Fairmont Hotels offering affordable elopements in the Rocky Mountains

When people hear the word “elopement” they usually think of a drab courthouse somewhere, or one of those cheesy 24/hour chapels in Las Vegas.

And while many-a happy marriage can start in the former (we’re not so sure about the latter), there are a few more options available if you’re opting to avoid the huge — and expensive — ceremony.

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Given that many weddings had to be postponed this summer due to COVID-19, Fairmont Hotels has issued a release detailing their own elopement and small wedding offerings, and let’s just say that these locations are stunners.

“We understand these are unprecedented and challenging times for many engaged couples who have had to postpone or cancel their weddings this year,” said Ellen Barrow, director of conference services and catering at Fairmont Banff Springs, in the release.

“We are working diligently to provide couples with thoughtful alternatives to share this monumental event with the people that mean the most to them and we look forward to creating lifelong memories for each and every couple.”

According to the release, those hoping to tie the knot in style this summer will be able to do so in the Rocky Mountains for as little as $400.

Sure, your guest list will be limited, but did you really need to invite your mom’s second cousin and their four kids you’ve never met? Probably not.

Those hoping to get married at Banff Fairmont Springs will be able to elope for that previously mentioned $400, or have a small wedding ceremony on the Upper Bow Valley Terrace with 2 to 14 guests for a $1,500 fee.

If you’d prefer a trip up to Jasper, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers an elopement package of $1109 that includes two night accommodation, cake, ceremony venue, daily breakfast for two, bridal hair and make-up, and more.

The only catch is that this is a true elopement — just you and your partner, with commissioner and witnesses provided by the hotel.

And finally, Fairmont Lake Louise’s Romance in the Rockies package starts at $750 for a ceremony on the Victoria Terrace, dinner starting at $130 per person, and can accommodate from two to 100 people — which we wouldn’t exactly call much of an elopement, but hey, to each their own.

Not a bad way to celebrate this summer… all things considered.