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“A few months before his trip to Iceland, Laurent reached out to me with a crystal-clear vision: he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Axelle, after a breathtaking helicopter ride that would land them on a glacier. From the moment we spoke, I knew I wanted to help bring this extraordinary dream to life. It was the perfect plan.
Both Laurent and Axelle are avid adventurers, so it made sense that their engagement would reflect their shared love for exploration. Laurent was certain that proposing on a glacier would make their trip unforgettable, and I couldn’t agree more. Together, we meticulously planned every detail of the day to ensure everything unfolded seamlessly.
When the big day arrived, we met at the airport. To keep the surprise intact, I pretended to be just another passenger who happened to have a passion for photography. Axelle didn’t suspect a thing! As we boarded the helicopter, their excitement was contagious, making it even harder for me to contain my nerves.
The flight to the glacier was magical, but the real moment of wonder began when we landed. While Laurent distracted Axelle, the pilot and I prepared for the surprise. Behind the helicopter, the pilot brought out her saxophone and began playing a beautiful melody. The atmosphere was surreal—Axelle was completely captivated by the music, and I started capturing candid shots of them without being noticed.
When Laurent was ready to propose, he got down on one knee. But in a funny twist, Axelle didn’t notice right away because she was too focused on the saxophone performance! It made for such a lighthearted, joyful moment that perfectly matched the adventurous spirit of the day.
It was an unforgettable experience and a privilege to help create such a magical memory for two incredible people.” Lisa, the photographer
Why did you choose this location to propose?
Laurent: We traveled to Iceland in January 2023, and it remains the most beautiful trip of our lives. Walking on the ice, alone among unreal landscapes, deeply moved us. It could only be there.
Was the proposal a surprise?
Laurent: Absolutely, even the trip was a surprise. We were in Greece, supposed to stay for two weeks, and one morning I simply told her: “Change of plans. I’ve got this now.” And we headed to the airport.
What were the biggest challenges you faced planning a proposal abroad?
Laurent: The biggest challenge was keeping the secret. My girlfriend can always tell when I’m lying, so I had to protect the surprise by choosing silence over making up stories. Planning something like this over several months is really hard… but it went perfectly.
What advice would you give to others thinking of planning a proposal in this location?
Laurent: Make sure you have a plan B and allow at least five days. The weather is unpredictable, so you have to be flexible and ready to adapt.
What advice would you give to others planning a proposal abroad?
Laurent: It depends on how you see things, but do your research and try to prepare everything in advance. My idea seemed crazy at first — being alone on a glacier, with a photographer and even a helicopter. But after countless calls, I finally found the people who shared my vision and helped make it real.
Did you already have a ring? Was it a surprise or did you buy it together?
Laurent: Yes. We had visited several jewelry houses together about a year before the proposal, just to get an idea of her taste in case it ever happened. But that was it — everything else was a complete surprise.
Any fun stories you’d like to share about the proposal?
Laurent: I had prepared a speech… and completely messed it up. Somehow, that made it even more perfect.
Tell us a bit about the location
Lisa, the photographer: Laurent chose the glacier location. He had the vision for a proposal after a helicopter ride landing on a glacier, and we built the plan around his idea.
Helicopter companies handle landing permissions and any required permits for glacier sites. You don’t need to arrange special landowner permissions yourself; the operator takes care of it as part of the private tour booking. Access is easy by helicopter from Reykjavik or nearby airports, but impossible on foot or by regular vehicle. Private landings keep it quiet and secluded. You avoid crowds since it’s not a public hiking spot; only your group is there.
How did you approach capturing photos of the proposal and still keeping it a surprise?
Lisa, the photographer: I posed as a regular passenger with a camera interest to stay undercover. This kept Axelle from suspecting anything. I captured candid shots during the flight and landing, then continued discreetly while the pilot played saxophone to set the scene. Laurent distracted her until the perfect moment.
The pilot helped execute the surprise by bringing and playing the saxophone. No one else joined in planning; Laurent coordinated with me directly, and we looped in the helicopter operator for logistics.
What are your top tips for planning a proposal in this area?
Lisa, the photographer: Book a private helicopter tour with landing included; companies like Glacier Heli offer specific proposal packages. Share your vision early so they customize timing and spot.
Coordinate with a photographer experienced in these setups to blend in and capture everything naturally. Prepare backups for weather changes; Iceland’s conditions shift fast, so have flexible dates.
Keep details minimal with your partner; surprises work best with few people in the know.
Best time of year: Summer (June-August) gives long daylight, milder weather, and more reliable flights. Winter offers dramatic snow scenes but higher cancellation risk from storms.
Any other advice or tips you would like to share based on your experience?
Lisa, the photographer: Pack warm layers even in summer; glaciers stay cold with wind chill from the flight. Bring motion sickness aids if needed for the helicopter. Discuss ring details with your photographer beforehand to ensure safe, quick shots during the knee-down moment.
Trust the process and enjoy it; these adventures create stories you’ll retell forever. Budget for the full experience, including helicopter (often 2000-4000 EUR) and photography coverage.
The Vendors:
Photography: Lisa DiGiglio
Helicopter: Lena
Ring: Hana and the Blue Box
