How to Have an Alaska Glacier Elopement
Eloping in Alaska
Why Elope on a Glacier?
Glaciers are super unreal. For thousands of years they’ve carved the mountains they flow from. They’ve crafted the landscapes we enjoy. The fact that we can hike out to glaciers is pretty amazing and it’s my favorite thing about Alaska. There are so many glaciers to explore!
If a one in a lifetime experience is calling you for your elopement day consider eloping on a glacier. Whether you hike out to one, paddleboard in their bright blue water, climb their walls, or land on one via helicopter you know you are going to have a memorable adventure!
Tips for an Alaska Glacier Elopement
Glacier travel can be tricky. I always recommend having a guide with you if you are deeply exploring a glacier for safety. Lucky for you my partner is a guide and can be along with us on some of the glacier adventures I recommend!
Traction devices or crampons will be required for glacier travel – don’t worry myself or your guides will have you covered. You will also want closed toed boots – hiking boots are preferable and mountaineering boots may be provided.
Next to safety is staying comfortable. Glaciers are naturally cool, but on a warm day they can really reflect the sun and keep you toasty. The key is to bring a warm layer along with you just in case and a rain jacket in case of wind (or rain you never know in Alaska!).
I also recommend rocking some sunscreen and sunglasses on sunny days!
What Glaciers You Can Visit
Matanuska Glacier
My favorite glacier by far, the Matanuska, is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Whether you hike or fly, prepare to be amazed by this beautiful place. You must hire a guide to get out on this glacier for your safety and stoke!
The Matanuska is located about 2 hours northeast of Anchorage over in Glacier View. You can hike to the glacier or take a helicopter. I have adventure-inclusive packages that include hiking, ice climbing, or flying out to this glacier! Check em out!!!
Knik Glacier
Accessible by helicopter, the Knik Glacier is just beautiful. It’s surrounded by mountains and offers adventures like glacier paddle boarding or polar plunges. The Knik is also near an epic iceberg lake so you can land there next and stare out at the surrounding mountains.
The Knik can be accessed via helicopter. My fave company is located in Palmer just north of Anchorage! See my heli-inclusive elopement packages for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Exit Glacier
This is a great option if you want to overlook a glacier without having to hire a guide and hike on it. Great option for bringing guests along on a more accessible adventure – it’s even wheelchair accessible!. You can also opt to hire a guide and go explore the ice!
Exit Glacier can be found on the way to Seward and is accessible via car then trail system.
Spencer Glacier
This glacier offers a ton of adventures from trail systems that lead to iceberg lakes, trails to sweeping overlooks, the option to go kayaking or paddle boarding around icebergs, and even fat tire biking or snowmobiling in the winter!
The most epic part? You gotta get there by train or helicopter! The train leaves from Anchorage and stops in other rad places like Girdwood + multiple glaciers.
Not seeing the glacier that’s on your bucket list? These are just a handful of the glaciers in Alaska – we can make any adventure happen!
Adventures You Can Have on the Glacier
Glaciers offer more adventures than just staring at them in awe and getting beautiful photos. Don’t worry – we will do that too. Here are some of my favorite glacier adventures that you can incorporate into your elopement:
Hiking – Whether you want a mile hike, or an all day adventure, hiking on a glacier is pretty surreal. It can be a great way to immerse yourself in the landscape and discover some really neat features!
Paddle Boarding – That’s right, you can paddleboard in a glacier pool out in the wild. Helicopter companies like Outbound Heli can take you out on such adventures and they are a ton of fun! You can opt to paddle around an iceberg lake as well.
Ice Climbing – If you enjoy climbing or love ice climbing then you may want to try it on a glacier. This can be done on a hike or by helicopter depending on the adventure you are looking for. We may even be able to find a spot where you can rap down into the ice – Alaska canyoneering!
Dog Sledding – Dog sledding isn’t just for winter. You can opt to fly out to a glacier and go dog sledding in a few places! Apart from the adventure you get to play with dogs so what else could you need?
Picnicking – This might be hands down the coolest picnic spot to ever exist. If you are gonna work for the view you better enjoy it and take a lot of time to just take it all in. Why not enjoy it with some lunch?
Helicoptering – Glaciers are most accessible via helicopter. You can even visit multiple glaciers in one day or add in one of the adventures above.
Ready to Elope in Alaska?
I can’t wait to help you plan your adventurous wedding day on a glacier. Let’s take your love on a wild adventure!
