How to plan a
Helicopter Elopement in Banff & Canmore
Take your celebration to new heights
Helicopter companies I work with
Alpine Helicopters
Alpine Helicopters has two operational helicopter bases. One in Canmore (20min from Banff) and one on HWY 40 (40min from Banff).
They offer two types of elopement packages:
MARVEL PASS TOUR
Helicopter lands at marvel pass for 1 hourwhich is enough time for a short ceremony and portraits. The flight is 15 minutes each way.
MARTHAS HELI HIKES
Martha is an experienced hiking guide who will take us to one of several designated landing sites with gorgeous views. One there we are allowed to hike around under Martha’s supervision. Martha is also a registered officiant and can perfom legal elopement ceremonies.
Rockies Heli
Typically men do not take as long as women to get ready – therefore don’t need as much time. 10 Minutes for detail shots (Tie, Boutonnière, Shoes, Rings, Watch, Cologne) is ideal. I do like to take photos of the groom doing final touches of hair etc in the mirror. 20 minutes for any interactions with groomsmen and “cheers”-ing of drinks. Its nice for groomsmen to be together for the final touches of getting ready – putting on jackets, shoes, boutonierres. Encourage a family member (Mom or Dad or Brother) or a groomsman to be present to put on your boutonierre!
How add a helicopter session to your wedding day
How to Include a Helicopter Session on Your Elopement Day for Photos (2-3 Hours Before or After Your Ceremony)
Option 1: Helicopter Ride Before the Ceremony
Before your helicopter session, take some family photos at your accommodation or venue. Capture intimate moments with your loved ones and bridal party, keeping things light and relaxed.
Depart for your helicopter session, where you’ll enjoy a scenic flight over stunning landscapes. This 2-3 hour window allows time for aerial shots, landing at a remote mountaintop or secluded location, and capturing more intimate photos with your partner in a unique setting.
After your helicopter session, return to your ceremony location. You can take a few additional photos during the flight or once you land.
Arrive for your ceremony, where you can exchange vows with a relaxed, scenic backdrop, and continue with family photos after the ceremony.
Start your elopement ceremony with your partner in a beautiful location—whether it’s a mountaintop, lakeside, or another picturesque spot.
After the ceremony, take family photos with your loved ones. This is a great time to capture those special moments before you embark on your helicopter adventure.
Arrive at the helicopter departure site. Head out for your 2-3 hour helicopter session. You’ll have time for a scenic flight, landing in a stunning location for photos, and capturing unforgettable aerial shots. This part of the day offers beautiful opportunities for romantic photos with sweeping mountain views or unique backdrops.
Return to your starting point, where you can take additional photos in the helicopter or while landing. If there’s time, you can use this moment for final intimate photos with your partner.
End your day with a private reception or intimate dinner to celebrate your new marriage, reflecting on the amazing memories made during your adventure.
Steps to book your helicopter elopement photographer
Step Four
It's Your Day!
On your elopement day, I aim to keep things relaxed and stress-free, capturing moments as they unfold naturally. I’ll guide you through key moments, but always in a way that lets you enjoy the celebration without feeling overwhelmed.
Step Five
Get the Gallery
After your elopement, I’ll work quickly to curate and edit your images, delivering them to you in a beautiful online gallery. You can expect your final photos in just a few weeks, ready to share with friends and family!
Step Six
Order Prints
Once you’ve received your images, you can choose from a range of high-quality prints and custom-designed albums to bring your memories to life. I offer beautiful options to preserve your favorite moments in a way that you can cherish for years to come.
Step one
Say Hello!
Reach out to me with a quick inquiry, and let’s start a conversation about your vision for your elopement! I love getting to know couples and learning what matters most to you both to customize a truly unique experience.
Step two
Book your date
Once you’re ready, we’ll make everything official by signing a contract and securing your date with a retainer fee. This ensures that everything is locked in and we’re set to begin planning!
Step Three
Let's Prep
I provide personalized planning to help you choose the perfect location, timeline, and details that align with your vision for the day. From permits and travel logistics to styling suggestions and recommendations for vendors, I ensure every element is thoughtfully coordinated for a seamless, stress-free experience.
Common Questions
All collections include travel fees to: Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Kananaskis, Emerald Lake, Calgary, Edmonton & Drumheller.
While some elopements are truly spur of the moment (which I love!) I recommend booking 6 to 18 months in advance to ensure that your preferred date is available and to give us plenty of time to plan every detail of your elopement. This helps ensure a smooth and stress-free experience leading up to your big day!
Yes, I personally edit every photo you receive to ensure they meet my high standards. This includes color correction, cropping, and retouching, while maintaining a natural and timeless look that reflects the true essence of your wedding day.
I aim to deliver your wedding photos within 6-8 weeks after your big day. This gives me time to carefully edit and curate your images, ensuring they’re perfect before you receive them in your beautiful online gallery.
Yes, I can definitely help with prints! I offer a variety of high-quality print options, from individual prints to custom-designed albums, and I’m happy to guide you in choosing the best way to preserve and display your favorite moments.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to share your photos on social media. I just ask that you credit me as the photographer whenever possible, and keep in mind that the images shared online should reflect the natural beauty and integrity of the original edits.
capturing authentic connections
Documenting Your Moments: big and small
I’m Humbled to Be Considered for Photographing Your Most Special Day
Being a wedding photographer is truly a dream job for me. I get to witness and capture the raw emotions, the laughter, and the love shared between couples and their families on one of the most significant days of their lives. Each wedding is a unique story, and I’m honored to be the one to document those fleeting moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. The joy of seeing my couples relive their special day through their photos is what makes my work so incredibly rewarding.
