Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Kananaskis

Banff Elopement Photographers

Morgan & Bryan

Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Kananaskis

This sunrise hiking elopement in kananaskis was such an incredible mountain top adventure wedding! We met Morgan, Bryan and a small crew of their family early in the morning. Everyone was buzzing with excitement at the trailhead. Morgan’s parents were accessorising everyone in colourful glowsticks while we all gathered our gear and tied up our hiking boots. When everyone was ready, we hit the trail. Our destination was an amazing ridge on top of a mountain in Kananaskis Country just outside of Banff National Park.

Eloping in the Time of COVID 19

We first met Morgan and Bryan in a little cafe in the country. They were planning their wedding in the mountains and asked us to be the ones to capture their celebrations. When COVID hit they began to rethink their plans and decided to go on a hiking adventure elopement and celebrate later with all of their family and friends. We sent through our Location Guide and they picked a hike that had an amazing view over a two beautiful lakes.

You can find more about the perfect place to elope on our resource blog here: How to find the perfect location for your elopement in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Or to find out more on: How to elope during Coronavirus in Alberta  

A Sky Full of Stars and a Perfect Sunrise Over the Canadian Rocky Mountains

We began hiking on what felt like the warmest night of the summer. No wind meant we were all hot just in T-shirts. A very rare occurrence at this time of the day in the mountains, even in summer! The sky was burning with infinite stars indicating it was going to be a stunning sunrise over the lake. After hiking through the woods for an hour or so we reached our destination on the ridge. Morgan and Bryan both found little clearings in the trees for a private place to get changed into their wedding attire. 

A First Look Amongst the Alpenglow

It was important for Morgan to have her father walk her down the aisle. Something that she had always imagined would happen on her wedding day. There was a trail leading out of the woods that was made just for this moment. We all watched as Morgan and her dad made their way down the ridge towards Bryan. Their first look at each other in their wedding clothes made even more magical with the alpenglow surrounding them. We took advantage of the soft dawn light and took a few portraits before heading up to meet their family for their ceremony.

Exchanging Vows Surrounded by Pink Peaks

Twyla was able to join the group on their hiking adventure so that they could have their official ceremony up on the mountain top. We all gathered around as Morgan and Bryan held hands. They exchanged personal vows and wedding rings all while the mountain peaks burned pink and orange in the background from the rising sun. It was such an incredible moment to watch and we feel so lucky that we were able to capture all the intimate moments. We all celebrated the newlyweds with a morning mimosa toast and heading back down to the lake.

A Picnic Reception Down by the Lake

Morgan and Bryan wanted to make the most of the beautiful morning and organised a picnic brunch down by the lake after the hike. We found a picnic table with the prettiest views and Morgans parents set up an amazing feast with homemade muffins, croissants and piles of fruit. 

We hope you enjoy looking through some photos of this amazing sunrise adventure!