Bow Lake Elopement in Banff National Park
Bow Lake Elopement in Banff National Park | Tom & Taylor
Tom and Taylor’s Bow Lake elopement was one of those wedding days where the mountains decided to show off a little. We had sunshine, rain, and even snow before the day was over, which honestly felt very fitting for a wedding in Banff National Park.
We spent the day at Bow Lake, which sits right along the incredibly scenic Icefields Parkway. If you’ve ever been there, you know the view of glacier water glowing turquoise, huge mountain peaks surrounding the lake, and that wide open feeling that makes everything feel a little more special. Taylor and Tom stayed right at the Lodge at Bow Lake, which made everything very convinient. It has recently been renovated and is such a beautiful lodge to stay at!
If you are interested in eloping in Banff, read here for Everything You Need to Know for Eloping in Banff.
How Tom and Taylor Got Here
Tom and Taylor actually met back in 2016 on a dating app. At the time, they were both pretty young and neither of them were really ready for something serious. They dated on and off for a few years before eventually reconnecting in 2021 and starting their relationship again in a more intentional way. They both talked about how much they grew during those early years after they met, and how that growth is what eventually made them such a strong couple. It’s always really neat hearing stories like that because it makes the wedding day feel even more meaningful.
Tom proposed during a trip to Madeira in December 2023, and honestly the story is pretty great. Taylor was convinced it was going to happen at some point during the trip. They had all these amazing moments—beautiful hikes, sunsets, exploring the island—and every time she thought maybe this is it. But Tom kept waiting. By the second-to-last day of the trip, Taylor had basically decided the proposal wasn’t happening.
That morning they woke up early to hike Levada das 25 Fontes, a popular waterfall trail. When they reached the main waterfall, they were shocked to see there was only one other couple there since it’s usually packed. Once that couple left and it was just the two of them, Tom proposed. Taylor was completely surprised. Afterward they hung out by the waterfall for a bit before hiking out and celebrating with hot chocolate and pastries at the little tea house by the trailhead. Honestly, it sounded like a pretty perfect proposal day.
The Weather Plot Twist at Bow Lake
Back to the wedding day. The morning started out sunny and beautiful at Bow Lake. Calm water, soft light, and those huge mountains towering over everything. Then, right before their ceremony… a storm rolled in. Dark clouds came over the lake and it started looking like the weather might completely shut things down. Instead of rushing anything, we just waited it out for a bit—and thankfully the mountains cooperated. The storm cleared just enough for Tom and Taylor to have their ceremony and share their private vows by the lake.
Afterward we wandered along the shoreline for photos before the rain came back again. That actually ended up being pretty fun because we got some really cool rainy mountain photos out of it. And then, because the mountains weren’t done with us yet, the sun came back out again.
From a quiet ceremony at Bow Lake to celebrating with family later that evening, it was one of those days that felt relaxed, meaningful, and completely true to who they are. Luckily Taylor and Tom were down to earth and just went with whatever the weather was giving us. I always say, the worse the weather, the better the photos! And honestly, the constantly changing mountain weather just made it even more memorable. To see another elopement with crazy weather, check out this Peyto Lake elopement where is snowed despite being fully sunny!
