The decision to host a destination wedding was an easy one for lovebirds Jill and Stephen. The majority of their guest list was coming from all over the world, so the couple figured they might as well all convene in a beautiful and breathtaking location: Banff, Alberta, Canada. “We decided to do a destination wedding simply because the scenery in Banff is gorgeous!” recalls the bride. “With family traveling from all over the world, it made sense to bring everyone together in one amazing place!”

After looking through the couple’s wedding photos, it’s easy to see that “amazing” was the correct way to describe their destination’s scenery. Thankfully, Jill and Stephen’s guests agreed and were on board for the mountain nuptials. “[Our] family and friends were excited to travel to our wedding,” recalls the couple. “It meant they could also spend quality time with their families to do activities before and after our big day that they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to do at home.”

Not only was the couple’s chosen destination of Banff, Alberta beautiful with the majestic mountains, but it was a convenient location for their traveling guests. Overall, the couple describes their wedding planning process as a positive one. “Planning a destination wedding was actually easier than we first thought,” recalls Jill. “I spent a lot of time researching vendors and we made a couple of strategic trips to Banff in order to meet with potential vendors and ultimately make our final decisions.”

In the end, the couple got the beautiful, scenic destination wedding they were after. Jill, Stephen and their photographers definitely made the most of the surrounding natural wonders and undoubtedly have images they’ll treasure forever. While the couple thinks they ultimately spent more by having a destination wedding (due to the location’s popularity), they have no doubts about their decision to say “I do” away.

Jill and Stephen didn’t have a wedding planner for their destination wedding, so they have some solid advice for other couples going down the same road. “Be organized…keep a list of all the to-do’s and determine the timeline for completing them. Decide the things that are most important to you on your big day and focus your budget around them. [Also,] invite who you would like to have there…not who you feel you should invite just because. [Lastly,] enjoy the day – time flies!”

Vendors: Photographer: Judy + Gavin Photography, Ceremony/Reception Site: The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Florist: Forget-Me-Not Flowers, Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas, Cake: The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Hair: Mantra Salon, Makeup: Jenna Anderson with Canmore & Banff Makeup Artistry, Gown Designer: Callista, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Derk’s Menswear, Bridesmaids/Groomsmens’ Clothing Designer: Sophia Tolli/Derk’s Menswear