Evan and Jess found me through a mutual friend, and we clicked right away. When they said they wanted photos in Drumheller, I was in. I had never shot in the badlands before, and I was genuinely pumped. They wanted a vintage, film look, and I knew I could pull it off.
These two met through a club at SAIT. Evan is big into sports and anything competitive. Jess is a digital animator and has built a real career on TikTok making fun, creative videos. Check out her work on TikTok and Instagram. They’re a great pair, and it showed all day.
Want to see the full story? I put together a wedding video for them right here:
What Made This Drumheller Wedding So Special
The Badlands Community Facility in Drumheller is a stunning spot for a wedding. The building itself is modern and clean. But step outside, and you’ve got rugged Alberta badlands as your backdrop. It’s a wild contrast, and it works perfectly for photos.
The venue sits right in the heart of Drumheller. Guests don’t have to travel far for anything. It has great indoor space for the ceremony and reception, and the surrounding area gives you so many options for portraits.
For Evan and Jess, we used both. Indoor shots had that warm, moody feel. Outdoor shots had big sky, open land, and all that texture you only get in the badlands.
The Hoodoos: A Must-Have Photo Stop
After the ceremony, we drove out to the hoodoos. If you haven’t been, these are tall rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. They’re just outside Drumheller and are honestly one of the coolest spots I’ve ever shot at.
The light out there in the late afternoon is no joke. Long shadows, warm tones, and those rocky formations created some of my favourite images from this whole wedding. The vintage film look Evan and Jess wanted came naturally out there.
You can learn more about the hoodoos on Travel Alberta’s website if you’re planning a visit.
Why the Hoodoos Work So Well for Wedding Portraits
- The rock textures add depth to every shot
- The colours match a warm, film-inspired edit perfectly
- There’s lots of space to move around and find different angles
- The light is golden in the late afternoon
- It feels unique, not like every other wedding location
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Badlands Community Facility Wedding in Drumheller
Planning a wedding out here takes a little extra thought. Drumheller is not a big city, but that’s part of the charm. Here’s what I’d tell any couple planning Badlands Community Facility wedding photographs in Drumheller.
1. Build a Solid Wedding Day Timeline
This is probably the biggest one. Drumheller has so much to offer for photos, but you need time to actually use it. If you rush, you’ll miss the best spots. I always recommend planning extra buffer time between events.
Check out my full guide to building a wedding timeline for free sample timelines and step-by-step advice.
2. Plan Your Portrait Location in Advance
The hoodoos are great, but they’re a short drive from the venue. Know where you want to go before the day. Talk to your photographer early so you can map it out together.
3. Shoot in the Golden Hour
The badlands look unreal in that last hour before sunset. Warm light, long shadows, and all those natural textures come alive. Try to schedule your portraits for late afternoon if you can.
4. Dress for the Terrain
The hoodoos are rocky and uneven. If the bride is wearing heels, bring a pair of flats for the outdoor portion. It makes moving around so much easier and keeps the photos looking relaxed.
5. Book Local Vendors Early
Drumheller is smaller than Calgary. Good vendors book up fast, especially in summer. Lock in your photographer, caterer, and venue as early as possible.
Recommended Vendors
These are vendors from Evan and Jess’s wedding that I genuinely think are worth checking out.
| Vendor | What They Do | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Badlands Community Facility | Wedding venue in Drumheller | Visit their site |
| The Grazing Board | Catering and grazing tables | Visit their site |
The Grazing Board did the food for Evan and Jess’s reception, and the spread was really good. If you’re planning a wedding in the area, they’re worth a look.
FAQ: Badlands Community Facility Weddings in Drumheller
Is the Badlands Community Facility a good wedding venue?
Yes. It has great indoor space, solid amenities, and it’s right in Drumheller. The real bonus is the surrounding area for photos.
How far is Drumheller from Calgary?
About 1.5 hours by car. It’s a straight shot east on Highway 9. Very doable as a day trip or weekend wedding destination.
Can you take wedding photos at the hoodoos?
Absolutely. The hoodoos are a short drive from the venue and make for amazing portraits. Just plan them into your timeline.
What time of year is best for a Drumheller wedding?
Late spring through early fall is best. Summer can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon shoots keep everyone comfortable.
Do I need a permit to shoot photos at the hoodoos?
For personal or wedding use, you generally don’t need a permit. If you’re unsure, check with the local municipality before your date.
What style of photography works best in the badlands?
Warm, film-inspired edits look amazing out there. The natural tones of the rocks and soil pair really well with a vintage look, which is exactly what Evan and Jess went for.
Ready to Book Your Drumheller Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning Badlands Community Facility wedding photographs in Drumheller, I’d love to be your photographer. This location is seriously one of the best I’ve worked in, and I’m excited to shoot there again.Get in touch here and let’s talk about your day.
Evan and Jess chose the Badlands Community Facility in Drumheller for their wedding, and it was the perfect backdrop. The Badlands Community Facility sits just minutes from the hoodoos, where warm afternoon light and rugged rock formations made every portrait feel like a frame from a film.
