sam@samstarns.com @samstarns

A helicopter elopement isn’t just a wedding—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of day that has you soaring (literally) above the world, landing in remote locations where it’s just you, your love, and the kind of views that make you wonder if you’ve somehow stepped into a dream.

Whether you’re touching down on a glacier in Alaska, atop a rugged mountain peak, or on a secluded beach only accessible by air, a helicopter elopement offers an intimate and adventurous way to celebrate. But since most people aren’t exactly hopping into helicopters on the regular, let’s break down everything you need to know to make your heli elopement as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Where Can You Have a Helicopter Elopement?

Not all helicopter elopement locations are created equal. Some spots allow you to land, while others only permit flyovers. For example, national parks in the U.S. prohibit helicopters from landing, and in some cases, they’re not even allowed to fly over at all (only planes can). Other locations have seasonal restrictions—some mountain heli-pads are open in summer but then become off-limits due to fire season.

Helicopter Elopement Locations Where You Can Fly, But Not Land

If you’re dreaming of those epic aerial shots but won’t need to touch down, these locations allow breathtaking flightseeing tours:

• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Most of Oregon (Coastal and Central Oregon have helicopter tours, but landings are rare)
• Moab, Utah (Landing locations are extremely limited, if available at all)
• Adirondacks, New York
• Vermont

Helicopter Elopement Locations Where Landing is Allowed

If you want that full boots-on-the-ground, just-you-and-the-wild experience, these elopement locations allow landings:

• Colorado – Stunning mountain vistas, high alpine lakes, and remote backcountry spots.
• Alaska – Think glaciers, fjords, and untouched wilderness.
• Dolomites, Italy – A once-in-a-lifetime European alpine backdrop.
• Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona – Red rock landscapes meeting crystal-clear water.
• Banff, Canada – Note: You’ll need to hire a Canada-based photographer due to permit rules.
• British Columbia (Tofino) – Rugged coastal beauty, best for those who love a mix of mountains and ocean.
• Hawaii – Kauai, Maui, Big Island, and Oahu all have heli-accessible locations for landings.

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How Much Does a Helicopter Elopement Cost?

Let’s talk numbers. Helicopter elopements vary in price depending on location, flight time, and the type of helicopter.

• 90-minute helicopter tour: The most affordable option, usually starting around $1,500–$1,800 in an R44 helicopter (which seats three people, plus the pilot). This allows for one landing with 30–60 minutes of ground time.
• Half-day helicopter elopements: Typically range from $2,500–$3,500, with multiple locations or extended time at one spot.
• Full-day helicopter elopements: Expect to budget $4,000–$6,500, which includes multiple landings and ample time to soak it all in without feeling rushed.

Regardless of which option you choose, I highly recommend booking a tour that gives you more than 15–20 minutes on the ground—anything less, and you’ll feel like you’re barely stepping off before having to get back in the air.

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How Long is a Helicopter Elopement?

Helicopter elopements can be anywhere from 90 minutes to a full-day adventure (8+ hours).

• A quick heli trip (90 minutes) is great for one landing and a short-and-sweet ceremony.
• Most couples opt for at least 4 hours, which allows enough time for multiple locations and exploration.
• A full-day heli elopement (6–8 hours) is the ultimate adventure, giving you time for multiple landings, relaxed exploration, and plenty of moments to soak it all in.

In my experience, anything under two hours often leaves couples wanting more.

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Can I Bring Guests to My Helicopter Elopement?

The short answer? Yes, but it depends on the helicopter.

Most helicopter tours use R44 helicopters, which only seat three passengers plus the pilot. If you want to bring an officiant, photographer, and a couple of guests, you’ll need to book multiple flights or have the helicopter make multiple trips (which means extra $$$).

For larger groups, I recommend looking for companies that operate Bell or A-Star helicopters. These seat up to 6+ people (plus the pilot), reducing the number of trips needed. If you have a small guest list, one larger helicopter might be all you need!

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Why Hire a Helicopter Elopement Photographer?

Helicopter elopements aren’t your typical wedding day, and neither is photographing them. Having a photographer experienced in heli elopements is key to making sure everything runs smoothly.

• Safety First: Knowing when and where it’s safe to step out of the helicopter is crucial. I once stopped a couple from exiting while the pilot was checking something—had they stepped out too soon, they would’ve been dangerously close to the blades with no safe area to retreat to.
• Time Management: Timing is everything with helicopter elopements. Your pilot has a schedule, and an experienced photographer knows how to capture everything efficiently—so you get epic shots without cutting into flight time.
• Understanding the Environment: From choosing locations that offer the best light at different times of day to navigating unpredictable weather, having someone who’s done this before can make all the difference.

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Final Thoughts

A helicopter elopement is more than just a wedding—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you say your vows somewhere truly extraordinary. Whether you’re landing on a glacier, exploring mountain peaks, or touching down on a private beach, the key is choosing the right location, budgeting for your flight, and working with a team who knows the ropes (or, in this case, the rotor blades).

Thinking about taking your elopement to new heights? Let’s chat and make it happen. 🚁✨