For years, Buffalo Mountain Lodge (BML) has been a special spot for me.  In our family we’ve made a tradition of celebrating New Years in Banff and staying in one of their cozy suites.  BML is a Canadian Rocky Mountain Resort located on Tunnel Mountain in Banff.  It’s warm, inviting and provides a true log cabin experience with spectacular views.  It’s more than that though…it’s also an idyllic locale for an alpine wedding.  Recently I spent an afternoon with their Conference Manager Kerrie, as she toured Mark and Ashley, a couple planning their own wedding, around the various facilities at Buffalo Mountain Lodge.  My camera and I tagged along and learned the ins and outs of planning a Buffalo Mountain Lodge wedding.

Tell us about Banff and what makes it such a magical place to visit?

Banff is a community surrounded by nature but it’s close enough to Calgary for quick day trips.  I think people enjoy Banff because it’s a true mountain escape from the city.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge has Tunnel Mountain Reservoir right in its own backyard.  With views like this, it’s a breathtaking location for wedding ceremonies.  I photographed a wedding ceremony there this past summer, if you’d like to see.

Why choose Buffalo Mountain Lodge for your wedding?

BML is perfect for intimate, family celebrations.  The facilities offer the opportunity to connect with your guests in a charming, mountain setting.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge has three options for wedding couples.  First we toured the Strathcona Room, ideal for parties of up to 48 people.

Located on the second floor, the Strathcona Room features a large balcony with views of Cascade Mountain.

Option #2 for wedding couples is the Wainwright Room which can accommodate groups up to 70 and includes an adjoining patio.

A turn on the dance floor for the soon-to-be newlyweds.

The Wapiti Longhouse is the largest wedding venue at Buffalo Mountain Lodge.  Between the ceremony and reception, many couples use The Wine Cellar, located on the main floor, for cocktail receptions.

The Wapiti Longhouse with it’s high-beamed ceilings and show-stopping fieldstone fireplace, is a grand spot for celebrations of up to 99 guests.

The view from the balcony of the Wapiti.  Cascade Mountain was hiding behind the clouds during our visit.

Who are your ideal wedding couple?

BML is perfect for couples that have fallen in love with Banff and its mountain culture.  The lodge has a rustic chic feel that our couples embrace and appreciate.  

What is the most unique wedding you’ve seen at BML?

We recently hosted a Korean/Canadian wedding where the bride wore a traditional “Hanbok”.  We love weddings where couples embrace their culture.  

After our tour, Mark and Ashley stopped at the Sleeping Buffalo Lounge for drinks and a charcuterie board.  At Buffalo Mountain Lodge, that means delicacies like Elk Salami, Mustard Melons, Smoked Duck Breast and Air Dried Buffalo.

Planning a Buffalo Mountain Lodge wedding

Tell us about menu options that are available to couples?  

BML is known for their Rocky Mountain Cuisine…bison, caribou, elk and venison, but the beef tenderloin is a wedding favourite.  Couples planning a Buffalo Mountain Lodge wedding have the option of buffet-style meals, plated dinners or a Chef-attended BBQ.  Expect to see summer specialties like grilling steak, Atlantic salmon, pork ribs, baked beans and corn on the cob on the BBQ menu.

For dessert, Kerrie recommends the warm molten chocolate cake, served with orange mint ice cream.  Yes please!

Back in December, I photographed in and around Buffalo Mountain Lodge for a Christmas feature on the Lifestyle Blog Canadian Mountain Chic.  Here’s a few images of the spectacular fireplace in the Wapiti Longhouse with credit to Sharon from Naturally Chic Weddings, Adorn Boutique and Mountain Beauties.

A peak inside one of the guest rooms at Buffalo Mountain Lodge (with a few extra flourishes by Naturally Chic weddings.  See more on Canadian Mountain Chic).

Do you have any availability for 2016 couples?

We are currently booking into 2017.  For The Wapiti Longhouse, wedding Saturdays are booked through October 2016, but check with Kerrie about weekday celebrations.  The smaller rooms (Strathcona & Wainwright) do have some Saturday openings at present.

A big thank you to Kerrie Carter from Buffalo Mountain Lodge for the tour and the hospitality.  Contact Kerrie at bmlconference2@crmr.com for all of the details on planning a Buffalo Mountain Lodge wedding.

Recently I featured BML’s sister property, The Lake House, on the blog.  Take a look.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge wedding images by Banff Wedding Photographer Tara Whittaker