As a Toronto-based wedding photographer, it's SO exciting when I get to experience a change of scenery. Don't get me wrong, I love Toronto and Ontario - this province has so many stunning views to offer but as someone who is also a destination wedding photographer, it's cool to get a different POV.
This post isn't actually about a super recent destination wedding, it's really a bit of a throwback post to a super special wedding I had the honour of photographing at Chateau Lake Louise in the Rocky Mountains. It was recently my amazing couple Tash & Peter's wedding anniversary which prompted me to dig back into their photos and re-live the fun of this day. Going through the images got me a little misty-eyed; we had the best day together. Tash & Peter traveled all the way from Australia and brought their immediate families to what is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world (and somewhere dear to my heart), turning their special day into an intimate, international celebration.

The Stunning Chateau Lake Louise

Getting married at Chateau Lake Louise is basically like if Mother Nature teamed up with the Fairmont company and created a dream wedding venue. Lake Louise is a dream for any destination wedding photographer but as a born & raised Albertan, it's also a very special place to me. My Grandparents spent many hours with us touring the Rockies and my sweet Grandpa Jack worked for Brewster Buslines reviewing the drivers & guides as they toured guests through Banff National Park. Anyway, I digress. With its towering mountains, aquamarine lake, and lush greenery, it’s one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in the world. For couples looking to combine natural beauty with a touch of elegance, this spot is hard to beat.

An Intimate Ceremony in the Rocky Mountains

Peter & Tash chose to keep their wedding simple and meaningful. They chose to get ready together (teamwork!) and then the three of us piled into their rented Jeep while I played tour guide for the afternoon. We drove along the scenic Icefields Parkway and stopped when we felt inspired. Not hard when the scenery looks like a postcard at every turn. After some wandering in the woods, we headed back for a sweet outdoor ceremony at Chateau Lake Louise. The mountains provided an unbelievable backdrop, and the weather was perfect. As a (primarily) Toronto wedding photographer, capturing this ceremony in such a stunning natural environment was a breath of fresh (mountain) air.

Capturing Candid Moments

My goal with any wedding is to capture real, candid moments, and this wedding at Chateau Lake Louise was full of them. From the nervous laughter to the many many tears, every moment was genuine and packed with heart. The natural beauty of the lake, combined with the raw emotion of the day, made for some of my all-time favourite photos. For any Toronto couple considering a destination wedding, this is exactly the kind of experience that makes the journey worthwhile - and you don't even need to leave the country! After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a champagne toast, a few family photos, and then I said goodbye while everyone enjoyed a relaxed and no doubt delicious dinner.

I have to give credit to my pal Carey Nash for this photo below. I admit that I saw him post something very similar and I HAD TO COPY IT! I normally don't do this - I swear. I'm not a copycat... but damn... it just works. Thanks for the inspo Carey.

Chateau Lake Louise Is Perfect for Toronto Couples

For Toronto couples considering a destination wedding, Chateau Lake Louise offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and timeless elegance. Not only is the scenery unbeatable, the Chateau is a world-class hotel that your guests will love. Yes, it's a busy destination and tourists will definitely be milling about, but the staff are incredible here and they really go out of their way to make sure you feel taken care of amidst the tour groups. The stunning scenery makes it a fantastic choice for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature.

As a Toronto-based destination wedding photographer, shooting this wedding at Chateau Lake Louise was an incredible experience. The combination of a breathtaking location, an intimate gathering of family, and genuine love made it a day to remember. For couples in Toronto considering a destination wedding, I can’t recommend Chateau Lake Louise enough. It’s the kind of place that makes every moment—and every photograph—truly special.

Want to see more Destination Wedding photos from Toronto-based wedding photographer Jennifer van Son? Click HERE!