6 Tips on How to Have the Best Alberta Heli Elopement Possible from folks who have been doing this a long while!

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1. Be flexible

 

 Plan to be in the Jasper Hinton area for 3 days, schedule your heli elopement on the morning of the first day and the next day as back up incase the weather isn’t great. Just fyi the best time to fly is the morning, as later in the day the wind will pick up and mountain landings might become impossible. Yes most photographers love the sunset lighting and will want to go later but consider sunrise! Although you’ll have to be up incredibly early the lighting is stunning and winds are favourable! I know it’s difficult to book and hold a photographer or wedding officiant for two days but all you can do is ask. Most photographers love cloud cover, so they won’t be upset if it’s not perfect flying weather. Don’t expect perfect flying weather and no one will be disappointed!

 

2. Invest in a beautiful coat 

 

It's likely going to be cold, even if it's summer it can snow in the mountains and that's why you’re here- for the mountains! So be prepared. So many beautiful weddings we do on the mountain the bride was sporting a coat that did not go with her dress and yes she took it off for photos but….she wished she had something more appropriate, warm and cozy. Your photographer is always taking photos so be ready to look your best and be comfortable. No one wants to freeze on their special day.

 

3. Don’t check the weather forecast

 

Seriously don’t. Unless it’s less than 24hrs in advance the forecast is wildly inaccurate and will change 14 times a day and cause you unnecessary stress- so don’t torture yourself! As pilots we are always checking the forecast and have come to the conclusion that checking it too far in advance is a complete waste of time and creates drama. You’re getting married, it’s a big thing and you don’t need more things to stress about! So don’t. As a rule we do not discuss weather until 1-2 hours before the flight. Don’t call us to discuss weather, and put your time and energy into bringing more joy into your day- after all you’re doing this incredible Alberta Heli Elopement so try to be present in every moment. If we think weather going to be an issue, we’ll be intouch. Let us stress about it.

 

4. Plan for wind

It's going to be windy on the mountain tops. Sometimes, very windy. This means your hairstyle, clothing and everything should be able to withstand it. Fragile curls won’t last! A structured updo, with a bit of holding power would be amazing. Maybe the boho style could wait for the after party?

 

5. Have an epic plan B

 

Even if you have a 2-3 day window, it could be poor weather the entire time. This is extremely unlikely and we haven't had a scenario yet where we couldn't get it done but it could happen. So with the right officiant you can plan a hike into an epic spot. It won’t be as amazing as our Alberta  heli elopements but having a plan B is important to the success of your wedding! Fog and low cloud can ground us from flying or landing on a mountain top but a beautiful ceremony on the ground is beautiful too. We have done some incredible anniversary flights where people bring their wedding attire and do photos.

 

6. Give accurate weights of everything- including yourself and all items you’d like to bring

 

Helicopters are extremely weight sensitive, especially when doing high altitude landings. Don't bring unnecessary items. If you have something important you’d like to bring please let us know well in advance, so we can plan for it. It has happened where people want to bring something along and we couldn’t squeeze it in. Had we known we would have booked a second helicopter or made some allowances but last minute add-ins don’t always work. If there's an item you simply must include in the day maybe a special moment at the end of the day with partner would be best.