Couple celebrating their helicopter elopement on a mountain peak in Whistler, British Columbia

Helicopter Elopement in Whistler

Say your vows on a glacier, alpine meadow, or mountain summit. Intimate, private, and absolutely breathtaking.

An elopement by helicopter in Whistler is more than a wedding—it is an adventure that begins the moment you lift off from our helipad. Instead of a crowded venue, you exchange vows surrounded by snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and endless mountain vistas. The Coast Mountains of British Columbia provide a backdrop that no traditional ceremony can match.

Whether you choose a glacier landing, an alpine meadow carpeted with wildflowers, or a mountain summit with 360-degree views, your elopement becomes a moment frozen in time. Our team handles every detail: helicopter transport, officiant coordination, photography, and even a gourmet alpine picnic if you wish. You focus on each other while we ensure everything runs smoothly.

What's Included in Your Elopement Package

Every helicopter elopement package includes the essentials for your special day. Round-trip helicopter transport from our Whistler helipad takes you to your chosen ceremony location. We coordinate with licensed officiants who understand mountain ceremonies and can perform legally binding marriages in British Columbia.

Professional photography is included to capture your vows, the flight, and the stunning scenery. Many couples add videography or a champagne toast and picnic at the ceremony site. We also provide guidance on what to wear for mountain conditions, marriage license requirements, and timing your ceremony for the best light and weather.

Our elopement packages are fully customizable. Whether you want a simple 30-minute ceremony or a half-day experience with multiple locations, we design it around your vision. View our pricing and packages to see what fits your budget.

Elopement ceremony setup on a glacier in Whistler mountains

Planning Your Helicopter Elopement

Planning begins with a consultation call where we discuss your vision, preferred locations, and any special requests. We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for peak summer months (June through September) when demand is highest. However, we can accommodate shorter timelines if availability permits.

Step 1: Choose Your Ceremony Location

Whistler offers several breathtaking elopement locations, each with its own character. Glacier landings provide a dramatic ice-and-rock setting that feels otherworldly. The Fitzsimmons Glacier and surrounding ice fields are popular choices, offering stable landing sites and incredible photo opportunities.

Alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers in summer and offer softer, more romantic settings. These locations are ideal for couples who want natural beauty without the starkness of ice and rock. Mountain summits provide panoramic views that stretch to the horizon, perfect for couples who want the ultimate elevated experience.

Step 2: Secure Your Marriage License

To marry in British Columbia, you need a BC marriage license obtained from any BC Vital Statistics office or authorized issuer. The license is valid for three months and costs approximately $100 CAD. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification. We can provide guidance on the process and connect you with local offices in Whistler or Vancouver.

Step 3: Coordinate with Your Officiant

We work with experienced officiants who specialize in mountain ceremonies. They understand the logistics of helicopter weddings, can perform ceremonies in various weather conditions, and know how to make the moment meaningful despite the unique setting. Your officiant will arrive with you on the helicopter, ensuring a seamless experience.

Best Seasons for Elopements

Whistler's mountain elopements are possible year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Summer (June to September) provides the longest days, warmest temperatures, and most reliable weather. Wildflowers bloom in alpine meadows, glaciers are accessible, and you can plan longer ceremonies without worrying about cold.

Winter (December to April) transforms the mountains into a snow-covered wonderland. Elopements on glaciers or snow-covered peaks feel magical, especially with fresh powder. However, ceremonies are typically shorter due to cold temperatures, and you will need appropriate winter attire.

Spring (May) and autumn (October to November) offer quieter conditions and unique colors. Spring brings melting snow and emerging wildflowers, while autumn provides golden alpine grasses and crisp mountain air. These shoulder seasons often have better availability and can be more budget-friendly.

What to Wear for Your Mountain Elopement

Dressing for a mountain elopement requires balancing style with practicality. Temperatures drop significantly at altitude, even in summer. We recommend layers: a beautiful dress or suit that can accommodate a warm jacket underneath. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for walking on uneven terrain, ice, or snow.

For summer elopements, consider lightweight fabrics that layer well. A long dress or suit jacket provides warmth without bulk. For winter ceremonies, plan for full winter gear: insulated jackets, warm boots, and accessories like gloves and hats that can be removed for photos. Many couples bring a second outfit for photos at the helipad before or after the ceremony.

We provide detailed packing lists and clothing recommendations based on your chosen location and season. Our team can also connect you with local boutiques in Whistler that specialize in mountain wedding attire.

Photography and Videography

Every elopement package includes professional photography to capture your ceremony, the helicopter flight, and the stunning mountain scenery. Our photographers are experienced in mountain conditions and know how to work with natural light, dramatic backdrops, and changing weather.

Photography packages typically include 2-3 hours of coverage, starting from your arrival at the helipad through the ceremony and return flight. You will receive edited digital images within 2-3 weeks. Many couples add videography to create a cinematic record of their day, including aerial footage from the helicopter.

We can also arrange for additional photography sessions, such as engagement photos at a different mountain location or post-ceremony portraits at sunset. Discuss your photography needs during your consultation, and we will customize a package that captures every moment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a helicopter elopement take?
A typical helicopter elopement lasts 2-3 hours from arrival to departure. This includes check-in and safety briefing (15 minutes), flight to the ceremony location (15-20 minutes), ceremony and photos at the site (30-60 minutes), and return flight (15-20 minutes). Extended packages with multiple locations or additional activities can last 4-6 hours.
Can we bring guests to our elopement?
Our helicopters accommodate up to 6 passengers including the couple, officiant, and photographer. For larger groups, we can arrange multiple helicopters flying together. If you want a larger celebration, consider our helicopter wedding packages which are designed for groups of 10-30 guests.
What happens if the weather is bad on our elopement day?
Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions make flying unsafe, we will reschedule your elopement at no extra charge or provide a full refund. We monitor conditions closely and will contact you as early as possible—typically 24-48 hours in advance—if a change is needed. Many couples plan a backup date or flexible schedule to accommodate mountain weather.

Ready to Elope in the Mountains?

Start planning your helicopter elopement in Whistler today. Browse our pricing and packages, or contact us to discuss your vision. Whether you dream of a glacier ceremony, an alpine meadow exchange, or a summit celebration, we make it happen.