How to get married on a Mountain!

Most couples come to me saying the same thing: “We know we want a helicopter elopement… we just don’t really know how the day works.”

That’s completely fair. A helicopter elopement in BC isn’t a traditional wedding day moved to a mountain – it’s its own thing! It’s shaped by flight logistics, WEATHER, and limited time on the alpine.

This guide breaks down what a helicopter elopement day in British Columbia actually looks like, based on real experience.

A couple looking at each other with a snowy mountain in the background. — What a Helicopter Elopement Looks Like in Real Life
A helicopter elopement in BC usually unfolds at an intentionally unhurried pace. While the mountain moment itself is precise, the day around it is designed to feel calm, grounded, and present.

A typical helicopter elopement day includes:
A relaxed morning – enjoying breakfast together and easing into the day
Hair and makeup time
Built-in buffer time to get dressed, gather belongings, and head out without rushing
Meeting at the helicopter base - a short safety briefing
THE FLIGHT!
An alpine landing in a remote mountain location
A ceremony, time to soak in the alpine surroundings, and photos
A return flight back to the base, landing as a married couple

Some couples choose to do a first look at a nearby scenic location before heading to the heliport. Others prefer to keep everything focused on the mountain itself.
Morning flights are common, which can mean an earlier start, while afternoon flights often feel slower and more relaxed, depending on weather and conditions.
A well-planned helicopter elopement leaves space for calm, connection, and a sense of presence. So, you can totally customize the day around you: your favorite things to do together, celebratory meals before or after, or whatever else we dream up together!

1. Best Locations for BC Helicopter Elopements

British Columbia offers a wide range of helicopter elopement options, and if you’re looking at tying the knot in this corner of the world, you already know that there are no bad choices! It’s known as Beautiful British Columbia for a reason. BUT not all departure points deliver the same experience, and at the same cost.

From a ‘scenery and overall-feel’ perspective, my strongest recommendations are Sea to Sky–based helicopter elopements.
I might be biased because I live here - BUT, hear me out. I’ve gotten helicopter rides in several countries around the world (even done a few tandem sky-dives out of one in the Swiss Alps). And in Canada, I’ve been a frequent flyer in BC and The Canadian Rockies.
So, I promise I am being honest when I say I’ve been around the block… (the heli-block?) and I genuinely think the Sea to Sky is the best BC offering in terms of scenery, overall experience, and cost.

Compared to flying out of the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky routes access taller peaks, more dramatic alpine terrain, and a distinctly rugged, high-mountain environment. Flight paths are often more direct, which means more impact for the time you’re in the air. Within the Sea to Sky, Squamish and Whistler are the two most common starting points - each offering a slightly different experience.

A couple holding hands in their bridal clothes, sitting in a helicopter — Squamish Helicopter Elopements

Squamish helicopter elopements most often access the Tantalus Range, one of the most visually striking mountain ranges in southern BC. Known for sharp, rugged peaks, glaciers and snowfields, and a dramatic, wild aesthetic that feels truly remote.
Whistler Helicopter Elopements
There are multiple companies operating out of Whistler. Some operate as charter flights rather than wedding-specific packages. These can offer flexibility, customizable landing durations, and a lower base costs in most cases. (If you’re on a budget, ask me about these ones to lower your package cost).

For couples wanting a streamlined, wedding-specific experience, Blackcomb Helicopters offers established elopement and wedding packages designed specifically for this purpose. These packages are known for professional, efficient operations, clear landing times, and a polished experience.

**ANOTHER BENEFIT** - there are ample accommodations and restaurants in Whistler, it’s such a destination in itself, that it’ll feel like a mini-honeymoon AND an elopement.
Heli-Wedding Landing Locations
**Tantalus Range:** Bold, dramatic, and striking.
**Rainbow Mountain:** Expansive alpine views with dramatic surrounding peaks – bold and open.
**Beverly Lake:** A softer alpine lake setting with a serene, reflective feel.
**Ispoot Glacier:** Glacial terrain that feels raw, and adventurous.
**Marriage Lake:** An intimate alpine lake location with a romantic, secluded atmosphere.

Let's chat helicopters

FAQ: How long do you land for?

Landing time is customizable. 45-60 minutes on the mountain is standard, with the option to extend your landing time – often in 15 or 30-minute increments. A 30 minute extension is ~$765 + gst.

The exact answer depends on where you’re flying and which company you’re flying with, so this is something I always tailor to the couple and location. If you’re unsure what makes sense for your plans, I’ll walk you through the options.

Helicopter elopement ceremony in Tantalus Range BC — FAQ: Is 45 minutes enough time?

Yes – with the right vendor team, 45 minutes is enough for a ceremony, photos, and time to be present.
Where it can feel tight is if the day isn’t well designed. Ceremony duration matters, and a thoughtfully condensed ceremony can still feel personal and meaningful without eating into alpine time.
If you’d prefer a slower pace, you can extend your landing time, or hold your ceremony at a beautiful ground-level location before the flight and treat the helicopter experience as your first adventure as a married couple.
This is one of those decisions where a bit of expert guidance upfront can help.

2. When to Book Your BC Helicopter Elopement (Seasonal Guide)

a couple in the back seat of a helicopter wearing a suit and wedding gown — Helicopter elopements in British Columbia are typically seasonal, with the most reliable flying conditions falling between **late spring and early fall**.
The exact window varies year to year depending on snowpack and weather patterns, but most couples plan between **May and October**.
Early season flights often feature snow-covered peaks and glaciers, which can feel dramatic and alpine.
Mid-summer brings more exposed rock, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows.

I’d recommend picking your location, then seeing what month makes sense for that spot. This is something I help couples weigh early on, so expectations match the reality of the season.

(Being in the pacific north west, you never know what weather you’ll get on any day, which is why it’s important to have a solid plan B)
3. What to Wear for a Helicopter Elopement
Footwear is the most important consideration. Heli-companies may not let you fly without enclosed shoe. Sturdy shoes are essential – many couples choose to change into dress shoes for photos once they’re safely on the mountain.
For clothing, think movement and layers. Dresses that handle wind well tend to photograph beautifully, and layers are key for temperature changes at elevation. Suits, jackets, and shawls are common, even in summer.
Definitely make sure your hair + make up artist knows you’re getting in a helicopter so they can plan accordingly.

A couple in their wedding clothes with a rugged peak and helicopter in the background — 4. What if the weather doesn’t cooperate

Weather plays a role in every helicopter elopement, and it’s something I discuss openly from the start. Pilots make the final safety call, often close to flight time, based on wind, visibility, and conditions.
Even on clear days, helicopters may be grounded if they’re needed for fire response. This is where thoughtful planning matters – having backup options in place in advance ensures the day still feels calm and special, even if plans shift. It might mean changing date (depending on everyone’s availability) or continuing on the day, but at a pre-thought out location that still resonates with you. I have many hidden gems up my sleeve!

5. BC Helicopter Elopement Cost Breakdown (2026 Pricing)

Helicopter elopements in BC can vary depending on flight time, landing duration, and overall scope.

All-inclusive Helicopter Package - Inclusions:

All of my helicopter elopement packages are designed to feel cohesive and well-supported, without unnecessary add-ons or inflated markups. Inclusions typically include:

A couple embracing each other in their wedding clothes in front of an alpine lake and glacier — **Expert elopement planning**
Vendor liaison, location scouting, timeline creation, and thoughtfully pre-planned weather backups.
**Your wedding ceremony**
Officiated by Sea to Sky Officiant, including my Vow Writing Playbook and full legals.
**Professional wedding photography**
With an experienced photographer who understands alpine conditions and helicopter timelines.
**Florals**
A bridal bouquet and boutonniere from local wedding florists.
**Helicopter flight**
Including standard alpine landing time (typically 45 minutes, depending on the route).

Helicopter Elopement TOTAL package cost - $4,950 + gst

This will vary according to your selections, but this is the average spend for my couples and a realistic package cost for an incredible experience.
Optional Add-Ons

Hair and makeup: +$450–$500 + gst (depending on artist)
Videography: From $1,850 + gst
Extended flight time: $820 + gst
Extended landing time: $765 + gst for 30 minutes

A Note on Pricing
When you start researching, you’ll notice there is a variance in cost. With over ten years of planning experience, I’m able to work efficiently and thoughtfully without inflating hours or adding unnecessary complexity. That efficiency allows me to offer an all-inclusive helicopter elopement experience at a more approachable price point, while still delivering a high level of care, organization, and intention.

I believe skilled work should be valued – I also get a great deal of joy out of this work, so I’ve chosen to price my services in a way that feels ethical and proportionate to what is involved, rather than inflating rates simply because the setting is extraordinary. Clear planning, calm guidance, and a meaningful ceremony don’t need excessive markups to feel valuable. My goal is to create an experience that feels well supported and beautifully executed, without pricing it beyond what makes sense. I got you!

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