Matanuska Glacier: The Ultimate Alaska Wedding Experience
If you are searching for an Alaska elopement experience that feels raw, adventurous, and unforgettable, a Matanuska Glacier elopement is one of the most iconic options available. Just about two hours from Anchorage, this accessible glacier offers towering blue ice, sweeping mountain views, and a true sense of Alaska wilderness without requiring a major expedition(ish). Lets face it, Not everyone has a 10k budget to hire a private helicopter excursion to a private off grid location on the glacier, luckily that's not your only option! There is another way, and it only costs about $100 per person.
Matanuska Glacier Tours : https://glacier-tours.com/
Offers year round tours to the glacier with a guide to ensure your safety. Tours generally last 1-3 hours and include helmets, hats, spikes and a smile!
Located conveniently 2.5 hours from Anchorage, along a scenic drive through the mountains - any time of year will offer stunning views + opportunities to gas up (Palmer) or pull into a dive bar for a local brew afterwards to warm up!
No matter when you are planning to say I-DO in Alaska, the experience and raw beauty never disappoints!
When Should I plan a Glacier Elopement in Alaska?
Are you hoping to catch the blooms of Alaska wildflowers in the summer? - Consider June thru August to make the most of the warmth and endless sunshine!
Maybe your vibe is fall oranges against snow capped mountains? I recommend Mid September for that perfect middle ground between Freakin' COLD and a comfortable brisk air.
Want winter wonderland, Ice caves and fur coats - You are in luck 9 months out of the year (kidding...kinda)
The Matanuska Glacier is a living breathing force of nature, and never looks the same two seasons in a row as the ice moves and shifts and melts and freezes throughout the year..That means your photos will always be unique.
Summer Months in Alaska mean a lot of ice melt, and the face of the ice will offer deeper blues, and black sedimentary silt. This will bring DRAMA to your backdrop and beautiful contrast in your photos.
Alaska adventure elopements don't always have to be a challenging expedition to get the epic views Alaska offers. What I love about working with the Matanuska Tours team is that they make it as easy and accessible for kids to the elderly.
The drive is a straight shot from Palmer and accurate on maps - no 4WD needed (depending on snow conditions).
The check in lodge offers snacks, knick nacks, and bathrooms to guests, once you are good to go, they send you through to the main base.
What I recommend bringing in:
- A warm hat
- Your own gloves
- Water
- Boots with grip
- Insulated jacket
- Hand warmers
- Chapstick...trust me.
Alaska weather can be spicy and unpredictable, its always better to be over prepared than to be under prepared. Your car should have blankets, dry food, an emergency kit and water just in case. Make sure your car was filled up in Palmer, and that you have extra cozy socks. You never know if you will get stuck in traffic or a sudden fresh dump of snow!
Helicopter companies can range from 3k-8k for a private one of a kind experience on the Matanuska and Knik glaciers, and I will say if that is in your budget, its 100% worth the investment.
Clients interested in a full scale Alaska Adventure Helicopter Elopement should consider contacting Sheep Mountain Lodge (and please hire me to come along and take your photos).
But for those of us who are on a budget, you have the walking tour at your fingertips. Especially Alaskan locals who are offered a bit of a discount with ID.
For Alaska Locals the Breakdown is;
Per Person: $65.00
Florals: $150+ (Or DIY at Carrs in Wasilla)
Officiant: $150-250
That's literally it.
There is no wrong way to say I-DO.
You deserve the wedding photos of your dreams.
Lets tell YOUR story.
When you're ready, I'm waiting to hear from you!
Start planning your epic Alaska Glacier Elopement with me, and we can yap about every little detail.
