November 1, 2021

The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Alberta

So you’ve decided to get hitched. You’ve found that perfect someone and you’re ready to take the plunge into holy matrimony. If you’re like many people though, the idea of a big wedding isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. There’s the cost, the time, the pressure, the anxiety and of course, logistical challenges related to the recent pandemic. It’s no wonder that more and more couples are eloping in Alberta than ever before.

That being said, eloping isn’t always as easy as it might seem at first. What many think of as a romantic, last-minute dash down the aisle can actually be quite difficult  if not properly planned for.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this handy Guide to Eloping in Alberta that offers everything you need to plan your big day. Whether you’re a local or someone from outside the province looking to take advantage of the natural beauty and accommodations of Alberta, we have you covered with all the information you need.

What Is Eloping?

There are numerous myths and misconceptions about what eloping is and isn’t, so before we dig into the details, it’s important to actually understand what you’re getting into.

A simple definition of elopement is that it’s a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple’s family and friends (particularly the parents). In many cases, those who do decide to elope have only the marriage ceremony and skip any kind of larger reception or celebration. The main idea is to skip all the pomp and ceremony of a big wedding and focus instead on the two most important people: you and your partner!

How to Elope in Alberta

Okay, so you’ve decided to take the big step and elope. What’s next? Not to worry, we’ve broken it down for you in just eight easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Apply for a Marriage License

While filling out paperwork isn’t exactly the most romantic thing on the planet, it is unfortunately a legal requirement here in the province of Alberta. These licenses are available from a registry agent office and you’ll need to have one available as a physical copy to give to the officiant overseeing your wedding. No registration, no elopement.

Also bear in mind that, both of you have to go in at the same time and there is a small service fee. Be sure to be in the province of Alberta on a regular business day so you can go down to the Licensing bureau (which is generally the same place you’d go to pick up your driver’s license).

You can find out more information about marriage licenses (and where to go) on the Alberta government website.

Photo courtesy of Justine Russo photography

Step 2: Choose a Religious or Civil Ceremony

In Alberta there are two specific marriage ceremony types that are legally recognized by the province: religious or civil.

A religious ceremony is performed by a clergy member of any domination who is registered with Vital Statistics to perform marriages in the province. A civil ceremony, on the other hand is performed by a marriage commissioner appointed by the Alberta Government.

Even though you’re eloping, you’ll still need to choose one of these options in order for your marriage to be legally recognized in the province.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Pukin

Step 3: Find an Officiant

If you’re thinking of eloping in Alberta, you’ll need to find someone who’s authorized to perform marriages in the province. This individual will need to verify your marriage license and provide the necessary paperwork back to the government.

If you’re looking for an experienced officiant, you can find both religious clergy and civil marriage commissioners on the Service Alberta website. Just bear in mind that there will also be a fee for their services.

If on the other hand the idea of a friend or family member helping you tie the knot is appealing, you can also look at getting a temporary marriage commissioner. These are individuals who are legally appointed for only one day to perform civil marriage ceremony in Alberta. There is absolutely no cost for anyone to become a temporary marriage commissioner. The catch, however, is that it’s likely going to take 2-4 weeks for their application to be processed. So if you do decide to go this route, make sure you ask your friend or family member well in advance of your elopement date.

You can learn more about temporary marriage commissioners on the Alberta government website.

Step 4: Choose Your Witnesses & Guests

While many people who chose to elope do so specifically because they want a small, uncrowded wedding, it’s important to remember that in Alberta a marriage isn’t legal unless there are two adult witnesses who are physically present along with the officiant. For that reason some people who choose to elope end up selecting a few close friends or family members as their witnesses.

Many people who choose to elope also invite a few additional guests to attend the ceremony or celebrate afterwards. If you do decide to go this route, just bear in mind that it can makes things a little more complicated when it comes to finding the right venue.

Step 5: Find a Venue

So you’ve got your paperwork in order, you’ve chosen your officiant, witnesses and guests, and you’re ready for the big day. The next step is finding the right venue.

The good news is that there are an incredible number of options in Alberta; with Banff, Canmore & Lake Louise all being hot elopement destination spots. Your best bet is to go with a hotel, inn or bed and breakfast that includes everything you’ll need.

Many venues also cater specifically to elopements and offer services and packages that include a location for the ceremony, optional drinks/dinner and even a honeymoon suite. Demand, however, can be high, so make sure you plan your elopement as far in advance as possible to grab a spot or book a last minute, true elopement.

If you do decide to carry out your elopement ceremony in a public location, such as a park, bear in mind that many require permits for gatherings and additional restrictions may be in place. Be sure to check with your municipality before you show up to avoid any issues with bylaw enforcement or having other people using the space you had your eye on.

Also be aware that there may be restrictions in place for public gatherings due to COVID-19. You should check out the Alberta government website for more information.

Also, if you do decide to get married in Banff National Park or one of the other picturesque areas in Alberta, remember that in the summer seasonal forest fires can be an issue (and could potentially ruin your big day). In the winter, access to roadways can also be a challenge. Be sure to plan and monitor area conditions before and during the days leading up your elopement.

Step 6: Plan the Ceremony

So you’ve picked the perfect spot. Now it’s time to plan for the big day. An elopement ceremony can be as simple or as complicated as you like. But there are a few things you might want to consider planning for which can add to your planning and budget. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want a photographer?
• Do you want flowers?
• Do you want a reception after?
• Do you want the ceremony in-doors or outdoors?
• Do you want a formal or informal ceremony?
• Do you want to exchange vows and rings?
• Do you want to have speeches?

The sooner you can answers these questions, the smoother your elopement will be. Also bear in mind that many venues (particularly hotels and inns that cater to elopements) often offer packages that can help you choose and plan your ceremony.

Step 7: Plan Your Announcement

The final step is to think about how you’ll announce the big news to the world. Some couples who elope will submit a formal announcement to their newspaper, send out cards or simply let the world know via an email or social media post.

In some cases this can be a surprise to friends and family who may not even be aware you were planning on getting married, so including a few well shot photos of the event can help smooth things over.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Big Day!

With any elopement the important thing is to do it your way. After all, that’s the whole point! So whether you’re looking for a small informal affair or a more elegant and elaborate gathering, your big day should reflect who you are as a couple and how you plan to spend your lives together.

 

Thinking of eloping in Alberta? A Bear & Bison Inn has you covered. We’re one of Canmore’s top-rated wedding venues and we offer a variety of all-inclusive elopement packages. Contact us today for more info.