We recently hosted a curated two-day familiarization (FAM) tour, welcoming seven wedding planners (three from Calgary, three from the Banff/Canmore region, and one local) to experience the Columbia Valley as a premier wedding destination.
Designed to showcase the region’s venues, vendors, and unforgettable experiences, the tour highlighted not just where couples can get married, but how a full wedding weekend can come to life in the Valley. Every element of the itinerary was intentionally curated to feature the wide range of local wedding professionals and services available in the Columbia Valley.
The FAM began with a shuttle ride with Valley Shuttles from Calgary, arriving in Radium Hot Springs.
The group’s first stop was the Radium Hot Springs Centre, where the Village of Radium introduced planners to an intimate and welcoming venue option. Guests were treated to coffee and macarons from Screamers Ice Cream Café.
From there, the tour continued through Bighorn Meadows and Radium’s Springs Course venues, highlighting their scenic ceremony backdrops and reception capabilities. Lunch followed at Elevation’s Restaurant, where planners enjoyed a thoughtfully prepared meal paired with amazing mountain views.
In the afternoon, the group travelled south through the Valley, beginning with a stop at Windermere Valley Weddings. This visit showcased the flexibility and personalization available for couples seeking a rustic, outdoor celebration.
The tour continued to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, where planners explored ceremony and reception spaces that blend full-service resort amenities with natural beauty. A visit to Royal Antler Ranch followed, offering a private, rustic-luxury experience that adds to the Valley’s diverse venue portfolio.
The group then checked in at Copper Point Resort, which served as the setting for the evening’s festivities, featuring a dinner by Smokehouse 93 followed by a vendor showcase. Planners connected directly with photographers, venues, rental companies, experiential providers, and other wedding professionals from across the Valley.
Day two began with a pickup from Valley Vibes and breakfast at Begginnings, a unique venue that blends culinary experience with event potential, followed by a tour of Ullr’s newest venture – the Mobile Bar.
The morning continued with a visit to the Columbia Valley Centre, where the District of Invermere highlighted its capacity for larger-scale weddings and community-style celebrations.
To showcase the experiential side of the Valley, planners enjoyed a helicopter tour with Glacier Helicopters, offering a breathtaking perspective of the landscape while highlighting unique elopement opportunities.
The tour then continued to House of Friesians, where planners explored an elegant countryside venue that provides a refined yet intimate setting for weddings.
Lunch, catered by Trotters Catering, was enjoyed at Lake Lillian, followed by a site tour at Panorama Mountain Resort. This stop demonstrated a true “one-stop-shop” wedding experience, complete with accommodations, activities, and stunning alpine views.
By early afternoon, the group departed for Calgary, each planner leaving with curated charcuterie boxes from Hopkins Harvest.
From lakeside venues and mountain resorts to ranch settings and boutique spaces, the Columbia Valley offers an exceptional range of options for couples seeking something both scenic and distinctive.
By hosting this FAM tour, the region continues to invest in the growth of its wedding, conference, and events industry, building meaningful relationships with key planners and strengthening its position as a sought-after destination in the Columbia Valley.
Discover everything the Columbia Valley has to offer for weddings, view our full wedding vendor guide here.