Amid crystal-clear lakes, stunning mountain ranges and some of Canada’s prettiest communities, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake area makes for a memory-filled weekend getaway. So why not have one of the most memorable days of your life — the one where you say, “I do” — in this remarkable place? The region boasts remarkable landscapes, and its communities, including Kaslo, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Balfour, the East Shore, Harrop Procter and North Kootenay Lake, offer an abundance of activities, unique accommodations and good eats.
When it comes to a mountain wedding, the Kootenays should not be overlooked. Here are four reasons to tie the knot in B.C.’s charming lake region.
All the wedding services you need
Right from the get-go, wedding planning is made easy with companies like Acorn + Oak, who provide childcare so all your guests can dance the night away, Vintage Pour, a mobile bar for all of your thirst-quenching needs and Wooden Flower Event Rentals, for gorgeous decor and florals.
In fact, Wooden Flower Event Rentals is a one-stop shop for all your flower and rental needs. The company sets out to make sure your vision comes to life with a stress-free process.
“The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is run around trying to make sure all the little details are fully set in place,” says co-owner and long-time Nelson resident Dylan Rogers. This is why Wooden Flower provides complete set-up services, ensuring everything is as you want. Plus, it has its own flower farm, so you can create a specific vision and trust that the flowers will be as fresh as can be.
Venue variety
Whether your wedding plans include a rustic feel, historical details or a luxury experience, you’re sure to find the perfect venue to accommodate your dream day. For lakeside nuptials with an elegant and relaxed feel, check out Prestige Lakeside Resort and the Sentinel. Blaylock’s Mansion is an excellent option for couples looking for a grand luxury experience, while Bear Spring Eco Retreat offers a unique glamping experience where your guests will feel connected to nature. Gray Creek Hall, located in the East Shore, brings a touch of history to your ceremony as it’s a beautiful 100-year-old log building.
For elopements and small, intimate weddings, the region offers several pockets of outdoor serenity, like Monica Meadows, located in North Kootenay, and Fletcher Falls, just outside of Kaslo.
Weekend-long celebrations
Nelson and Kootenay Lake is an excellent vacation spot at any time of year, making it an ideal location for your guests to make a weekend getaway out of your wedding.
Guests can stay in a variety of accommodation options, including Hume Hotel, Kaslo Hotel, Kokanee Chalets and Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. For delightful eats, check out Red Light Ramen, The Black Cauldron and Broken Hill, to name a few. And, of course, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities to take advantage of, anything from hiking and kayaking to chartering a private boat for a sunset cruise.
Stunning hidden gem
Scenic views are in abundance in Nelson and Kootenay Lake. With a ceremony among the trees — or even on a mountain top — and reception waiting for you back in town, you’ll be able to balance serenity with luxury and elegance.
Although the wedding scene is gaining popularity in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region, it’s not overrun, and the demand pales in comparison to big cities or high-tourist mountain towns.
“It’s still far enough away from a lot of the hustle and bustle, so you don’t need to book years in advance, like if you were to try and get a specific wedding venue in Vancouver or Calgary,” says Rogers.
That makes now the perfect time to take advantage of this gem of a location. Get your pick of venues and services before word gets out.
“A wedding is just so impactful on its own. But when you come to an area like Kootenay Lake, before and after a wedding, it becomes even more meaningful as you’re just mesmerized with all the different sites and views to take in,” says Rogers.
To learn more, visit nklt.travel/wedding.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.