What to Pack for a Helicopter Elopement: The Ultimate Heli Elopement Packing Guide

Dreaming about saying your vows on a remote alpine ridge only accessible by helicopter? Yeah… it’s every bit as incredible as it sounds.

A helicopter elopement is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Canadian Rockies. You get the rugged, untouched mountain views without needing to hike for hours, and honestly, there’s something surreal about landing somewhere that feels completely off-limits to the rest of the world. We all know that Banff can be hella busy, so this is one way that you can pretty much guarantee that you will be the only people there (there might be some goats, but they are always welcome).

We’ve photographed enough helicopter elopements to know that preparation makes a huge difference in how relaxed and enjoyable the day feels. So we put together this complete guide on what to pack for a helicopter elopement to help you know exactly what to expect and what to bring.

This guide covers everything you need to know about:

• What to pack for a helicopter elopement
• What to wear
• How to prepare
• Helicopter elopement tips
• Fun ways to personalize the experience
• FAQs

Whether you’re flying somewhere near Banff, Canmore, Golden, or deeper into the Rockies, here’s your complete helicopter elopement packing guide.

What to Wear for a Helicopter Elopement

The biggest thing couples underestimate about helicopter elopements?

The weather changes FAST in the mountains.

Even on a warm summer day in Canmore or Banff, alpine landing locations can be significantly colder and windier. The goal is to look amazing while still being comfortable enough to actually enjoy the experience. We have a whole blog guide dedicated to adventure wedding dresses (read that here!), but here’s the spark notes version tailored specifically for heli elopements.

For Brides & Femme Partners

The best helicopter elopement dresses are:

• Lightweight and flowy
• Easy to move in
• Comfortable to sit in
• Okay getting a little dirty
• Warm enough for alpine weather

Some of our favourite dress styles for heli elopements include:

• Chiffon or tulle dresses
• A-line silhouettes
• Dresses with movement for wind photos
• Sleeves or detachable sleeves for warmth
• Dresses with less restrictive structure

A few things to keep in mind:

Avoid overly heavy dresses

Huge ballgowns can be difficult to move around in and take up a lot of helicopter space. That being said, if it’s your dream to be on a remote mountain with a dress with a huggeee train, just talk to us, and we can make it happen!

Wear layers

Bring:

• A shawl
• Faux fur jacket
• Knit sweater
• Thermal layers underneath (this is the most underrated hack. Pick up some cheap skin-toned base layers from Amazon and you’ll be shocked at how much warmer you’ll be).

You can absolutely still look elevated while staying warm. We also have a whole blog post dedicated to the best mountain elopement accessories, make sure you check that out here!

For Grooms & Masc Partners

You do not need to suffer in a full heavy suit all day. Helicopter elopements tend to feel more adventurous and relaxed, so outfits that move comfortably work best.

We usually recommend:

• Stretch suits
• Dress pants with layered jackets
• Wool or tweed for colder months
• Hiking boots or sturdy footwear
• Neutral earth tones that fit the landscape

You can always change into dress shoes briefly for photos if you want the polished look.

The Best Shoes for a Helicopter Elopement

This is the hill we will die on: Prioritize comfortable footwear. Most helicopter landing spots still involve uneven terrain, rocks, short walks, or alpine ridges. Heels and slippery dress shoes are usually not worth the stress.

The best options:

• Hiking boots
• Blundstones
• Stylish leather boots

TBH, hiking boots with a wedding dress are *chefs kiss*.

What to Pack for Your Helicopter Elopement

One important thing to know: helicopters have weight limits. That means packing intentionally matters. Your helicopter company will give you exact weight restrictions ahead of time and we will help of course, but here’s what we typically recommend bringing in a backpack or small duffle:

Essentials

• Marriage licence
• Rings
• Vow books
• Phones
• Wallet
• Water
• Snacks
• Touch-up makeup
• Hairbrush or comb
• Extra bobby pins
• Hand warmers
• Any personal medications

Clothing Extras

• Warm insulating jacket (puffy/fleece)
• Layers like scarves, hats/toques, etc
• Gloves for colder months
• Waterproof shell/rain jacket

For Photos

• Champagne
• Bouquet
• Veil
• Personal details or keepsakes
• Picnic items

We usually recommend keeping things minimal and intentional rather than bringing tons of decor. The mountains do most of the work already.

Fun & Personalized Ways to Make Your Helicopter Elopement Feel Even More You

One of our favourite things about helicopter elopements is that they’re not just beautiful, they’re incredibly intentional. When you strip away the pressure, timelines, and expectations of a traditional wedding day, you suddenly have space to create moments that feel personal to you two. And those little meaningful additions are usually the things couples remember most.

You absolutely do not need a ton of “stuff” for your day to feel special. But bringing a few intentional pieces can make the experience feel even more connected and memorable.

Here are some of our favourite ways couples have personalized their helicopter elopements:

Bring a celebratory drink

We once had a couple bring everything to make old fashions on the mountain after their ceremony, and it was iconic.

Other ideas:

• Champagne
• Espresso martinis
• Local craft beer
• A meaningful bottle of wine
• Hot chocolate or coffee for colder days

There’s just something really special about slowing down together on an alpine ridge and soaking it all in.

Pack a small cake or picnic

Yes, you can absolutely bring a cake. Tiny vintage-style cakes, pastries, charcuterie boards, or even your favourite takeout can make the experience feel extra intentional without being overcomplicated.

Some couples even pack:

• Pizza
• Cinnamon buns
• Camp-style snacks
• A full picnic lunch

Bring lawn chairs or a cozy blanket

This sounds simple, but gosh, it’s so cute. Instead of feeling rushed, you get to sit down, breathe, and take in the experience together (which is why you chose to elope over a traditional wedding, anyways!).

A few lightweight camping chairs or a blanket can turn your landing spot into your own little mountaintop hangout. This is such a chill way to just slow down and snuggle up.

Read letters from family or friends

If your loved ones aren’t physically there, this is such a meaningful way to include them.

Some couples:

• Read letters from parents
• Bring notes from friends
• Record video messages beforehand
• Read private vows separately before the ceremony

These moments always end up being some of the most emotional parts of the day.

Include your favourite shared hobbies

This is where helicopter elopements get really fun.

Think about what actually feels like you two together.

We’ve seen couples:

• Bring fly fishing rods (we know some epic lakes we can fly into!)
• Pop champagne while playing cards
• Sketch the mountains together
• Bring their dogs
• Journal about the day
• Share their favourite trail snacks
• Bring a Polaroid camera
• Dance to a playlist on a portable speaker

Your elopement does not need to follow any rules. The best days are the ones that feel authentic to your relationship instead of performative.

How to Prepare for a Helicopter Elopement

Eat Before Your Flight

Adrenaline + altitude + excitement is a real combo. Even if you feel nervous, make sure you eat a solid breakfast and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Be Flexible With Weather

Mountain weather can change quickly, especially for helicopter flights.

Sometimes:

• Flight times shift
• Locations change
• Clouds roll in unexpectedly

The couples who enjoy helicopter elopements the most are usually the ones who embrace the adventure side of it all. Some of the moodiest, most emotional heli elopement days we’ve photographed happened in imperfect weather.

Prepare for Wind

This is not the hairstyle day for perfection.

Expect:

• Wind
• Movement
• Wild veil moments
• Hair doing its own thing occasionally

Leaning into the movement and adventure always photographs beautifully.

Helicopter Elopement FAQ

Can You Bring Your Dog to a Helicopter Elopement?

Sometimes, yes! One of the helicopter bases we work with does allow dogs on certain flights, which makes for the most iconic mountain adventure ever.

A few things to know:

• Your dog must usually fit within overall weight allowances (or you might have to purchase them their own seat on the heli)
• Calm temperaments work best
• Dogs should be comfortable around loud noises
• Some landing locations are better suited to dogs than others

We always recommend checking directly with your helicopter provider (and us!) before making plans. But yes, helicopter elopements with dogs are absolutely possible, and we are fully obsessed with them.

Are helicopter elopements safe?

Yes. Reputable helicopter companies in the Canadian Rockies operate with highly trained pilots and strict safety regulations.

You’ll receive a full safety briefing before takeoff, including how to approach the helicopter and what to expect during the flight.

How long does a helicopter elopement last?

Most helicopter experiences include:

• A 6-12 minute flight there and back to the landing spot
• 1-2 hours on the mountains for standard adventures
• 2 hours photo coverage seperate from the heli experience (perfect for getting ready photos or photos at a nearby location)

Can you legally get married during a helicopter elopement?

Absolutely. Most couples either:

• Bring an officiant
• Sign paperwork before or after the heli elopement day and focus on the experience

We help our couples figure out what makes the most sense for their day.

Can we bring guests to our helicopter elopement?

Of course! This will just mean you will have to purchase additional helicopter seats and the cost to hire a mountain guide who will stay with people on the mountain after drop off when the helicopter goes back to get another load. This is a really special way to include some loved ones and give them an incredible experience as well!

Are helicopter elopements worth it?

We may be biased… but absolutely yes.

If your dream is:

• Epic mountain views
• Privacy
• Adventure
• An experience-focused wedding day
• Accessing places most people never get to see

…it’s harrddd to top a helicopter elopement. The experience itself becomes such a huge part of the story.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Helicopter Elopement

Helicopter elopements are equal parts breathtaking, emotional, adventurous, and wildly unforgettable.

And while they can feel intimidating to plan at first, once you know what to expect, they honestly become one of the most seamless ways to experience the mountains in a really intentional way.

At Elope Wilder, we help couples plan helicopter elopements throughout the Canadian Rockies, from location ideas and timelines to what to pack and how to prepare for the adventure.

If you’re dreaming about a heli elopement in Banff, Canmore, Golden, or beyond, we’d absolutely love to help you bring it to life. Contact us today to get started.