Where to Elope in Nordegg, Alberta
One of my absolute favorite places in Alberta lies on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. While it has become more popular in recent years since covid, when it was one of the few places that you could legally camp during lockdown, the crowds are nothing compared to the popular locations in Jasper National Park, and are miniscule compared to the southern counterparts of Banff and Lake Louise.
While it doesn’t boast much for luxury amenities for large weddings, it is the perfect place to elope in Alberta for adventurous couples. The public land use zones that make up the massive area of Clearwater County allow for almost complete freedom to camp and hike where you wish. Of course, please respect Leave No Trace Rules! We all want to be able to keep experiencing our prisitine natural landscapes.
Pros to Eloping in Clearwater County:
As an outdoorsy, adventurous person myself, everything about this place is a pro!
- Beautiful mountains for your elopement background
- Clear mountain lakes
- Plenty of waterfalls to check out
- Unlimited places to camp! Just get your Random Camping Pass and adhere to Leave No Trace Principles
- Various hiking opportunities, including scrambles, gentle walks, and summits.
- If you go off the beaten trail, you will find places with absolutely no people
- Unlimited random camping opportunities, and gorgeous cabins for rent
- Lots of outdoor tours, including rock climbing, helicopter tours and horseback rides.
- And…mostly no cell service (how is that a pro you ask? No one can pester you on your wedding day!)
If those points don’t make you immediately want to have an adventure elopement in David Thompson Country, then it probably isn’t the place for you. But if you are going “That sounds amazing!” then what are you waiting for?
Cons to Eloping in Clearwater County
While some of us do not consider these a con, for those trying to have a more luxury elopement with friends and family, things can be more difficult to plan a wedding here.
- Accommodations are few and far between. There are many cute cabins for rent for couples, but not much in terms of group accommodation unless everyone wants to camp! The closest city is about 1 and ½ hours away at Rocky Mountain House.
- This is also true of any restaurants/caterers. Campfires are the best way to go to cook food, and the Miner’s Café has great coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, but if you want a hearty meal, options are lacking.
- You will have to drive, for everything. Highway 11 is the only highway that runs between Rocky Mountain House to the Icefields Parkway which then heads up to Jasper or down to Lake Louise, and nothing but the occasional tour bus heads out that direction. So don’t count on public transport, but it is a beautiful drive. And if you want to get off the beaten trail, there are plenty of forestry roads to take you to other beautiful places! Just bring the 4x4 and high clearance and you are good to go!
- No cell service. I had listed this as a pro previously, and I stand by it! But if you get lost, are trying to give directions to friends and family who are attending, or want to just be able to share some quick photos and updates from your day, cell service is sketchy at best.
If these cons don’t matter much to you, then you should absolutely elope in Clearwater County! If you love the mountains and outdoors, this is the perfect place.
Where to Stay for Your Elopement near Nordegg, AB:
Stix Cabin: https://www.stixcabin.ca
A modern cabin getaway with nearby walking trails, fire pit, indoor fireplace, and a cozy atmosphere.
Expanse Cottages: https://expansecottages.com
Beautiful wood cottages, with all the necessary amenities to cook and enjoy your stay. Choose from the Fireside or Stargazer Cabins.
Nature’s Getaway: https://naturesgetawaynordegg.com
Several cabins and a studio for either a large family or just a couple looking to get away from it all. Enjoy the hot tub in the Cozy Bear Cabin, or gather in the cookhouse and share a meal! A great venue for a small, intimate wedding.
Coliseum Mountain Resort: https://explorenordegg.ca/guide/cabins-cottages-hostels-and-motels/coliseum-mountain-resort/
The largest self catered lodge in Nordegg, with room for up to 18 guests.
Nordegg Backcountry Cottage: https://nordeggcottage.ca
Peaceful, rustic, private cottages for your stay in Nordegg.
Things to Do for Your Adventure Elopement:
Horseback Riding: Ram River Tours https://www.southram.com or Chungo Creek Outfitters http://chungocreekoutfitters.com/riding.html
Offers day tours and pack trips, with cabin rentals. If you want to include some family in your elopement it’s a great way to get everyone involved!
Rock Climbing/Via Ferrata/Ice Climbing: Girth Hitch Guiding https://girthhitchguiding.ca
Want to try something a little out of the box on your wedding day, and enjoy a bit of adrenaline? Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, these guys have the best locations and gear to make the best of your day.
Heli Tours: Rockies Heli https://www.rockiesheli.com
Take your elopement to new heights! Rockies Heli can get you married on the mountaintop, or just take you up for photos before or after if you want to have a ceremony with friends and family. Or if you are into fishing, have them take you to an alpine lake to cast a line.
Tours: Explore Nordegg www.explorenordegg.ca and Nordegg Adventures https://nordeggadventures.ca
Offering guided tours to various places near Nordegg and Abraham Lake.
Now for the ultimate question,
where to elope in Clearwater County?
There are plenty of popular places that are accessible! For a customized location list (with less known locations) I would love to help you plan as your photographer for your Nordegg Elopement.
Please Note:
None of the locations on this list would be considered “easily-accessible”. All require some form of walking, and I would highly recommend proper footwear. Abraham Lake and Nordegg area are still very wild, and that is one of the biggest allures for many of us. There is no paved paths or sidewalks, but dirt trails. If you need an accessible location, I highly recommend one of the many campgrounds available in the area, or a proper venue such as the Coliseum Mountain Resort or Nature’s Getaway.
Abraham Lake:
Whatever season it may be, Abraham Lake is stunning. While it is technically a man-made lake used as a water reservoir, the stunning blue water will have you dazzled. The lake is nothing to be trifled with however. Due to its nature, boating and water sports are not recommended and can be dangerous. So stay on or near the shore, and expect some wind! And in the winter, if you choose to venture out on the ice, be familiar with ice safety or go with a guide.
In the winter, Abraham Lake is known for it’s bubbles! The methane gases released get trapped and frozen, causing spectacular ice formations. And as the water levels in the lake lowers, the infamous slabs of Abraham Lake are formed.
Would you elope at Abraham Lake?
Crescent Falls and Siffleur Falls
Besides for Abraham Lake, these are the two most popular spots on this list, and for good reason. Their natural beauty, and they are easily accessible. Just a short walk from either parking lot will have you drinking in the views.
Cline River and Coral Creek:
At the far west end of Abraham Lake, these two easy hikes take you along the creek/river. You could choose to get married along the riverbed, or choose a spot in the forest along the way if that is more your vibe. Either way, it will be peaceful and private.
Moderate to Difficult Hiking Elopement Locations near Abraham Lake
Tuff Puff and Kinglet Lake
The name says it all, this isn’t a hike for the faint of heart, but the summit views will have you swooning. You can either do the loop to Kinglet Lake as well or go back down the same way. This route does involve some scrambling.
Lake of the Falls
This trail is long, but there are no long steep ascents. For most of the trail you walk beside the river, which is beautiful in itself. If you choose to have a hiking elopement to Lake of the Falls, I highly recommend making it a multiple day trip, or hiring Rockies Heli to fly you in to get married here. But the end view is absolutely amazing.
Vision Quest
This is a steep ascent, but right from the start you have beautiful views over Abraham Lake and the mountain range. To summit includes some scrambling, but if you just want the views, you can stop short and still have an amazing backdrop.
When to Elope in David Thompson Country
Every time of the year is a perfect time to elope here, if you don’t mind a bit of cold. But as with any mountain location, the weather can change drastically, so be prepared. Bring layers and something to cover up with, proper footwear (you can always change into something prettier when you get to where you are going), bug spray and sun screen if it is summer. And if you are driving here in the winter, be prepared with a winter survival pack, winter tires, and 4x4 if possible. I have been here several times when it is beautiful one moment, and six inches of snow the next. You never know what you will run into.
Questions about your elopement in Nordegg?
Part of my job as your photographer is helping you find the best location! Whether its for your ceremony location, portraits, or just where you want to spend the rest of your day adventuring, I am here to help!