Alaska glacier elopement guide: Everything you need to know
If a day surrounded by nature with a dash adventure is up your alley, then an Alaska glacier elopement might just be the perfect experience for you!
If you’re looking for tips to help you elope on a glacier just know that your in the right place! This guide will help take the mystery out of tying the knot on some Alaska most ancient pieces of ice. Allowing you to spend more time doing the things that you love. So if your ready let’s get into it!
Glaciers are one of the many attractions that Alaska has to offer, and with good reason. These towering pieces of ice are not only beautiful, but also play a key role in water supply. (Fun fact- glaciers store 75% of the worlds fresh water.) Therefore, it is important to leave these beautiful chunks of ice in the same condition that we found them. That way future generations have the ability to explore and experience these magical places just like you and me! This practice is called leave no trace and is one of my biggest priorities as a photographer.
A quick breakdown on what will be covered inside this guide.
- The best time of year to elope on a glacier in Alaska
- What to bring with you for your elopement
- How to access a glacier for your elopement in Alaska
- How to make sure your ceremony is legal
- Fun activities you can do while on the glacier
- How to maximize your time and create a timeline for your day
- My favorite elopement vendors in Alaska
How to access a Alaska glacier for an elopement
Alaska is also home to an abundant number of glaciers. Each one located in separate town’s across the state. Accessibility from one to another varies as many are only accessible by helicopter but a few can be reached on foot. Listed below, are some of the many glaciers located in Alaska.
- Knik Glacier- Palmer, Alaska
- Matanuska Glacier- Glacier View, Alaska
- Portage Glacier- Portage Valley, Alaska
- Exit Glacier- Seward, Alaska
- Mendenhall Glacier- Juneau, Alaska
- Grewingk Glacier- Homer, Alaska
A helicopter tour is generally the preferred method for glacier viewing. They provides an efficient way for visitors to see larger sections of a glacier in a short amount of time. For example many Alaska helicopter companies have packages that include multiple site landings. Which in turn allows you to take in the beauty from several different vantage points.
The two helicopter companies that I am most familiar with are Outbound Heli and Alaska Helicopter tours. These two companies are known for going above and beyond for couples and provide trips primarily out to the Knik Glacier.
Start to finish planning steps and logistic tips
First things first, you’ll want to narrow down your vision. I recommend starting this portion off by choosing a town or a location that that is ideal for the needs of your day. For example if your wanting a quick turn and burn style trip I recommend eloping on the Knik. You can fly into the Ted Stevens airport in Anchorage. Then drive north for about an hour to your chosen helicopter companies base. From there you’ll check in and you’ll be on your way in no time!
After settling on a location you’ll want to determine a date unless you’ve already chosen one before step 1. The date you choose will play a key role in determining accessibility to the glacier of your choice. For this reason most couples plan their elopement between May and October.
Next, you’ll want to ensure you have all of the necessary items for your glacier elopement in Alaska. This includes attire, rings, documents, foot wear and a comfy jacket just in case things get a little chilly out there. The helicopter company will provide you with crampons to use while out on the ice so don’t worry about packing your own. They got you!
Finally, you’ll want to reach out to vendors and find ones that fit into your overall elopement vision. If you are struggling to find vendors for the Alaska area, I’ve listed a few of my favorites below!
Florists
Planner
Videographers
Hair and Makeup
- Glam by Cathy
- Kierra Manion MUA
- Dollhouse AK
- AK upstyles
How to have a legal elopement ceremony in Alaska
To get a marriage license in Alaska you will either apply in person or online. Once complete you’ll need to pay the $60 fee and then wait 3 days. After that you’ll be able to pick up your license and it will be good for 90 days.
For your ceremony you’ll need to have an officiant and at least one witness present. If this isn’t feasible for your elopement you can always do a mock style ceremony the day of.
How to maximize time during your Alaska glacier elopement
Creating a flexible timeline is a great way to maximize time during your elopement. When you have a flexible timeline in place it provides space for your day to flow more freely. It can also provide you with peace of mind in the case that certain portions of your day run long.
Timeline examples for a glacier elopement in Alaska
6 hour elopement timeline with 2 hour helicopter tour
4pm – Finishing touches of couple getting ready
5pm – First look photos at the airbnb
5:30pm – Head to ceremony location at
6pm- Arrive at helicopter check in
6:45pm – Land on the glacier and find a ceremony location
7:15 pm – Wrap up photos at location one and head to location two
8:45pm- Arrive back at the airbnb and toast marshmallows on a fire
10pm – Party wraps up
8 Hour elopement timeline with 4 hour helicopter tour
1:30 pm – Finishing touches of couple getting ready photos
3:30pm – First look photos at airbnb
3:30pm – Head to the glacier
4:30pm- Fly to location and find a good spot for ceremony
5:00pm- Take some photos around location one before heading to location two
8:30pm – Finish exploring the glacier
9:30pm – Dinner and hot tub back at the airbnb
9:30pm – Party wraps up
Bonus: Unique activities you can do while on the glacier
And just when you think eloping in Alaska can’t get any cooler it does. While out on the glacier you can take on the views or you can even add on another layer of adventure to your day. I mean how stinking rad would it be to paddle board on an icy blue glacier pool or dig in with your ice picks for a quick climb. Sounds pretty epic to me!
Be safe and have fun!
Exploring a glacier does come with some risk, but with an experienced guide it can be an enjoyable and safe experience for all. For that reason I will always recommend a guide for these fun icy adventures.
Finally its time, take all the information I’ve shared with you and get to planning your very own Alaska glacier elopement. I hope you have a blast while planning it all out and if your in need of a photographer hit me up!
