How to Plan a Seaplane Wedding or Elopement & Best Locations

For access to remote areas, gorgeous views of bodies of water, and express service hopping between islands, seaplanes are a great option for an elopement! They have the double benefit of being a fun activity with a great view and being incredibly practical for some of the most gorgeous places on Earth. 

(And I mean gorgeous. Want to see what I mean? Head to my interactive location database and filter by seaplane under activities!)

From Alaska to the Maldives, some of my favorite spots to elope of all time are serviceable by seaplane. What I love about this transportation option is the sheer versatility it gives you and how much time it can save you! While it may take up valuable hours during your elopement to take a boat to a place like Isle Royale National Park, a seaplane can get you there in a fraction of the time. 

I’m going to walk you through all of the things you should know before planning an elopement with a seaplane—from some quick pros and cons to how to pack! 

PROS of a seaplane elopement

Gorgeous views

When you take a seaplane, you get vast expanses of water below you, making it seriously stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset. This can also provide great views of city skylines, mountains, or reefs!

Quick travel to remote places

Seaplanes are built to take off from and land on the water, meaning they’re an excellent option for getting to remote islands or other water based locales without having to wait around on a boat. 

Affordability

Yep, flying in a seaplane is cheaper than you’d think! Passage on some planes can be as low as $400 round-trip in the United States. I’ll get more in-depth about the price below.

Memorable activity

Taking a seaplane to your elopement location or as part of your wedding day is a great way to plan an activity that will feel super special and out of your ordinary while also getting you from point A to point B. It’s a win-win!

CONS of a seaplane elopement

Motion sickness

If you’re prone to feeling woozy on the water or in the sky, chances are a different mode of transportation may suit you better, as seaplanes combine both of those things. In order to give both of you a good view of the sights, the pilot will tip the plane from side to side, which can be activating for folks sensitive to motion sickness. If that’s you, take medication about an hour before takeoff!

Slower travel

While seaplanes are faster than boats, they also travel slower than commercial aircraft and are more akin to a helicopter. That makes them ideal for short distances or spots that logistically require a water landing and less ideal for long hauls. 

Weight limits

Because seaplanes need to be carefully balanced, that means all crew, passengers, and cargo have weight limits attached to them. If you have specialty gear, heavy wedding attire, or any other bulky or dense items, those will all have to be carefully considered. 

Weather dependent

Like a boat, seaplanes need the right weather and tide conditions to fly safely. I experienced this firsthand in Alaska while bear watching! Tidal sand banks, rough seas, and water levels can all impact the plane’s ability to fly. 

But don’t worry, I’m here to help make sure you’re booking the best possible activities and travel for you! I’ve photographed 300+ elopements in 40+ countries and know all the best ways to make sure you only end up with what’s perfect for you. 

Steps to plan a seaplane elopement

Pick a location for your wedding day

If you know you want to incorporate a seaplane into your elopement, you can start by heading to my interactive map and filtering by locations that are great for seaplanes or by scrolling down in this article for some of my favorite spots! 

Identify where you’re flying to and where you are leaving from

For example, are you flying into the main island of a national park? Or will your transportation be between islands in a chain? Knowing your ideal pick-up and drop-off points will help you with the next step!

Research plane operators

Take a look online for seaplane providers operating at your desired destination. I’ll provide more insight on this step below, but ideally you’ll find someone operating along your route, in your budget, and with all of your considerations attended to. 

Hire an experienced photographer

Technically, this step can be done before any of the above steps as well! The sooner you hire your photographer, the sooner they can help you with the planning stages. I’m here to do the heavy lifting on every one of these steps on your behalf so that you don’t have to!

Ready to hand over your planning to a pro? Head to my contact form here! 

Book, settle in, and get excited

Once you have all your dates lined up with your plane operator, photographer, and your other travel, you are safe to book your experience! Trust me, the hardest part is just going to be the wait until you get to go

What’s the best time of year for a seaplane elopement?

To ensure you have the most favorable weather for your experience, aim for the calmest and driest seasons of the year wherever you’re going. Trips can get cancelled in the event of inclement weather, so aiming for the lowest possible risk of storms is going to ensure that your plane takes off smoothly, safely, and on-time. 

But don’t worry—you’ll be in expert hands and, if anything seems iffy to them, they won’t take off. If you can’t go in the mild season, you may just want to add in a buffer day just in case weather has other plans. 

Best locations for a seaplane elopement around the world

The Maldives

Nothing says remote luxury like arriving in the Maldives by seaplane, gliding over a chain of tiny coral islands surrounded by the bluest water you’ve ever seen. The Maldives is famous for its overwater bungalows, white-sand beaches, and unreal marine life – so why wait for the honeymoon when you could just elope here? Wake up to the ocean lapping at your deck, dive into warm turquoise lagoons, and snorkel with turtles and reef sharks straight from your doorstep. With almost 1,200 islands to choose from, this place is made for a luxurious elopement that feels like your own private paradise.

Best for: Beaches, Islands

Best months to get married here: Year round

My favorite activities to do here: Diving, Snorkeling, Boating, Kayaking

San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juans sit off the coast of northern Washington, just a shout from Vancouver Island in Canada. Picture the ultimate PNW island getaway—with tons of forests, epic sunsets, and rocky shores. Seaplanes are great here because you can use them to access the islands to your hearts content (you can’t use a car to get here!) or take a tour of the entire area from above. You can even catch one directly from Seattle’s international airport to the San Juans!

Best for: Forest, Islands, Beaches and Coast

Best months to get married here: June to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating, Paddleboarding

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale is one of the best kept secrets of the American midwest. Like Dry Tortugas, you can only get to this park via ferry or floatplane, but with even less visitors. This park is only open during the summer months due to the cold temperatures this far north, but it is so worth the trip. Kayak between the 400 islands of the park, hike to caves, and then camp under the stars or stay in the lodge on park property. You can even use floatplanes to get between islands and skip the boat trip (but I’d recommend doing a blend of both). 

Best for: Forest, Lake, Island, Coast

Best months to get married here: April to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

If you want a great spot that will feel like it’s just you and nature without having to stray too far from home, Dry Tortugas National Park may be perfect for you. One of the appeals of this park is that you can only get there via seaplane or ferry, which means you get to start your elopement day off with an epic activity and get a park with next to no crowds. Elope here for great snorkeling, kayak tours, camping, and night diving. 

Best for: History, Island, Beach

Best months to get married here: Year round

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Camping, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Diving

Seattle, Washington

Chartering a seaplane here as part of your elopement day gives you the city appeal of a helicopter tour of downtown while combining it with some unreal views of the sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington. The blend feels super true to the spirit of the city and gives you a quick taste of Seattle’s vibe all in one go—part major city, part wild PNW. If you want to go further, you can also start here and go out to places like Lake Chelan, mentioned below!  

Best for: City, Coast and Forest

Best months to get married here: May to October

My favorite activities to do here: Floatplane, Hiking, Camping, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The Whitsundays are about beaches so bright white they look fake, with swirling sandbanks best seen from the sky. Arriving by seaplane is the best way to get a front-row view of Hill Inlet’s shifting sand patterns and Heart Reef’s unreal, perfectly-shaped coral formation. On the water, you can sail through 74 tropical islands, snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef, or kick back on Whitehaven Beach, where the sand is so fine it squeaks underfoot. Stay on Hamilton Island for easy access to all of it, or find your own private stretch of paradise to say your vows with nothing but the waves as witnesses.

Best for: Beach, Islands, Forest, Coast

Best months to get married here: Year round

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating

North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is home to Ross Lake, mentioned below, but it also has other great spots to put down for a floatplane adventure—like Stehekin, which you can think of as Lake Chelan’s little, lesser known sister. This park is a great pick if you like the exclusivity of a floatplane and want to take it to the next level by finding some spots less on the beaten path that are still ripe for exploring.

Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall, Lakes, Wildflowers

Best months to get married here: July to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Boating

Ross Lake, Washington

Have you ever wanted to stay in a floating cabin buried in a forest in northern Washington? If yes (or if it just sounds great now), then Ross Lake should be on your list. There are a few different ways to get here but none of them are by car—and in my opinion, floatplanes are one of the easiest and most scenic ways to do it. Take a seaplane in from Seattle and land directly on Ross Lake and skip the ferry service or hiking paths. It’s like getting personally delivered to your wedding day.

Best for: Mountains, Forest and Lake

Best months to get married here: June to October

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Boating

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is great because it has everything you need for a good base hub—an international airport, plenty of stores and restaurants, lodging options, and tons of jumping off points for adventures all around the state! Explore glaciers, the Chugach National Forest, Prince William Sound, and the Gulf of Alaska! Enjoy the freedom to touchdown on ice and water… giving you a chance to get super close to untouched landscapes. 

Best for: Mountains, Glaciers, Lakes, Forest, Waterfall, Coast

Best months to get married here: June to September

Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Lake Clark is what happens when Alaska decides to flex. It’s got turquoise lakes, dense evergreen forests, massive glaciers, and an actual volcano! The only way in is by boat or plane, which means zero crowds and scenery that feels untouched. The park’s namesake, the actual Lake Clark (Qizhjeh Vena to the Dena’ina Athabascan people), sits right in the middle of this four-million-acre wonderland, surrounded by the towering Chigmit Mountains. This is the chance to say your vows somewhere that feels truly wild.

Best for: Mountains, Glaciers, Lake, Forest

Best months to get married here: June to September

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating

Lake Chelan, Washington

Charter a floatplane from Seattle and turn a 5 hour drive into an absolutely gorgeous 45 minute flight that takes you over perfect glaciated peaks and scenic parts of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. You’ll be landing on Lake Chelan, the United States’ third deepest lake which comes in at a whopping 50 miles long. Spend your elopement day on bright blue waters surrounded by mountains and evergreens, exploring the water or surrounding vistas however you’d like before heading back the way you arrived. Nothing says “romance” like not having to deal with traffic on your way back from your wedding day.

Best for: Mountains, Waterfall, Lake, Forest

Best months to get married here: June to September

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating

Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska

As the largest national park in the US, Wrangell-St. Elias tends to mostly get discussed due to its high altitude peaks, with 9 of the 16 tallest in the states. But this is also an incredible place to see glaciers and glacial lakes, both of which are most easily accessed via a floatplane which cuts your hiking time in half! 

Best for: Mountains, Glaciers, Lakes, Forest, Waterfall, Coast, Wildflowers

Best months to get married here: July to September

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping

Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

The Kobuk River that runs through this park is a great place to kayak, but if you want to see it, you’ll have to take a plane in! Floatplanes can easily land on the river—or you can snag a bush plane and land directly on the sand dunes in the park. Either way, you’ll be treated to a beautiful flight and some remote, pristine views of the arctic. 

Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Forest , Wildflowers and Sand Dunes

Best months to get married here: July to September

My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating

How to choose the right company for your seaplane experience 

To pick the best seaplane charter for you, you’re going to want to keep three main things in mind: 

Logistics

When are you getting into the first location? When would you like to arrive at your second location? Do they only offer flights back on certain dates? Make sure that your dates and times are sound and have buffer room. If you are between two companies and one of them offers more flights or flexibility, then it may be the wiser choice! 

Budget

While seaplanes are more affordable than many eloping couples realize, it’s good to get quotes from a few operators and have a number in mind when you go to book. Also be sure you understand what all comes with your ticket price, as different airlines have different offerings. 

Privacy

If you want a seaplane for just you and your partner, those offerings will naturally look different than seaplanes that take 4-6 people on board at one time. 

Remember, I’m always here to help with the research as well as many travel consultations as you want or need. You’re not on your own to figure this out! 

Pro tips for a seaplane elopement

Seaplanes are pretty particular crafts, so there’s a few things to keep in mind for your wedding day. 

First, if you want any photos of you and your partner with the plane—either outside of it or inside of it—you’ll need to consult with the airline first. The plane has to be completely stable and stationary, so this is only doable before or after the flight. 

Also, seaplanes are pretty unique vehicles! It roars like a helicopter, so you’ll use headsets to talk to each other while you’re in the air. They don’t go very high or as fast as other crafts, but landing on the water is a whole different ballgame. It feels like an extremely gentle crash landing, which you don’t have very long to think about, because then your plane turns into a speedboat for a bit! Also, as I mentioned above, the motion of these planes has a tendency to make folks sensitive to motion feel a little sick. Be sure to bring motion sickness medication along and take it one hour before your flight if you think you’ll need it!

What to wear on a seaplane

As long as your plane is landing near a dock that doesn’t require you to enter the water and you can sit down easily in your wedding attire, whatever you’re wearing for your ceremony is just fine to wear on the plane! 

But if you’re landing in the wilderness—like in rural Alaska—you’re likely going to need full waders to get to shore. If this is the case, make sure you wear waterproof layers that can easily fit under the waders and that you can carry with you once you change into your wedding dress or other ceremony outfit. 

How to pack a wedding dress into a backpack: 

• Fold carefully along any seams
• Roll it up tightly
• Put it in a waterproof bag, like a trash bag

How to pack a suit in a backpack: 

• Keep it in a lightweight garment bag
• Either:
  • Gently fold or roll the garment bag
  • Gently fold & clip the bag to the outside of your backpack (not recommended for waterproofing!)

How to pack for a seaplane

In a word? Carefully. 

Before you pack your bags for your trip, be sure you check in with your seaplane charter about weight limits on the plane. While some planes can carry 50 pound bags with room for carry-ons, others have a strict cap at only 20-30 pounds of baggage per person. If you can’t fit all of your belongings under the weight limit, prioritize what you’ll need that day and consider a luggage storing service that you can pick up from on the way back. 

For most eloping couples, they’re taking a plane somewhere scenic for the day and then traveling back to their starting point, allowing them to easily get around this limitation by leaving the rest of their belongings at their hotel! But if you are traveling to stay for a few days, you may need to seek alternative transportation for your baggage. 

If you’ll be landing in a remote location, be sure to consider the waterproof needs mentioned in the section above while you’re packing as well. 

And of course, don’t forget anything you’ll need for your ceremony! This can include: 

• Wedding attire
• Rings to exchange
• Vows
• Any gifts or sentimental items
• Letters from friends or family
• Paperwork if it needs to be signed

You may want to make sure you have a few other things with you too, like:

• Travel documentation
• Waterproof layers
• Sunglasses
• SPF

Costs of a seaplane elopement

Costs of traveling in a seaplane can vary depending on the logistics of your travel! Your final price will come down to: 

• Availability of air travel to the location
• How many passengers the aircraft can hold (if not private)
• Duration of the flight
• Location that you’re starting from and traveling to
• Round-trip vs one way
• How long you’ll need the pilot for (ex. If you’re renting the plane for the full day)

For one-way travel with other passengers in places in the United States like Isle Royale and Dry Tortugas, you can find fares for as low as $400! Many companies will either let you book online or will provide you with quotes via email or over the phone. 

Overview

Seaplanes are a super fun way to travel and put a unique experience in your day at the same time! If you’re craving the adventure of something like a helicopter but it doesn’t quite make sense based on your locale, seaplanes can be seriously great alternatives. Their affordable options compared to some other unique transportation also make them a fun option for folks wanting some thrill in their day without breaking the bank. 

I’m happy to help you with every step along the way when it comes to planning your seaplane elopement! I’ll help you look for locations, do research into vendors, give you personalized packing lists, and act as your pro travel consultant on call. You can count on me for everything from bespoke itineraries to step-by-step guides that take all the guesswork out of your wedding day. Contact me here and let’s have a conversation about your ideal wedding day! 

And remember, you always have access to my interactive location database stocked with 600+ locations, handpicked by me, from all over the world. You can filter by seaplanes, your desired season, and your favorite scenery and get back some great location ideas specific to you!

See you on the water!