Looking for the perfect atmosphere for your wedding? Take your special day to another level with our guide to planning a hot air balloon wedding ceremony.
Last updated February 5, 2024
Want to take your love to new heights? Having a hot air balloon wedding is a unique way to say “I do” from high above. Not only will you be up, up and away in the sky, you’ll be alone in a beautiful setting with just you and your new spouse (plus a pilot and/or officiant, of course).
As for the logistics of having a wedding in a hot air balloon, there are a few different options. Depending on the location and packages offered, you may have your ceremony on the ground then go for the hot air balloon ride, or you may get married in the actual air if your officiant comes along (or if the pilot is ordained to perform the wedding ceremony).
Here’s how to plan a hot air balloon wedding so your lives together are off to a soaring start.
The first step to planning a hot air balloon wedding is locating a balloon field near you that offers wedding packages. If you’re interested in making a trip out of it, you could also travel and have a destination hot air balloon wedding in a beautiful setting.
Most hot air balloon wedding packages include items like:
How many people can attend your hot air balloon ceremony depends on the size of the balloon and how many guests the pilot is comfortable bringing along. Some hot air balloons will allow you to bring two guests, while others are large enough to hold 30 people (with you and your fiance included). Always call ahead to confirm how many people are safely allowed to come along for the ride.
Alternatively, you can incorporate a hot air balloon into your reception by renting it out for the evening and allowing your guests to take turns going for a ride.
How much you’ll spend on a hot air balloon wedding depends on where you’re getting married. Costs can vary greatly between locations. It will also depend which package you select. For example, a package at a popular Phoenix, Arizona company costs between $1,250 and $5,100 per couple. The most exclusive package includes the officiant, photography, and videography, as well as post-flight Champagne and a catered meal for two. (Each additional guest you bring costs about $500 extra.)
On the East Coast, a Vermont-based hot air balloon company offers wedding elopement packages that include a two-night hotel stay and a ceremony in the balloon with the pilot officiating starting at $1,275. During non-COVID times, you can bring along up to 10 guests for an additional $225 per person.
Just remember: Always confirm the price ahead of time and read all the fine print in the contract before signing up for anything.
Hot air balloon rides are generally considered safe, but accidents can happen. Always confirm you’re flying with a reputable company with skilled and trained pilots with a lot of experience. Read reviews online from other couples. If you’re nervous, make sure there’s a clause in the contract that allows you to change your flight or cancel due to inclement weather.
Since you’ll be getting married off the ground, you may want to pay special attention to your attire.
Even if you don’t have the actual ceremony in a hot air balloon, you can still incorporate one into your wedding day.
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