Top Venues for a Cozy Wedding Reception in Jasper National Park

Discover Jasper's Best Restaurants for Your Intimate Wedding Reception

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Rockies, Jasper is more than just a stunning backdrop for your special day—it's a place where culinary delights meet the charm of intimate gatherings. If you're planning a small wedding reception for under 50 guests, you're in luck. Jasper boasts some incredible restaurants that offer not just exquisite meals but also the perfect cozy atmosphere for your celebration. Let's embark on a flavorful journey through the top spots that are sure to leave your guests raving for years to come.

Terra – A Unique Taste of Jasper

At Terra, you'll find a quaint side room that comfortably fits 30 loved ones, offering privacy and elegance. The cuisine here is nothing short of remarkable, with unique dishes that reflect the local palate. The ambiance is serene, allowing soft whispers of conversation to fill the space as you dine. Picture your closest friends and family toasting to your happiness amid a delectable meal that's as extraordinary as your love story.

Earl's in the Rockies – Casual with a Side of Celebration

Earl's in the Rockies may just redefine what you think of when you hear "wedding dinner." Their back room is a gem within the heart of Jasper, separated from the rest of the establishment and equipped for an exclusive celebration. The fare is consistently superb, boasting the casual elegance that your guests will appreciate. And yes, there's room for a dance floor, encouraging everyone to kick off their shoes and dance the night away. Who says a wedding reception can't be a laid-back affair?

Tekarra Restaurant – A Culinary Experience With a View

Now, if a customizable venue with a stunning view sounds appealing, Tekarra Restaurant is your spot. Renting the entire restaurant allows you to orchestrate every detail, turning it into your own romantic oasis. Their cuisine is top-notch—every bite a testament to their culinary excellence. With a patio overlooking the river, expect an ambiance that's as magnificent as the food. Imagine laughter with loved ones as the sun sets on an unforgettable day—it doesn't get much better than that.

Jasper Brewing Company – Cheers to Love

Welcome to the heartiest celebration in town at Jasper Brewing Company! This place hums with a lively atmosphere and is ideal for the fun-loving couple. With a smaller side room connected to the main pub area, you'll enjoy an energetic vibe and some of the best brewery food around. The selection of finely crafted beer is a toast-worthy highlight. It's easy to see why laughter comes easily here, and good times roll as smoothly as their signature ales.

No matter your vibe, Jasper has something for you and your guests!

Each of these restaurants embodies the spirit of Jasper, offering warm and inviting spaces for couples looking for that perfect intimate reception. Yet, they bring their own distinct flavors and vibes, catering to a range of preferences and styles.

Every couple’s journey is unique, and your reception should be too. Define your first steps as a married couple in Jasper, where the splendor of nature meets refined gastronomy, tailored to be as intimate or lively as you desire. Whether your reception is bathed in the quiet elegance of Terra or set to the jubilant buzz of the Jasper Brewing Company, these venues are seasoned in making small celebrations magnificent.

Alex + Sarah’s Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding

Essential Packing List for Day-Trip Mountain Adventures

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Canadian Rockies? Whether you've chosen to conquer towering peaks, navigate lush forests, or simply soak in the breathtaking views at the lakeshore, each moment in these mountains promises a thrilling adventure. But before we set foot on those rugged trails, let's ensure we're fully prepared. Presenting 'The Essential Packing List for Day-Trip Mountain Adventures in the Canadian Rockies'—your ultimate guide to gearing up for the exhilarating experiences that lie ahead. Let's pack light, but smart, and make every moment count in this awe-inspiring wilderness!

Remember to consider what type of adventure you are planning and how long it will take, so that you can prepare appropriately using this packing list as a guide. There might be some things on here that you don’t need, or some that aren’t on here that you do! This is just to get you started on thinking what your chosen adventure calls for.

If you are having professional photos taken during your adventure, remember that you can always bring nice shoes or outfits for the photos with you, but wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the journey there!

The scenic drive for sightseers packing list:

• Water: Always pack extra water in the car!

• Lots of snacks: (including some hearty ones!)

• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin and lips from harsh UV rays.

• Bug Spray: To keep those pesky insects at bay.

• Rain Jacket: Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so staying dry is crucial if you want to hop out for a photo.

• Lightweight but Warm Jacket: For summertime in those cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.

• Bear Spray: An essential safety item in bear country. (we've got it if you don't!)

• Binoculars: For a closer look at distant wildlife or landscapes.

• Good shoes for walking around.

• Full tank of gas: You can go a long ways in the mountains without coming across a gas station!

The short hike in the mountains packing list:

• all of the above, plus

• Backpack or Daypack: Compact and comfortable to carry all your essentials.

• Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is key in any outdoor activity.

The long hike in the mountains packing list:

• all of the above, plus

• Pack a lunch: Something nourishing that can survive in your pack!

• Snacks: High-energy foods are ideal for a quick energy boost.

• Waterproof Hiking Footwear: To keep your feet dry and comfortable.

• Hiking Poles: To provide stability during your hike.

• Sunglasses and Hat: To shield your eyes and face from the sun.

• Headlamp/Flashlight: In case you end up hiking later than planned.

• Medications: Any medications that you rely on, plus an extra dose in case of getting stuck somewhere.

• Map and Compass/GPS: Essential for navigation, even if you plan to stay on marked trails.

Where can I get this gear in Jasper?

There are lots of places in the Jasper townsite where you can stock up on hiking and camping essentials. Here are a few local options:

Totem Ski Shop: Hiking, camping, backpacking, outdoor and winter sports, outerwear, equipment rentals

Everest Outdoors: Hiking and backpacking, outdoorwear.

Pure Outdoors: Equipment rentals, ski + snowboard, watersports

Gravity Gear: Outdoorwear, climbing gear

The Bench: Bike shop for any mountain bike gear.

Base Camp: General outdoorwear, camping equipment, hiking

Things we will always bring:

If you are going on an adventure with us as your photographers, these are things that we will always bring. If you need us to bring some other things on the list, just let us know!

• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, pain relievers, and any personal medication.

• Bear Spray: An essential safety item in bear country.

• Cameras: To capture the stunning views.

• Hand and foot warmers: just ask if you need some!

• Some laughs

Optional things to add:

• Certified guides

• Packed lunches

• Picnic lunch

• Equipment rentals

• Send us an email to inquire about any optional goods or services you'd like us to connect you with! There are lots of great local options for all your needs here in Jasper.

The Winter Edition

In wintertime, all the above considerations are still relevant, but you might want to add on a few of these as well! These are for general outdoor activities*.

*For activities that involve avalanche terrain, proper equipment and trained guides are essential.

• Gloves and Scarf: For added warmth in cooler weather or higher altitudes.

• Insulated Boots: Good quality boots for navigating ice and snow, and keeping toes warm!

• Really warm jacket: Even if you are getting photos taken in a lighter jacket, bring a really warm one to switch in and out of so you don't catch a chill!

• Insulated base layer: Throw on a skin tight base-layer under your clothes for better insulation.

• Hand and foot warmers: These are self explanatory.

• Crampons or ice cleats: Especially if you plan to walk on icy or uneven paths!

• Extra gloves and socks: Warm hands and feet are highly necessary!

Remember, each trip may require additional or specific gear depending on the weather, season, and your planned activities. Always check local regulations and conditions before heading out.

Check trail conditions: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/experience/sentiers-trails/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions

Check avalanche conditions: https://www.avalanche.ca/en/map

Check road conditions: https://511.alberta.ca/

Engagement Photos at Pyramid Island in Jasper

Okay, I’ve just gotta say it; Pyramid Island is the most romantic place for engagement photos in Jasper. Mayyybe Spirit Island, but it takes two hours to get there from Jasper, so it doesn’t count. Plus, when you throw in fall colours and a beautiful autumn evening where the lake sits perfectly calm; Pyramid Island takes the cake.

Pyramid Lake and Pyramid island played their part in the beautiful setting for this session, but the real romance was this couple! Tess and Scott brought their incredible love, a willingness to get vulnerable and playful together, and two great outfits that all came together with a some really special memories of that very special time; being engaged. It was the perfect evening to stick around the Pyramid Lake area, as the fall colours on the south end of the lake come alive in brilliant yellow when the sun is setting low. Plus their puppy clearly needed to get his paws in those freshly fallen leaves!

For anyone planning to have engagement photos in Jasper during the fall colours and autumn season, and who want a classic Jasper backdrop for their photographs; Pyramid Lake provides many opportunities to take in the beauty of Jasper and to make some lasting memories. After all, that last bit is what engagement photos are all about. We love it when clients can get excited about their session, and really allow themselves to be present and playful with eachother like these two did. There is no pressure to do something right for the camera or whatever, engagement sessions are about bringing that fun that you two have together every day into those photos. All you have to do is be natural with eachother and have fun! We will make sure that the photos capture that vibrant and exciting engagement feeling!

The best time of day for engagement photos in Jasper

The best time of day for engagement photos is when the light isn’t too harsh. Nobody likes squinting into a full blown sun, or having racoon eyes in their photos. This is why we recommend earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon or evening, depending on the time of year. Think sunrise and sunset! Wherever possible, we recommend aiming for the late afternoon / evening light, as this tends to be the least harsh. To get good morning light in the summer you would need to start closer to 5 or 6 AM, which can be a little early for lots of folks!

When planning your start time, don’t forget that sunset changes significantly throughout the year. Around the Summer solstice the sun may set closer to 10PM, instead of 4:30PM around the Winter solstice.

Tips for engagement photos

• Relax! Think of it as a fun night out with your best friend, just mountain edition!

• Don’t worry about feeling self conscious: don’t let the awkward feeling get to you. If anything looks weird we will let you know, but otherwise just know that it looks a lot better than it feels. So if the camera intimidates you; focus on your partner instead of how weird it feels.

• Bring two outfits: Having two outfits really gets the most out of your engagement photos, because you can use them multiple times or even for multiple purposes.

• Choose an evening time close to sunset: Get the best light the mountains have to offer. It really adds so much depth and feeling to the images, even when the sun isn’t shining.

Getting to Pyramid Island

Getting to Pyramid Island from the Jasper townsite requires a 10 minute drive up Pyramid Lake Road. This scenic drive is actually a great place to see wildlife as well - especially in the spring and fall - like elk, deer, bears, and more. The road passes by the Pyramid Stables, Patricia Lake, and the Pyramid Beach access road. As you arrive at Pyramid Lake the road curves past Pyramid Lake Lodge and around the lake to Pyramid Island. There is limited parking at the Island during peak season, but there is always plenty more at the parking lot just past there at the end of the road.

Here is a map link to Pyramid Island Parking Lot:

Kinfolk Photography: Local Jasper Engagement Photographers

We (Ash and Brian) have been photographing engagements here in Jasper National Park for a long time. Brian’s family lived here most of his life, and Ash has raised her son here for his entire life so far. Now that we are a family together, we continue to choose Jasper because we know what a special place this is, and we love to make lasting memories for our clients while they are taking in the majesty of the Rockies together and creating their own stories. We feel so lucky to work with so many different people. Some of our clients from nearby come back over and over again over the years, and have deep ties to the Jasper rocky mountains. Other clients come visit our mountain town on once in a lifetime holidays and vacations. No matter where they come from, we love to take them out to some of our own favourite photo spots here in Jasper; and Pyramid Lake is definitely one of the top ones!

Engagement Photos at Old Fort Point in Jasper

Old Fort Point in Jasper National Park is an amazing location to capture beautiful engagement and couples photos. Only a short (if rather steep) walk from the parking lot, breathtaking views and spectacular natural beauty make it the perfect spot for an evening of taking photos. The sun sets over the mountains across the valley, often giving a beautiful variety of light, like in the session featured in this post. Old Fort Point is a great place to capture the special moments of your engagement in an unforgettable setting. So whether you're looking for romantic photos or just a casual or fun day outdoors with your significant other, join us over at Old Fort Point in Jasper National Park for your couples or engagement photography session.

In this post I'm going to share some of the things that make Old Fort Point such a great photo spot in Jasper. So read on!

Or just look at the pictures, I don't mind.

The trails around Old Fort Point have some beautiful mossy forest paths that can provide a great variety of images and backdrops for pictures. From the warm, golden light filtering through the trees at dusk, to the vibrant green of the moss and pine on either side of the trail, every step adds something unique to your photos. It's an undeniably peaceful and intimate atmosphere that helps make the session just an enjoyable time together. There are also beautiful views along the shores of the Athabasca River right next to the Old Fort Point parking lot. No matter what time of year you visit, Old Fort Point offers a really great variety of options for your couples photos. There is a lot to be said for those long evenings of sunlight in the summer and fall, but even the depths of winter can be stunning!

Once you get up Old Fort Point itself (after many, many stairs) there are countless different vantage points that offer stunning views across the valley around the Jasper townsite and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. With the ability to capture both landscape shots as well as close-up details there’s no shortage of possibilities for creative engagement photos. Whether you want classic poses or just some fun candids walking along the edge, there’s something to suit everyone. Some people prefer to wear runners or hikers for the walk up, as there are some steep and gravelly spots, and then to switch into other shoes for the photo one we are up top. It is totally up to you and your personal style preference what type of footwear you wear for your photos, but we recommend solid shoes for the walk up!

The evening is the best time to take photos at Old Fort Point. With views south towards Mount Kerkeslin and Mount Edith Cavell, west towards Whistlers, And north towards Pyramid Mountain and Old Man mountain, there are so many backdrops to play with the late evening light setting down to the west towards Mount Robson. Although morning and afternoon at Old Fort Point can also be beautiful, the light can sometimes be quite harsh due to the exposed face of the hill being open to high sunlight.

After sunset is a time when Old Fort Point shines. The alpenglow of the fading sun off the mountain peaks as well as the warm colors from the setting sun provide great color variety and depth to your photos. So if you’re looking for engagement photos from up high at dusk or in the alpenglow or twilight, it doesn’t get much better than Old Fort Point! I can never get over how beautiful Mount Edith Cavell is at this hour, like you see in these shots below.

After taking photos at Old Fort Point, Jordan and Lewis opted to take some photos under the starry night sky by adding a Dark Sky package upgrade on to their session. It was a perfect night for the milky way! We love to take advantage of the incredible night skies here in the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve. The most accessible times are the fall and winter with the short days, but year round the night sky in Jasper offers up really special and unique experiences. We frequently see the milky way, shooting stars, and even sometimes the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

Curious about how to get to Old Fort Point?

Old Fort point is only a short drive or bike ride from Jasper townsite. You can also walk there from downtown Jasper in about half an hour. Fortunately no matter how you decide to go, google can help with directions! Use the google map below!

Get in touch to book your couples or engagement session in Jasper National Park

25 Best Jasper Family Activities for Summer + Winter

Cavell Meadows hike is incredible in the early summer, even if you have to drag the kids!

There are few things more exciting than a family vacation in the Canadian Rockies, and as you see the mountains in the distance growing closer and closer, you can’t help but get butterflies thinking of all the fun activities that Jasper has to offer you and your family. It’s not uncommon to hear that vacations are never long enough, and that is why it is so important to make the most of your time in Jasper Alberta no matter the season, and to make memories for your family that will stay alive in your hearts forever. As local Jasper Family Photographers with a family of our own; we love a good family outing. Smiles, laughter, and togetherness; accidents, arguments, screaming, crying, and all! That’s why we’ve created this list of some great family friendly activities in Jasper for both the winter and the summer, and included a couple photos of our own adventures. There are countless things to do in Jasper, but here are a few unique experiences we love.

Our favourite free activities in Jasper during summer are going for a swim and a picnic at Lake Annette or Lake Edith, going for a bike ride on the many mountain biking trails around town, and going hiking! We also love to skate at Mildred Lake and explore Maligne Canyon in the wintertime.

Free activities and things for families to do in Jasper

Sometimes adventuring in our National Parks can be a little pricey, so it’s good to have some options for free activities that you and your family can enjoy without breaking the bank. It is important to keep in mind that visitors to Jasper National Park will be required to purchase a Park Pass on the way in, but once you are here then there are lots of ways to enjoy the Park for free. There are free options included in our summer and winter lists below, but as a general rule the best free outdoor activities in Jasper are: hiking, picnicking, swimming, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing. Another of our favourites is stargazing beneath Jasper’s dark skies! Keep in mind, there are lots of free family friendly activities during Jasper’s annual festivals; like the Dark Sky Festival, Jasper in January, and Jasper Pride and Ski Festival. Keep reading for some more inspiration.

With trails right out our back door, we love to get out mountain biking on the Pyramid Bench on the west side of town.

10 Awesome Jasper Family Activities in Summer

• Day Hiking and Backpacking in Jasper: There are trails and backpacking trips for all skill levels and abilities; from short paved loops to multi-day backpacking trips. For many of the backcountry sites you will need to book well in advance!

• Camping in the Rockies: Explore the incredible campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway, or stay close to town. Book tent and rv camping spots ahead of time to be sure of getting a spot!

• Mountain Biking: Jasper has a great network of mountain bike trails for you to explore. Or join a guided bike tour!

• Picnics and campfires at the Beach: There are lots of great picnic sites, although Lake Annette, Lake Edith, Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake all have the added bonus of lakeside fire pits.

• Watersports at the Lakes: Jasper offers incredible opportunities for canoeing, paddle boats, SUP and paddleboarding rentals, and more.

• Rock Climbing: For the brave and adventurous: join a guided rock climbing tour, or even try canyoning!

• Whitewater Rafting Adventures: Get your hearts pumping with a whitewater rafting adventure. There are a variety of levels available for all preferred intensities.

• Jasper Skytram: Take in incredible views of the mountains and valley below from atop Whistler’s Mountain.

• Horseback Riding: The Jasper Riding Stables offer scenic rides around the valley.

• Wildlife Viewing Tours: Wildlife is no doubt one of the big highlights for a lot of visitors, and joining a wildlife tour increases your chances of finding it!

And of course, number 11 would be:

• Book a Family Photography Package from local Jasper Family Photographers!

Hiking is great anywhere, but our fam thinks it’s better in the alpine ;)

Whitewater rafting is one of those Jasper adventures that might not be for everyone…

Top 10 Jasper Winter Family Activities

• Ice skating and shinny hockey: Pyramid Lake and Lake Mildred both clear scenic skating loops as well as hockey ponds for shinny, and they even provide nets and skate rentals (or you can get skate rentals in town).

• Cross Country Skiing: Parks Canada provides set ski trails for all skill levels. Check out Marmot Meadows or other Cross-Country Ski Trails in Jasper here.

• Snowshoeing: You can even get a guided snowshoe tour for the fam!

• Go for a family Sleigh Ride on Pyramid Lake! Nothing says winter in Alberta Canada like a sleigh ride… except maybe for the next option. (P.S, you can get free sleigh rides at certain times during the Jasper in January festival!)

• Dog Sledding Adventures: Choose from a variety of unique options for dog sledding in the Jasper Rockies, like the Ghost of Cold Fire Creek Dog Sled Tour, or the Little bit of Heaven Dog Sled Tour.

• Skiing and Snowboarding at Marmot Basin in Jasper: Marmot Basin is an amazing, family friendly ski hill only a 25 minute drive from the townsite.

• Fat Biking in Jasper: This is a relatively new activity out here, but it’s become very popular for a reason! You can rent fat bikes or join a guided fat bike tour.

• Stargazing in Jasper National Park: Bundle up, it gets real cold at night! But wintertime is the best for stargazing as it gets dark early. You can even try and catch a meteor shower like the Geminids in November/December!

• Picnic with a firepit! There are lots of great picnic spots in Jasper, but you’ll want to find one that has a fire-pit so you and your family can stay warm, and maybe roast some s’mores.

• Ice Climbing: This isn’t for the faint of heart, but you can join a group tour or book a private guided ice climbing tour. Great for beginners!

And of course, we can’t forget number 11:

• Family Photos in Jasper! Obviously this is one of our favourites ;)

Our fam loves a good cross-country ski trip down Maligne Lake to Hidden Cove. Having the Mike Wynn cabin as a warm up hut is great in case of wind or deep cold.

5 More Great Jasper Family Activity Ideas

Jasper has so many unique experiences to explore. It is part of what keeps families coming back year after year. Here are a couple more unique things to do in Jasper, just in case you’ve managed to tick everything else off your list ;)

• Check out the Jasper Planetarium

• Try world-class Golfing at the Jasper Park Lodge

• Spas and personal wellness, or yoga

• Take in a Theatre show, or browse a museum or art gallery!

• Shopping in downtown Jasper.

  Whatever you decide to explore with your family while you are here in Jasper, we hope it is an experience of a lifetime. Who knows, maybe we’ll see you here in Jasper soon; on the trails, in the shops, or maybe even in front of our cameras ;)

Tips for families new to the mountains

• It’s always good to bring an extra layer or two, no matter the time of year. Weather can change quickly in the Rocky Mountains, and with kids and parents, so do moods. Be prepared in case it gets colder all of a sudden.

• Bring snacks. When there is food on hand it’s easier to stay a little longer at a place you are enjoying, or to give a little buffer time if you run off schedule.

• Bring extra extra water. Despite the pristine mountains, there is very little freshwater available outside of the townsite, and filling up in creeks and rivers is not recommended. Stay hydrated out there!

• If you are going out on the trails, it’s recommended to use proper footwear, like hiking boots or runners.

• Always follow parks rules and regulations.

• Teach your kids about the leave no trace wilderness ethic.

Jasper Family Photographers: Lake Edith + Lake Annette

As local Jasper family photographers, we know that Lake Edith and Lake Annette are two of the best places for families to hang out in Jasper in the summertime. They have lovely beaches, beautiful turquoise water, and incredible mountain views; what more could you ask for? Our family absolutely loves to ride our mountain bikes out to the lakes in the summer and spend time swimming or paddleboarding at Lake Edith, or jumping off the dock or sunbathing at the beach at Lake Annette, which is why it is no surprise that we also find it to be such a great spot for family photographs in Jasper! As family photographers who live in Jasper, we know that if we go to the places our family loves to spend time in, then our clients and their families will love it too. Family photos in Jasper don’t have to be stuffy and formal; they could also just be a fun day at the beach too.

Getting to Lake Edith and Lake Annette

The nice thing about Lake Edith and Annette is that they are very accessible. With picnic sites, picnic shelters, and a playground - all right next to parking areas - it is possible for the whole family to spend time at the Lake. Even those in wheelchairs can enjoy the beautiful paved trail that circles Lake Annette, (see more wheelchair accessible paved trails in Jasper National Park here) which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystalline lake. It makes a really beautiful evening walk as the sunset paints the mountain peaks and colours the reflections in the lake.

It is only about a 5 minute drive from the townsite of Jasper to get to Lake Edith and Annette. Take the east exit from town and head east on Highway 16 until you reach the traffic lights, then turn right to cross over the Athabasca River. You can get to Lake Edith by staying on the Maligne Lake Road for about a km, or you can head to the main picnic and parking areas by taking the first right after the bridge, onto the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge road. Just follow the signs from there and you’ll be at the beach in minutes!

Here is a map link to the main parking area:

Map to Lake Annette Parking Area in Jasper Alberta

Jasper Family Photographers

Lake Edith and Lake Annette are really great spots for young families who want a bit of freedom and room for little ones to play. We might get a little wet and dirty, but that’s what being a little one is all about sometimes! We want your family photos in Jasper to reflect a real life family adventure. We want some nice posed photos too (that don’t look too posed), but we also want you all to have fun together because that is what family memories are all about, and that is what will make your photos stand the test of time and always bring a smile to your face. As local Jasper family photographers we love to see the smiles on peoples faces as they experience everything our hometown has to offer, and to show them some of our favourite places to hang out as a Jasper family.

Family friendly activities in Jasper for your vacation

There are so many family friendly activities in Jasper to choose from while you are here. Whether it is nice easy hikes and walks, like the path around Lake Annette or the popular Valley of the Five Lakes, a bike ride or paddleboard around Lake Edith, or renting a canoe at Pyramid Lake or a paddleboat rental at Lac Beauvert - in the summertime people and families love to spend time around the turquoise waters of Jasper lakes. There are also popular experiences, like getting up to a mountaintop the easy way when you ride a tram at Jasper Skytram, taking a boat cruise on Maligne Lake, a guided mountain bike tour or horseback ride. Jasper winter family activities include the famous Maligne Canyon icewalk, dogsledding, sleigh rides, skating at Mildred Lake, cross-country skiing, fat-biking - you name it! Make a list of some of the activities in Jasper that your family might like, and then you can all choose your favourites together and plan the perfect Jasper family activity for your visit.

Family Adventure Sessions

Like I mentioned previously, family photos in Jasper don’t have to be your normal stand-there-and-smile photos. Jasper is a place where people come to experience the Canadian Rockies with their family, and that’s why we also offer family adventure session photo packages! This takes your Jasper family activities and turns them into the photo session itself - a documentary style approach to family photography where we take photos of your family experiencing all that Jasper has to offer. We would love to photography your family trying out paddleboarding, canoeing, follow you out on the Columbia Icefields Snowcoach or to Spirit Island. Family adventure session packages are a fresh take on family photography that perfectly suits Jasper National Park and the adventures and experiences that make Jasper unique. Get in touch if you are looking for a Jasper family photographer or jasper portrait photography packages with a fresh eye and new ideas. We are happy to recommend family activities to suit your tastes, preferences, and ability!

Helpful things to know about Lake Edith and Lake Annette

• Both of these lakes are great for swimming, and are two of the warmest in Jasper during the summer months.

• The Lake Annette trail is a loop, so you can start at any point along the trail and just keep going until you come back around. There is no need to start at the main trailhead.

• You can rent paddleboards from Translucid Adventures at Lake Edith on the southern beach. There is lots of parking between Edith and Annette, just head down to the lakeshore and look for the little trailer with a blue roof.

• There are plenty of dog friendly areas, they just need to be kept on leash. Dogs are not permitted on the Lake Annette beach, however.

• The numerous campfire pits make this a great picnic location, or a place to hang out for a few hours in the afternoon or evening.

• The road is plowed throughout the winter, but the gate closes at dusk. Usually Parks staff will come around and shepherd everyone out before they lock the gate.

If you bring your family out to Lake Edith or Annette we hope you have a great time! Let us know if you think we missed something ;)

Winter Wedding at Jasper Park Lodge

Around here we consider ourselves quite experienced in recognizing a severely romantic scene when we see one. Imagine a quiet mid-week winter day at the most luxuriously laid-back resorts in the Canadian Rockies, then throw in the sweetest, sincerely connected couple in the scene. Come on! It doesn’t get more perfect than that. In our opinion, Harley and Ash created the ultimate day to celebrate their commitment to each other at the Jasper Park Lodge in front of their family and friends (chosen family is a more apt term for their friends though). The day started out with a fresh blowout for Ash and a beard trim for both of the grooms at Wild Orchid Spa at the resort which left them feeling pampered and looking extremely handsome and fresh.

A quick sidenote; Ash (of Kinfolk!) first met Ash one of the grooms many years ago at the Jasper Pride and Ski Festival. Throughout the years Ashley would run into Ash at the festival and every time would be reminded of what a genuinely kind and warm human he was. One year when Ash was sporting an emerald green glitter beard at Pride, Ashley confirmed that not only was he kind and warm but also just the coolest. Given how much of a fan Ashley was of Ash, it obviously made our day when we got an email from Harley, Ash’s fiance about working together to document their winter wedding at JPL. And when we got together with them for the engagement shoot, it blew Ashley’s mind that Ash was engaged to an equally kind and warm human with the same spark and joy - it was a treat to get to know them as a couple and witness their deep bond as we played around at Medicine Lake for their engagement session

After their chill morning at the salon, Harley and Ash each got ready in their rooms overlooking Lac Beauvert with Pyramid Mountain lit by the morning sun towering over the lake. Fires were lit, gifts were opened and parents gushed over their handsome sons. These were moments perfectly spent getting ready and calming their nerves before their first look.

Choosing to do a first look is such a personal choice for each couple to consider. We personally love this for couples who aren’t attached to a “traditional” wedding (whatever that means!). Taking a quiet moment between themselves before confirming their lifeline commitment to each other in front of their loved ones was exactly what Harley and Ash wanted to do. So we set them up in front of their Lakeview Cabins and we think the photos turned out to be some of the sweetest of the day.

Straight from the first look, we all headed down to the Beauvert Plateau where they walked each other down the aisle and exchanged beautiful words of encouragement and commitment as their loved ones laughed and wept.

The grounds of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offer a picturesque setting for portraits, with a variety of natural backdrops to choose from. The pine forests are dappled with beautiful light, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The views of Whistlers and Pyramid mountain are simply breathtaking, and in the summer, the vibrant green of Lac Beauvert adds a splash of color to the scene. For Harley and Ash, we roamed the grounds for an hour, capturing their love and connection, before heading up to Pyramid lake for sunset.

Harley and Ash's portraits at Pyramid Island during sunset turned out breathtaking. The crisp, cold air and the blanket of snow made for a picturesque setting. The couple's love and affection for each other poured out as we played around in the setting sun with Pyramid Mountain towering over us. The warm tones of the setting sun provided the perfect backdrop for the photographs, casting a romantic glow over the happy couple and the island. The portraits captured the beauty of the couple and the natural surroundings, making for a timeless and romantic reminder of their special day.

Harley and Ash’s reception at the Golf Clubhouse was a truly memorable event. The warm candlelit decor created a cozy and intimate atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the celebration. The food was absolutely amazing, with a delicious variety of dishes that left guests full and happy. The speeches from friends and family were heartfelt and emotional, adding to the already joyful atmosphere. DJ Tommy K kept the party going all night long with a fantastic selection of music that had everyone on the dance floor. The natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with the elegant atmosphere of the Clubhouse made for an unforgettable experience. The speeches, the amazing food, and DJ Tommy K's expertise all contributed to making it an unforgettable night.

Outdoor Wedding at the Athabasca Day Use Area with a side of Wildfire.

When looking forward to your beautifully styled and vibrant autumn wedding at the Athabasca Day Use Area in Jasper National Park, one does not usually have to consider a raging wildfire a mere 5 km from your ceremony and reception site. But that is exactly what Heather and Patrick were up against as the Chetamon Wildfire picked up awe-inspiring speed 2 days after it ignited from a lightning strike on September 1, 2022.

The day before the wedding, Heather and Patrick worked closely with their local wedding planners, Jordan and Brett of Jasper Event Management to assess the ever-changing conditions and potential risks of the fire. Emergency Services and Parks Canada were consulted and thankfully, on the eve of the big day, the winds were in their favour and they were given the all-clear to go ahead as planned. We here at Kinfolk can go on forever about the benefits of hiring a local wedding photographer but we’re equally as adamant that hiring local for all of your vendors will always pay off. The Jasper wedding community is a small cohort of dedicated and passionate people who will bend over backward to deliver service that goes above and beyond expectations. And that is exactly what happened for this deserving couple. From Brett and Jordan creating a last-minute backup plan should the fire force them from their venue to Colleen at Elysian Florals knocking the flowers out of the park, these two and their friends and family were well taken care of.

After a heart-filled and mimosa-fueled morning getting ready at the stunning Tekarra Lodge, Heather and her bridesmaids hopped in their Sun Dog Tours bus hot on the heels of Patrick and his groomsmen. After much anticipation and worry about cancellation, everyone was settled and ready for a beautiful ceremony on a one-of-a-kind day with a massive wildfire raging a mere 5km from the venue. It was equal parts surreal and beautiful.

The Athabasca Day Use Area is one of a handful of reservable ceremony locations in Jasper and is hands down Kinfolk’s favourite spot of them all. Located 15km east of the Jasper townsite, the Day Use Area has a beautifully placed ceremony site complete with a wedding arch and bench seating for 120 guests.

After Heather and Patrick’s heartfelt ceremony, we headed up to Pyramid Lake for some beautiful side-lit portraits of the newlywed couple. Pyramid Lake is one of the most iconic locations for both tourists and locals year-round. We love to take our couples up there during the late afternoon or early evening when the setting sun is bathing the lake and island in the most flattering light.

After playing around in the gorgeous light at Pyramid lake, we took the wedding party back down to the Athabasca Day Use Area for some playful photos in the field while the Chetamon Wildfire picked up even more speed, creating a billow of smoke that softened the light and cast an eery but beautiful glow.

Just a short stroll from the ceremony location at the Day Use Area is the perfect setup for an outdoor reception, making it super convenient to transition from the ceremony to the festivities. Heather and Patrick made great use of the outdoor cook shelter by hiring local legend Lynn Wannop of Coco’s Cafe to build a taco bar to feed all the hungry guests, while Brett and Jordan used their talent and an abundance of magnificent florals from Elysian to tie the boho aesthetic altogether. We’ve shot a lot of weddings at the Day Use Area and we both agree, Heather and Patrick’s wedding day was planned to perfection in order to make full use of such a stunning yet laid-back wedding venue.

Toward the end of every wedding, usually when the dance floor is alive with celebration and connection, we put our brains together and come up with an idea for one last portrait to highlight the day and the couple. As Ash was clicking away as Heather and her brother were stomping the dance floor to some Maritime tunes, she spotted the flaming red glow of the fire between the trees. Curious, she decided to walk out to the field about 100 meters down the path. This was the first time I had seen the fire raging in the dark. So together, the talented videographer, Roman, and I rushed the couple out to the field to cap the day off with these intense portraits of the couple with the fire in full force behind them. These are the type of storytelling images every wedding photographer dreams of and we feel so lucky that we were able to capture these in a safe way so that Heather and Patrick have proof for their grandkids one day that they indeed did get married with the largest fire Jasper National Park had seen in decades, raging on as they kicked off their married life together. It was perfect.

Jasper Skytram Mountaintop Adventure Elopement

The Jasper Skytram provides fastest and easiest access to a mountaintop that Jasper has to offer, which is why it is such a great location for an Adventure Elopement - and for wedding photography. There is nothing like standing at 2500m of elevation and speaking your vows of commitment to the one you love the most, surrounded by snow capped peaks. Marriage is arguably the world’s largest adventure, and for some people being on a mountaintop for your ceremony is a beautiful symbol of that. Fortunately, since not everyone can or would like to climb a mountain on their wedding or elopement day, a ride in the Jasper Skytram brings that dream a whole lot closer, and with a lot less huffing and puffing.

Wedding and Elopement Photography at the Jasper Skytram

We completely understand the desire to spend your wedding day in a different way than the traditional approach. There are so many unique reasons that people choose to elope, and as people who did that ourselves (we eloped in 2021), we honour everyone’s individual choice and personal decisions. Big ballroom weddings are just perfect for some people, and we love them at least as much as the next person. That being said, more and more couples are choosing to elope, and the reasons are as diverse as the people who do so. A really special thing that we see as local Jasper elopement photographers is that every couple who chooses to elope in Jasper has an experience perfectly unique to them. There are so many different ways to plan your elopement day (as well as your elopement photography), and mother nature always comes out to play in unique and ever-changing ways too.

Because there are so many countless ways to plan an elopement day in Jasper, we have found that by asking our clients a few questions and getting to know them a little bit over a quick consultation call, we can often recommend a few ceremony and portrait location ideas that might suit their style, taste, and preferred level of adventure. We love to connect our clients with some of our own favourite adventures that we and our family love as Jasper locals. For our adventure elopement photography clients we provide these customized recommendations and walk them through the process of choosing the perfect elopement day photography adventure. Read on to learn a bit about an adventure atop Whistler’s mountain!

The Jasper Skytram is the perfect elopement and wedding photo location for couples who love adventure and the great outdoors, and who want to capture that sense of excitement and wonder in their wedding photos in an accessible way. The convenience and unique experience provided by the Jasper Skytram ensures that you and your photographer can easily access the top of the mountain for your photo shoot. With so much natural beauty and scenic beauty on offer, your wedding photos taken on top of the Jasper Skytram will be a lasting memento of your special day that you can treasure for years to come. Be sure to consider that the best times of day for photography are early in the morning and later in the afternoon and evening. The best light is when the sun is not directly overhead, but as close to the horizon as possible (within available operating hours of the tram).

Getting Married at the Jasper Skytram

Getting married on Whistler’s Mountain in Jasper, Alberta is a unique and unforgettable experience; whether you are having a small wedding or choosing to elope. It is certainly one of the more unique yet still easily accessible ceremony locations for Jasper weddings and elopements. Here are some reasons why some couples might consider tying the knot in this stunning location:

1. Breathtaking views: The top of Whistler’s Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and over the Jasper townsite and valley, making it the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The unique vantage point of being at such a high elevation is like no other!

2. A memorable experience: Saying your vows in a stunning mountain setting is an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. As well, the natural beauty and serenity of the alpine environment create a unique and intimate atmosphere for a wedding ceremony. Keep in mind that although it is a great place to elope, or have a small wedding ceremony with your closest loved ones, it is not practical to have more than a few people with you in order to avoid damage to the fragile alpine ecosystem.

3. Adventure: Whistler’s Mountain is a popular destination for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. This makes it a perfect destination for couples who love to explore and embrace new experiences together. For those who do enjoy hiking, the trail to Indian Ridge provides beautiful views from the alpine. For those who don’t want to hike, or who are less mobile, the views are just as incredible right at the top of the Skytram.

4. Convenient transportation: The Jasper Skytram provides a convenient, unique, and safe way to reach the top of a mountain - with almost no effort involved! This makes it easy to plan your elopement ceremony or photography at this stunning location, provided you book tram flights for you and your guests and vendors well in advance.

Whether you're looking for a unique and memorable wedding experience, or simply want to say your vows in a breathtaking natural setting unlike any other, Whistler’s Mountain in Jasper is a spectacular destination.

Elope in Jasper at the Skytram

There are a couple of key things to keep in mind if you are planning to elope atop Whistler’s mountain.

1. Determine the availability of the Jasper Skytram for your desired wedding date. You can contact the Jasper Skytram directly to check availability and make reservations. The Skytram is not open all year round, and the hours change depending on the time of year.

1. Plan the details of your wedding ceremony, such as the time, date, location, and any additional details you wish to include. Consider the time of day and lighting that you would like for your photos, and make sure you can find a local photographer available for your date.

2. Book the Jasper Skytram for the date and time of your wedding ceremony well ahead of time. Make sure that you’ve reserved tickets for all of your guests, as well as your commissioner and photographer!

3. Arrange for an officiant / marriage commissioner to perform the wedding ceremony at the top of the Jasper Skytram. Let them know your chosen location as soon as you contact them, as pricing and availability will be different for a wedding on the mountain since it takes quite a bit more time than a standard ceremony in the valley bottom. Also, you need to be sure that they are physically able and willing. Laura at Behitched Weddings and Greg Van Tighem are both local commissioners who would likely love to get into the alpine with you!

4. Choose the wedding attire that is suitable for the mountain environment and make sure to bring any additional items such as decorations or flowers, and of course water and snacks! Keep in mind that weather can change fast on the mountaintop, and sometimes it can be quite a bit cooler than the valley bottom.

5. Always follow Parks rules and regulations, and always put nature first by leaving no trace.

If you are planning to elope in Jasper, take a look at our elopement packages at the link below. No matter how big or small your elopement adventure is, we have the experience and expertise as Jasper elopement photographers to help you bring your dream to life; and to keep those memories alive forever with beautiful, unique wedding photos.

Incredible (and Accessible) Wedding Locations in Jasper

To have an adventurous and inspiring wedding or elopement in Jasper does not necessarily require a lot of effort; there are numerous locations to elope in Jasper that are incredibly beautiful and yet still accessible. This is especially good news for those who have guests with mobility issues, or who are themselves restricted physically. Accessibility is not a super strong point in Jasper, admittedly, but fortunately there are some places that make up for it. Let us know if you want to learn more about eloping in Jasper, or about other accessible options for a Jasper adventure elopement or wedding. We are happy to help!

Adventure Engagement Session in Maligne Canyon

Adventure sessions are all about taking the idea of ‘having our picture taken’ and turning it into ‘doing something really cool and fun together that you will enjoy and remember forever…. and having our picture taken at the same time’. Like going on a hike exploring frozen Maligne Canyon in the wintertime for your engagement photos in Jasper.

Adventure Engagement and Portrait Sessions in Jasper National Park

Kinfolk has been photographing engagement sessions, couples, and families all over Jasper National Park for a long time. We absolutely love how accessible the stunning mountain views are. We don’t have to go far past our own front door to get to some great photo spots!

That being said, Jasper is a place for adventure - it’s what folks come here for. That’s why we started offering Adventure Portrait Sessions too. Instead of scheduling in time during your vacation or Jasper visit for a photography session, why not choose one of the outings or adventures you plan to do while in Jasper - and simply turn that into the photo session? Not everyone loves having their photo taken, but just about everyone loves having great photos of themselves doing something they love.

People come to Jasper to explore the outdoors in whatever capacity suits them. No matter what your style, ability, or preference, there are countless Jasper adventures for you, and we would love to take those adventures and turn them into photographs that will provide you with lifelong memories of all the fun you had out here in the mountains.

After all; fun in the mountains is what Jasper is all about!

Maligne Canyon Icewalk Adventure Photography

Calling all snowbirds! Bring your skis, snowboards snowshoes, skates, and sleds and - in this case, your crampons! Jasper National Park is a winter paradise, and the Maligne Canyon Icewalk is known to be one of Jasper’s most unique and memorable winter adventures. The truly stunning experience within the canyon is why it has become a favourite for Jasper adventure-seekers. When it comes to having your photo taken with your loved ones, what could be better than doing it in the depths of Maligne Canyon?

With the trailhead only 10 minutes from the townsite, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park is a frozen favourite for locals and visitors alike to explore in the winter season. There is really nothing quite like looking up at the towering walls of the narrow canyon, with frozen waterfalls held in time all around you.

Despite being close by, it is not for the faint of heart! People will need to have good physical ability for winter hiking, and the round trip will take more than an hour just to walk in and out, without considering time for photo stops.

Can I get my engagement or family photos taken in Maligne Canyon?

Yes!! The beautiful thing about Maligne Canyon is that it is open and accessible to all, assuming decent mobility. It is a really great family-friendly activity, and will be sure to be a great memory for kids who get to experience it. If you want to have your photos taken inside the canyon there are definitely a couple of things to keep in mind!

Here are a few:

1) Hire a local professional photographer who knows the canyon inside and out (like us!).

2) Pack extra layers, snacks, water, and other essentials (like hand-warmers).

3) Wear insulated waterproof footwear.

4) Plan for 3-4 hours to get in and back, with all the photo stops on the way. (This session took 3)

5) Bring any necessary equipment (ice crampons and headlamps are helpful, for example).

6) Hire a guide if you are not comfortable with the risks of winter canyoning, or ask your local photographer about other similar, less intensive locations.

How and when can I go inside Maligne Canyon?

There are multiple points of access to Maligne Canyon, but the best ones for winter adventure are either at the bottom of the canyon at Fifth Bridge (our favourite), or at the top, next to the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen. There is plenty of parking at both of those locations. You can also find a good map and information there at the trailheads. If you are planning to go in on your own and have plenty of time and energy, walking up along the river trail from 6th Bridge can be quite nice too, though it adds around 1.5km each way.

Most people who visit prefer to hire a guide or join a tour. That being said, the canyon is open to anyone, it’s just a matter of deciding what risk you are comfortable with. For people looking to hire a private guide for themselves or a group, get in touch with one of the local Tourism Jasper affiliated guides. We highly recommend hiring a local guide or joining a tour group unless you are very comfortable with outdoor winter activities and winter safety.

The Maligne Canyon winter season usually starts around late December, once the ice has been confirmed to be strong and stable enough. In 2022 it was actually right at the start of December, which was a nice change! Depending on the year, the season may end between February and late March. Keep in mind that there is very little sunlight in the canyon, so it is best to go in the mornings or early afternoon. This also means that it is always quite cold in the canyon, so be sure to wear lots of layers!

Conditions are constantly changing in the canyon, and the environment is naturally unpredictable. Be sure to check Parks Canada updates!

⚠ Be aware of hazardous ice conditions in Maligne Canyon. An ice shelf has collapsed in the canyon bottom between the third and fourth bridge, leaving a large ice platform unsupported. This platform is unstable and may give away unexpectedly. pic.twitter.com/E15xGC2DLi

— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) January 5, 2023

Things to remember when exploring Maligne Canyon

We are so fortunate to be able to venture into the bottom of Maligne Canyon in the winter time! There are plenty of Canyons in the Canadian Rockies, but the Maligne Canyon environment is very unique due to the draining of much of it’s water flow. Many Rocky Mountain canyons are too dangerous to explore like we can Maligne. With this great privilege comes the great responsibility of respectful and responsible use. That means:

• Pack out what you pack in. We recommend always following Leave no Trace principles.

• Know and follow park rules and regulations.

• Consider the impact of your choices, and of course never carve letters, names, etc into rocks or trees.

• Always try to leave natural places as good or better than you found them. (This is why Kinfolk chooses to put Nature First!)

• Stay within your comfort and ability. Be careful!

What adventure is calling you?

Exploring Maligne Canyon in the winter is a one-of-a-kind experience unique to Jasper. If Jasper is a place that you love to visit, or even if you are only here just once in the wintertime; Maligne Canyon is not to be missed. We hope that these tips and reminders we’ve shared here will help you to make the very most of your experience and help you to stay safe and have fun!

If you have an adventure that you’d love to do in Jasper, and having incredible photographs to remember it by, get in touch with us! We love to collaborate on unique Jasper experiences and creating artwork that will inspire awe for years to come.

In the meantime, keep exploring, and stay safe!

Maligne Lookout Winter Weddings and Elopements

When it comes to outdoor winter weddings and elopements in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lookout is an often overlooked (pun-intended) ceremony location that has a lot to offer for ease of access and beautiful views. In the winter there aren’t a whole lot of outdoor ceremony locations in Jasper for larger weddings that don’t have the flexibility of just setting up anywhere (like elopements do). The most common, aside from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge which comes with a higher price tag, are Pyramid Island, Tekarra Overlook, and Maligne Lookout.

Maligne Lookout is situated on the cusp of the Maligne Valley above Maligne Canyon, which is where the Maligne River flows down into the Athabasca River valley. From the lookout you get a beautiful view of Pyramid Island, as well as Mount Edith Cavell, Whistler’s mountain, and the town of Jasper. Maligne lookout is well situated for afternoon weddings in the winter in regards to the direction and angle of the sun, and it is actually usually more favourable than Pyramid Island on a sunny day. That being said, both are beautiful in any weather!

One really big advantage of Maligne Lookout for winter weddings in Jasper is the big parking lot directly adjacent that Parks Canada keeps clear of snow. It is only a few steps to the lookout from the parking lot, and there are also good clean outhouses and garbage cans available. There is even a small gazebo at the lookout, but unless you are eloping it is not really suitable for ceremony use. The lookout area is paved, so there is the option to set up chairs and everything easily, so long as you keep them within the Parks Canada allowable limit. One potential disadvantage about Maligne Lookout is that you cannot reserve it for private functions, or book a specific time slot like you can at Pyramid Island, or Athabasca Day Use Area in the summertime.

Accessibility is an important consideration when planning a winter wedding. Is the site easy for my guests to walk to? If it is really cold, can they get back to their vehicle or indoors quickly to warm up? These things aren’t an issue at Maligne Lookout.

Things to know when planning an outdoor wedding ceremony at Maligne Lookout:

• The lookout is a 12-15 minute drive from Jasper townsite on the Maligne Lake Road.

• All guests will need to purchase a park pass on their way in to Jasper National Park.

• Parking, outhouses, and garbage cans are only steps away. There is also a small gazebo and some picnic tables.

• This public location can’t be reserved for private functions, there may be sightseers coming and going through the area while you are there.

• Follow parks rules and regulations, and always leave no trace.

• This is a great location for sunset and golden hour! In fact, if you are eloping, then this is the number one time of day we would recommend for this location.

Maligne Lookout Directions

Maligne lookout is easy to get to from the town of Jasper. Head east on Highway 16 until you come to the traffic lights at the turn for Jasper Park Lodge and Maligne Lake. Turn right over the bridge, and then stay left to head up the Maligne Lake Road.

The easiest way? Use this google map below to figure out how to get there from your location.

Maligne Lookout Directions

Jasper Outdoor Ceremony Locations

Jasper outdoor ceremony locations are limited in the winter if you are looking to have lots of people and/or chairs. The primary options are to go through a venue like the Jasper Park Lodge, which offers the easiest solution for big weddings, or to set up somewhere like Pyramid Island or Maligne Lookout. In the summer there is also the options of Maligne Lake Chalet and the Athabasca Day Use Area, as well as Tekarra Lookout at Tekarra Lodge.

When it comes to eloping in Jasper, outdoor ceremony spots are far easier to come by. When it is just the two of you and your marriage commissioner, you can stand beside a scenic stretch of river, climb up Old Fort Point or another beautiful vantage point, or choose just about anywhere that is special to you. We’ve even had people head up the chairlift at Marmot Basin ski hill.

However you plan to be married, Jasper National Park is a perfect place for an outdoor wedding ceremony. The mountains can be unpredictable when it comes to weather, but the views will no doubt make up for it!

Wedding Photo Locations Near Maligne Lookout

Being on the Maligne Lake Road opens up some really unique and beautiful portrait locations nearby. Depending on the time of year, Maligne Canyon itself might be an incredible place for wedding or elopement photos. In the wintertime you can head right into the canyon from the bottom, and the trail is beautiful as well. Check out our post on Maligne Canyon wedding photography here. Be warned, the Maligne Canyon trail can be very, very busy in the summertime!

Heading further up the road towards Maligne Lake there are many beautiful spots along the Maligne River, as well as at Medicine Lake (like in these photos) and up to Maligne Lake. Medicine Lake is about a 15-20 minute drive from Maligne Lookout, and Maligne Lake is another 15-20 minutes from there. If you don’t mind the driving time, both offer stunning mountain vistas that are different year round.

In these photos below you can see why we think Medicine Lake is such an amazing photo location. These images were taken just a few hundred feet from the road.

Dark Sky Photography Adventures in Jasper

Shooting stars and glistening reflections are just part of the magic that comes out in the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve at night.

Anyone who has stood in silence beneath a starry sky or the milky way, far away from the city lights knows; seeing the full glory of the dark night sky is an awe-inspiring experience - especially in Jasper! As light pollution across the globe spreads, so does the value and appreciation people have for dark skies grow. That is part of what has made Jasper National Park a haven for star-seekers, aurora chasers, and night sky enthusiasts in recent years. And also why it is a haven for dark sky or night photographers like ourselves!

Jasper Dark Sky Preserve

Most importantly though; Jasper National Park was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve back in 2011 - one of 17 in Canada and actually the 2nd largest in the entire world! Not only that, but as Jasper Travel (the organization behind the Jasper Dark Sky Festival) says on their website ‘we are the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve - meaning there’s a town within the limits of the preserve.’ When it comes to an experience that is such a part of being a human, standing in the dark of night and gazing into the far reaches of the universe, accessibility is so important. We are so happy to live in a place that is available for all ages and abilities to get out and see the magic of the Dark Sky.

Dark Sky Photography Packages

As family, portrait, wedding and elopement photographers based in Jasper, Alberta, we love the opportunity to bring our work out under the dark sky. Clients can add a Dark Sky upgrade onto any of our packages, so if you are having family photos done on an autumn afternoon, clients can choose to meet up later in the evening for some family photos under the night sky as well.

We also offer Dark Sky photography packages for weddings and elopements. Some of our elopement clients have their elopement photography coverage during the day (the ceremony and portraits) and then add on a dark sky photo session in the evening, after dinner and once twilight has arrived. Some people love the stars so much they just want to do the whole thing under the night sky!

Portrait clients looking to add Dark Sky photos on to their portrait session can purchase the Adventure Session package. Check out our jasper portrait photography session package pricing!

As for elopement clients, check out our Jasper adventure elopement photography pricing here.

Stargazing in Jasper National Park

Jasper is a dream destination for stargazers, and it is easy to find great stargazing spots in all corners of Jasper National Park. If you want to have your photo taken under the starry sky while in the Canadian Rockies, get in touch with Kinfolk Photography in Jasper to create unique memories and art that any stargazer or nature lover will treasure forever.

Lose yourself in millions of stars and galaxies staring back at you in the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve.

Pyramid Island Elopement Photography

Pyramid Island is without a doubt one of the most popular places in Jasper National Park for wedding and elopement photography. The long wooden bridge out to the island has become widely recognizable over the years, popularized by countless visitors sharing their adventures on social media. But Pyramid Island has been a popular wedding and elopement venue since long before Instagram and Facebook made it big.

We’ve had the pleasure of photographing couples from all over the world tie the knot in this special place for over a decade. The island is a place that has seen a lot of love, and carries a lot of love stories. The two weddings shown in this blog post actually feature one couple eloping from the United Kingdom, and one from the Ukraine. But no matter where people come from to make it official, it is Pyramid Lake, the island, mountain, and forests that tie all those stories together.

An elopement ceremony on Pyramid Island in Jasper National Park. These two travelled all the way from the United Kingdom!

How to elope at Pyramid Lake

Eloping at Pyramid Lake is pretty easy to do, but there are a few important things to know! There is a little area just to the left after you cross the bridge onto the island that is designated for weddings. It is recognizable by the rows of benches facing out towards the lake and Whistler’s mountain. This wedding site is available for booking from May 1st until mid-October. If you are planning to have your wedding or elopement at this site on Pyramid Island during those months then you must book the site through Parks Canada (follow this link). It is available for rental in one hour increments, and costs $49, plus a $13.50 booking fee. During the winter months of October-April, the site is available on a first-come basis, although the path to the island may be snow drifted and the island itself might be windy and cold!

Now it should be mentioned as well that other areas on the island do not need to be booked for your ceremony (actually neither does the main wedding area outside of the busy hours of 10:30AM-6:30PM). Some people prefer to elope at the far end of Pyramid Island, or one of the numerous picnic areas and viewpoints along the island trail. The short loop around the island is very accessible for people with average walking ability. The most popular ceremony spots are the main wedding area next to the bridge, and at the far end of the island next to an old fallen tree.

The Pyramid Island designated wedding area, just to the left after the bridge.

The famous bridge to Pyramid Island.

A Jasper bride all the way from the Ukraine cast in beautiful fall light on the Pyramid Island bridge.

Things to remember when eloping in Jasper or at Pyramid Island

• The designated wedding site must be booked through Parks Canada during May-October

• From October-May the site is first come first serve (but check out these notes from Parks Canada)

• You and your guests will need to purchase a parks pass upon entry to Jasper National Park

• There is limited parking at the Pyramid Island parking lot, but there is quite a bit of parking a short distance past there at the end of Pyramid Lake Road.

• It takes about 10 minutes to drive to Pyramid Island from the Jasper townsite.

• Everyone must follow Parks rules and regulations.

• Hiring local vendors ensures the best outcomes, service and compliance for your wedding or elopement needs.

• We always recommend putting nature first in your elopement planning, and following leave no trace principles.

• In the busy summer months, and especially on Saturdays, you will probably see other brides and grooms out and about near the island! There are often back to back weddings on the island during the high-season.

A Jasper Wedding and Elopement Photography Favourite

Pyramid Lake is a Jasper visitor favourite, and for good reason. Pyramid Island is a very special place, and no matter when you visit it is always different. It is also a place you can keep coming back to over the years and finding something new, or enjoying a different activity or adventure. With the number of hikes, bike rides and ski trails around the lake you won’t run out of places to explore, and in the summer time the lake is a great temperature for swimming. This is part of what makes it such a perfect place to be married. It is so special to be able to return to your wedding place over the years with family and friends and create more memories and ties to such a beautiful place.

There are plenty of activities to do at Pyramid Lake year round. Renting a boat or taking a canoe tour is a great way to get out and enjoy the lake in the summer; whether it is to take a few casts with a fishing rod, or just to enjoy the sights. There are picnic sites around the lake, beaches, and bike rentals at the Pyramid Lake Resort. In the wintertime Pursuit clears a skating loop and a hockey rink on the lakefront, and there are sleigh rides along the shore as well. Year round it is a great place for star-gazing and aurora-chasing, although of course the Jasper Dark Sky Festival is probably the best time for it ;)

All the fun and activities make it a great place to hang out, but it is really the views that make it all so amazing. Pyramid is a dream location for elopement photos, and certainly a dream location for a wedding or elopement photographer!

If a Pyramid Island Elopement is the dream for you, get in touch now to check our availability. We’d love to be a part of your adventure!

Family Photography at Pyramid Lake in Jasper

The rugged beauty of Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park makes a perfect setting for family photography sessions. Pyramid Lake is a visitor favourite because of the iconic facade of Pyramid Mountain, but also because of the recreational activities the lake has to offer for all four seasons.

On the Pyramid Beach road there are numerous fire pits and picnic tables for day-use family outings, as well as picnic tables and a walking trail on Pyramid Island. Visitors can also rent boats, canoes, or bikes at Pyramid Lake Resort. In the winter time, Pursuit clears a skating area, Jasper Riding Stables offer sleigh rides, and there are usually cross-country ski tracks set in the area. Pyramid Lake is one of those places that some families keep coming back to over the years. No wonder it’s a favourite for family photos in the Rockies.

Kinfolk Photography: Local Jasper Family Photographers

We (Ash and Brian) have been photographing families here in Jasper National Park for a long time. Brian’s family lived here most of his life, and Ash has raised her son here for his entire life so far. Now that we are a family together, we continue to choose Jasper because we know what a special place this is, and we love to make lasting memories for our clients while they are taking in the majesty of the Rockies together and creating their own family stories. We feel so lucky to work with so many different folks. Some of our clients from nearby come back over and over again over the years, and have deep ties to the Jasper rocky mountains. Other clients come visit our mountain town on once in a lifetime holidays and vacations. No matter where they come from, we love to take them out to some of our own family’s favourite photo spots here in Jasper.

We convinced Grandma and Grandpa to do the amazing spider-man shot for the kids.

Locations around Pyramid Lake for Family Photographs

There are numerous locations around Pyramid Lake that are great for family photographs. Some of our favourites are the shoreline near Pyramid Island, as well as occassionally on Pyramid Island itself. And of course some people want photos on the famous bridge. We also like to take clients on the other side of the lake along the Beach road. There are numerous places along the beach, as well as in the beautiful birch forest that lines the south end of the lake. Sometimes it can be nice to take a few photos on the dock right in front of Pyramid Lake Resort, like we did in these rainy day family photos below.

No need to let the rain get you down when the views look like this! Sometimes rainy day family photos are the best memories.

The forest of birch and aspens along the Pyramid Beach road is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and in the fall when the leaves are golden yellow. The soft light that filters through the forest canopy makes for really beautiful portraits, and often times the most complimentary photos in the session may come from dappled light like this. The nice quality of light is also why we recommend trying to plan your family photo session in the evening, when the sun is getting lower in the sky.

The best time of day for family photos in Jasper

The best time of day for family photos is when the light isn’t too harsh. Nobody likes squinting into a full blown sun, or having racoon eyes in their photos. This is why we recommend earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon or evening, depending on the time of year. Wherever possible, we recommend aiming for the late afternoon / evening light, as this tends to be the least harsh. To get good morning light in the summer you would need to start closer to 6 or 7 AM, which can be a little early for lots of families.

When planning your start time, don’t forget that sunset changes significantly throughout the year. Around the Summer solstice the sun may set closer to 8:30PM, instead of 4:30PM around the Winter solstice.

Evening light added a nice backlit highlight on this family photo at Pyramid Lake in Jasper.

Kinfolk Family Portrait Sessions

If you are looking to have family photographs taken at Pyramid Lake, or anywhere in Jasper National Park, we offer family portrait packages to suit your needs. Be sure to take a look at our family portrait pricing. We are happy to customize your family photo experience to the needs and wants of your family. Some families want a nice formal photo they can hang on the wall. Some prefer to go on a family outing; hiking or biking or canoeing, and have a documentary style album made of their session. The beauty of having photos done in the Rocky Mountains is that you can make it whatever you like. What matters most is your family’s memories.

All of our portrait sessions include:

• One professional photographer, with local expertise and enthusiasm, and dedication to capturing you and your family’s story.

• An affordable option to add a second photographer .

• A finished collection of colour corrected, edited, images (just like you see here on our website).

• A private online gallery, with download access for you and your chosen loved ones.

• Full resolution print files for archiving or printing at your discretion.

• An online store for purchasing prints, cards, albums and gifts.

What our clients are saying

We are so grateful for the incredible families we have met and photographed over the years here in Jasper. When you have something shared in common, like a love for this beautiful place, you get to meet a lot of folks who feel like old friends. Here is what some of them have said about working with Kinfolk:

“Brian & Ashley have made multiple photo sessions for us, an absolutely incredible experience! We connect with them every single time and the laughter is always a guarantee. The comfort they make us feel puts us into a great mood and all of this is captured beautifully in each photo! We’re always beaming and blown away when we receive our galleries! Our engagement, wedding, anniversary and maternity pictures have been with these two amazing souls and we cannot wait to do more with them as our family grows! Do yourself a favour, and book with them!”

- The Dean Family on Google

“We have been fortunate enough to have Brian capture many beautiful memories of our family over the years. The photos are always spectacular and the experience is so enjoyable. He has done our surprise proposal, our wedding day (with the help of Ash) and some sessions of our growing family. Brian and Ash are both so friendly and relaxed and have great ideas and creativity. I always love the variety of pictures we receive that capture the emotions and candid moments along with the beauty of the mountains and nature so perfectly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for any occasion, big or small! I look forward to having them continue to capture special moments of our family in the years to come.”

- The Whyte Family on Google

Jasper Family Photographers

Get in touch today to check our availability for your visit to Jasper. We love to meet new people and create beautiful and lasting family memories in our incredible hometown. Follow the link below to reach out!

-Brian and Ash

Jasper Winter Elopement in Maligne Canyon

Jasper National Park is a winter wedding paradise, and the incredible Maligne Canyon is one of the most unique places for adventure elopement and wedding photography here. With the trailhead only 10 minutes from the townsite, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park is a frozen favourite for locals and visitors alike to explore in the winter season. The Maligne Canyon Icewalk is known to be one of Jasper’s most unique and memorable winter adventures. There is really nothing quite like looking up at the towering walls of the narrow canyon, with frozen waterfalls held in time all around you.

Despite being close by, it is not for the faint of heart! People will need to have good physical ability for winter hiking, and the round trip will take more than an hour just to walk in and out, without considering time for photo stops. Adventuring in a frozen canyon in the Rockies can be dangerous, and it is important to get familiar with how to stay safe - especially if you are thinking of going in a wedding dress!

How and when can I go inside Maligne Canyon?

There are multiple points of access to Maligne Canyon, but the best ones for winter adventure are either at the bottom of the canyon at Fifth Bridge (our favourite), or at the top, next to the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen. There is plenty of parking at both of those locations. You can also find a good map and information there at the trailheads.

There is nothing stopping anyone from heading in to the canyon on their own, although most people who visit prefer to hire a guide or join a tour. For people looking to hire a private guide for themselves or a group, get in touch with one of the local Tourism Jasper affiliated guides. The Maligne Canyon winter season usually starts around late December, once the ice has been confirmed to be strong and stable enough. Depending on the year, the season may end between February and March. Keep in mind that there is very little sunlight in the canyon, so it is best to go in the mornings or early afternoon. This also means that it is always quite cold in the canyon, so be sure to wear lots of layers!

Can I get my wedding pictures taken in Maligne Canyon?

A fresh dusting of snow on the trees is all that most people need from their winter wedding, but for the more adventurous types there is always the option to kiss your new husband beneath thousands of pounds of frozen waterfall icicles! If that is your kind of thing, then here are a few things to keep in mind when planning to have your wedding photos taken in the canyon.

1) Hire a local professional photographer who knows the canyon inside and out (like us!).

2) Pack extra layers, snacks, water, and other essentials (like handwarmers).

3) Wear insulated waterproof footwear.

4) Plan for 3-4 hours to get in and back, with all the photo stops on the way.

5) Bring any necessary equipment (ice crampons and headlamps are helpful, for example).

6) Hire a guide if you are not comfortable with the risks of winter canyoning, or ask your local photographer about other similar, less intensive locations.

Putting on ice cleat crampons at the parking lot.

If you are planning a trip into Maligne Canyon as part of your wedding, it might make the most sense to have the ceremony at the trailhead or somewhere else, and then just the two of you and your photographer go into the canyon for photographs - rather than having any guests come with you. This is the most simple way to mitigate risks associated with cold, accidents, different skill levels, canyon overcrowding etc. That being said, people have eloped with their closest friends and family in the heart of the canyon before! Just make sure everyone is aware of and prepared for what they are undertaking.

Things to keep in mind

The canyon environment is really unique, and it is completely inaccessible to us most of the year. It is only during the coldest winter months that we have the privilege of walking deep into this truly impressive feature of rock and water. As always, it’s important for us to do our part in keeping it pristine. That means:

• Pack out what you pack in. We recommend always following Leave no Trace principles.

• Know and follow park rules and regulations.

• Consider the impact of your choices, and of course never carve letters, names, etc into rocks or trees.

• Always try to leave natural places as good or better than you found them. (This is why we choose to put Nature First!)

• Stay within your comfort and ability. Be careful!

Some parts of the canyon are difficult for some ages and skill levels.

Conclusion

Having your wedding photos taken in front of a frozen waterfall in the heart of Jasper National Parks’ deepest canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a once-in-a-lifetime day; that much is certain! But whether or not it is for you is… a different story. We hope that the information above helps you decide if the adventure into the canyon is a good fit for you. If the answer is yes, or if you’d love to create something similar for your Jasper winter wedding photos, then be sure to get in touch with us and check if we are available for your date!

If you are planning a small wedding or elopement in Jasper National Park, or in Maligne Canyon, check out our Elopement Photography pricing at the link below, and get in touch with any questions!

Intimate Elopement Photography at Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park is no doubt one of the most peaceful and elegant choices for an intimate elopement or micro-wedding in the Rockies. The Fairmont JPL also offers their own signature elopement packages for couples who want to keep things simple but luxurious, and there are countless ways to dress up your elopement or small wedding to make it all your own.

Some of the unique elopement experiences we have photographed at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge include private sundeck dinners on the turquoise water of Lac Beauvert, a personal chef in the Stanley Thompson cabin or a family feast in the Royal Retreat, the Outlook Cabin. From leisurely strolls and horseback rides along the scenic property, to hopping in a canoe or a sleigh ride in winter, or a quiet drink in Emerald Lounge, there is something for everyone’s tastes at the Fairmont.

But it isn’t just the unique beauty of the sprawling mountain property, the unique and delicious food, the Jasper Park experience of clear lakes and dark skies, that make JPL one of our favourite venues for photographing weddings and elopements. What could be better than that one of a kind Rocky Mountain luxury experience you might ask? The proverbial cherry on the cake is really the service at Jasper Park Lodge. The wedding coordinators are the best in the business, and the staff all care about providing a special experience for the hotel guests and newlywed couples.

For those who want planning their elopement to be as simple as can be, and yet still want the comfort, amenities, and individualized treatment of a luxury resort year-round, there is no better place for a magical Rocky Mountain love story than the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It’s also nice to know that the townsite of Jasper is only a five minute drive away.

As local photographers who have documented weddings and elopements at the Fairmont for over a decade, we love working with the staff and collaborating to make our client’s elopement dreams come true. Whether a couple wants to stay on the property and walk the lakefront trail along Beauvert, or to go climb a mountain and come back in time for a romantic sundeck dinner, we love to help our clients make their rocky mountain elopement the best it can be.

If you are thinking of eloping or having your wedding in Jasper National Park, we here at Kinfolk would love to be a part. We love providing our wedding and elopement photography clients with quality photographs and memories, and our longtime local expertise and experience allow us to make the most of whatever the mountains decide to give us. If you’d like to know more, or to ask any questions, send us a note at the link below!

Jasper Weddings at Maligne Lake Chalet

Maligne Lake is known as a jewel in the Rockies, and the heritage Chalet is a unique venue for Jasper weddings. The iconic Spirit Island has become synonymous with the Canadian Rockies in the minds eye of people across the world. There are few places quite like it, and when it comes to having your wedding overlooking a crystalline, glacier fed lake in the Rocky Mountains, the experience at the Maligne Lake Chalet is truly unlike any other.

Getting Married at Maligne Lake in Jasper

Maligne Lake is about 45km from the Jasper townsite, and it takes close to an hour to drive there from town. The drive follows the Maligne River up past Maligne Lookout, the canyon and Medicine Lake, and there are plenty of amazing views the whole way. In the past Maligne Lake has seen less weddings than other areas in Jasper National Park; this is in part because of the distance from town and in part because there is no overnight accommodation or camping at Maligne Lake, or anywhere in the Maligne Valley. That being said, you can still have your wedding and wedding reception at the Maligne Lake Chalet!

Pursuit, the owner and operator of the Maligne Lake Chalet, does a great job of coordinating and catering weddings at Maligne Lake. Clients can have the venue until late at night, and shuttles for guests to get to and from Jasper townsite can be organized through Sundog Tours. Normally some vendors - such as marriage commisioners, djs, etc - might charge a small travel fee for the distance.

Pursuit also offers up the heritage cabin, right next to the Chalet, which can be used throughout the day for getting ready with the bridal party, family, or friends. Keep in mind, these amenities are only available in the late spring, summer, and fall.

Scenic Wedding Photo Spots at Maligne Lake

You can’t beat the view from the courtyard of the Maligne Lake Chalet, which is the perfect spot for a wedding ceremony. For photos of the bridal party and the lucky couple, there are plenty of great spots within walking distance of the Chalet. Some of these include the famous Curly Phillips boathouse, the lakeshore, and the boat launch. Some people even hop in a canoe, although experience is necessary for that one!

Another popular option is to drive a little ways to get photos along the Maligne River or Medicine Lake. If you are eloping and don’t have any guests waiting on you, you could always do something even more adventurous like hiking up Bald Hills or Opal Hills, or canoeing down to Hidden Cove. And of course, there is Spirit Island.

Getting Photos at Spirit Island

For those whose schedule allows it, or whose guests want an adventure during their day at Maligne Lake, boat cruises to Spirit Island can be scheduled for the couple or for the whole group. Just be sure to factor in the trip time with your other wedding timeline plans.

If you want to have wedding photos taken at Spirit Island there are a few very important things to know!

• The fastest round trip is 1.5 hours. This gives you only about 15 minutes at the island with the rest of the boat passengers.

• The 2 Hour Premium Cruise is probably a better option if you want to have time to get creative with your photos at the Island.

• You need to book ahead of time for everyone who will be going (including your photographer!) to avoid disappointment. There are only a limited number of cruises per day, and they usually fill up.

• You cannot go on the island itself, only on the shoreline and the short trail that loops to and from the boat dock.

• Always follow Parks rules and regulations, as well as leave no trace principles.

• Local photographers and vendors are your best bet to getting the best results. We also choose to put Nature First.

An iconic Jasper experience

Of all the incredible places to get married in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake will always hold it’s own as one of the most beautiful and unique. From the historic boathouse to the heritage Chalet, peaceful cruises and breathtaking alpine meadows, there is no place quite like the Maligne Valley. Working with Jasper local vendors and coordinators will ensure that you can make the most of your wedding day, and relax and enjoy while letting the professionals take care of the rest. We at Kinfolk are happy to answer any questions you might have about getting married at Maligne Lake, or just about any other Jasper photography question you might have. Feel free to get in touch with us at the link below!

Getting great family photos in Jasper

For some people, preparing for a family session can feel intimidating. There are family dynamics to consider, the age of your kids, the weather, the outfits! We’ve been there ourselves, so we totally get that it can be a lot to consider. We also know that at the end of the day the #1 most important thing to remember is that you are experts at being the family that you are and we are experts in using that dynamic to feel inspired to create images that capture the spirit of your family. So with that fundamental idea in mind, we’ve created what we consider to be a pretty all-encompassing list of things to prepare for and consider before we get together and create those beautiful images we are looking forward to shooting with you.

LET IT GO and LET IT FLOW!!!

Kids will be kids. I have an extremely spirited child so not only am I speaking from professional experience but my own experience as a mother to a strong-willed kid has shown me that sometimes you just have to let it go. Because of this, I consider myself really skilled when it comes to working with kids who are both the type to smile nicely at the camera and the ones who are more inclined to want to explore their surroundings or push their sibling to the ground. I have lived it and I have worked it so nothing will surprise me in terms of how your child actively participates in a family shoot or protests it! Because of this experience, I am able to adapt and have some tools to redirect a pose or engage a wayward child which enables me to capture both a more traditional portrait and candid shots with lots of movement. Every kid and family is different which means that the final galleries are always different as well but one thing is certain, you will end up with a collection that reflects exactly who you are as a family.

BE YOU!

Don’t expect perfection in the traditional sense. But do expect images that reflect all of your personalities. Focusing too much on getting the perfect portrait often ends up putting too much pressure on kids and can end up backfiring. Instead, let us lead the session in a way that brings out your kid’s natural playfulness and gets them engaged to the point where setting up for a classic portrait can occur naturally and easily. I am not above rolling around on the ground and making a fool of myself if that’s what your kids need to open up.

Tell your kids about me!

Talking to the kids a bit about me and the session beforehand can help break the ice a bit so that I’m not a total stranger from the start. You can tell the younger ones that a funny and nice friend is coming to take your pictures but she’s not going to make you sit around for an hour and say cheese and she’s probably going to make you laugh and will let you tickle her and laugh at her! For older kids who might be dreading the session, you can tell them the photographer gets it - I was a teen once too and I’ll do my best to not torture them and they might even have a little bit of fun;) I have worked with teenagers before who have been extremely into the session and have shown up engaged and not at all embarrassed to pose for all sorts of photos and I have also experienced teens who are either a bit shy or just completely not into it and I have always enjoyed both of these types of experiences because teens are awesome.

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF TO THE KIDS.

Allow me to have a huddle with the kids before we start. I like to spend the first moments just talking and joking with the kids. I like to learn a bit about them and show them my camera so we can break the ice and so I can ensure them we’re going to have fun. Whenever I approach a session this way, I have found that even the shyest of kids warm up to me quite quickly and are way more eager to engage. If they know I am not going to be serious or make them stand stiffly for the whole session, the rest usually flows. Of course, every kid is different and if you have kids that are just too shy or hesitant to new people I will make sure to introduce and connect with those kids when I know they feel safe and respected.

PLAY!

Playfully interact with your kids! Tickle, snuggle, run, laugh. The more engaged and connected you can actively be with your kids during our session, the more authenticity will shine through the images. It is so common to feel awkward and unsure of what to do or how to hold yourself in front of a camera. One of the best ways to counteract this is to almost always be looking at eachother instead of straight at the camera. It also helps to be touching as much as possible, so grab your partner’s hand or throw your arms around your kids in a way that feels natural to you and your family dynamic.

WHAT TO WEAR.

Bring a change of clothes, just in case! Remember, kids will be kids and I’ve never met a kid who doesn’t come out of the session a little dirty - we are in the mountains after all!

Always bring sensible shoes. Shooting in the Canadian Rockies means we’re almost certainly going to encounter uneven terrain so walking in heels or very stiff shoes won’t always work. Having your nicer shoes ready to change into once it’s practical to do so will make all the difference to you and your kid’s comfort.

Wear something you feel comfortable and flattered in. If you are uncomfortable in something you are wearing, it will show in the photos so we always encourage our clients to dress for confidence and comfort. The same thing goes for kids. If your kiddos are used to wearing loose-fitting, soft clothing it may be a bit of a challenge to put them in something too stiff and formal so I suggest either opting for a well put together but casual look or letting the kids get used to their fancy outfit before the shoot!

After comfort, an important thing to consider is to coordinate your outfits but do not match. A rule of thumb is that you should all look as though you’re dressed to go to the same place. This is where I would have to tell my son NO to wearing his swim shorts to a family shoot when the rest of the family is not dressed for a swim in the least even though we wished we were!

Dress for the weather. Layers are your friend. In Jasper, it has snowed in August and my son has hiked shirtless in February so be prepared for it all!

If you’re still struggling with how to dress for your shoot, Pinterest is your friend. There is so much inspiration on there that can help you create a cohesive look.

REST AND SNACKS!

For little kids, consider nap and meal times when choosing a session time with me. Well-rested and fed kids have a lot more fun. The same can be said for the grownups!

Bring water and no-mess snacks. If your kids are anything like me a good snack can turn most meltdowns around in a flash. Avoid chocolate, melty snacks, and anything else that might leave a stain on clothes or faces! The one thing I have never been able to contend with as a family photographer is a massive sugar crash so try to bring snacks that won’t cause that classic crash and burn;)

LASTLY - GET EXCITED!

Having family photos done can really be a lot of fun and presents a great opportunity to play around, bond, and make memories. You’re in the beautiful mountains of Jasper National Park with your favourite people in the world; what a great setting to connect with the ones you love as I capture it for you. I get excited for every family shoot that I do and it’s the absolute best when families can show up with that same energy so we can get to work creating the most authentic images. I can’t wait to meet you all!

Wedding & Engagement Photos at Medicine Lake

Many people who come to the Rockies to get married envision their wedding photos taking place in a dramatic mountain vista, and for those people; having wedding photos taken with the stunning backdrop of Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park is a dream come true. As you will see from these wedding and engagement photos in this post, it can be an incredibly beautiful photo location; especially in the morning and evening.

Medicine Lake is about a 20 minute drive from either the Jasper townsite or the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, up the Maligne Lake Road. The road can be slow going at times in the summer, especially when there are lots of bear-jams! But Parks Canada does regularly maintain the road all the way up, and the Wildlife Guardians do their best to clear up traffic. For weddings and wedding parties who don’t want to drive themselves, Sundog tours and Open Top tours have escorted more than a few wedding parties up to Medicine Lake in Jasper.

Medicine Lake is a great wedding and portrait photography location for a few reasons. One, the mountain vista is stunning, as the impressive cliffs come right down to the lakeshore. Two, the lake is always changing throughout the year, making the engagement or wedding photos taken there always unique and different. Three, it is only a short, scenic drive from town that offers you and your wedding party wildlife viewing opportunities, and a dramatic high mountain scene for your photos.

We’ve compiled a few Medicine Lake wedding and engagement photos in this blog for you to enjoy and - hopefully - be inspired by! These were taken over the last couple of years here in Jasper, and you will notice the lake looks so different in the spring, summer, and autumn. If you want to see it in winter, check out this blog post!

Brittany & Chris

Brittany & Chris not only had their engagement photos at Medicine Lake, but they actually got engaged there! Chris proposed along the eastern shore at the start of the session.

Geoffrey & Antonietta

Geoffrey also proposed at Medicine Lake to Antonietta, who of course said yes!

Medicine Lake Wedding and Portrait Photo Tips

• Bring an extra layer and good shoes! It is a short walk down to the photo area from the parking lot, but weather can change quickly and it can be cool at these elevations at any time of year. Have a warm layer for in between photos so you don’t catch a chill.

• Be sure to pack everything you might need for a few hours our; layers, drinks, snacks, water, etc (Check out our essential day-trip packing list here)

• Sunscreen!! We have seen plenty of brides, grooms, and wedding party folks end up with sunburns - at any time of year!

• Don’t be afraid of a little rain: We’ve had some really beautiful and dramatic photos from rainy days or surprise showers; we’ve even seen double rainbows over Medicine Lake during an engagement session! A little bad weather can sometimes make even better photos.

• Don’t tough it out: If you are too cold, too hot, too many bugs, don’t feel comfortable perched on a rock, or anything else during your wedding photos, say so! It is always better to stop and shift gears than to push through something that you either aren’t comfortable with or aren’t enjoying anymore.

• Have a backup plan: Sometimes the weather can change quickly, and it may not be possible to do photos at the Lake. If you have a local photographer who knows the area they can can help you coordinate a backup plan so that you still get incredible wedding photos.

  Things to remember

  In order to get the best photos at Medicine Lake in the winter time, it is necessary to walk a few minutes down to the lakeshore from the parking area. Then it is best to walk around a little bit to the places that are most suitable at that time. The lake is always changing in the summer and winter, but there are always great photo opportunities. Because of the time it takes just getting between photo spots, let alone taking the photos, it’s important to wear a good warm jacket and be prepared to be out in the cold for a little while.
  

  Be warned! It’s a long drive up to Medicine Lake, and we’ve seen more than a couple of groomsmen have more than a couple of drinks on the way! If you suspect that will be your group, we recommend getting wedding party photos out of the way first so that there are some sober faces in a few of the photos ;)

Ruth & Kathleen

Ruth and Kathleen had a beautiful calm summer day with deep blue water. The whole wedding party and their daughter came down to the side of the lake for photos with them!

Chris & Renee

Chris and Renee also took their whole wedding party down to the lakeshore, and so plenty of laughs were had! This was a beautiful September day, and the water levels of Medicine Lake were just starting to drop, as they do every autumn as the lake drains underground.

Engagement Photos at Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake is one of our favourite spots for engagement photos; especially in the late summer and fall. As the lake drains each year throughout the fall, the Maligne River braids it’s way through the mud flats, making some really beautiful scenes. As well, the aspens and poplars along the lakeshore turn bright yellow, and the evenings get beautiful, horizontal light casting through the narrow valley. But no matter what time of year or what time of day, Medicine Lake is always there with plenty of magic to explore.

Jill & Dave

Jill and Dave had a beautiful and blustery fall evening up at Medicine Lake all the way back in 2020!

Harley & Ash

Climbing over boulders and snuggling is the perfect recipe for a mountain engagement.