EMERALD LAKE LODGE WEDDING VENUE

I love photographing weddings and elopements at Emerald Lake Lodge located in Yoho National Park in British Columbia. It is simply a magical place and gorgeous in every season. The emerald colour of the lake is stunning and no place quite creates a winter wonderland that compares to the beauty of Emerald Lake in winter.

There are 3 spaces that you can book for your wedding reception;

Cilantro on the Lake accommodates up to 56 people

The President's room accommodates up to 24 people

The Vice President's room accommodates up to 88 people

If you are inviting a larger group another option is to "Rent your Own Island" and have exclusive access to the lodge which can accommodate up to 120 people.

If you are planning on having a True Elopement with just the two of you in attendance then Emerald Lake Lodge offers an incredible Elopement Package that makes it really easy.

At the bottom of this post I'm sharing my top tips for making the most out of your visit to Emerald Lake Lodge.

This is cilantro by the lake. In the summer it is a restaurant with a wonderful patio to eat outside and it can also be booked privately for weddings in summer or winter. It accommodates 56 guests. You can get married outside on the patio as you see set up here or have a private ceremony inside Cilantro in the case of bad weather. There's a woodburning fireplace.

The viewpoint

If you are eloping or having an intimate wedding then The Viewpoint at Emerald Lake Lodge is a stunning ceremony spot with a gorgeous mountain & lake backdrop to say I do in front of.

The Viewpoint at Emerald Lake Lodge

The Main Lodge at Emerald Lake Lodge

YOHO LOUNGE


The Yoho Lounge on the top floor of the main lodge at Emerald Lake Lodge is often used for indoor wedding ceremonies in the case of bad weather and for cocktail hour if you are having your reception the President or Vice President room.

The president's room


The President's room in Emerald Lake Lodge can accommodate up to 24 guests for a private wedding dinner.

The Vice president's room

The Vice President' room in the main lodge at Emerald Lake Lodge can accommodate up to 88 guests.


The Vice President's room set up with the standard chairs & linens for a wedding reception.

The Vice President's Room set up with custom chairs & linens for a wedding reception.

Emerald lake trading co.


You can rent canoes from Emerald Lake Trading Co. in the summer and cross country skis in the winter. They are located on the lakeshore. They are a separate business from Emerald Lake Lodge. They also have the best souvenirs I've seen in the mountains so be sure to stop in for a browse.

MY TOP TIPS FOR A GREAT STAY AT EMERALD LAKE LODGE

  1. When you arrive at Emerald Lake Lodge you will park your car in the Emerald Lake Lodge overnight parking lot and leave your car there for the duration of your stay. You and your luggage will be shuttled up to the main lodge, therefore, I highly recommend that you pack with that in mind...consolidate your packing to as few bags as possible. If you are someone who is used to living out of your car during a stay you'll want to prepare your packing differently.
  2. There is thankfully no WiFi or TVs in any of the cabins which makes it the perfect unplugged retreat. Come prepared with books you've been wanting to read, the sketchbook you've wanted to fill, board games and cards to play, and the knitting you meant to finish to entertain yourself in front of the fire.
  3. There are fireplaces in every room which is my favourite way to spend the evening sitting by the fire. The fireplaces come pre-stocked with kindling and paper and matches so you have everything to start a fire easily. It is important to make sure that the flue for the chimney is open otherwise when you start your fire the smoke will have no where to go and you will fill your room with smoke. If you are unsure about how to do this definitely call the front desk before starting your fire and they can send a woodsman to assist or provide instruction over the phone.
  4. There are no fridges in the room. Often when couples order a cheese plate or have leftover cake from their elopement they think to store it outside on the deck to keep it fresh. The pine martens and stellar jay birds have all figured this out too and will definitely eat any and all food that you store on your deck. 
  5. Due to demand WiFi was recently installed in the main lodge much to my disappointment. But do be aware that it is "mountain WiFi" sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It is pretty slow and not the best for uploading photos. If you are getting married at the lodge don't leave any of the work that requires WiFi until you get to the lodge. If you are a guest I can say as a fellow guest it is really annoying when others FaceTime in the main lodge loudly. When you plan a trip to Emerald Lake Lodge plan an unplugged retreat and you'll be surprised at the peace and quiet it can bring.