I’ve been in countless helicopters—both for elopements and for personal travel—since I started my business in 2015, and to this day, they’re one of my favorite things to include in an elopement day.
They manage to be super intimate, give you breathtaking views, and take you from point A to point B. And they do it all in a super memorable way that you’ve either likely never experienced before or don’t experience very often, which will make your wedding day stand out in your mind forever.
I love helicopters on elopements so much that I gave them their own filter on my Elopement Location Finder interactive map (just click on it under “activity”!). Because from Alaska, to Kauai, to New Zealand, I have yet to be on a helicopter ride that didn’t make for an awesome addition to a couple’s wedding day.
I’ve photographed 300+ elopements and traveled to every continent, so you can trust this guide to walk you through exactly what you need to know to plan a great helicopter elopement!
Pros of a helicopter elopement
Incredible views of gorgeous scenery
There’s nothing quite like a helicopter to give you a view that feels somehow “up close” and “birds eye” at the same time. There are some locations on Earth that you truly can’t grasp the sheer size and scope of until you’re up above them. That’s where helicopters come in!
Just the two of you on your wedding day
Helicopters never have many seats, so the odds of it being just you, your spouse, the pilot, and your photographer are very high! I love getting to see couples cozied together in the back, decked out in wedding attire and headsets, alternating between looking out at the view and looking back at each other.
They make epic views accessible
In remote places like Alaska, helicopters are a vital connection between places, and flying in a helicopter can take you to truly wild stretches of scenery like you’ve never seen before. If you’re looking to land on a glacier, small island, or mountaintop, chances are you’ll be in a helicopter!
It’s super memorable
For most people, helicopter flights aren’t part of our everyday lives. Which means your wedding day will always have this super special experience tied to it! Trust me, flights over some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth with your brand new spouse? Core memory forming.
Cons of a helicopter elopement
Not great for folks with a fear of heights
If you don’t like flying commercially or are wary of heights, this experience may not be for you. And that’s totally okay! You can head to my Elopement Location Finder and click on the “activity” box to see a list of other great activities you can do during your elopement.
It can get loud
Helicopters tend to have a lot of background noise and vibration, which leaves you needing headsets to speak to each other. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, I’d recommend seeking out a hot air balloon flight!
Costs can accrue
Depending on where you’re flying, how long it takes, and how many people are coming, costs can vary. I’ll get more into what the average cost is in one of the sections below, but just know that helicopters can be more expensive than some other activity options.
Steps to plan a helicopter elopement.
I’ve designed countless elopements that feature helicopter rides, so I’m super well versed in the steps it takes to create an epic helicopter elopement! Here’s my breakdown of the steps you’ll want to take:
Narrow down your location list
The great thing about helicopters is that you can find them in so many different places! So for this activity, you can usually start with a type of scenery or country that you’re interested in. (Or, you can filter by multiple of these categories in my Elopement Location Finder map!)
Think about the when as well as the where, as that can determine helicopter availability in some regions of the world. In Alaska, for example, you’ll only be able to helicopter to glacial meltwater pools in the month of July. Other times you may be up against helicopters that aren’t equipped for the cold or the location may have too much wind. I’ll talk about this more below!
Do some searching to make sure that your dream location and season will have helicopter rides available before moving on with planning!
Research helicopter providers
I’ll talk more further down about how to pick the best operator, but start searching around to get a sense of who is out there and what they’re providing in your location. The offerings can be pretty different from company to company. You may find some for different durations, amounts of privacy, areas of coverage, and more. And depending on where you go, you may only have 1 or 2 options anyway!
Once you’ve found one you’re comfortable working with, take a look at when they’re available and make sure your date or general month you’re interested in has availability.
But wait, don’t book anything until the next step.
Find a great photographer to work with
Pause your helicopter search here and pivot to finding an elopement photographer that you want to work with for your wedding day! This is a key part of the process, because your photographer will be your right-hand during your elopement. I design personalized experiences for all my couples from the start, so the earlier you involve a photographer, the better!
If you’re struggling with the research step, you can also swap it with this step! I give all of my clients custom vendor recommendations, so when you book with me, I’ll help you find great options in the area of your elopement and give you advice on how to pick the best one for you.
No matter what order you do it in, once you have a photographer that you’re interested in working with and a helicopter company, then you can book both.
Ta da! The two most pivotal parts of your day are locked in!
Start filling in other vendors & logistics
There are a few other categories of planning you can start looking at now:
- Travel
This can include flights, road trip plans, places to stay, things like that. I try to make this step extra easy by giving my couples my favorite cool stays near their location! - Other vendors
Do you want custom fresh or dried florals? Maybe a chef-prepped picnic? Do you need to buy wedding attire, rings, or any other special touches? Make sure whatever you’re planning on is either helicopter-friendly or can be done before or after your ride. Check out the special considerations and what to wear sections below for more advice on how to do this! - Decide how you’re getting married
Think about if you’re doing your paperwork day-of or beforehand. If you’re eloping internationally, I’d strongly recommend that you handle the paperwork at home and then come to your ceremony without having to worry about it! If you’re getting married in your same country, you should be able to look up how to get married there without any huge legal paperwork challenges - Think about back-up plans
The best thing about helicopters (that you’re so close to everything from above) also leaves them super open to not being able to fly when weather gets even a little rough. Talk to your photographer to plan a back-up for your day that won’t leave you totally bummed (or, ideally, even a little bummed) if things change. For my helicopter folks, I usually recommend backup plan A being doing the helicopter on a different day, so plan for a couple extra days in the area if you can.
Get married!
That’s it! You’re ready to show up and have an incredible elopement day that you’ll remember forever. All of what you want, none of what you don’t. Getting married in any non-traditional way tends to come with way less steps so that you can spend more time enjoying and less time sweating over seating charts.
What’s the best time of year for a helicopter elopement?
The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, are usually the best times to go up. This will keep you in calm, steady skies and out of afternoon thunderstorms common in the summer. Personally, my favorite time to ride is in autumn, because I’ve seen spring send some freak rainstorms couple’s way before! Those shoulder seasons are usually March-May and Sept-Nov reliably, but keep in mind how weather changes in different locations (different hemispheres, altitudes, etc.)
If you’re eloping somewhere very cold though, like Alaska or Greenland, chances are that you’ll find the best weather in the warmest months of the year.
Best locations for a helicopter elopement around the world
Santorini, Greece
Because Santorini sits on a caldera, you can get really beautiful views from pretty much any spot on the island… so imagine how incredible those sights get when you have an aerial view! Santorini is naturally such a romantic place to be. Trust me when I say that it would be hard to top sunset in the sky here.
Best for: Cliffs, Beach, Coast, Cities, Vineyards, Hot Springs
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Sailboat, Paddleboarding, Wine tasting
Chugach National Forest, Alaska
This massive area covers everything from Anchorage to Prince William Sound, and it is easily one of the most impressive places to take a helicopter out in the US. There’s a ton of really dramatic, beautiful scenery types to be found here—from glaciers to mountaintops and everything in between—and a helicopter ensures that you don’t waste a minute trying to get from point A to point B. You just hop in and go!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall, Lake, Icebergs, Wildflowers and Glaciers
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Napali Coast, Kaua’i, Hawaii
This stretch of rugged coast line takes up 17 miles on Kaua’i is genuinely so beautiful and the only way to see it in all its splendor is by boat or helicopter. I happen to think that Kaua’i is one of the most stunning islands to tour via helicopter anyway (as mentioned previously), so I’m team helicopter! Picture towering ridged cliffs, bright green earth, and turquoise water.
Best for: Mountains, Rainforest, Beach, Coast, Canyons
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating
New York City, New York
I don’t need to sell you on why New York is an incredible place. But have you considered that one of the best ways to see the iconic skylines and skyscrapers of The City That Never Sleeps is from a helicopter? Fly over New York Harbor to get a look at the tallest buildings in Manhattan and iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty. From quick but affordable 20-minute flights to longer luxury tours, there’s a fit for everyone here.
Best for: City
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Boating, Broadway
Interlaken, Switzerland
If your favorite part of the Alps is thinking about the beautiful rocky peaks, this is going to be a huge hit on your elopement day. There are three mountains in this area that are super easy to tour all at the same time and that bring a ton of wow-factor to your ride. You can also see lakes and stop off on glaciers depending on what tour you choose!
Best for: Glacier, Mountain, Lakes
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Paddleboarding
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Flying over Milford Sound will take you through some truly breathtaking scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. From fjords to incredible steep peaks rising out of the sea to glaciers and more, this is a natural wonderland filled with jaw-dropping sight after sight. Seeing it from a bird’s eye view gives you a whole new perspective on just how close together everything is and how beautifully it blends together!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall, Coast, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating
Las Vegas, Nevada
Seeing Las Vegas at night from a helicopter is one of the most unique and stunning ways to see Sin City. When you’re down on the strip and everything is built to specific scales and casinos don’t have windows, it can be hard to get a sense of scale… this gives you perspective in a big way! And in true Vegas fashion, you can go all out here—pair it with tasting tours, VIP pick-up from your hotel, or excursions out to the Grand Canyon.
Best for: City, Desert and Canyon
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Balloon
Queenstown, New Zealand
This city is known for its proximity to adventure, so naturally, there’s no shortage of options to see the scenery from above! Lakes, peaks, glaciers, and even Lord of the Rings filming location tours are all available. You can even hop on wine tasting flight tours or snag a specific elopement package! This is perfect for people who want lots of options.
Best for: Mountains, City, Lakes
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating, Paddleboarding
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of those places that’s impossible to imagine the scope of if you’ve never been. It’s 18 miles wide at its largest and would take four hours just to drive around the outermost perimeter. That magnitude is precisely why it’s such a great elopement location. There’s no better way to take in all of this incredible place at once than this!
Best for: Desert and Canyon
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Stargazing
Manawaiopuna Falls / Jurassic Falls, Kauaʻi, Hawaii
This privately owned waterfall is most well known for being in the first Jurassic Park movie! This is another one that you can only visit via helicopter, giving you a rare chance at having a waterfall in Hawai’i all to yourself. And it’s a great one—it drops 400 feet through stunning tropical greenery down a wide cliff face. As a bonus, helicoptering over Kaua’i is one of the most stunning ways to see the island in a shortened timeframe.
Best for: Mountains, Rainforest and Waterfall
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
This national park is most known for its popular Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. But you don’t have to walk at all to take in some of the best sights. Helicopter tours of this area show off some of the untouched and secluded beach areas that are usually only accessible by boat or on foot. This is a great pick for people who love color—bright greens, blues, and golden sand all in one place.
Best for: Beach, Forest, Coast
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating
Tower Butte, Arizona
This is one of the coolest natural landing pads I’ve ever seen. Picture a 5,000 foot tall red rock tower that you land on by yourself, giving you 360 views of the entire canyon and striated rocks all around you. A helicopter is the only way to reach the top of this spire, which adds to the exclusivity and thrill of coming here!
Best for: Desert, Lake
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Tofino, Canada
Seeing Tofino from a helicopter is a distinctly different way to experience this corner of Vancouver Island, but it’s so worth it. Take a tour at sunset and get the best view in the house of the sun sinking down over the horizon. Nature has a reputation for being pristine and untouched here, and helicopter tours are an awesome way to take it all in. Not to mention it’s ridiculously romantic.
Best for: Forest, Coast, Mountains and Beaches
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Roy’s Peak, New Zealand
While you can hike to the top of Roy’s Peak/Coromandel Peak or take a 4X4, a helicopter straight to the top is one of the most scenic and sweepingly romantic options of all! Go at sunrise or sunset and get the best view off the mountain overlooking Lake Wānaka. The view from this peak will have you feeling like you’re at the edge of the world, overlooking everything else.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Amalfi Coast, Italy
In a region so renowned for its beauty, the 34 miles of the Amalfi Coast pack a lot of sights to see into their towns! Helicopter tours here offer a two-for-one utility—it gives you an awesome way to see everything at once or tour the coastline while also getting you from one point to another in a timely fashion so that you can make the most of your time.
Best for: City, Coast, Beach, Cliffs, Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating, Helicopter
Ushuaia, Argentina
At the bottom of South America, where the Andes crash into the sea and Antarctica is just over the horizon, you’ll find Ushuaia. This southernmost city in the world makes for an unforgettable launch point for a helicopter elopement. Take off over the jagged Martial Mountains, follow the Beagle Channel, and touch down somewhere that feels like the edge of the Earth because, well, it kind of is. There’s something wildly romantic about getting married where few people ever set foot, surrounded by snow, silence, and views that go on forever. Champagne back in town? Absolutely.
Best for: Mountains, City and Coast
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopters – and taking a boat to Antarctica!
Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, Greenland
The Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier (a.k.a. the Ilulissat Glacier) is one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world, and the only way to truly grasp the scale of it is from the sky. Hop into a helicopter for a front-row seat to towering ice walls, glowing blue crevasses, and massive icebergs breaking into the fjord below. Land on the ice sheet for vows that feel otherworldly… Just you, the wind, and the sound of ancient ice shifting beneath your feet. Wild doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Best for: Glacier
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter
Juneau, Alaska
There’s so much you can see from Alaska’s state capital, but one of the main attractions via helicopter is the Mendenhall Glacier. This is only about 12 miles from town, so it’s a breeze to get there from the air! If you’re looking to get foot-to-ice time on a beautiful bright blue glacier, this is one of the most stunning ways to do it.
Best for: Mountains, Coast, Glaciers, Wildflowers, City
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating, Float/Seaplane, Camping
Best time of day for a helicopter elopement
Generally the best time of day for a helicopter elopement is going to be first thing in the morning. You get the sunrise and usually the calmest skies available, before the heat of the day brings in afternoon storms or it gets too dark to see. Plus, you’ll get to see the sunrise, which is an experience I truly cannot hype up enough. But any time before noon is often reliable! An early start to the day is especially helpful when you’re going somewhere remote or cold.
How to choose the right company for a helicopter elopement
I’ve designed more elopements featuring helicopters than I can count at this point! From New Zealand, to Alaska, to Hawaii, to the Alps, I’ve helped couples through it all. Here are my top tips that I give to clients when they’re trying to decide on the best helicopter provider for them!
- How long are the outings?
Flights can be as short as 30 minute tours and as long as a full day block. Ask if they have options for shorter or longer flights and what their most booked package is. - What safety measures do they have in place?
A well-prepared answer to this can be super reassuring, especially if it’s your first time on a helicopter. This may include weight limits, flotation devices, FAA regulations, and more. - What do their backup plans look like?
If they can’t fly because of weather, what does rescheduling look like? Additionally, do they have any practices in place in case you don’t or can’t make your flight time? Make sure you tell your photographer whatever they say to this question, it’s super helpful for planning! - What route do they take and what will you see?
Some helicopter companies have exclusive access to gorgeous places that you won’t get to any other way or with any other company, so this is important to ask. That’s the case with places like Jurassic Falls/Mānāwaiopuna Falls on Kauai or Tower Butte in Arizona. This will also let you compare the sights from one tour against another to make sure you see everything you want to. - Is the flight private or public?
In other words… how many people will be there? If it’s public but they only take 3 people at a time (you, your spouse, and your photographer) then you’re good. But bigger cabs can sometimes fit up to 15 people, so make sure you ask. If privacy is important, you may need to pay for a private tour. - What are their weight limits?
This is less about how much you weigh as a human and more about gear you take with you. Helicopters are carefully balanced so you’ll need to account for extra pounds from things like picnics (if allowed), wedding dresses, photography gear, pack rafts, etc!
Pro tips for a helicopter elopement
Before you hop in a helicopter on your wedding day, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your experience as smooth as possible. I’ll get more into what to wear and bring with you in the next sections, but these tips are some that I give to every couple and that most people don’t think to consider.
- Prepare your flowers carefully
This is a huge consideration for most folks’ wedding day and requires some planning beforehand. The first step here is to make sure that you’re allowed to bring flowers wherever you’re going. Some delicate ecosystems (like the remote & wild ones you helicopter into) are vulnerable to seeds from dried flowers or other plant debris. But if you’re good to go, you’re going to want to make sure you prepare your bouquet, boutonniere, or any other florals you’re bringing with you.
Helicopters can be pretty rough places for delicate flowers, so be sure to choose hardy flowers that can hold up to some elements. Roses, daisies, mums, sunflowers, and pretty much any type of greenery are all stable choices. If you’re working with a florist, be sure and tell them what your flowers will have to withstand so that they can build it with that in mind.
The best way to transport flowers in a helicopter is going to be inside of a box so that they can get as much shelter as possible from the wind, especially if your helicopter doesn’t have doors. Give them some tissue paper underneath to absorb some of the shock from the vibrations of the helicopter, too, to give petals the best shot at hanging on. For bouquets especially, bring a damp paper towel or floral sponge (lightweight, thin, and made for holding water near stems), a zippered plastic bag, and a rubber band so that you can keep them hydrated even at altitude. For the boutonniere, you can lay a damp paper towel underneath it in the box that it came in and then place that box into the larger flower box. Make sure you factor in the weight of your flowers when you’re flying. It shouldn’t weigh much, but it’s important to keep everybody in the loop with what you’re bringing on board. Allotting about 10 pounds for this is usually plenty, but make sure you make a note to raise that amount if you have an especially large amount of flowers!
Seal the box with tape and then store it upright in the cabin somewhere so that no petals get crushed lying down, that’ll keep them as intact as possible. - Secure anything super valuable
Thankfully I’ve never seen it happen myself, but helicopters can be bad places to lose things. Keep things like rings, wallets, delicate jewelry, and other valuables that are prone to flying out secured in a zippered compartment or bag that’s attached to your body in some way if possible. Or, if you want it off for photos, just make sure it’s zipped and tucked somewhere secure, especially during take off and landing. - If you’re pregnant or have any health conditions, double check with a doctor
For folks with heart conditions, breathing problems, vertigo, who are pregnant, or who have any other sort of disability that might not do well in high-altitude, heavy vibration situations, ask your doctor to make sure you’re good to go before you get in. - If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand
Helicopters can be a twisty turny place, especially if you’re on a scenic tour and not just using it as transportation, and I’ve seen folks in my personal travels not handle it well. Personally, I can sometimes get motion sick, and helicopters don’t really bother me—but take that with a grain of salt. You do not want to land somewhere beautiful and feel too ill to really enjoy it. Consider taking meds ahead of time and/or bringing some with you! - Take care of yourself beforehand
Before you go up, make sure you’re hydrating the entire day before, getting enough sleep the night prior, and don’t eat a super heavy meal beforehand. All of these things can contribute to airsickness, and while it may be fine, it’s not something I’d advise risking. Aim for 8 hours, drink some electrolytes, and eat a morning meal that’s high in protein without being super greasy. (Save that for after in celebration!)
What to wear for a helicopter elopement
One of the most important things to make sure you have on a helicopter is closed toe shoes. Personally, I’d strongly recommend something with good tread that can get a little dirty, as helicopters don’t always take off and land in the most pristine areas. Hiking boots are ideal for protecting you from the elements and keeping you safe on the heli.
For wedding dresses, something super heavy and bulky is likely not going to fit in the cab of the helicopter. Opt for flowy, light fabrics that will allow you to climb in and out of tight spaces and navigate however you need to. Lighter dresses will also prevent unnecessary weight on the helicopter and give you enough room to throw on a jacket or sweater over the top, as it can get chilly as you ascend.
Avoid hats and veils, as these get swept up really easily in the rotating winds from the propellers and can get ripped away. You also will want the room on your head for the headsets, which protect your ears from the noise levels and let you speak to each other.
Hairstyles have similar considerations. Loose hair can easily get whipped around and become tangled, so most of my long haired folks prefer to have their hair up in some way. Make sure whatever you choose can take the weight of the headset resting on top of your head and that it won’t dent it in a way you don’t like.
Be sure to bring a light layer you like with you in case it gets cold (and to protect you from the wind) along with some sunglasses. The last thing you want is to be uncomfy up there and miss the incredible views. Dark colored layers work best because they don’t reflect in the windows of the helicopter, which gives you a clearer view to the outside.
Things to pack for a helicopter elopement
I build custom packing lists for all of my clients based on their unique days, so I’m a pro at knowing exactly what you need to bring with you for your helicopter elopement. Here’s a cheat sheet to get you started:
Costs of a helicopter elopement
Helicopter rides can vary greatly in cost depending on where you do them, how long they go, and how private they are, but they can generally range from as low as $150/per person to over $1000 in the United States.
Typically, the longer, farther, or more private you go, the more your price will increase. But you’ll also get an epic experience out of it!
Conclusion
Helicopters are a really versatile activity that you can add to your wedding day that come with a whole lot of romance, beautiful scenery, and super memorable moments together. There’s a reason I love them so much for so many different styles of elopement days! You can take a scenic tour, hire one to take you to the Alaskan wilderness, get a direct lift to the top of a mountain… the list goes on.
Sound like your speed? Want something awesome but a helicopter may not be for you? I’m here for you either way! No matter what your starting point is, I’ll design you the best elopement day possible. Contact me here to get started!
