Saying “I do” in the mountains – it doesn’t get much more romantic than that! So it’s no wonder that our Helicopter Elopement & Photography Package is one of our most popular. Not everyone can say they got married in the mountains with a beautiful landscape all around them. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience!
If you’re thinking about a helicopter elopement, check out our FAQs below as well as some photos from past couples who have said their vows up near the clouds.
For the most up to date pricing and inclusions of our helicopter elopement packages, please visit our Fly from Whistler or Fly from Pitt Meadows pages. Information in this blog post is subject to change.
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
What is included in Young Hip & Married’s helicopter elopement packages?
The helicopter ride to and from a scenic and private weather-dependant location, a 5-10 minute ceremony with your officiant (and legal registration of your marriage), and professional photography throughout your experience to capture the moments before, during and after your elopement with 75 fully-retouched high-resolution images displayed in an online gallery! The entire experience will last apx 90 mins: 30 minutes of flight time and 60 minutes at the landing location.
The package price includes you two, our officiant and our photographer. If you’re interested in bringing guests, we can provide you with a quote! Please see our Packages page or request a quote for current pricing and guest restrictions.
Is there a weight restriction for a helicopter elopement?
The max weight per seat is 300lbs, fully dressed. We will always ask for your weight with clothes on, because really, flying naked is just awkward for our team! If you plan to wear boots, a big coat or a heavy wedding outfit, please consider this when reporting your weight.
How serious is the weight restriction?
Pretty serious. Pilots use the weight information to ensure the helicopter is properly balanced and we can fly safely. So it’s very important that you report your fully clothed weight accurately. We will be collecting your weight information ahead of time, and SKY Helicopters will conduct a pre-flight weigh in on the day of your elopement for everyone’s safety.
If you or your partner’s weight is 10 pounds more than previously stated, there may be an additional charge of $400+GST. If the weight capacity of the helicopter is exceeded at weigh in, it could result in not flying, or additional charges for an extra helicopter to accommodate.
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Can I fly if I’m pregnant?
Yes, unless your doctor has advised against it. If you are nearing your due date or have other health risks, we ask that you speak with your doctor/healthcare provider.
Who will be my witnesses at my helicopter elopement?
The pilot and the photographer will sign as witnesses or, if you bring guests, your guests may be your witnesses.
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Can I bring my own witnesses?
You sure can! You have the option to invite guests along on your helicopter elopement and we would be happy to provide a quote if requested. Guests will also need to meet the weight restriction, report their weight ahead of time and be subject to additional fees as per the weight rules above.
Can my dog join our helicopter elopement?
Sadly, animals are not permitted to attend. Don’t worry, you can show your furry friends the pictures afterwards so they feel like they were there.
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Are my kids able to join us?
YES! Children as young as two years old can join. However, remember that kids move quick and love to explore; the backcountry might not be the safest place for a toddler. But you can have a friend watch your little ones for you at the helicopter hangar and have pictures taken with them afterwards. Older kids love the experience!
How long is the helicopter elopement packages experience?
The total experience is apx 90 minutes. It’s a 15 minute flight to the landing location, we spend one hour there, and then it’s a 15 minute flight back down. We ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure an on-time departure.
Please visit our specific helicopter pages (flying from Whistler or Pitt Meadows) for exact flight times.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Can I add additional time to the helicopter trip?
Of course! Let us know what you are thinking and we can provide a quote for you.
Do you have a videographer?
We do! Learn more about adding videography to your elopement here.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Who are your photographers and can I see their work?
We have a few different photographers we work with whose work you can see throughout this post. Meet our elopement photographer team to learn more about them and see more of their beautiful images.
Can I pick the landing location for our helicopter elopement?
We have a variety of landing spots in the mountains around Widgeon Lake, including mountain peaks, alpine lakeshores and glacier-fed stream beds. The pilot selects the landing spot the day of the flight based on the weather conditions.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
What if the weather isn’t great on our day?
If the weather isn’t looking great, we get in contact with the pilot in the morning and discuss our options. Our pilots are experts and can often determine if it will work or not for your flight time. It might be that the pilot will tell us that they can’t do a peak landing, but we can do the secret lake landing or the creek bed landing (pictured above). So don’t let a little rain scare you!
If the pilot tells us it’s a total no-fly day, you have two options:
1) You can rebook your helicopter elopement for a different day and time, although we can’t guarantee the same officiant and photographer.
2) If you prefer to keep your original date and time, your officiant and photographer will move your elopement to our nearby “Plan B” location: picturesque Pitt Lake, surrounded by the mountains. The cost of the helicopter portion will be refunded to you.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
What months are the helicopter elopement packages available?
We fly all year!
What is appropriate to wear for a helicopter elopement?
It’s good to remember that even in the summer months, there may be snow, so we don’t suggest heels. Closed-toe shoes with good tread would be best. Generally, jackets are not required in the summer. In the winter, it’s cold! Definitely boots and jackets! We have had couples wear their jackets and then remove them for pictures.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Can I get dressed at the hangar?
Yes, there is a small space to get dressed at the hangar.
How early do I need to book my helicopter elopement?
We suggest booking as soon as possible, up to a year in advance, but will always do our best to accommodate bookings when they come in. By booking early, you can guarantee your date and time. If you are flexible with your date and time, we will try our best to make something work if you are booking last minute.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
written by Riana Ang-Canning
Ready to take your love to new heights and book a helicopter elopement?
Just fill out our contact form here and we’ll be in touch soon with more information and officiant availability!
Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
