Calgary & Victoria BC Wedding + Elopement Photographer

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Intimate Banff Wedding at Mount Norquay + Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

Bree Lion

intimate banff wedding at Mount Norquay & tunnel mountain Reservoir

Why Banff is a Top Wedding Destination

Banff is world-renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, making it a dream destination for weddings. Here’s why couples love it:

  1. Breathtaking Scenery: Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and lush forests create a magical backdrop for every moment.

  2. Versatile Venues: From grand lodges to intimate outdoor spaces, Banff has something for every style.

  3. Adventure Opportunities: Guests can enjoy skiing, hiking, or exploring the iconic Banff townsite during their stay.

  4. Unforgettable Photos: The stunning natural light and scenery ensure that every photo is picture-perfect.

  5. All-In-One Destination: With accommodations, dining, and activities nearby, Banff makes planning seamless for couples and guests.

Whether you’re dreaming of a serene outdoor ceremony or a cozy lodge reception, Banff combines natural beauty with world-class amenities to create an unforgettable wedding experience.

wedding Ceremony at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

Tunnel Mountain Reservoir, nestled in Banff, is a sought-after spot for wedding ceremonies. Its open-air setting provides panoramic views of Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley, making it one of the most breathtaking outdoor venues in the Rockies. This location is perfect for couples seeking a simple yet stunning ceremony with nature as the backdrop. It’s a great choice to pair with a Mount Norquay reception, offering a diverse mountain experience.

Quick Facts about Tunnel Mountain Reservoir:

  • Capacity: Up to 100 guests.

  • Pricing: Renting the Tunnel Mountain Reservoir in Banff for a wedding ceremony typically costs $250 for a 2-hour time slot. This rental includes the venue space but does not provide amenities such as seating or washroom facilities, which you may need to arrange separately.

  • Reservable: Book through the Banff townsite here up to 18 months in advance. You must have liability insurance to book the site.

  • Accessibility: Easily reachable from Banff townsite. Keep in mind there are no bathrooms or facilities. Most couples get ready at Buffalo Mountain Lodge across the road or off-site.

  • Ambiance: Minimalist, allowing the natural beauty to shine. The reservoir is known for its stunning panoramic mountain views and is conveniently located near downtown Banff

Mount Norquay Weddings

Mount Norquay, perched high in the Rockies, is the ideal setting for couples craving a wedding with adventure, romance, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you dream of a summer celebration surrounded by lush greenery or a winter wonderland with snow-covered peaks, Norquay offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cozy lodge charm.

Why Mount Norquay Is Perfect for Weddings

SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN VIEWS: With vistas stretching across Banff’s iconic peaks, every angle is picture-perfect. The location is also somewhat out of the way from the rest of Banff which gives you the feeling of having the entire mountain to yourself (which is rare for Banff!)
YEAR-ROUND APPEAL: From warm summer sunsets to sparkling snowy landscapes, to fall (my favourite season for weddings in Banff) each season adds its magic.
MOUNTAIN LODGE VIBES: Norquay Lodge blends rustic mountain charm with modern amenities, perfect for a memorable event.
PROXIMITY TO BANFF: Just minutes from Banff townsite, it’s accessible yet feels secluded in the heart of nature.

Venue Details and Costs at Mount Norquay

Planning your wedding at Mount Norquay? Here's what you need to know:

  • CAPACITY: Host up to 200 guests for a seated reception or smaller gatherings for intimate weddings.

  • RENTAL COSTS: Venue rental starts at $2,000, and food and beverage minimums range from $12,000 to $16,000 (plus taxes and gratuity).

  • CEREMONY OPTIONS: Exchange vows outdoors on the Lone Pine Lawn or enjoy indoor coziness with mountain views. Or book out Tunnel Mountain Reservoir in the Banff townsite like Kai & Dave opted for.

  • RECEPTION & CURFEW: Alcohol service ends at 1 a.m., with a curfew at 2 a.m.

  • TRANSPORT & ACCOMMODATION: Shuttle services start at $650 for three hours, and there are plenty of lodging options in nearby Banff.

  • DEPOSIT: A $2,000 non-refundable deposit secures your date.

  • Find the most up-to-date Mount Norquay wedding & contact info here

Stunning Photography Opportunities at Mount Norquay

As a Banff wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed how Mount Norquay’s unique features can elevate your wedding photos:

  • Golden Hour Glow: Plan your timeline to capture sunset shots with the Rockies as a stunning backdrop.

  • Lodge Details: The rustic wood beams and stone fireplaces create cozy, intimate photo settings.

  • Gondola Rides: For adventurous couples, a ride up the mountain offers panoramic views and a chance for epic portraits. This is included with your booking, so be sure to take them up on the offer!!

  • Seasonal Highlights: Snowy winter landscapes or lush summer greenery provide diverse photographic opportunities. Having it all right outside the lodge makes it extra convenient so you can rejoin the party as soon as we’re done!

Tips for Planning Your Mount Norquay Wedding

  1. Pick the Right Season: Consider how the mountain’s changing seasons align with your vision.

  2. Factor in Mountain Weather: Bring blankets or heaters for chilly evenings, even in summer.

  3. Plan Extra Time: Banff traffic can be unpredictable, so pad your schedule to avoid delays.

  4. Leverage the Venue’s Expertise: Norquay staff are experienced in hosting mountain weddings—lean on their knowledge!

  5. Hire experienced Banff wedding vendors (I know some great ones!): They will know the ins & outs of Banff, including having knowledge of when and where to be for sunset, private locations for vows or epic photo spots without the crowds.

Kai & Dave’s Banff Wedding at Tunnel Mountain & Mount Norquay

Kai and Dave travelled out from Ontario to celebrate their love with a Banff destination wedding with all their loved ones and closest friends! Their relationship began with a shared love for music while working at West 49 in 2017. Seven years later, Dave proposed in the exact parking spot where they first met, blending humour and heartfelt emotion into the moment. These two were so easy to photograph and it was clear how much they loved and appreciated each other. It makes my job as a Banff wedding photographer so much easier when all I have to do is let people be themselves and love up on one another surrounded by epic mountain peaks and the people they love the most.

Their Mount Norquay wedding will reflect their fun-loving and alternative vibe, from their first dance to “Sans Soleil” by Alexisonfire to matching Vans and a reception filled with laughter, music, and great food. The night ended with a pop-punk emo dancefloor singalong and you can bet I joined right in. Reliving my youth with these two and all their besties was so much fun and reminded me why I love this job so much!

Banff Wedding Vendors

FAQs About Mount Norquay Weddings

  • Can you host ceremonies and receptions at Norquay?
    Yes, with stunning options like the Lone Pine Lawn for ceremonies and the Cascade Lodge for receptions.

  • What is the guest capacity?
    The venue can host up to 200 guests for receptions.

  • What are the costs?
    Venue rentals start at $2,000, with food and beverage minimums ranging from $12,000 to $16,000.

  • When does the event need to end?
    Alcohol service ends at 1 a.m., with a 2 a.m. curfew.

  • Is the venue accessible year-round?
    Yes! Mount Norquay is open and gorgeous in all seasons, whether for a winter wonderland or summer celebration.

Planning Your Dream Banff Wedding?

Mount Norquay offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, combining the natural splendor of Banff with the charm of a rustic lodge. Whether you’re envisioning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, the venue’s versatility and beauty are unmatched.

If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to capture the magic of Banff weddings, I’d love to chat! Contact me here.

For more inspiration, check out some of my favourite Banff weddings and Planning Tips