For a very remote experience in the Canadian Rockies, take a helicopter to elope on top of a mountain in Abraham Lake.
Abraham Lake is located between Lake Louise and Jasper on the Icefield Parkway by Nordegg. It is on what we call Crown Lands in Canada. It is a local’s hidden gem (not for long) when it comes to camping as you don’t need to book camp sites a year in advance – it is first come first serve – and you just have to buy an annual camping permit online. One of those rare places in the Banff area that is left untouched by the tourists in the summer.
That said, you might have heard this name for a very different reason than the beautiful lake color though, and you would be right! Abraham Lake is primarily known for it’s methane bubbles in the winter time.
Crown lands also means different rules for everything, including the permit to fly drones there. Yes, you heard me! Abraham Lake is one of the only spots where you are allowed to fly a drone in the Canadian Rockies BUT… Because there is a big BUT. There is a helicopter station right in the middle called Rockies Heli Canada.
They have a few locations you can fly to for your elopement day. The location might depend on the weather that day – if one side of the valley is rainy compared to another side for example. They are very experienced pilots and crew and will take your security seriously. If there is any chance something might happen, they won’t fly you, they will re-route or take you back to the base.
One of the locations is called Lake of the Falls. They bring you in a very private valley surrounded by glaciers and overlooking the Lake of the falls. You will be the only people there as they won’t fly two helicopters at the same time at the same spot. Lake of the falls is also accessible by hiking and camping – it would also be possible to helicopter in, camp and hike out.
There is one of their locations that I hadn’t had the chance to shoot an elopement at yet so if you are interested by an helicopter elopement in Abraham lake, shoot me a message and I would love to give you a deal on it!
NB: They do fly in the winter as well!
Pricing for an Abraham Lake Helicopter Elopement
Helicopter packages for Rockies Heli start at 530$CAD+tx/person and my packages start at 1500$CAD+tx (Helicopter not included).
Escaping the Crowds: An Intimate Canadian Rockies Helicopter Elopement
When M&N decided to elope in the Canadian Rockies, they knew exactly what they wanted: raw beauty, dramatic peaks, and total intimacy. Being from out of the country and traveling without family, their priority was a wedding day focused entirely on each other.
They both share a deep love for the outdoors and the mountains, but they wanted to completely avoid the massive crowds that usually comes to Banff. After a consultation call and a few emails, we found the perfect solution: a private helicopter elopement in David Thompson Country.
The Pre-Flight Preparation at Rockies Heli Canada
Their unforgettable day began at the Rockies Heli Canada base. Situated in the heart of the mountains and just a five-minute drive from the iconic shores of Abraham Lake, it serves as the perfect, dramatic launching pad for an adventure wedding.
The incredible team at Rockies Heli was nice enough to let us use a private space on-site for their getting-ready photos. While M&N chose to get ready together, the base’s stunning mountain backdrop makes it an absolutely perfect location for a breathtaking “First Look” before taking flight.
1. Ready for Takeoff
Once ready, the pilot and crew wrap up a quick safety briefing and weight check with all the gear. Don’t worry about packing light, the weight limit is generous enough to bring along a folding table, a celebratory picnic, and a bottle of bubbly.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventure: Want your furry best friend by your side? You don’t have to leave them behind! We can easily fly your pup up to the peak with us so they can be part of your special day.
2. The Scenic Flight & Isolated Landing
Next comes the magic. You’ll embark on a breathtaking 20-minute scenic flight, soaring over the jagged peaks, sweeping valleys, glaciers, and pristine wilderness of David Thompson Country before reaching a completely isolated landing spot.
When you touch down on the mountain, the world is yours. M&N took their time to just breathe, enjoy the views, and explore the rugged terrain around the helicopter.
Craving more adventure? Depending on the location you choose, they can even arrange a guided hike or a horseback ride combine to the helicopter to push the boundaries of your mountain elopement.
3. Vows Above the Clouds
After exploring, they ultimately decided to settle on a picturesque spot that offered a sweeping, panoramic view of a magnificent glacier lake and roaring waterfalls situated far down below. Choosing this exact, idyllic setting, they shared their intimate wedding vows.
We had about an hour and a half on the summit—giving them ample time to take in the scenery, celebrate their union, and capture stunning, epic elopement photography before flying back down for the evening.
4. Apres-Heli Celebrations & Lakeside Picnic
Mountain air breathes life into you, but it also works up an appetite! (And it gets quite cold up there once the sun leaves). Back at the base, they were celebrated on the ground with warm beverages and delicious snacks to heat back up.
To top off the perfect day, we took a scenic drive to a serene spot right by the lake. There, they set up a beautiful picnic, enjoyed their wedding cake, and soaked in the peaceful mountain evening as newlyweds.
Ready to Escape the Banff Crowds?
Your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a tourist attraction. It should feel like an adventure. If you love the mountains but want a secluded, intentional experience in the Canadian Rockies, a helicopter elopement is the ultimate way to say “I do.”
Whether you want to bring your dog, hike the ridges, or pop champagne on a private peak, let’s create a day that is entirely yours.