The Adventurers Guide to a Helicopter Elopement, Wedding & Proposal [+Packages]
Welcome to the internet’s definitive guide to helicopter elopements, weddings and proposals for adventurous lovers.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about how to create the perfect helicopter tour experience for your special day. If you’re planning a…
- Heli-elopement tour that could includes landing at an epic scenic location like a glacier or mountaintop and conducting an elopement ceremony
- Heli-wedding tour that also includes landing somewhere epic but with several guests and also includes a wedding ceremony
- Helicopter proposal where you propose either at altitude in the helicopter or on-site at an epic location
You’ll be fully satisfied by our in-depth exploration of all things helicopter and love. Enjoy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TELEPORTER
- Why consider a helicopter elopement, wedding, or proposal?
- Different types of helicopter tours
- How to plan a helicopter tour adventure
- Proposing in a helicopter
- How much does a helicopter elopement, wedding or proposal cost?
- Helicopter Elopement Packages (& Wedding)
- Helicopter Proposal Packages
- Best places for helicopter tours
- Helicopter tour FAQ
First, let’s talk about why you might want to consider a helicopter tour for your big day.
Because you’re flying (and landing!) at low altitude over the most pristine, beautiful locations on earth. I could probably stop there and have anyone convinced. I don’t think anyone needs much convincing as to why a helicopter tour is one of the most magical opportunities to share a truly novel and exciting experience with their lover.
Helicopters give us access to some of the most remote, and therefor pristine, beautiful, and epic locations on earth. There are an amazing amount of ultra-scenic locations that simply don’t have an easy way to access. You’ll be saying “I do” from glaciers to high remote alpine locations.
Insert, the helicopter. Our shining (or matte black) steed (dragon) of the sky that opens the gates of heaven on earth. At least that’s how I think of things.
The only real alternatives that allow for an epic AND private experience are few and far between these days. National Parks are often over-crowded, at least during the times of the year where all of their most awesome features are accessible. The only real workaround for this is to plan your elopement, wedding, or proposal for a weekday, or a sunrise.
The helicopter is literally the answer to the most private way to experience the wonders of the world, period. There’s just nothing like it.
What are the different kinds of helicopter tours?
There are many different types of helicopter tours. The most popular flight options for adventure weddings, elopements, and proposals include scenic flights, glacier landings and mountain/plateau landings. Vineyard tours and city tours are also available.
We’ll be focusing on helicopter rides that include landing in adventurous remote locations for wedding/elopement ceremonies and proposals.
- Scenic Flightseeing: a short tour around the area which can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour with no landing point or stopping points throughout your journey.
- Mountain / Plateau / Glacier Landing: This is the most popular helicopter tour for weddings, elopements, and proposals. These tours will include 30-60 minutes of flight time, plus 1-3 landings at various scenic locations (30-60 minutes at each).
Perhaps most importantly, tours can either be private, or not private. Since you’re here, you probably want to enjoy a private charter experience. Private meaning no additional guests (besides us) or only with people you know as friends and family.
The helicopters used for scenic tours fit 3-6 passengers so this does potentially leave room for 2 open seats but it’s often that a tour will have empty seats anyway. Additionally, helicopter touring companies usually have a private tour available, where it’s only marginally more expensive per person, instead of having to cover the full expense of an open seat.
How do I plan an epic helicopter proposal, wedding, or elopement?
Flying is a very particular activity, requiring a lot of planning ahead. So are elopements, weddings, and proposals. The precision tactical aerial planning will really pay off here though. Consider the following questions to best plan your helicopter tour:
- What time of year do you want to plan the helicopter adventure?
- Time of year will determine season and weather. Weather dictates your ability to fly as well as the accessibility of certain remote locations.
- Do you want to land on a glacier, mountain, or plateau?
- Tours range from 1-3 landings on average, with price increasing per landing by $200-$300 on average. We always recommend at least 1 landing for elopements, weddings, or proposal adventures.
- Where does the helicopter leave from?
- Helicopters leave from airports or locations with a helipad
- How many people will be flying?
- This will determine what size helicopter you need and if you’ll need more than 1
- Are you bringing adventure equipment or wedding decor?
- Flying is greatly impacted by weight, so any equipment or decor will need to be accounted for
- What will you do if weather cancels your scheduled flight?
- Make back-up plans for weather, we recommend blocking out 2-3 days to be able to reschedule your flight if needed. Book your lodging ahead of time to account for this as well.
- Are you going to need an officiant and / or witness?
- Some helicopter companies offer an Officiant Pilot for an extra fee. And in some states, I am an Officiant as well.
- What is your total budget for the helicopter adventure?
- Understand your budget so you can choose the best helicopter package for your adventure. Some have no landings, some have 1, some have up to 3. Private helicopter tours range from $500-$1000+ per person, with a minimum of 2 people.
- Are there any deals on helicopter tour packages?
- Helicopter touring companies will often have deals or partner with other travel services for a lower combined package price.
- How and when do you actually book the flight?
- Contact your favorite local helicopter touring company and book as far in advance as possible. Consider if you’re booking for a weekend or holiday, and what the weather is like that time of year (Helicopter tours will likely be closed on holidays).
- Alternatively, it’s not uncommon to book last minutes just a few days prior. Weather can shut down a tour for the day so keep this in mind when booking far in advance. That said, companies will usually just allow you to reschedule for a clear day so booking in advance really just gives you an advantage no matter what.
The Helicopter Proposal – Tips n Tricks
Proposing in a helicopter takes the phrase “love is in the air” to new heights. Coordinate with the pilot about when the best time in the scenic flight path to propose will be. The pilot will likely know all the best pro tips for how to successfully, and safely, propose while flying.
- Establish a code signal, word, or gesture with the pilot so they can signal when the perfect moment arises.
- Smooth air can be a big help here too, so check with the pilot about the predicted air quality of the flight path.
- Remember the ring! The anticipation of the helicopter proposal adventure can get exciting so make sure you remember to bring the ring (if you’re into rings that is).
- Make plans for a romantic dinner or activity after the helicopter ride so you can keep the vibe and romantic flow all the way through the night.
- Hire a photographer / videographer (either Karly or I can do both at the same time) to act as if they’re part of the photography crew for the helicopter tour company, or that you’ve hired them just to document the awesome adventure.
How much does a helicopter elopement, wedding or proposal cost?
Private helicopter tours range from $500-$1000 per person, with a minimum of 2 people. Shared helicopter adventures, meaning with people not in your group will usually range from $300-$700+. We’ll be focusing on the 3 main types of private helicopter experiences; elopements, weddings, and proposals.
- Helicopter elopements will cost $500-$1,000 per person on average for the tour itself. The other aspects of an elopement including travel, lodging, officiant, florist, photographer and videographer will cost between $3,000-$20,000.
- Helicopter weddings will cost $500-$1,000 per person on average for the tour itself as well. Additional aspects of the wedding including travel, lodging, catering, music, florals, rentals, photography and videography will cost between $5,000-$50,000.
- Helicopter proposals will also cost between $500-$1,000 per person on average for the tour. A surprise proposal helicopter adventure also includes things like travel, lodging, photography, and videography, totaling around $3,000-$10,000 on average.
Helicopter Elopement Packages (same as Wedding)
There is a helicopter elopement / wedding package from an intimate “just us” experience all the way to a 50 person grand event ON a glacier. Imagine a sky full of helicopters with all of your family and friends. The level of epic tops the charts here, breaks the game even.
The examples below are for the helicopter tour prices only and do not include photo or video from us. We do however offer to cover the cost of our seats at a minimum. And if the helicopter is all black we will reduce our total service price by $1117. See our photo video packages here.
EXAMPLE OF OUR FAVORITE HELICOPTER ELOPEMENT PACKAGE WITH ALPINE + GLACIER LANDING ($750/person)
- 2 hour total tour duration
- 40 minutes flight time
- 40 minute private glacier landing
- 40 minute private high alpine landing
- Option to purchase Pilot Officiant (+$350)
- Option to purchase champagne + strawberries (+$75)
Helicopter Proposal Packages
Helicopter surprise proposals are certainly one of the most memorable and exciting ways to show just how special your adventure lover is to you. There exist packages that will fly you into a remote wonder of the world where you can ask the biggest question of your life, “will you marry me?” If you ever wanted the best chances for a “yes” humanly possible, this would be it.
EXAMPLE OF OUR FAVORITE HELICOPTER PROPOSAL PACKAGE WITH ALPINE / GLACIER LANDING ($575/person)
- 1.5 hour total tour duration
- 30 minutes flight time
- 30-60 minute private alpine / glacier landing
- Champagne + strawberries
Best Places for Helicopter Elopements, Weddings, and Proposal Adventures
- Alaska Helicopter Tours
- Arizona Helicopter Tours
- Utah Helicopter Tours
- Montana Helicopter Tours
- Hawaii Helicopter Tours
- Alberta, Canada Helicopter Tours
- Iceland Helicopter Tours
- 10 Best Iceland Helicopter Tours
- Glacier and mountain landings
- 10 Best Iceland Helicopter Tours
- Switzerland Helicopter Tours
- 10 Best Swiss Alps Helicopter Tours – TripAdvisor
- Top 10 Switzerland Helicopter Tours – Viator
- Matterhorn Helicopter Tour (famous jaw dropping mountain)
- Italy Helicopter Tours
- France Helicopter Tours
- Austria Helicopter Tours
HELICOPTER TOUR FAQ
How to Plan a Perfect Adventure Elopement Ceremony | Top 17+ Things to Consider | What to do + [Bonus] Script
![How to Plan a Perfect Adventure Elopement Ceremony | Top 17+ Things to Consider | What to do + [Bonus] Script](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjY0OjY1MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzE3IDQ3OCIgd2lkdGg9IjcxNyIgaGVpZ2h0PSI0NzgiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
Ok wow this is SO cool, different, and unique. Really great amount of info for considering a helicopter! This is super informative and helpful! Great tips and variety of information!
SUCH great insight in this blog post – you clearly know what you’re talking about and this is super helpful for any couple looking to have a helicopter elopement!
What a unique way to have an elopement! This article is super informative for couples looking to plan a helicopter adventure!
Such an amazing resource for planning a helicopter proposal, elopement or wedding! I love how you’ve laid out all of the different things to consider. I never would have thought of air stability as being an important factor but it’s so true – you don’t want to topple over in the middle of a romantic moment! Couples are so lucky to have you as such a knowledgeable photographer for helicopter sessions!
I bet this is a crazy and wonderful experience to do especially on your elopement day. This is a wonderful guide for couples who want to have a kick ass elopement!
What an incredible guide you put together!! Who knew there were so many things to consider! Sounds like an epic adventure to me!
Wow, super beautiful, super informative and absolutely epic.
If I was getting married right now, this would 100% be the way I would go! What a cool way to tie the knot! And super helpful information to make it happen!