No matter the season, you can’t go wrong with a mountain elopement at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC! But there is something to be said about the snowy wonderland magic that comes with a winter mountaintop elopement, Miranda + Steve’s wedding day is absolutely proof!

Why Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is an Amazing Elopement Location in BC

If you’re searching for mountaintop wedding venues, Kicking Horse should quickly make its way to the top of your list. Known for its world-class skiing and Canada’s highest elevated restaurant, it is truly a gem tucked away from the crowds of more well-known spots like Whistler and Banff. The lodge itself is timeless and classic, dripping in natural wood accents and wide windows to gawk at the 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the resort has incredible options for your mountaintop elopement or winter wedding ceremony.

This brings us to Miranda and Steve’s mountain elopement day and their stunning ceremony. Of all of the mountain elopements I've photographed, this one might have been the easiest, free-flowing day yet, which I attribute largely to the couple’s choice of location and venue. With just their parents and adorable pup along for the day, Miranda and Steve were able to make the most of a surprisingly mild winter day and explore the epic scenery in the region.

A Magical Winter Elopement in Golden, BC

We started their day at the Cedar House Chalets, a cozy little cluster of cabins with a picturesque view just 5 minutes drive from the center of town, where they got ready and shared a first look at a mountain lookout and private vows on the property. (While they chose to head to a different spot for the ceremony, this lookout would make a perfect ceremony location as well!)

After a sweet moment with their pup, we met up with their parents before driving about 20 minutes across town to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. I’ve already bragged about this ski resort, but it truly is one of the most incredible places for your winter mountain elopement. Just hop into a gondola and you’ll take in the views on the short ride up the mountain where it’ll drop you off right at the ceremony spot. You won’t have to worry about a thing as the lodge is right there, providing a warm-up spot in case of cold weather, a bathroom, and an epic view for your post-ceremony snacks or drinks. You’ll even have a sound system available to you! Having all of this easily accessible to you while also getting scenic mountain views is a rarity in the elopement world. If you’re looking for a comfortable spot that still feels adventurous and surrounded by nature – this is it!

After their ceremony, Miranda and Steve popped celebratory champagne with their parents before heading off with me for more wedding portraits in the mountains. The clouds hung low in the sky, but the mountains still shined as we explored the area around the resort. The sun never peeked out for us, but we were still able to capture the beauty of the scenery around us as Miranda and Steve shined with that just-married glow. The newlyweds ended the night meeting back up with their family for dinner at the cozy Whitetooth Mountain Bistro in downtown Golden. A perfect way to wrap up their mountain elopement in British Columbia!

Tips and tricks for your mountain elopement in Golden, BC:

Be aware of winter road conditions. The road in and out of Golden can be unpredictable in the wintertime. In the next couple of years, there will also be construction that closes down the road just east of Golden at night and other scheduled times. It’s important to check drivebc.ca or their Twitter for updates on road conditions! If you can, give yourself a day of flexibility and arrive early.
A backup day in case of bad weather is always a good plan. Golden is oftentimes sunnier than the western coast of BC, but that doesn’t mean winter weather doesn’t sneak in now and then. If you really want epic views of the Rockies for your elopement, it’s best to give yourself some options. Ask me about my flexible elopement booking, I always build in options for clients who might need it! Don’t forget to ask your venue and accommodation about your options as well.
Dress appropriately. A winter elopement in the mountains is no place for heels. Make sure you pack good shoes, and warm layers like shaws to feel comfortable enough in winter temperatures.
The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has multiple options for your elopement day. You can just rent the ceremony spot for an affordable price compared to other options with similar views, but you can also add on receptions as well. Pick and choose what works for you!
You don’t need to hike to awe-worthy views. Wintery mountain spots are rare as most become inaccessible during the off-season. But not at this mountain elopement venue! Plus you can’t beat having a place to warm up or grab a snack.
This wedding venue doubles as a famous ski spot. If you and your partner are adrenaline junkies or avid skiers, you could opt to leave your ceremony with a quick ski down the mountain. I’ve got the gear to make it work and have been dreaming of a ski elopement, if you’re up for something epic!
Don’t forget that Golden is in the same time zone as Alberta. Between Revelstoke and Golden, you pass through a time zone change. Keep that in mind when it comes to planning and logistics!
If a winter elopement isn’t your vibe, this spot in the summer is just as incredible. Just be aware that the sun sets much later in the mountains during the summertime, which means you can’t always catch it before the gondola closes. Don’t worry if this is the case, I always help couples plan for the best lighting and timing scenarios!
Take advantage of the many national parks in the area. For a winter elopement, this isn’t always an option, but when summer comes around, I’d highly recommend it! Golden, BC is uniquely situated around six different national parks – Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke.
If you’re looking for more small wedding venues or even Airbnbs for your mountain elopement in Golden, I’ve got some of my favourites linked with other super helpful information! Keep exploring your mountain elopement options by reading more on Airbnb Wedding Venues Perfect for Your Elopement or Best Small Wedding Venues in BC!