Richardson Glacier Heli Wedding

Richardson Glacier lies within Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, in the heart of the Southern Alps. It's reached only by helicopter, which lands directly on the glacier — a pristine world of ancient ice and snow ringed by New Zealand's highest peaks.

There's nowhere quite like it. You exchange your vows standing on ancient ice, surrounded by snowfields and towering peaks, in a place few people will ever set foot. It's private, dramatic and utterly unforgettable — a truly once-in-a-lifetime setting.

Roughly 15 to 25 minutes each way, depending on your departure point, climbing over glaciers and alpine valleys into the national park. You'll have around 45 to 60 minutes on the glacier for your ceremony and photographs before the flight back.

Yes. There's no residency or citizenship requirement to marry in New Zealand, and most visitors travel on an NZeTA visa waiver. I arrange your New Zealand marriage licence and all the paperwork, and your marriage is recognised back home — I'll guide you through every step.

Safety always comes first, and the pilot has the final say. Glacier weather changes quickly, so if we can't fly we move to a beautiful alternative or reschedule, and the helicopter cost is refunded. I always build flexibility into your day.

Wear what makes you feel wonderful, but bring warm layers and grippy, flat footwear — you'll be standing on snow and ice, and it's cold at altitude even in summer. A jacket or wrap for photographs helps. I'll talk you through the conditions beforehand.

The glacier holds snow and ice year-round, so it's spectacular in every season. Spring and summer bring the most settled flying, while the colder months offer a pure white wonderland. Every flight depends on conditions and the pilot's approval on the day.

Yes — marry as just the two of you, or bring up to four guests (six people in total including you both). Guests travel on the helicopter too, subject to the aircraft's weight and seating limits for the landing. I'll confirm exactly what's possible for your day.

Yes. I work only with CAA-certified operators and hugely experienced alpine pilots, and every flight carries full insurance. The pilot always has the final say on the day — if conditions aren’t right to fly safely, we simply move to a beautiful alternative rather than take any risk. Your safety comes first, always.