Your Guide to a Helicopter Elopement

How much does a helicopter elopement cost? Where can I book a helicopter elopement?
This guide has you covered for that and more, with helicopter elopement photographer insight…

Think this looks good? Just wait until it’s your adventure.

The Experience & Starting Pricing


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.

How Does a Helicopter Elopement Work?

Some of it depends on where you have your helicopter elopement (e.g. The Dolomites vs Alaska), but typicall you’ll plan for a number of landings appropriate for how long you’ll be out. Often, you’ll reserve a set number of hours and a general start time, and pay attention to the forecast as the day approaches.

For a helicopter elopement that doesn’t feel rushed, I would recommend chartering the helicopter for at least 3 hours. That means you could have an hour or so at two different locations, perfect for a ceremony, portraits, and exploring the breathtaking world around you.

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
  • glacier landing elopement in Alaska
  • helicopter elopement in Alaska
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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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

See A Full Helicopter Elopement Gallery

Want to get an idea of what your whole day might feel like? This is where to get inspired.

See A Full Gallery

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 with my top recommendations for a fantastic experience that will leave you exhilarated. 🚁✨

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The Experience & Starting Pricing

Helicopter Elopement Photographer FAQs

I have a huge resource bank I provide to couples, including a fantastic vendor network, including helicopter tours. This way, you have agency in who you choose for your helicopter elopement, and all you have to do is call, share the details I gave you during our detailed planning chats, and book.

The timing of your trip is going to depend greatly on what you want to experience while you’re there. It also depends on the location. Some locations like Anchorage, Alaska, have tours year-round. Other locations may only operate during the warmer months which are often May-June.

Elopement photographers who capture helicopter elopements can vary in price, but a quality photographer who provides the elevated experience you’re probably looking for if you’re searching for a heli elopement, will typically start around $6000. Inspired by the images you see? Visit my How This Works page in the main menu to view the experience and pricing.

Private helicopter elopement charters can cost less than you might think, but you should still expect to pay at least $1500-2000 for a 90-minute, one-location landing. For a private helicopter charter elopement, I recommend at least 3 hours of flight/landing time. Most of my helicopter elopement couples plan from 4-8 hours.

Absolutely, especially in places like Alaska, where there’s an extra high degree of required competency and less pressure to fly no matter what. Pilots are very careful with inspections, and making a call to not fly due to weather. The one place I would hesitate to book a helicopter elopement would be in Hawaii, where more accidents seem to be reported due to micro changes in weather.

Most pilots play it safe, but in my experience, none more so than Alaska. Usually, if weather is bad enough to cancel your helicopter elopement, it might be rescheduled if possible (does your photographer budget in these days? I do.), or you’ll be refunded.

Absolutely. After years of photographing helicopters, I can safely say that an a-line, or even a ball gown will allow more flexibility than a tighter, fit and flare dress. Even with the extra volume/fabric, it’s much easier to get in and out of the helicopter. Plus, that extra volume makes for better photos — the wind can move it, your partner can help with it, and it creates beautiful silhouettes.

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