Backcountry Elopement at Mount Assiniboine

Backcountry camping elopement at Mount assiniboine

As a photographer, I’m always looking for breathtaking locations, and Assiniboine Mountain, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is one of the most incredible spots I’ve ever had the privilege of shooting. Laura and Mike’s August elopement at Mount Assiniboine was nothing short of a dream. We took a helicopter to get to this awe-inspiring location, with its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and endless views. The sheer grandeur of Assiniboine gave us the perfect backdrop for their intimate ceremony.

A Helicopter Adventure

We arrived for their elopement at Mount Assiniboine in style – in a helicopter. Laura and Mike decided that taking a helicopter in and hiking out would be the perfect adventure. It’s always fun to watch clients on their first helicopter ride, seeing the excitement as we get a birds eye view of the mountains and glaciers. Despite having done many heli elopements before, like this Alberta helicopter elopement, I still find each flight thrilling and I love looking at the scenery from above.

After arriving at our campsites, setting up our tents, making some warm drinks, and eating dehydrated dinners, we set off for a short hike up the mountain to capture some beautiful sunset portraits. The weather and skies were clear, and gave us some lovely soft light for portraits. It’s amazing what a difference the sun can make, because as soon as it set we were laying on the puffy coats and toques!

The following morning, we were up early for another round of portraits, this time in the soft morning light. The mountains seemed even more majestic in the golden glow. It was an incredible experience to photograph my friends in such a beautiful location. Assiniboine is one of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies so really has that expansive feel to it, and makes for a stunning backdrop!

Finishing with a hike

Once we had completed all the portraits for their elopement at Mount Assiniboine, we packed up our gear and started our 2 day trek out to the cars. We opted not to hike all 27km in one day, and instead camped overnight at another campground along the way. There are a few route options and several other campground on the way out of Assiniboine depending on what you want to see, and what length of hike you prefer. Each route is gorgeous going over passes, through valleys, and of course, with views of mountains for days.

I really love this type of elopement, where you get the thrill of a helicopter ride, the quietness of backcountry camping, and the adventure of a hike. What more could you ask for? If this sort of elopement peaks your interest, reach out soon! The limited accommodation makes this area truly untouched and peaceful which also means it books up really quickly. You have the option to book into huts, the lodge, or campground and each once fills up almost instantly each year. I hope this blog has inspired you to dream up your perfect wedding day, and what that would look like for you and your partner!