Planning a Wedding in Jasper After the Wildfires: Your Comprehensive Guide
A Bride standing in the tall grasses in an area that had a recent burn in Jasper National Park (all photos by Megan Posein Photography)
Jasper, Alberta, has always been a dream destination for couples looking to tie the knot amidst the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The summer of 2024 brought significant challenges to our beloved town when a large wildfire swept through parts of Jasper National Park. Yet, while the landscape has changed in some areas, Jasper remains as stunning, resilient, and wedding-ready as ever.
If you’re wondering what Jasper looks like after the fire, whether businesses are open, or how the popular wedding venues fared, this guide will give you the answers you need. As a local Jasper photographer who has spent time documenting the recovery and capturing photos of our most popular wedding locations, I’m here to reassure you: Jasper is ready to welcome you for your special day.
Bridal photos in a recently burned area of Jasper National Park- where the long grasses grow in abundance
The Impact of the 2024 Wildfire on Jasper
While the fire significantly impacted some areas of Jasper, the sheer size of the park means that many beloved locations remain untouched. Here’s a quick overview:
Affected Areas: The wildfire primarily impacted the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) from the Kerkeslin area to the edge of town, 1/3 of the Jasper townsite (primarily residential), and parts of the Maligne Valley, including the backside of Jasper Park Lodge (JPL) towards Maligne Canyon.
Untouched Areas: Iconic spots like Pyramid Lake, Pyramid Island, Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, and the entire eastern side of the park remain just as breathtaking as always. South of Kerkeslin, the Icefields Parkway also remains unchanged.
For those planning weddings in Jasper, this means there is still an abundance of stunning venues and scenic backdrops to choose from.
You can view Parks Canada’s detailed wildfire map here.
Cabin Creek, the neighborhood in Jasper that was destroyed by the 2024 wildfire
Pyramid Lake, an area that was absolutely untouched by the 2024 wildfire in Jasper
Which Wedding Locations Were Affected?
The good news? Many of Jasper’s most sought-after wedding venues are still open and ready to host your 2025 weddings. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Jasper Park Lodge (JPL)
JPL remains one of Jasper’s most iconic wedding venues. While a few structures on the outskirts of the property were affected, the main building and popular ceremony/reception sites are intact. I recently visited JPL and captured photos to showcase that the views remain as stunning as ever, and their exceptional service continues to shine.
This pavilion at the Jasper Park Lodge is a common spot for weddings here. It still overlooks absolutely beautiful views
2. Athabasca Day Use Area
This rustic, beautiful ceremony spot did experience some forest fire damage, but thanks to incredible firefighting efforts, the infrastructure remains intact. The site is still open for bookings through Parks Canada, and the surrounding landscape now offers dramatic new contrasts—think stunning blackened trees, rugged mountain views, and open skies.
The alter at the Athabasca Day Use Area is intact and still serene, although the nearby forest was impacted by the burn
3. Maligne Wilderness Kitchen (Impacted)
Unfortunately, the Maligne Wilderness Kitchen was completely lost to the fire. As of now, there are no confirmed plans for rebuilding, but couples can stay updated via their website for any future announcements.
4. Tekarra Lodge (Impacted)
Tekarra Lodge sustained significant fire damage and is now closed for rebuilding. Updates on their progress will be shared via their website and social media.
Unaffected Venues
Many venues remain untouched by the wildfire, including:
Forest Park Hotel and Jasper Inn and Suites (east side of town)
With so many options still available, Jasper remains an incredible place to celebrate your wedding.
Winter Wedding photos at Pyramid Island
Addressing Guest Accommodations
One concern for couples planning a Jasper wedding post-fire is reduced hotel capacity. Some hotels are currently hosting Jasperites who lost their homes, while others experienced fire damage and are temporarily closed while they rebuild.
Tips for Guests:
Book Early: Encourage your guests to secure their accommodations as soon as possible. Larger hotels like JPL and Pyramid Lake Lodge are great options but will fill up quickly.
Look to Hinton: If needed, Hinton (a 45-minute drive from Jasper) offers additional hotel options.
Camping: Note that a few popular campsites, especially Whistler and Wapiti—are being rebuilt and Jasper will have limited camping availability in 2024.
Why Jasper is Even More Special After the Fire
Jasper’s small-town charm and close-knit community have only grown stronger through this experience. When you visit now, you’ll sense a deep camaraderie and resilience among locals, along with a renewed gratitude for the park’s beauty. Supporting local businesses during your wedding planning not only benefits the community but also helps rebuild the place we all know and love.
The fire has also given Jasper a new kind of beauty:
Dramatic Landscapes: Blackened trees offer striking contrasts against white wedding dresses and bright wildflowers.
Enhanced Mountain Views: The fire opened up new sightlines, making Jasper’s rugged peaks even more prominent.
Wildflower Explosions: Nature’s regrowth after a fire is breathtaking—tall grasses, vibrant wildflowers, and open meadows abound.
As a photographer, I’ve captured wedding photos in older burn areas, showcasing the artistic beauty that these landscapes now offer. The juxtaposition of resilience and natural beauty tells a powerful story—one that mirrors the strength of couples choosing to marry in Jasper.
The blackened trees against a white dress and a bright bouquet are a gorgeous combination for wedding photos
Why Hire a Local Jasper Wedding Photographer?
Now, more than ever, it’s important to hire a local photographer for your Jasper wedding. Here’s why:
Local Expertise: We know which areas are open, safe, and perfect for photos. From trail reports to hidden gems, we’ll help you find the perfect backdrops.
Licensed for Jasper National Park: Local photographers (like me!) are already licensed to work in the park, saving you the hassle and extra fees.
Supporting the Community: When you hire local, you’re directly supporting Jasper’s recovery and the people who call this place home.
The Beauty of Jasper Lives On
While the 2024 wildfire changed parts of Jasper, it didn’t take away the magic of this place. The mountains still stand tall, the lakes remain crystal clear, and the wildlife continues to thrive. For couples looking to celebrate their love in a place that embodies resilience, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community, Jasper is ready to welcome you.
If you’re planning your wedding in Jasper, I’d love to help you capture your day in a way that celebrates both your love story and the beauty of this special place.
Contact me today to learn more about Jasper wedding photography or to see my most recent post-fire gallery showcasing the park’s enduring beauty.
Bridal portraits in an area recently affected by a Jasper wildfire
Final Thoughts
Jasper’s story is one of resilience and renewal. Planning a wedding here is not just about stunning views—it’s about celebrating love in a place that has proven its strength time and again.
Let’s create something beautiful together, surrounded by Jasper’s timeless charm and evolving landscape.
