Planning a wedding is such an exciting season, but it can also feel overwhelming if you are not sure where to start. Alberta offers some of the most stunning wedding locations in Canada, from the mountains to the prairies, and having a clear plan from the beginning makes the entire experience more enjoyable.
If I were newly engaged and planning an Alberta wedding, these are the six steps I would focus on first to set the foundation for a smooth, intentional wedding day!
1. Create a Wedding Email Address
Before booking a single vendor, set up a dedicated wedding email address. This simple step will keep everything organized right from the start.
All vendor communication, contracts, invoices, timelines, and inspiration can live in one place. As planning ramps up, you will be thankful that nothing gets lost in your personal inbox.
2. Set Your Budget, Estimate Your Guest Count, and Choose a Time of Year
These three decisions guide nearly every part of wedding planning.
Start by setting a realistic budget range and creating an estimated guest count. Even a rough number helps narrow down venues and vendors quickly. From there, think about what time of year feels most like you.
In Alberta, season plays a big role. Summer and early fall dates book up quickly, especially in Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis. Spring and winter weddings can offer more availability and flexibility while still being incredibly beautiful.
3. Decide if You Want to Hire a Wedding Planner
A wedding planner can be an invaluable part of your team, especially for mountain weddings or couples planning from out of province.
Planners help with logistics, timelines, vendor recommendations, and keeping everything running smoothly on the wedding day. If you want to enjoy the process and feel fully present when the day arrives, this is a decision worth considering early.
4. Secure Your Venue
Once your budget, guest count, and season are decided, booking your venue is the next major step.
Your venue sets the tone for the entire day and impacts your timeline, guest experience, photography flow, and backup plans for weather. Many popular Alberta venues book well in advance, so securing your date early gives you the most flexibility moving forward.
5. Book Your Photographer and Videographer
Your photos and video are what you will look back on long after the wedding day is over, so choosing the right team matters.
Look for vendors whose style you truly love and who have experience working in Alberta’s lighting and landscapes. Beyond beautiful images, your photography team helps guide the pace of the day and create space for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
6. Start Building Your Vendor Team
With your key vendors booked, you can begin filling in the rest of your wedding team.
This often includes florals, hair and makeup, catering, rentals, your officiant, and entertainment. Alberta has an incredible wedding community, and working with experienced local vendors helps everything come together seamlessly.
Ready to Start Planning Your Alberta Wedding?
If you are planning an Alberta wedding and want guidance from someone who knows the locations, lighting, timelines, and logistics inside and out, I would love to connect with you!
You can learn more about my wedding photography experience on my website.
