in the mountains done exactly how they wanted!
Eloping in Jasper Should Feel Easy
Jasper is one of the most beautiful places in the world to say your vows, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're planning a gothic-inspired ceremony with a Labradorite bouquet and a cow skull guest book (yes, that happened and it was amazing), or just want a quiet moment together by the lake, the most important thing is that it feels like you.
If you have questions about locations, permits, or planning your elopement in Jasper, I’d love to help. I’ve seen this park in every season and can help you find the best spot for your vibe, whether it’s a popular site or something a little off the beaten path.
Want help planning your elopement in Jasper?
Check out my Jasper Elopements page, or get in touch to chat about the best time of day, best light, and best ceremony spots based on your dream vision. I’d love to help you bring it to life.
