our parties are what myths are made of

The Balkan is a great location to host an event and we promise a fun & lively atmosphere for your guests. Start the night off right with a hand-made craft cocktail in the lounge (our fruit-infused mojitos are the best) while you watch the downtown crowds, then move into the main restaurant for a mouthwatering dinner. Our menu has something delicious for everyone; try one of our Greek-inspired dishes made with fresh & healthy Mediterranean ingredients or enjoy a classic Alberta steak, lemon marinated chicken or fresh baked salmon.

 
 
 

Balkan Wedding Information

Gallery: Space, food & mood

 
 

OUR SALES COMMITMENT

 

Our team of sales managers are here to help you every step of the way. With over 100 weddings celebrations hosted in the heart of Banff, we know what it takes to take your special day to the next level.

We will work with you start to finish, streamline the booking process, and address any questions or details along the way to help bring your vision to life.

For large private events, we take the extra step of providing a Sales Manager on-site to ensure everything is running smoothly and provided as planned. Our role is to co-ordinate and oversee the details pertaining to your meal service and assist with the management of our restaurant teams. Please ensure you have appropriate help arranged on your special day to ensure your hired vendors are on time and organized, your décor is set up, the place cards are in the appropriate order, and any other important personal details are arranged. While we do not work as or provide wedding planners, we are happy to make recommendations of local wedding planners who are familiar with our restaurants.  

 

Capacities & Floor plans

 

full buyout

Capacity:

Seated w/cocktail space:
104 guests

Features:

Guests seated together on two adjacent levels.
Private bar area with cocktail tables for reception.

Wireless microphone, iPod connection.

 

 

lower level

Capacity:

20-52 (*not private)

Set up:

One large family style table with 20-30 seats.
4 tables with 6 seats each
Guests are seated upon arrival (*no cocktail space).

 

 

upper level

Capacity:

Seated w/cocktail space
40 guests
Seated w/out cocktail space
52 guests

Features:

Portable wine + beer bar
Sound panels (provide a quieter dining atmosphere) .

 

Minimum food & beverage rates

 

RATES:

Fully private buyout for groups of 53 - 104:
* $8,000.00 - $14,000.00 minimum food & beverage requirement (plus 20% gratuity and 5% GST)
* Rates vary by season and day of the week.
* Please contact a Sales Manager for exact pricing.

Main dining room groups of 15 – 40:
*No minimum food & beverage requirement
* Large parties are required to dine from a group menu.

Upper or Lower Level Semi-Private (groups of 40 – 52):
*$4,000.00 - $5,000.00 minimum food & beverage requirement (plus 20% gratuity and 5% GST)


Rates FAQ:

What is the difference between  an upper or lower level semi-private booking and a main dining room booking?
A semi-private booking is when a specific floor of the restaurant is reserved for your groups’ exclusive use. Your guests will have private use of the area for the duration of the service and no other guests will have access to the space. Other areas of the restaurant remain open to the public. A semi-private booking of the upper or lower level is always subject to a minimum F&B spend which varies depending on the date and day of the week. A main dining room booking is when tables in the restaurant are reserved for your group dinner but other guests are seated around and beside your group. Please note, main dining room groups are seated at dinner tables upon arrival (there is no space for standing cocktails).

 

What is a minimum spend?
A minimum spend is the amount that you are required to spend on food and beverage before 5% tax and 20% gratuity are applied. Items such as food, wine, and drinks count towards a minimum spend. If the minimum spend requirement is not met, the difference will appear as a room fee on the final bill.

 
 

2024 Group menus

eat. drink. opa!

Click menu option to explore

gf - gluten free | df – dairy free | v - vegetarian | v+ - vegan | n - contains nuts

Group wine & cocktails

 

Sommelier selections

CROWD-PLEASING WINES SELECTED BY OUR SOMMELIER. WE RECOMMEND PRE-SELECTING WINES TO

ENSURE ADEQUATE QUANTITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR LARGE GROUP

//PROSECCO

Canella Prosecco, Italy DOCG $69
rich on the palate with a silky-smooth texture, fruity and crisp with mellow floral flavors.
Haywire, The Bub, VQA Okanagan, B.C. $83
a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, bold crisp and fresh with citrus and toasty notes, and fine effervescence

//ROSÉ

CedarCreek Estate Winery 'Pinot Noir Rosé', VQA Okanagan Valley, B.C. $73
100% Pinot Noir. Dry style. Wild strawberry and grapefruit on the nose, complemented by white flowers and red berries on the palate. Organic.

//WHITE WINE

Bollini Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy $52
fresh natural acidity with floral aromas, minerals and pear.
Wild Goose Riesling, VQA Okanagan Falls, B.C. $66
bright, mineral, fresh & clean with crisp, elegant granny smith apple streaked with pear, lemon, lime, and nectarine skin.
Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc, Waipara, New Zealand $66
grapefruit, lime, and a touch of passionfruit with elderflower, fresh-cut grass, jalapeno, and whisp of lemongrass.
Blasted Church Hatfield’s Fuse, VQA Okanagan, B.C. $71
a blend of aromatic white varietals, apricots and peaches with lemon and green apple.
Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay, VQA Okanagan, B.C. $73
rich, lightly oaked, full of spice and tropical fruit, with hints of honey, minerals and lime
Kettle Valley Pinot Gris, Naramata Bench, VQA Okanagan, B.C. $93
slight skin contact (blush), red and green apples, pear, citrus, and tropical notes.
Schug Chardonnay, Carneros, California $116
rich, powerful, refreshing and elegant. flavors of citrus, pear and spiced apples

//RED WINE

Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere, Apalta, Chile $50
ripe berries, sweet spices & tobacco.
McManis Cabernet Sauvignon, California $66
juicy black currant and black cherry flavors, creamy tannins
& a hint of mocha.
Mayhem by Meyer Family Vineyards Merlot/Cabernet Franc, VQA Okanagan Falls, B.C. $69
75% merlot/25% cabernet franc, flavours of blackcurrant, black cherries and chocolate linger on the palate.
Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel, California $69
aromas of juniper, black pepper and spicy nutmeg followed with flavors of cranberries and raspberries.
Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara, On $76
Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario bold red fruit flavors and balanced spice from oak aging.
Lake Breeze Meritage, VQA, Okanagan Valley B.C $70
merlot driven blend, complex wine showing a lot of black cherry and other dark berries flavors.
Decoy by Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California $105
on the palate, rich flavors of raspberry, ripe plum and blueberry with hints of oak and sweet baking spices.
Schug Pinot Noir, Carneros, California $116
complex wine with a rich bouquet of cherries, berries and hints of spicy new oak. flavors of black cherry, currant and strawberry, followed by a rich, spicy texture and a long silky finish

 

Distillery Welcome Cocktail 

Featuring hand-crafted Banff spirits Served to guests upon arrival

 
 

The Sawback

Sweet with a lingering mild spice.
Inspired by Banff National Parks forest
rejuvenation philosophy of prescribed burn

  • Park Chili Vodka

  • Triple Sec

  • Pineapple Juice

  • Lime

  • Agave Syrup

 
 

Audio Visual & Music

 

Equipment provided

Free of charge for Private functions:
- Microphone
-  A speaker system into which you may plug a smartphone (note: playlist must be downloaded & must be compatible with AUX output cord).

With fully private functions, you may also bring in live music or entertainment. There is no additional SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) and Re-Sound tariff fees. These costs are absorbed by the venue, an estimated cost savings of $60/event.

If we do not have the AV equipment you require, rentals can be arranged through Freeman AV Banff. Please note, certain restrictions on AV, sound and microphone use apply to different rooms and types of bookings. Please confirm what is permitted with your Sales Manager.

 

GROUP POLICIES

 

POLICIES:

1. A signed event contract & online credit card authorization form are required to complete any group booking.

2. Events subject to a minimum spend:

  • A 30% non-refundable deposit will be automatically processed 60 days prior to the event date.

  • Events may be cancelled without penalty up to 61 days before the event.

  • Events cancelled with less than 61 days notice are subject to full cancellation charges and the full 30% deposit is forfeited.

  • Events may be postponed up to 61 days before the event, in which case the deposit is transferred to the new event date.

  • It is the responsibility of the client to act within the stated time frame, and to provide ample notice of postponement or cancellation.

  • In the event you do not achieve the minimum, a rental fee in the amount required to achieve the minimum spend will be applied to the host bill.

  • Both the host bill and individual guest bills count toward a minimum spend. In the case of separate bills, if the minimum spend is not achieved, the host is responsible for paying a venue fee in the amount required to achieve the minimum spend.

  • Only food and beverage consumed during the event count toward achieving the minimum spend. Venue fees are processed the night of the event and are non-transferrable to other dates or purchases.

  • Minimum spend rates are agreed upon at the time of booking and will not be reduced if Provincial public health measures limit the features or reduce the capacity of any event space. It is the responsibility of the client to stay up to date on all Provincial public health measures.

  • If there is a government mandated shut-down of in-person dining, the deposit would be refunded regardless of timing.

3. Events NOT subject to a minimum spend:

  • No deposit is required in advance of the event date.

  • Events may be cancelled without penalty upto 7 days before the event.

  • Events cancelled with less than 7 days notice will be automatically charged 100% of the set menu price for the reserved number of guests.

  • If there is a government mandated shut-down of in-person dining, the above cancellation penalty is waived.

4. We require a final guest count 7 days prior to the event date. After this time you will be charged the full price of the set menu for any ‘no shows’.

5. 30-minute grace period for group reservations. After 45-minutes, group is deemed a ‘no show' and you will be charged the price of the menu for the reserved number of guests.

6. In the case of separate bills, the credit card provided on the authorization form will be charged the price of the menu for any ‘no shows’ or any charges not
paid in full.

7. All events must be paid in full the day of the event, with payment presented on-site. We do not invoice.

8. A 20% gratuity + 5% gst will be added to the bill. Rental fees are subject to 20% gratuity + 5% gst.

9. Damages: The client is responsible for any damages to or on The Balkan’s property and/or injury to the staff and/or guests caused by the client and/or client’s guests. Please note that verbal & physical abuse will not be tolerated towards any of our staff.

 

ADDITIONAL INFO & F.A.Q.

 

IS THE RESTAURANT ACCESSIBLE?

Elevator - no
Wheelchair compliant bathrooms - no
Wheelchair ramp - no

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR PLANNING MY EVENT?

  • Once you submit a signed booking form and online credit card authorization form, the space is secured and you can focus on planning the other details of your special day.

  • The 30% non-refundable deposit (if applicable) will be processed 60 days prior to the event date.

  • All food and beverage selections should be finalized no later than three weeks in advance of your event.

  • Final & confirmed guest count is required 1 week in advance of your event. PLEASE NOTE IT IS OUR POLICY TO CHARGE THE SET MENU PRICE FOR THE CONFIRMED NUMBER OF GUESTS.

ACCESS TIME & LAST CALL

  • Main Dining Room Groups: Earliest access to the table is 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. Last call 10:00 pm, event finish 10:30 pm.

  • Private Level Booking: Earliest access time for event setup/start is 5:00 pm. Last call 11:30 pm, event finish 12:00 am.

  • Private Buy Outs: Earliest access time for event setup/start is 5:00 pm. Last call 12:30 am, event finish 1:00 am.

DECOR POLICY

  • Our staff are focused on preparing the space for an impeccable meal service and are therefore unable to set up decor.

  • All decor needs (assembling centerpieces, unpacking decor, putting out place cards according to a seating plan, etc.) must be left in the hands of your Wedding Coordinator or friends & family. Special Event Rentals Banff is a local company that aids with set up should more extensive assistance be required.

  • The Balkan uses tea light candles on all tables as part of the regular dinner set up. Guests are permitted to bring in additional candles for décor as long as the flame is contained within a candle holder.

  • We have very limited storage available at the restaurant, therefore we are not able to store decor at the restaurant in advance of the access time indicated by your Sales Manager.

WHAT SERVICES & ITEMS DOES THE BALKAN PROVIDE COMPLIMENTARY?

The following services are complimentary:

  • Experienced service staff

  • Existing tables & chairs

  • Standard table flatware & glassware

  • Cloth napkins

  • Printed menus at each place setting

  • Guest book table & cake table (With private room bookings & full buyouts, there is no extra fee to have a guest book table or a cake table but furniture is limited and dependent on capacity. Please speak with your Sales Manager to see if we can accommodate these additional tables based on your confirmed guest count. Please note, The Balkan does not have additional furniture beyond what is in the restaurant.)

WHAT OTHER EXPENSES SHOULD I CONSIDER?

  • Entertainment (applicable to full venue rental only)

  • Flowers

  • Photography

  • Vendor Meals

  • Cake & Cutting Fee

  • Seating chart & place cards

  • Party favours

WEDDING CAKES

The Balkan does not make wedding cakes, however there are many exceptional bakers within the Bow Valley and we would be happy to make local recommendations for a professional wedding cake should you require one.

There is a cake cutting fee of $3.50/person to have the cake served and plated to guests. There is no charge for cupcakes and guests are responsible for the set up of a cupcake station. 

Cakes may be delivered and stored at the restaurant the day of the event. Please ensure the cake is packed safely and labeled with your reservation name & details (for example: Smith Wedding, June 15th, The Balkan, Upper Level).

Please note, by bringing your own wedding cake, the client assumes full responsibility for the event guests. The Balkan will not be held liable for any allergic reaction resulting from the consumption of cake, frosting or fillings.

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED LIST OF VENDORS IN BANFF?

We work with many amazing florists, stylists, bakers and photographers in the Bow Valley. Please speak with your Sales Manager for our favourite local vendors.      

MAY WE HOLD OUR WEDDING CEREMONY AT THE RESTAURANT?

The Balkan is first and foremost a dining room and we are therefore limited in terms of ceremony space. On occasion, and only with a fully private booking of the entire restaurant, we may be able to host your ceremony. Please note we are not able to remove all the tables from the dining room and therefore cannot set up a traditional ceremony space with rows of chairs.  There are several beautiful and scenic locations for wedding ceremonies within Banff and the surrounding area, such as:

  • Tunnel Mountain Reservoir

  • Louis Trono Gazebo

  • Two Jack Lake/Lake Minnewanka

  • Cascade Gardens

IF THE WEATHER IS BAD, CAN WE SHOW UP EARLIER FOR OUR RECEPTION?

Your table/room will be ready for guests to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time. In the case of bad weather, please call the restaurant directly and speak with a manager to revise your arrival time. We will make every effort to accommodate early arrivals but cannot guarantee your table/room will be ready.

IS THERE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BETWEEN THE RESTAURANT & HOTELS?

Below is a link that includes multiple businesses in Banff that are equipped to handle all transportation services as this is something that is not included with our services. https://www.banfflakelouise.com/trip-planning/getting-around-banff

WHO IS MY CONTACT ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT?

A restaurant manager or a Banff Hospitality Collective Sales Manager will be your on-site contact upon arrival and for the duration of your event. Our role is to co-ordinate and oversee the details pertaining to your meal service and assist with the management of our restaurant teams. Please ensure you have appropriate help arranged on your special day to ensure your hired vendors are on time and organized, your décor is set up, the place cards are in the appropriate order, and any other important personal details are arranged. While we do not work as or provide wedding planners, we are happy to make recommendations of local wedding planners who are familiar with our restaurants.  

IS THERE A DANCEFLOOR?

Semi-private rooms do not have space to accommodate a dancefloor. For a full venue rental, there is not a dedicated dance floor, however tables can be moved after dinner service to allow for dancing (which we highly encourage!).

MAY I PLAY MY OWN MUSIC OR A SONG FOR OUR FIRST DANCE?

With a fully private booking of the entire restaurant you have full control over the music.  All of our sound systems are compatible with an iPod so playing your own music is quite easy.

With a semi-private room, you are not permitted to play your own music as the same sound system plays throughout the entire restaurant and in all private rooms. Music docks or portable sound systems are also not permitted.

WHICH FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

The Balkan accepts the following forms of payment: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and cash.

WHAT ADDRESS SHOULD I USE FOR MY INVITATIONS?

120 Banff Ave, Banff AB

IS THERE PARKING ON-SITE?

Although The Balkan does not offer any designated parking, there are multiple parking lots close by with 3 to 12 hour limits. Please visit www.banffparking.ca/ to help you find the most suitable parking for your car, RV/motorhome or bike.

 

GLOWING FEEDBACK

 

EXCEPTIONAL

We have been going here for years and have never had less than amazing food or exceptional service. We got married there in April and our previous experiences did not disappoint. The service to us and our guests was amazing, the food was exceptional, and the execution of our wedding was perfect. Thank you to Steph Wilson, the event coordinator, and the entire Balkan staff. – Marissa, April 2019

THE PERFECT REHEARSAL DINNER

Our dinner at the Balkan was perfect.  Only problem was the night was over too fast! The service and food were so amazing. Everyone was so happy. Thanks again for organizing it. – Whitney, October 2017

LAST MINUTE REHEARSAL

The day before our client's wedding, they were hosting a welcome event for 80 of their closest friends and family. Three hours before the event was to take place, we got a call from the venue that they would no longer be able to host the group due to inclement weather. With only two hours notice, Banff Hospitality Collective not only made room for our group at the Balkan, but also ensured that our group could have an 'after party' at High Rollers. Putting on a seated dinner for 80 is no small feat given a typical time frame, let alone with only a couple of hours notice. The team at The Balkan was professional, accommodating and able to execute a large-scale event seamlessly. We appreciated their attention to detail and assistance in this time and couldn't recommend working with Hayley + the Banff Hospitality Collective more. – Lindsay, March 2020

 

 
 
 

 
 


Let’s plan your wedding

at the balkan.

Balkan Weddings Direct line

 

looking for something different?

explore our other casual dining restaurants

 

THREE BEARS BREWERY - BEER MADE HERE + COMFORT FOOD

 

PARK DISTILLERY - BACKCOUNTRY DECOR + ELEVATED CAMPFIRE CUISINE

 
 
 

Meet the Banff Hospitality Collective Sales Team

We are your single point of contact representing 6 spectacular downtown Banff event venues.
Let us assist you in the planning of your corporate group, wedding celebration or social occasion.

 
 

“WE KEEP THE EVENT PROCESS SIMPLE - SO YOU ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY.”


Stephanie Wilson
director of sales

“Your vision matters to us.

We can make it happen”

Hayley Turner
senior sales manager

“Handling the Stress so Your event is a Success.”

emily latter
group sales manager

“Let us take care of the planning,

So you can make memories over great food.”

kayla nantais
junior sales manager

Mountain view private rooms, distillery events, bowling alley beer hall, carefully curated menus

Banff Hospitality Collective

Learn more

Banff Hospitality Collective

Learn More