Looking for a unique, ethereal elopement experience?
Wow, I just got back from my trip to Alaska, and one of my stops while there was at the Matanuska Glacier, a stunning blue/white glacier that stretches for miles. It was absolutely gorgeous! If you are a couple who loves the idea of adventuring on to ice, doesn't mind the cool air breezing through, and you both live in or desperately want to visit Alaska, this is the place for you.
When I first went to Alaska as a 9th grader with my dad, one of my key memories was kayaking through glacier ice near Kenai, Alaska. At the time, I didn't realize that I could have gotten married on the ice! Now, my wedding has already passed, but it's not too late for you! Whether you are planning your elopement (or you just want a fantastic place to take scenic senior, couple's, or anniversary photos) consider the Matanuska Glacier. And I can guarantee you that I'm bringing my husband back for photos next year!
In this blog post, I will walk you through exactly how to elope in Alaska (particularly at the glacier), what to expect, and then I'll show you photos that I took while I was there! Here's your quick reminder: if you are currently planning your elopement, typically guided and travel fees will replace typical venue fees (wedding venues can cost between $2,000 and $10,000), so expect these to be your highest costs!
Matanuska Glacier
This glacier is located about 2 hours from the airport in Anchorage, AK. It is a valley glacier about 27 miles long and 4 miles wide. This glacier is so accessible you can almost drive right to it!
This glacier specifically is primarily accessed by hiking in (drive to get close and then book a hiking tour), or by helicopter in. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each!
Matanuska Glacier near Sutton, AK
For Sav and RJ's elopement photos, we hiked in through Glacier-tours.com and this was our view!
01.
Hiking In
It's important to note that you cannot simply hike onto the glacier yourself - you will need to book a tour. I recommend booking your tour directly through Glacier-tours.com. General group tours start at $150 per person (with discounts for AK residents, active military, and children 14 and under), and private tours start at $250 per person. Expect to see groups of people throughout your visit - this option is not 100% private, but groups tend to keep their distance from one another.
In the summer, the tour guides will recommend long pants with light layers, and trail shoes of some sort. They will give you crampons (spikes to put on your shoes) to help grip the ice better as you walk on it. You will also be given a helmet, and a hiking stick upon request. Expect that the ice will be fairly cool, and may also be slippery!
You can take larger groups if you'd like to include your family, friends, and/or bridal party - just make sure to check in with the tour company in advance to get a number of how many people you can take!
02.
Helicopter Tour
Your other option for the Matanuska Glacier is to fly via helicopter to a more remote location on the glacier! This ensures that you have the upmost privacy as you share your vows and exchange rings. I recommend booking with Matanuska Glacier Helicopters for the best experience! Tour pricing varies widely depending on which tour you'd like to go with and how long you'd like to remain on the ice, so the prices range from $249-1,000 per person. For an elopement, look at these helicopter options: The Bucket List Helicopter Experience ($1,350 for 3 people and 1-2 hours on ice), Matanuska Glacier Overnight Luxury Camping ($999 for 3 people, overnight on ice), and the Ultimate Helicopter Glacier Tour ($1995 for 3 people, 5 hours on ice). Helicopters can typically take only 3 people at a time, which includes you both and your photographer!
If you'd like to go the helicopter route, I recommend keeping your ceremony intimate with just you both and your photographer, and then choosing an Airbnb or state park reception, or having a bigger reception back at home!
Yes, this plane actually flew over!
Exchanging vows in front of the glacier
Groom at the Matanuska Glacier
Can I elope in a state I don't live in?
YES! Your marriage will be legal in any state, so long as you get married legally in the state. So, if you're from Oregon, you can legally get married in Alaska so long as you follow the Alaska marriage license rules.
Another option is that you could have a courthouse wedding at your local courthouse in the state you live in, and then drive/fly to Alaska for your solemnizing ceremony!
How do I get my marriage license in AK?
You must submit a marriage application to an Alaska Court or the Vital Records Office in Anchorage or Juneau ($69), wait three days before picking up the license, and then you can get married! (The application is linked below)
You can perform an official ceremony at a courthouse as well, and then have a symbolic ceremony out on the ice, so that you don't have to bring an officiant out if you don't want. Two witnesses are also required, but this could be your guide and your photographer!
The license must be turned in after three months, but it is valid during that entire period! The license can be submitted in person or by mail to an Alaska Vital Records Office. You will then want your marriage certificate ($30)!
Other AK Elopement Ideas
Matanuska Glacier: Ice Climbing
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If glacier hikes aren't thrilling enough for you, look into ice climbing options! At Matanuska, you'll want to look into MICA Guides, where rates start at $294 per person. They will teach you how to safely climb and have fun with it!
Kenai Fjords NP: Kayaking
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If you're looking for a spot to kayak through glaciers, look at your options with kayaking through Kenai Fjords! You will probably want to book a tour through a guide for this one. This is what I did way back in 9th grade, and it was the prettiest sight!
Prince William Sound: Day Cruise
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This deluxe option is about 1.5 hours from Anchorage, and boasts insane tidewater glaciers. Cruises are typically 4-5 hours and vary in price, depending on whether you choose from high-speed catamarans or private yacht charters.
Knik Glacier: ATV Tour
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The Knik Glacier is 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, and you can do almost anything on it! I'd look into the 49th State Motor Tours for a full-day experience on ATVs (6-8 hours), with rates starting at $380 per person.
Punchbowl Glacier: Dogsledding
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