Banff Elopement Photographers
Robyn and Ray
The Magic of a Banff Helicopter Elopement
This is a story of a couple who wanted to step outside the norm and get married in an adventurous and spontaneous way. They had always wanted to get married among Banff’s towering peaks, so when they reached out to us, we helped them plan the helicopter elopement of their dreams.
There’s something wild and beautiful about standing on top of a mountain and saying your vows as the wind moves around you and the sun spills over the peaks. This Banff helicopter elopement with Robyn and Ray was one of those days—quiet, breathtaking, and full of intentional moments.
Sunrise at 8,000 Feet: The Helicopter Adventure Begins
We met Robyn and Ray at the Rockies Heli base in the early hours of the morning. The outlines of the mountains slowly came to light as we were prepping for our flight. Soaring through the skies we spotted our destination, a flat ledge with 360 views of the Rockies. The perfect place to explore for an elopement day!
As the helicopter landed and we stepped out of the machine, the sky exploded in a swirl of pinks, purples and oranges. The perfect backdrop for some silhouettes to start off our adventure.
Robyn wore sneakers with her new initials on them and a flowy silk dress, allowing her to fun through the mountain meadows with ease. We explored the landscape until we found the perfect spot perched up on a cliff to say their private vows to one another. Banff National Park can be a busy location in the summer months, but this spot outside the park and only accessible by helicopter ensured that we were the only humans for miles.
A Lakeside Ceremony in Banff National Park
After the flight, we made our way to their second location for their legal ceremony: Bow Lake in Banff National Park. We met up with Klaus, their officiant and walked out to the shore. It was such a calm day in the mountains, which created the most beautiful reflection of Crowfoot Mountain behind them.
With the calm water and peaceful atmosphere, the world felt still. As if in this moment, this was the only thing happening in the world. The ceremony was everything they were hoping it to be: intimate, present and grounded in nature. Purple wildflowers and the sound of the river behind us set the scene.
Why a Split-Location Elopement Works So Well
Having two locations on an Adventure elopement like this has its benefits for a few reasons:
- Mixing adventure with calm. The helicopter portion of the day was filled with movement and exploration. Whilethe drive-up location added a slower, more grounded pace to the day.
- Outfit changes and varied backdrops in photos. Robyn had two different dresses she wanted to wear on the day, and she was able to change for the second location to get some variety in her photos.
- Adding meaning and balance. 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
When considering a helicopter elopement in the Rockies, here are a few things to consider:
- We always suggest booking a sunrise or sunset timeslot for incredible light.
- Choose a helicopter company with alpine landing permits. You can be quite restricted in the National Parks, so we recommend going with a company like Rockies Heli, which is located outside of the park.
- Dress in layers. Mountain conditions can change quickly at elevation. We always suggest packing warm layers and good footwear for the flight.
- Consider a second location for vows or a legal ceremony. It’s often much calmer at a lower elevation, so saving your ceremony for a location on the ground can be a good idea. This also means you have more time on the mountain top to explore for photos.
This day was so magical, and we feel so lucky to have been there to document it. Weddings at this pace are so beautiful to experience and a beautiful alternative to a traditional busy day with hurried timelines and lots of guests. So if you are seeking something more personal, unhurried and focused on nature, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Vendors:
Photography: Willow and Wolf
Helicopter: Rockies Heli
Officiant: Klaus Ohlhoff
