There's something about the Fairmont Banff Springs at Christmas. Gold ornament garlands frame the castle windows, trees twinkle in the halls and the mountains outside are dusted with snow. On December 19, 2024, J + R said "I do" right in the middle of it all, and our team was there to tell the story. As a Calgary wedding photographer team, we make the roughly 90-minute drive west to Banff often, but a Banff Springs winter wedding during the holidays is its own kind of magic. The day was planned and coordinated by Lynn Fletcher Weddings, and it all came together beautifully, from quiet moments in the castle to a reception lit almost entirely by candlelight.
Getting Ready in the Castle
The groom spent the early part of the day in the hotel's grand spaces, which feel made for a December wedding. Soft light poured through a tall arched window as he fastened his cufflinks, with a snow-covered terrace, evergreens and peaks just beyond the glass.
Later he settled into an armchair by the window to read, while two loved ones looked on and a decorated Christmas tree glowed behind them. These in-between moments are some of our favourites: unposed, a little nervous and full of warmth.
There were big hugs and plenty of smiles, too.
Before the ceremony, we couldn't resist a portrait on one of the castle's sweeping staircases, with its wrought-iron railings, holiday garland and towering wall of books.
A Candlelit Christmas Ceremony
J + R's ceremony took place in a grand stone hall lined with stained-glass windows, iron chandeliers and a tall grandfather clock. A simple arch draped in soft white fabric and topped with ivory blooms, dark foliage and dried grasses stood before the windows, with clusters of pillar candles at its base and along the aisle. Snowflakes hung from the wall sconces, a quiet nod to the season.
The officiant welcomed everyone from beneath the arch.
Then one very small guest stole a bit of the spotlight: a little black dog on a leash, who got a warm greeting in the aisle while guests smiled from their seats beside a twinkling Christmas tree. A big thank you to Lynn Fletcher Weddings for planning and coordinating the day, which left J + R free to simply enjoy moments like this one.
Snowy Terrace Formals with the Mountains
After the ceremony we headed out to the hotel's terrace, where snow covered the stone and snow-capped peaks filled the view in every direction. As Banff wedding photographers, this is one of our favourite spots for portraits: the mountains do half the work, and the globe lamp posts and iron railings frame every group perfectly.
The bride wore a long-sleeved lace gown with a high neckline and a veil, and carried a bouquet of white anemones, deep burgundy blooms and feathery pampas. The groom matched the black-tie mood in a tuxedo with an ivory tie and a white anemone boutonniere.
The bridesmaids' black gowns looked striking against the snow, and we made sure to gather everyone with the valley stretching out behind them. A tip for winter couples: we keep outdoor portraits short and efficient so everyone can head back inside to warm up, and the results are worth every chilly minute.
Couple Portraits in the Snow
Before heading back inside, we stole a few quiet minutes with just the two of them. With fresh snow on the peaks and the valley below, the Fairmont Banff Springs terrace is one of our favourite places in the Rockies for winter couple portraits.
A Candlelit Reception
The reception carried the ceremony's glow straight into dinner. Long tables were dressed in black linens with soft white runners, then lined with pillar candles and floating candles in tall glass cylinders, with amber goblets and silver chargers at every place setting.
Up close, the details were just as lovely: dark blooms and branches suspended in water beneath floating candles, a perfect fit for a black-and-white Christmas wedding in Banff.
Why Couples Choose Tkshotz
If you're planning a Fairmont Banff Springs wedding or a celebration anywhere in the Rockies, here's what you can expect from our team:
56+ years of combined team experience
A second photographer included in every package
Photos delivered in 30 days, and video in 60
A 5.0 Google rating from 160 reviews
Replies to every inquiry within 24 hours
Most of our couples book about a year out, especially for popular holiday and winter dates in Banff, so it's worth reaching out early. Whether you're getting married in Banff, Canmore or close to home, our team of Calgary wedding photographers would love to hear your plans.
Ready to start? Tell us about your day on our contact page, or learn more about Tkshotz, your Calgary wedding photographer for weddings in Calgary, Banff and Canmore.
Credits
Planner: Lynn Fletcher Weddings
Photography: Tkshotz Photography