Banff Helicopter Elopement: The Adventure Wedding of a Lifetime

Banff Elopement Photographer

The Magic of a Banff Helicopter Elopement

This is the story of a couple who wanted to step outside the norm and celebrate their love in an adventurous and spontaneous way. They always wanted to share their vows among Banff’s towering peaks, where I helped them plan the helicopter elopement experience of their dreams.

There’s really is something beautiful about standing on top of a mountain and saying your vows as the sun peaks over the mountains and the rest of the world is just waking up. This Banff helicopter elopement experience with Aneta & Gabriel was one of those days—quiet, breathtaking, and full of intentional moments.

Sunrise Above the Clouds

We met at the Rockies Heli base before first light. As the shapes of the surrounding mountains slowly became visible, we prepared for our flight up to a stunning viewpoint new to Rockies Heli. While soaring through the colourful morning sky, we spotted our landing spot for the day – a long ridge with with 360 views of the Rockies and a breathtaking panoramic view of Abraham Lake.

It didn’t take long to discover the perfect spot to say private vows to one another, perched near the edge of a cliff overlooking the Lake. Banff National Park can be a busy location in the summer months, but this spot is outside the park in the David Thompson Wildlands and only accessible by helicopter, meaning we had this ridge all to ourselves this morning.

Why a Split-Location Elopement Works So Well

Having two locations for an adventure elopement can have a number of benefits:

A great sense of adventure. A helicopter portion of the day will be filled with movement and exploration, while a drive-up location adds a slower, more grounded pace to the day that you can share with family and friends, or enjoy by yourselves – the choice is yours.
Being able to explore different locations adds to the experience and story of your day. It offers different perspectives and vantage points to give you a well-rounded gallery of images.

Banff Helicopter Elopement Tips

Considering a helicopter elopement in Banff? Here are a couple of important things to consider:

I always suggest booking a sunrise or sunset timeslot for the absolute best light.
Make sure you know where your company of choice has permits to land. You can be quite restricted in National Parks, so I recommend going with a company like Rockies Heli, which is located close to, but still outside of the park.
Bring lots of layers. Mountain conditions can change quickly at elevation. I always suggest packing warm layers and good footwear for the flight.
Consider adding a second location for vows or your legal ceremony. This means you have more time on the mountain to explore for photos, and you have the option to choose a ceremony location where you can involve family and friends as well.

This day was so magical, and I feel so lucky to have been there to document it. Elopements are so beautiful to experience and a fantastic alternative to a traditional wedding day fileld with hurried timelines and large guest lists. So if you are seeking something more personal, unhurried and focused on nature, please don’t hesitate to reach out.