Mountain peaks, glassy lakes, green forests, and blue skies – these are a few of our favourite things about Banff weddings. Turns out, the rest of the world agrees. So, Banff has become a hotspot for destination weddings. Not only does the area offer top-class vendors and incredible photo opportunities, but Banff wedding venues are also some of the best in the world. Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the most iconic hotels in the area and has romantic luxury weddings down to a very fine art.

You don’t need to travel to Europe for a fairytale castle wedding. But when you first catch a glimpse of the Fairmont Banff Springs, it’s easy to think you have! Nestled amongst the trees and known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, nothing says luxury Rocky Mountain wedding better than Fairmont Banff Springs.

Construction began in 1887 on the orders of Willian Cornelius Van Horne. With the mountain adventures and relaxing hot springs awaiting visitors there, he was creating his vision of Banff as the ultimate resort destination. The hotel officially opened on June 1st, 1888.

Location: 1.9km (6-minute drive) from Banff town
Maximum capacity: 220 people
Known for: Willow Stream Spa, incredible food, championship golf course, stunning scenery 
What’s included: Complete set up of your wedding banquet room (tables, regular banquet chairs, linen napkins, white china, and silver flatware), gift table, guest book table, cake table, option of a raised Head Table

Fairmont Banff Springs Amenities

You and your guests will want for nothing during your stay at Banff Springs. World class amenities, entertainment, and personalized service are the hallmark of the hotel. The rooms are beautifully appointed, from cozy rooms to opulent suites, it’s the awe-inspiring views out the window that will capture your heart.

Visitors can also take advantage of:

• Childcare
• Bell Staff
• Concierge
• Fitness & Aquatic Centre
• Gift Shops
• High-Speed Internet
• Dry Cleaning

We highly recommend making an extended stay our of your wedding at the Fairmont Banff Springs. There is plenty to keep you and your guests occupied:

Golf Course

If you’re a golf nut, you haven’t lived until you’ve shot eighteen holes surrounded by the crisp greens of the Fairmont Banff Springs course and the sweeping beauty of the Canadian Rockies. 

Bowling and Entertainment Centre

Family fun is right outside your hotel room with the Bowling and Entertainment Centre. It also comes equipped with ping-pong tables, a pool table, and a bar – a perfect spot to blow off some steam with close family and friends before or after the wedding day! 

Fitness and Aquatic Centre

Start your day off right with a dip in the pool or a yoga class before breakfast. The fitness and Aquatic Centre is also a relaxing spot to recline poolside on comfortable and stylish furniture.

Willow Stream Spa

Every bride needs a touch of relaxation so close to the big day. Treat yourself to a little TLC at the Willow Stream Spa. You’ll find a quiet spot away from it all where you can enjoy the serene facilities, mineral pools, and world-class spa treatments.

Dining at Fairmont Banff Springs

The castle has a long tradition of fine dining, and today, the Fairmont Banff Springs is carrying on that tradition in the same grand style (with a few modern tweaks). 

1888 Chop House

Prime cuts of Alberta beef in warm and comfortable settings over a century in the making. Enjoy an evening at the winner of Open Table’s 2019 Diner’s Choice Award.

The Vermillion Room

This French style brasserie is serving up some serious elegance and charm, along with delectable cocktails and a menu to die for. From starter to dessert, your taste buds will thank you, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Castello Italiana

Modern Italian cuisine in a quaint and comfortable setting. Enjoy a rustic Italian menu of hand made pasta and incredible pizzas, all washed down with a glass from the delicious wine selection.

Grapes

Wine and a charcuterie board is a classic combination, and nowhere does it with as much class and ambiance as Grapes. This little hideaway in the hotel is the perfect spot to relax over a glass of your wine of choice.

STOCK Food and Drink

Located in the hotel lobby, this market-style setting is home to artisanal bakery fare, aromatic coffees, and lots of sweet treats. Take your fresh, authentic snack outside to enjoy it in the perfect mountain setting.

Rocky Mountain Afternoon Tea

We love that the tradition of afternoon tea is still around to this day – any excuse to sit and relax over some delicious sandwiches, pastries, and tea! At Fairmont Banff Springs, you can even pick up some of your favourite blend to purchase and enjoy at home.

Weddings at Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs is a resort enjoyed by families, locals, and tourists from all over the world. But as a wedding venue, it brings something a little extra to the table. Every couple deserves to feel like royalty on their wedding day, and where better to achieve that than in Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”? 

So, what can you expect from Banff Springs as a wedding venue? And what types of weddings can they accommodate? 

*Room capacities are dependent on the setup and design of the wedding decor and may vary slightly over or under the numbers below.

Outdoor Terrace

Ceremony capacity: 220

Who wouldn’t want to say “I do” with the sparkling, aquamarine water of Lake Louise shimmering below them and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains rising up behind? The Outdoor Terrace is the outdoor ceremony spot that dreams are made of.

Strathcona Room

Ceremony capacity: 10
Reception capacity: 12

Small weddings don’t have to mean small luxuries. The Strathcona Room is perfect for intimate affairs and caters to both ceremonies and receptions.

Mt. Stephen Hall

Ceremony capacity: 220
Reception capacity: 120

When stepping into Mt. Stephen Hall for a wedding reception, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into the Scottish highlands. The high ceilings and stone floors are perfectly complemented by the oak accents and cathedral windows. 

Angus Room

Ceremony capacity: 20
Reception capacity: 20

Another prime spot for intimate gatherings, the Angus Room also features high ceilings and stained glass windows for a romantic mountain reception.

Cascade Ballroom

Ceremony capacity: 220
Reception capacity: 220

If you want to feel like classic Hollywood royalty on your wedding day, why not hand where some of the biggest stars in the world have graced the dancefloor? The Cascade Ballroom has welcome guests such as Fred Astaire and Marilyn Monroe in their heyday. Check out this space as a glamorous option for larger wedding receptions. You and your guests will enjoy dancing under crystal chandeliers before panoramic views of the Bow Valley.

Alhambra Room

Ceremony capacity: 220
Reception capacity: 220

Looking for a more rustic, old-world Mediterranean vibe? The Alhambra Room features romantic arched windows to the high ceilings with warm light and a romantic tone to your ceremony or reception.

Ivor Petrak Room

Ceremony capacity: 120
Reception capacity: 60

The Ivor Petrak Room is a bright and airy option for your ceremony and reception, hosting up to 120 guests under a custom-made chandelier.

Norquay Room

Ceremony capacity: 50
Reception capacity: 30

Another beautiful room available for intimate wedding ceremonies, the Norquay Room’s rich decor and mountain light hosts up to 50 guests.

What else should you know about Banff Springs weddings?

The incredible folks at Fairmont Banff Springs will be able to help you plan and coordinate your perfect day. But here are some extra tips and info you should know ahead of time:

Other important info:

• If your ceremony and reception or meal will be held in the same event space, staff will need three hours to re-set the room between the ceremony and reception.

• Room rentals and minimum food and beverage spends vary depending on your choice of event space.

• Hotel rooms can be booked at a preferential rate for wedding guests.

• Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are unavailable to book for weddings.

Learn More

The definition of luxury, class, and top-notch service, Fairmont Banff Springs should be top of your list of Banff wedding venues to consider! To learn more or get in touch with one of the venue’s Wedding Managers, visit the website here.

Photographs by Darren Roberts Photography and Rocky Mountain Photo Co.