Floating above a gorgeous location has quickly become one of my favorite wedding day activities. That’s why I have it featured as a filter on my “Best Places to Elope in the World” interactive map! It’s easily one of the most peaceful things you can do during your elopement.
The flight is so gentle and it’s so quiet up there, with all of the noise from the surface totally falling away. No matter how many small crafts you’ve flown in, if you’ve never been in a hot air balloon, I can promise you there’s nothing like it.
One of my favorite elopement memories includes floating in a hot air balloon over Arches National Park (the only legal way to see the park from above) and getting close enough to these massive stone features that it felt like we could practically touch them. Those experiences are the kinds you can only have in a hot air balloon!
Pros of a hot air balloon elopement
Peaceful way to connect
Hot air balloons have none of the noise of a jet and you can’t hear anything from the surface either, meaning it’s one of the quietest places you will ever be. Apart from you talking to each other and the occasional fueling of the balloon, it’s totally serene.
Totally unique activity
For most folks, hot air balloon rides aren’t part of their everyday routine, which makes incorporating this into your elopement a great way to make it stand out. Romantic and original is definitely the sweet spot for wedding day activities.
The best sunrise or sunset views of your life
I thought that I’d uncovered some pretty epic sunset spots on this Earth, but let me tell you, nothing compares to seeing it from above. You’re more connected to than you are on a plane and it’s an absolutely unreal view to watch everything under you turn pink and orange.
Super romantic and cinematic
If you want your wedding day to feel like a scene straight out of a movie, this is the perfect way to do it. Floating through the sky together is some animated princess movie level of romance, and it’ll leave you feeling totally swept off your feet (literally).
More customizable than you may think
Depending on where you’re taking your ride, you may have options to pop champagne, have tea or breakfast, or even take multiple rides over scenic locations over several days! You can fly with people or with just the two of you. There are endless options!
Cons of a wedding day hot air balloon ride
If you’re very afraid of heights, think twice
While I’m firmly in the camp that hot air balloons are by far the least scary form of air transportation, if you’re deathly afraid of heights, give that some weight. However, I’ve had height averse folks go who end up totally loving it!
Locations for flights are more spread out
In many, many scenic locations, there are at least a couple of hot air balloon options… but they aren’t everywhere! If you’re set on doing this activity on your wedding day, you’ll need to pick your location carefully. (As a reminder, my searchable elopement location database is here to help you out!)
Super weather dependent
The best thing about professional balloon operators is that they know exactly what conditions they can and cannot safely go up in. Which also means that your flight could be cancelled due to weather. Have a backup plan on standby that you also love just in case.
Folks with disabilities may need to do more checking
If you use a wheelchair, there are absolutely hot air balloon providers out there who will give you a lift! But accessibility of the baskets can vary greatly and you’ll need to do some more checking. Some have chairs in the baskets that you can transfer to, while others have wheelchair accessible baskets, and some have no accessible routes at all.
Steps to plan a hot air balloon elopement
#1. Determine where you’re interested in eloping
If you’re set on a hot air balloon ride as part of your day, you may want to reverse engineer this process a bit and start by searching for the most scenic hot air balloon rides in the US, Europe, Asia, etc. and seeing if any catch your eye. This can be a great way to hone in on a location you’re interested in without a ton of decision paralysis!
If you already have a place in mind, though, start searching for hot air balloon rides in the area! You might be surprised at the locations that you can find them in. In general, California, Colorado, and the entire southwestern US have great options.
#2. Decide on a hot air balloon experience
Start looking at hot air balloon operators in the area that you’re interested in eloping in. Depending on where you’re heading, there may only be one! But if there’s multiple, you can find my best tips on how to pick a provider down below.
If you’re set on a specific date, make sure the operator is going to be available on that day. If not, narrow down your scope to a handful of days or a season that you’re interested in and see how free they are. Write down a few dates that you’re interested in.
Don’t book anything until you’ve completed the next step!
#3. Find a great local photographer to work with
Local photographers like me can help you find all the best spots that you won’t find on a map, guide you to vendors we know and love, give you tips you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise, and generally make the process as smooth as possible. I custom design experiences for my couples based on a decade of experience, so when you work with me, I’ll help make everything perfect
Confirm that your photographer and your hot air balloon ride are available on the same day and then book both at the same time. (I.E. one after the other, don’t try to do this with two browser windows at the same time as something could change last minute).
#4. Book your travel and lodging (if needed)
If you’re local, you can skip this step! But if not, this is a good time to book things like flights and hotel rooms. I give my couples all of my favorite super cool stays near their location to make planning this part of the trip a piece of cake.
Generally, the best time to book flights is 2 months out for domestic flights and 4 months out for international flights. For places to stay, look either way ahead of time or last minute for the best deals.
#5. Sort out your paperwork + hire other vendors
You’ll likely need to sign some waivers for your hot air balloon ride. The timing can differ for when you sign it, so check in with your vendor to make sure you’re hitting all of their requirements.
The other piece of paperwork you’ll need to get set up is your marriage license. If you’re eloping internationally, I’d highly encourage you to handle the legal part of getting married at home and only do your ceremony in a different country. If you’re from the US and getting married here, you can get your marriage license from the county clerk closest to your ceremony location.
If you have other vendors you want to hire, this is also the step to do this! Catering, florals, wedding accessories, rings, and more can all be figured out here.
#6. Get married!
You’re ready! You can embark on your adventure together and have the best wedding day ever. Enjoy the ride!
What’s the best time for a hot air balloon ride?
The best time for a hot air balloon ride is going to be at sunrise from mid-spring through early fall. Sunsets can also provide calm weather and beautiful sights for a balloon ride.
In general, the name of the game is to aim for a time when weather will be stable, winds will be consistent and calm, and it won’t be either too hot or too cold, as that can affect the way the balloon works. Hot weather can lead to reduced lift because the balloon relies on air density contrast to work, and cold weather can lead to stronger, more temperamental wind and more uncomfortable flying.
If you’re flying in the middle of the summer, sunrise or sunset are going to be much more reliable times to fly to make sure the density isn’t impacted!
Best locations for a hot air balloon elopement around the world
Moab, Utah
Needing no introduction, Moab is already one of the best adventure spots in the U.S. Seeing it from a hot air balloon takes it to the next level! Floating above the red rock canyons, dramatic cliffs, and winding desert trails, with snow-capped mountains in the distance, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. Once you’re back on solid ground, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the adventure going – off-roading, hiking, canyoneering, you name it!
Best for: Desert, Canyons, River, Rock Arches, Cliffs, Mountains
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Hot Air Ballooning, Kayaking, Camping, Rock Climbing
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia and hot air balloons go together like freshly-brewed coffee and sunrise. This region is famous for its alien-esque rock formations, formed by volcanic eruptions and shaped by time into valleys, spires, and rolling waves of stone. Seeing it from above is absolutely unreal, but for the ultimate “is this a dream?” experience, book a private balloon for just the two of you – it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful and romantic way to say your vows.
Best for: Mountains, Desert
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing, Hot Air Ballooning
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
If you want a wedding day with front-row seats to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife (and who wouldn’t?), Serengeti National Park is the place to do it. Time it right, and you’ll be saying your vows with millions of wildebeest thundering across the plains during the Great Migration. After your safari, celebrate with a private dinner under the African sky, surrounded by lantern light, the sounds of the savanna, and the clearest views of the stars you’ve ever had.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Wildlife
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning, Safari
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque does hot air balloons better than anywhere else – just look at the world-famous Balloon Fiesta! But you don’t have to wait for the festival to float over the desert, catching sunrise views of the Sandia Mountains turning pink in the morning light. If you’d prefer your actual ceremony to take place on solid land, the Sandia Peak Tramway takes you 10,000 feet up for a sky-high ceremony with zero hiking required. Wrap up your big day with dinner at the summit, exploring the iconic Route 66, or just soaking up those classic New Mexico vibes.
Best for: Mountains, City
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Balloon Festival
Jaipur, India
Jaipur is already a sensory overload in the best way with its bright pink buildings, intricate palaces, and history-packed streets. Bam! Seeing it all from a hot air balloon just takes things to the next level. Floating over the city, you’ll catch views of Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, and the rolling Aravalli Hills, all glowing under the sun. The colors here are unreal – golden temples, terracotta rooftops, and the deep blues and greens of the city’s surroundings. Of course, the fact that you get to view all these fabulous landmarks far away from the crowds also doesn’t hurt.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lake, City, History
Best months to get married here: December to March
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning
Queenstown, New Zealand
For hiking in New Zealand, no conversation is complete without bringing up the Milford Track, which locals define as, “arguably New Zealand’s most famous walk”. This 33-mile path takes you through the amazing scenery of Fiordland National Park, from peaks, to waterfalls, to lakes, to rainforests. There are three huts along the track that make easy stopping/pacing points during your hike and make it more comfortable to stay overnight! Or you can just hike part of it based on what scenery you’d like to see and still know you’ve set your feet on deeply beloved ground. Either way, it’s a spot to remember.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Towns
Best months to get married here: November to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Helicopter, Boating, Kayaking, Hot Air Ballooning
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is the best of both worlds when it comes to combining the desert and the city. Start your big day in Saguaro National Park, surrounded by towering cacti that make you feel like you’re in a Wild West movie. Then, float over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon, watching the landscape stretch out for miles and miles. If you’re into food, this is one of the best culinary cities in the Southwest, with heaping platefuls of authentic Mexican dishes, locally grown wine, and nopales cooked to perfection. Wrap it all up at a luxe desert resort, toasting under some of the darkest, clearest skies in the country.
Best for: Desert, City, Cacti
Best months to get married here: April to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Helicopter, Hot Air Ballooning
Napa Valley, California
If rolling vineyards, world-class wine, and a touch of luxury sound like your kind of elopement, Napa Valley is going have your heart skipping a beat. The scenery here is absolutely unreal. Lush green hills, perfectly lined grapevines, and cozy wine estates that make you feel like you’ve teleported to Italy. Kick off your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley, spend the afternoon wine tasting, and book dinner at a Michelin-star spot like The French Laundry. This is an elopement to remember!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Vineyards
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Hot Air Ballooning, Wine tasting
Gstaad, Switzerland
Getting married in a place that feels like it was built for a James Bond movie has got to be one o the most unique options on this list, and Gstaad delivers. Picture a luxury ski town with storybook Swiss village vibes, and that’s what you’ll find here! In winter, you can ride a gondola straight to the peaks, walk across a suspension bridge high above the valley, and then cozy up in a five-star chalet with a mulled wine in hand. Summer brings picture-perfect lakes, fairytale castles, and trails that lead straight into the kind of scenery that makes you want to yodel.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Glaciers
Best months to get married here: June to September and December to February
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Skiing, Hot Air Ballooning
Monument Valley, Arizona
If you thought Monument Valley was surreal from the ground, wait until you’re floating above it in a hot air balloon. One minute, you’re watching the sun creep over those famous red rock buttes, the next, you’re realizing just how tiny the endless desert makes you feel. Drifting through the still morning air, the only sounds are the occasional whoosh of the burner and maybe your own brain short-circuiting at how unreal it all looks. Back on the ground, take a Jeep tour with a Navajo guide, ride horseback like a real-life cowboy, or just pull over and let it all sink in.
Best for: Desert, Rocks
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing, Hot Air Ballooning
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor is most famous for its place in human history, with ruins dating back to 1500 BC from the ancient city of Thebes. Spending your elopement around artifacts with such rich history for our species is already enough to make you feel small in the grand scheme of things and make your day stand out. But there’s an even better way to see the sights here—by hot air balloon! Jump in a basket and get a bird’s eye view of the famous Nile, temples, and ancient monuments to feel totally in awe of what people have been accomplishing for millennia. Glide over into the desert and the Valley of Kings for true archaeological wonders.
Best for: Desert, History
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Hot Air Ballooning
Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas is all about going big, so why not kick off your elopement 1,000 feet above the desert? A sunrise hot air balloon ride lifts you high above the Strip, trading the neon lights for wide-open skies and Red Rock Canyon glowing in the morning sun. Up here, it’s nothing but stillness, killer views, and maybe a champagne toast before touching back down to dive into the full Vegas experience. That could mean checking into a five-star suite, hitting the blackjack tables, or saying “I do” in front of an Elvis impersonator, you’ll have already started your day on the highest note possible – literally.
Best for: City, Desert
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Helicopter, Hot Air Ballooning
Arches National Park, Utah
You probably these jaw-dropping rock formations, but they’re even wilder in person. Arches National Park is packed with massive natural stone arches, towering red cliffs, and the types of views that make you question if you’re still on Earth. Seeing it from a hot air balloon, though, is next-level-gorgeous. Floating high above the desert at sunrise, you’ll watch the red rocks glow gold and pink while the La Sal Mountains peek out in the distance. After touching down, spend the rest of your day hiking through the park, off-roading through the backcountry, or camping under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Best for: Desert, Rock Arches, Canyons
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Camping, Stargazing, Hot Air Ballooning
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a sensory overload in the best way possible – jam-packed souks, motorbikes weaving through alleyways, and street vendors determined to sell you something, anything. But the second you step into a hot air balloon, all of that melts away. Floating high above the craziness, you’ll swap the chaos for total stillness, watching as the pink morning light stretches over the Atlas Mountains and the vast, golden desert beyond. Some tours even serve a traditional Moroccan breakfast mid-flight, because nothing says “just got married in Morocco” like sipping mint tea 1,000 feet up!
Best for: Mountains, City, History, Desert
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona has red rock views so good they almost feel illegal. Sure, Main Street is great for art galleries and sunset cocktails, but the real fun starts when you head into the wild. Hike Devil’s Bridge for that “standing on top of the world” moment, cool off at Slide Rock State Park, or hover the trails of Red Rock State Park in a hot air balloon. Finish it all off with a stay at one of Sedona’s dreamy resorts, and you’ve got yourself a sky-high desert elopement done right.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Desert, Canyon, City
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Hot Air Ballooning
Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
Wadi Rum looks like it was made for a sci-fi movie, because… it kind of was. This desert’s massive red sand dunes, towering cliffs, and Martian-like landscape have been the backdrop for films like The Martian and Dune. But instead of watching it from a screen, you get to drop right into the action. The best way to take it all in is with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, drifting over the endless desert as the first light of day sets the sand ablaze in deep oranges and reds.
Best for: Desert
Best months to get married here: October to April
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills in South Dakota are perhaps most known for housing Mount Rushmore, but there is so much natural beauty to be found here. Looking at the scenery, it is easy to see why this place is sacred to the Lakota tribe. A hot air balloon ride over this incredible place would be a great elopement day activity! Take a train ride, visit the famous Wall Drug Store, or go panning in a gold mine. Whether you’re immersed in nature and taking it all in or exploring any of the many things to do here, you will end with an experience totally unique to you.
Best for: Mountains, Forest
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning, Camping, Stargazing
Best time of day for a hot air balloon elopement
The best time to go up in a hot air balloon is going to be at sunrise. That’s when the weather is most reliably calm during the day, with none of the potential impacts of afternoon thunderstorms that can lead to cancellations. You’ll also get the best seat in the atmosphere to watch the sunrise, which is an incredibly romantic way to start your wedding day.
Sunsets can also be a great time to go up, though, especially in consistent environments like the desert, where strong winds and adverse weather aren’t as much of a concern. Plus, watching the sun sink down below you is also an indescribable experience that I highly recommend.
The main thing to keep in mind is avoiding the hottest part of the day, especially on days when the temperature is due to be high. Because hot air balloons need contrast with the air around them to work best, going when its cooler will give you better lift and a smoother ride.
How to choose the right company for a hot air balloon elopement
Going up in a hot air balloon can be a very particular activity, and it’s important to find an operator who aligns with what you want out of your ride, is communicating expectations clearly, and has your safety in mind at all times. Here are 8 questions to ask your provider before you sign up to fly with them, based on my experience!
- How long is the ride?
Hot air balloon rides vary from one hour jaunts to multi-day trips where you go up for hours at a time. Make sure you know what you’re getting when you sign up! For most of my eloping couples, 1 hour in the air is perfect. - How early should we get there?
From what I’ve experienced, it’s typical to have some time on the ground before or after the flight for things like safety debriefings, training, and for the traditional post-flight champagne toast. This will be super important to know to factor into your timeline for the day. - Is there paperwork?
I mentioned this in the steps above, but make sure you know what paperwork they’re expecting you to fill out and when. It’s also good to ask what they’ll need from you. If they need a photo ID for example, you’ll need to add that to your packing checklist for the day. - What does food and drink look like on board?
Some hot air balloon excursions have full breakfasts on board! Others may let you bring your own snacks if you ask. Especially for sunrise elopements, knowing if you need to eat beforehand is super helpful. - How do we need to dress?
This will change based on location and season. As a general rule, layers are the name of the game when you’re floating up that high, but ask your operator if they have any specific do or don’t rules you should keep in mind. - What do backup plans look like?
In case of inclement weather, uncooperative winds, sudden emergencies, or anything else, get a sense of how they handle rescheduling. Then be sure to relay that information to your photographer so that they can build it into their backup plans as well. - What should I expect during take-off and landing?
These can look different from company to company and generally are very different in a hot air balloon than a plane. Asking what their procedures are like and what you can expect will help prep you for the experience. - How high do you fly and what sights will we see?
Some hot air balloons can get up to 10,000 feet! Ask about their “cruising altitude” and their routes to decide if it’s going to be the right experience for you. If you’re a little wary of heights, aim for a company that flies lower and focuses on specific features of the landscape.
Pro tips for a hot air balloon elopement
Hot air balloon rides are super unique activities with their own set of considerations! Here are my best tips for any eloping couple looking to incorporate a ride:
- If you’re going to be in your elopement location for multiple days and want to incorporate a hot air balloon, I’d highly recommend doing it not on the last day. That will leave you plenty of time to reschedule if you need to!
- Don’t bring flowers up with you. The cramped conditions in the basket plus wind and the flame fueling the balloon don’t lead to good conditions for flowers to last. Pick them up after your ride or leave them safely tucked away in your car.
- If you want a neat experience, offer to help set up the balloon! Most of these companies take a handful of volunteers to help hands-on with set-up or deflation, which is a super cool thing to say you did on your wedding day.
- Different baskets have different amounts of room. Some are huge baskets built for 10+ people, others will only fit the two of you.
- There will typically be a vehicle that follows your route and is ready to take you back to your meeting point after you’ve landed. Which means you not only have a ride back to your car, you also have a designated spotter the entire time you’re in the air.
- Hot air balloon pilots are licensed by the FAA, the same as any other aircraft. They’re also one of the safest forms of air travel and have really super strict regulations on them. So as wild-west as it can feel to go up in one, you’re in good hands.
- Champagne pops are traditional to celebrate a successful flight, but some may not allow it mid-air, especially in the United States. Plan on doing a toast once you’re back on the ground to be part of the culture.
- You can have a ceremony in the air if you want to! Unlike other forms of flying, you have enough time and space to get married during your flight. Just make sure you clear it first with your balloon operator, have enough space for an officiant if you need one (along with your photographer), and have a backup ceremony spot if it gets cancelled.
What to wear a hot air balloon elopement
Any time you’re going up in a hot air balloon, layers are going to be your friend. The temperature can be very different 10,000 feet in the air than it is on the ground, but also the sun can feel much more direct if you’re not going at sunrise or sunset. Bring a light jacket that matches your wedding attire (if you’re wearing it up) that you can use for sun protection or wind chill.
If you’re wearing a skirt or a dress, check with your balloon operator to make sure it won’t prevent you from doing any of the boarding or landing positions that you’ll need to be in. I’ve had couples go up in dual wedding dresses before, so it’s definitely doable—but it’s always good to make sure.
Flat, closed-toe shoes are super important—both because of the weave of the wicker basket and the fields that you’ll be out in during take off or landing. Solid hiking boots are typically the best choice overall, especially if they’re waterproof to be extra prepped for all kinds of terrain.
When you’re thinking about accessories, I’d encourage you to bring sunglasses or a hat, because the rays can feel pretty bright even at sunrise or sunset. Also, if you’re having your ceremony in the air, don’t bring your rings with you—if you lose it in the atmosphere, we’re likely not finding it again!
Things to pack for a hot air balloon elopement
I build custom packing lists for every one of my couples based on their location, activities, personal wish lists, and what’s going to make their day easiest! But in general, here’s my overarching packing list for a hot air balloon elopement:
If you’re going up on your own, be sure to bring a camera with you. But the best part about doing it as part of your elopement day is that you can truly relax into the moment and know that your photos are totally covered!
Costs of a hot air balloon elopement
The average cost of a hot air balloon flight in the United States is around $250 per person. That cost can vary based on privacy, duration, location, and more. Private experiences can range up to over $3000 for up to 4 people, but are a truly unforgettable experience for your wedding day.
Even at that cost, it’s much more affordable on average than a private plane flight, which makes this a much more accessible way to see the skies on your wedding day than some other forms of transportation.
Conclusion
Hot air balloon elopements are an incredible experience, especially for folks who want to do something that’s both super romantic and totally once-in-a-lifetime. For my couples who are worried about their elopement day standing out, this is almost always in my recommended list of activities.
I’d be honored to photograph your elopement and design your experience—whether it’s in a hot air balloon, on top of a mountain, or on the forest floor. All you have to do is contact me to get started! Together we’ll make sure your day is exactly what you’ve always dreamed of… and so much more than you ever thought possible.
Let’s get you adventuring.
