A Breathtaking New Year’s Day Heli Mountain Elopement at Franz Josef Glacier
- Tanya Salter-Anderson
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
What better way to start the year than with an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes? Marcel and Hannah’s heli mountain elopement wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, commitment and nature at its most awe-inspiring.
Their special day began in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier, with the help of the expert team at Inflite. We departed around lunchtime, taking to the skies in a helicopter that whisked us away across the breathtaking Southern Alps. The flight alone felt like something out of a dream. We soared over the mighty Great Divide, with sparkling formations of ice and jagged peaks spreading endlessly in all directions.
The Wedding Ceremony at the Top of the Tasman Glacier
Our destination? The very top of the Tasman Glacier. Here, surrounded by nothing more than majestic peaks and endless blue skies, Marcel and Hannah exchanged their vows.
It was just the couple, their celebrant, the helicopter pilot and me. The intimacy of the moment was unforgettable. With not a soul in sight, the raw beauty of the glacier served as both their venue and witness. The weather couldn’t have been better—clear, calm and showcasing the kind of natural splendour that words can barely capture.
The ceremony itself was deeply moving. Marcel and Hannah’s love for each other filled the air. The vows they shared were heartfelt, and the peaceful silence of the mountains amplified every word.
Afterward, they popped a bottle of champagne to mark the occasion. Watching them toast their future together against that epic alpine backdrop was a picture-perfect moment.
Capturing the Magic of a Heli Mountain Elopement at Franz Josef Glacier
Once the vows were exchanged and the champagne toasted, it was time to capture some photos. There’s something magical about photographing couples in such an awe-inspiring environment. Marcel and Hannah's down-to-earth personalities and their deep appreciation for the mountains made my job as a photographer an absolute joy.
With the glacier behind them, every shot was more stunning than the last. They were so natural together—it felt less like a photoshoot and more like capturing two people genuinely enjoying their moment in an extraordinary place.
Once our work at the glacier was wrapped up, we boarded the helicopter once again and headed back to Franz Josef. But the adventure wasn’t over yet!
A Picturesque Escape to Lake Mapourika
Back on solid ground, we made our way to Lake Mapourika, a hidden gem just a short distance from Franz Josef Glacier. The lake, surrounded by lush greenery and reflecting the distant peaks like a mirror, proved to be the perfect setting for more photos.
Marcel and Hannah strolled along the tranquil lakeside, sharing quiet moments and taking in the scenery. The contrast between the icy grandeur of the glacier and the serene beauty of the lake added incredible variety to their wedding gallery.
A Love Story to Remember
Marcel and Hannah’s New Year’s Day elopement was the kind of story that reminds me why I do what I do. Their adventurous spirits, love for nature, and genuine affection for one another made their wedding a joy to photograph.
From the mountaintop ceremony on the Tasman Glacier to the peaceful beauty of Lake Mapourika, their day was nothing short of magical. It was an honor to capture these moments for them and to be part of such an extraordinary beginning to their married life.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as adventurous as your love story, why not consider a heli mountain elopement? Whether it’s on New Year’s Day or any other, an elopement surrounded by nature’s grandeur is an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Are you planning your own mountain adventure elopement? I’d love to help capture your story. Contact me to learn more about how we can make your dream wedding a reality.
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