*All photos in this blog post (unless otherwise stated) have been captured by Megan Posein Photography. Cheers!* ♡

Snow falling on still lakes, mountains dusted in white, and a quiet ceremony that feels like the two of you. If a winter elopement in Jasper makes your heart glow, this guide is for you. I will walk you through what is open after the fires, the permit basics, how many guests you can bring, and how we keep your day warm, relaxed, and beautifully photographed. You will also find pretty winter location ideas, tips for traction and layers, and how we build an easy timeline so you never feel rushed in the cold.

*Heck yes, you can get married in Jasper in the Winter! Winter elopements are so classically romantic.*

Can you get married in Jasper National Park?

Yes, you can get married in Jasper National Park. Most couples choose a simple civil ceremony with an Alberta marriage commissioner or a symbolic vow exchange paired with a legal signing elsewhere. Parks Canada allows small ceremonies at approved day-use areas (which are not open in the winter months for bookings, but can be used as an un-serviced spot for an elopement) and viewpoints, as long as you follow Leave No Trace and do not block public access.

Here is what to know:

For elopements in the park, here is a link to the exact rules and regulations stated on the Parks Canada Website.

Keep it packable and simple. Think hand warmers in your pockets, a bouquet, and a celebratory drink. Avoid décor that could blow away or disturb the landscape.

Good traction and warm, sturdy footwear make winter elopements way smoother. I’ll take care of helping you choose locations that are beautiful, accessable and gentle on the park.

We keep up with seasonal closures and post‐fire updates, and we will guide you to spaces that are open and scenic in winter.

What is the best month for a winter wedding?

For consistent snow and pretty light, December through March is beautiful. If you want the highest chance of deep winter scenes and frozen lakes for easy walking, January and February are reliable. If you want slightly warmer temps, longer daylight, and dreamy sunset colours, March to early April can be wonderful.

Here is a quick feel by month:

Late November to December: Fresh snow, holiday twinkle, shorter days with rich blue hour.

January: Coldest month, quiet locations, crisp snow, clear skies for alpenglow.

February: Steady snowpack, slightly longer days, romantic pink sunsets.

Mid March to Early April: Softer temps, great light, more flexibility for short hikes.

*This couple opted for photos in the morning, and we had the entire area to ourselves.*

The most popular winter dates

Popular dates often cluster around:

New Year’s week and the first weekend of January

Valentine’s week

Long weekends, including Family Day in February

First two weekends of March

Mid-April, as the weather starts to warm, and the Park is still quiet

If you are dreaming of solitude, consider weekday afternoons or sunrise/sunset ceremonies. We can help you weigh light, temperature, and privacy into your planning.

*Maligne Lake is still untouched after the 2024 wildfires. This photo was shot in October, when there was snow, but the lake was not yet frozen.*

Winter Wonderland location ideas that shine after the fires

Jasper has many spaces that feel secluded, even when they are accessible.

A few winter favourites:

Lakeshore lookouts with mountain reflections when the ice is visible before a snowfall (November)

Forest nooks with snow‐laden spruce and a short walk from the parking area

Quiet bridges and river bends that catch soft afternoon glow

We keep a current list of areas that are open and safe. Maligne Lake views remain spectacular, and Pyramid Lake areas can be stunning in soft snow. When you book a call with us, we go over the current location options available and best suited for your elopement. If you want a venue option for warmth and a private room after vows, browse local venue guides to see what fits your style.

Leave No Trace in Winter

Snow can hide fragile areas. We stick to durable surfaces, pack out everything, and skip confetti or flower tosses that do not belong in the park. Battery tea lights (collected afterwards), a small bouquet, and a shared blanket look lovely without leaving a trace.

How we help guide you to build a relaxed winter timeline

Cold weather needs margin. We can help advise timelines with short walks, warm‐up breaks, and a gentle pace:

Meet and warm up: hot drink, check traction/warm layers, start walking in

Vows during the best light, usually 60 to 90 minutes before sunset

Short portrait loop with stops chosen for quick warm-ups

Cozy toast and a warm‐up break in the car or lodge

Optional night sky peek if conditions are promising

We carry hand warmers, traction tips, and flexible plans. If the wind picks up at one spot, we pivot to a sheltered glade or a view that faces the light while blocking the breeze.

A little look behind the scenes- This couple brought their best friend who also helped them with their extra layers for warm up breaks. Friends like these are so helpful and make your day more fun, but not overwhelming.

Guests and group size

Winter is easiest with a tiny group. For the most relaxed experience in public spaces, keep it to the two of you or up to six loved ones. If you plan for more guests or seating, choose a venue or book a private room to ensure comfort and accessibility.

Champagne toasts and warm treats

A winter toast feels extra special with:

Insulated mugs filled with specialty coffee, cider or hot chocolate

Sparkling wine or champagne served quickly, then tucked away (when permitted)

A small blanket to wrap around your shoulders between sips

We can help guide you on where celebratory drinks are appropriate and how to keep your toast low-impact and tidy.

*A beautiful winter elopement at the Jasper Park Lodge.*

What is the cheapest option for a wedding?

Eloping is usually the most affordable path. Keep it simple with:

Ceremony, rings, bouquet, marriage commissioner and photographer

A shorter photography package focused on vows and portraits

A dinner reservation instead of a reception

Choosing a weekday, letting nature be your decor, and using public locations can reduce costs while keeping the experience meaningful. If you want ideas for smart photo coverage, be sure to reach out for more details on packages/pricing.

Our winter elopement photography, packages, and add‐ons

Your photos should feel like you were there again, warm hands/rosy cheeks and all. Our coverage includes local planning help, location ideas, and relaxed direction so you can be fully present on your special day.

What you can expect:

Consultation to help personalize locations, timing, and comfort plan

Gentle posing and candid coverage, with backup spots ready

Professionally edited images in a curated online gallery

Sneak peeks within 24 to 48 hours (perfect for announcing your elopement afterwards)

Simple add‐ons:

Archival albums designed to tell your day from first look to last light

Wall art and prints that bring your favourite views/memories home

A second photographer when you want more angles or guest coverage

If you want to see more winter context and tips, this winter wedding resource dives deeper into preparation and timing.

*I absolutely loved this bride’s cape- the faux fur trimmed hood was stylish and warm too!*

Practical packing checklist

Winter conditions in Jasper change fast, so having the right essentials on hand keeps the day running smoothly. This quick packing list covers the things most couples end up needing so you can stay comfortable from start to finish:

For Staying Warm

Thermal base layers (tops + leggings)
Warm, sturdy boots with good traction
Wool socks (bring an extra pair)
Hand warmers + toe warmers
Gloves or mittens (plus a backup pair if one gets wet)
A warm coat or wrap (something easy to slip on between photos)
A stylish shawl/fur wrap, cape and or muff for photos
Insulated tights under dresses
Extra layers packed in a small backpack/duffle

For Safety + Comfort

Traction aids/ice cleats (depending on the location)
A thermos with hot tea, cocoa, or coffee
Snacks (protein bars, fruit, trail mix)
Lip balm
Tissues (cold noses happen fast)
A small towel or cloth to wipe snow off outfits or boots
Emergency blanket (lightweight but handy)

For Your Ceremony

Vows (printed or in a small notebook)
Rings (in a secure ring box that closes tightly)
Pen (kept somewhere warm so it writes)
Marriage license + any needed documents
A small weighted clip or magnet to keep papers from blowing away

For Photos

Touch-up kit (powder, concealer, lipstick/lip tint)
Hairbrush/comb + mini hairspray
Clear umbrellas (if you want them)
A blanket for sitting on snow
A pair of cute, warm gloves that actually look good in photos
Optional: a second pair of shoes for portraits (dressy but not for walking), although I recommend cute boots- function and winter fashion

For the Little Details

Bouquet/boutonniere
A small bag or box for keepsakes (letters, vow books, rings, etc.)
Water bottle (hydration still matters even when it’s freezing)

For the Drive

Full gas tank
Extra blanket in the vehicle
Phone charger
Windshield scraper
De-icer spray
Maps downloaded offline (Jasper service can be moody)
Emergency Roadside Kit

Hey! That’s us, Jeff and Megan, we’re ready to capture your special day and deliver the photos you’ve always dreamed of! (Photo courtesy of our friends at A Different Angle Photography in Jasper, thanks guys!)

Ready to plan your snowy day?

Yes, you can get married in Jasper National Park. The best winter month depends on your comfort with cold and shortened daylight hours, with January to early March offering the most reliable snow/ice and glow. Popular dates land around holidays and long weekends, but weekday sunsets are magic and quiet. Your theme can be cozy, elegant, or adventurous, and your attire should be warm, layered, and traction‐ready. If you want the most affordable path, a simple elopement with focused coverage is the perfect answer.

If this sounds like your kind of day, I would love to be your Jasper elopement photographer and help you to start planning. Reach out to check your date, share what you are dreaming up, and let us build a relaxed, warm plan you will love. ♡

Your Jasper Winter Elopement: A Guide to Locations, Permits, and Cozy Photos