Love knows no bounds, and for adventurous souls seeking a unique way to exchange their vows, eloping at a glacier in Alaska is an extraordinary choice. Alaska, with its rugged beauty and breathtaking landscapes, offers an unparalleled setting for an intimate elopement ceremony. Among the myriad of breathtaking locations, glaciers stand out as majestic natural wonders, providing a backdrop that is both ethereal and awe-inspiring. Join us while we re-live Amie & Dave’s customized glacier elopement at Matanuska Glacier, while also talking to some important points when you plan on eloping at Matanuska Glacier.
- Choose the Perfect Glacier:
Alaska is home to numerous glaciers, each with its own distinct charm. When selecting the perfect glacier for your elopement, consider factors such as accessibility, scenic beauty, and safety. Popular options include the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, the Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, or the awe-inspiring Matanuska Glacier. Research each location to find the one that resonates with your vision and preferences.
Amie and Dave didn’t know they would be eloping at Matanuska glacier. At least not until Dave won a 2 week Alaskan vacation and a glacier tour was part of his prize. There are many glaciers in Alaska. A majority of them are inaccessible due to their high altitude and remote locations. Some are accessible by bush plane or helicopter. Few are accessible by taking a quick walk up to the face, while exploring crevasses and the deep blue hues of the ice.
When Amie reached out about eloping at Matanuska glacier (sans helicopter), I obviously jumped for joy. What an adventure for such a magnificent occasion! I got to work booking a private guided tour with MICA Guides out of Glacier View, Alaska. Their special day and vision was starting to come together. - Embrace the Adventure:
Eloping in Alaska is not just about exchanging vows; it’s about embracing the spirit of adventure. Prepare for an experience that will leave you breathless, both metaphorically and literally. Ensure you are adequately prepared with proper gear, clothing, and a knowledgeable guide if necessary.
Not being from Alaska or ever having been on a glacier, the first question Amie and Dave asked was “How do we do this and where do we start? What do we wear and what gear do we need? What about weather? What if…”
The thing about Alaska, is that the weather will change every 5 minutes. You can’t predict the adventures you’ll have when you embark on a journey. Up here in the north, we embrace the chaos and the unknown that is waiting for us outside. Alaska is wild and raw and untouched, and for many that mystery of the unknown is what draws people. That, and the scenery is unreal wherever you look.
To answer their questions, I read what MICA Guides requires (hiking boots over the ankle, eye protection, helmet, etc.) and told Amie and Dave about those requirements. As an Alaskan versed in Alaskan weather, I also advised:- Rain jacket
- Base layers for warmth
- A dry change of clothes
- Gloves & maybe some hand warmers
- Shoulder covering (since she was hiking in her wedding dress)
- Capturing Timeless Memories (Hire Your Favorite Photographer!):
One of the greatest advantages of eloping at a glacier is the opportunity to capture stunning, unique photographs that will forever immortalize your special day. The juxtaposition of the icy landscape against your love-filled moments creates a captivating visual narrative. Hire a professional photographer who specializes in outdoor and landscape photography to ensure that your memories are preserved in the most breathtaking way possible.
HERE I AM! Kidding, kind-of. When you are looking and considering local photographers for eloping on a glacier, you want to make sure that they are:
- A knowledgeable photographer. Enough Said.
- A photographer that has solid suggestions for helping book, organize, coordinate, and assemble every detail of your wedding day to the highest standard.
- A photographer that is willing to make suggestions for small changes or thinking “outside the traditional box” to help elevate the experience and memories.
- A photographer who will handle all the stressful parts so you don’t have to, while still maintaining contact to make exactly sure everyone is on board.
- A photographer with clear and consistent communication. Keep everyone on the same page and make sure the details are handled!
Amie and Dave were coming to Alaska on a cruise, so the time between their arrival and elopement was about 8 hours. Unfortunately, this was a tough point and was causing them so much stress. Typically weddings take months, but we manage to pull together a fully customized elopement day in a MONTH! Some things fall together because they’re meant to, and that’s the only way I can state that fate definitely intervened. Within the first week we had lined up the officiant, the glacier tour, and chatted special details and florals. The rest was left in my hands and deliver I did.
- A Personalized Ceremony:
An elopement at a glacier provides an intimate setting where you can craft a truly personalized ceremony. Let the surroundings inspire you as you exchange heartfelt vows and promise eternal love amidst the serenity and grandeur of nature. It also provides an incredibly unique location to offer different alternatives for things like dessert or snacks and other traditions.
For Amie and Dave’s glacier elopement, we packed in a small biolite campstove and roasted s’mores in front of the glacier. We popped a bottle of bubbly on the glacier. We even toasted with Captain Morgan and Coke! All these details were personal to Amie and Dave, but elevated their experience.
This is my goal with every wedding and elopement I help to coordinate. With years of local event planning and coordination experience, I know what makes the gold standard and I don’t settle for less. - Environmental Respect and Sustainability:
As you plan your elopement at a glacier, it is crucial to prioritize environmental respect and sustainability. Glaciers are delicate ecosystems that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Choose vendors and guides who prioritize sustainable practices, and make sure to leave no trace behind during your visit.
When you’re eloping at Matanuska Glacier, you walk on a trail that has delicate wildflowers on the sides. The guides also do an incredible job of sharing their knowledge about the glacier recession, modifications to access the glacier, and informing everyone about proper practices.
While we popped bubbly and roasted mallows, we also packed out everything we brought in. Even the fire ashes. Even the bottle cork. Small things add up, and we want to preserve this space for years to come!
Eloping at Matanuska Glacier in Alaska is a remarkable way to celebrate your love and embark on an unforgettable adventure. From the moment you set foot on the glacier to the exchange of vows amidst awe-inspiring landscapes, this unique experience will be a true core memory. Embrace the adventure, immerse yourself in the magic of nature, and embark on a journey that symbolizes the beauty and strength of your love.
