Ray and Shar came all the way from Tennessee to Alaska to help create this glacier elopement. They are adventurous, outdoorsy, and always down to explore somewhere new.
The day kicked off on a sunny Alaska summer morning, which feels funny to say when you’re surrounded by snow and ice in every direction. But truly, this was one of those days where the light felt warm on your skin, blue skies all around, and Alaska reminded us that summer here plays by its own rules.
After flying into Anchorage, Ray and Shar had a slow morning getting ready for the big adventure. I have to mention the florals. The colorful blooms by Wild Blossom Design were absolute showstoppers. Bright and bold, they popped beautifully against the icy blues and whites of the glacier. Proof that color thrives there.
Recommended Timeline – Getting Ready (Hours 1–2):
- Wake up at nearby Airbnb and have a slow morning having breakfast and coffee
- Hair, makeup, and getting ready at the Airbnb
- Detail photos and slow moments together before heading out
A relaxed start sets the tone for the entire day, and when you’re heading onto a glacier, that calm energy goes a long way.
Glacier Hike Adventure at Matanuska
Once Ray and Shar were ready, it was time to step out onto Matanuska Glacier. If you’ve never stood on a glacier before, it’s hard to explain the feeling. It’s massive, ancient, and humbling… but also incredibly fun, because yes, you’re hiking across ice on your elopement day and that’s objectively cool.
This part of their glacier elopement was all about leaning into the adventure without overcomplicating it. We let the landscape lead, pausing when something caught their eye and moving when the moment felt right. Sure, hiking on a glacier is wildly adventurous, but it was also deeply intimate. An elopement can be both epic and personal at the same time.
And for couples who love adventure but might be wondering just how far they want to take it, this is where Alaska gives you options. A guided glacier hike like this is perfect if you want to explore on foot and stay connected to the landscape. But if you’re craving something even bigger and itching for next-level adventure… a helicopter elopement is an unreal option.
👉 Check out my full helicopter elopement experience here.
Recommended Timeline – Glacier Adventure (Hours 3–6):
- Travel to Matanuska Glacier
- Guided glacier hike
- Adventure portraits + candid moments on the ice
- Time to explore, warm up, and fully take it all in
This is the heart of the day, the part you’ll still be talking about years from now.
Closing Out Their Glacier Elopement
After hours of exploring the glacier, we headed to a nearby local lake where the ice gave way to still water and mountain reflections. This is one of my favorite ways to end an adventure elopement. This part of the day was all about celebrating. Think cake cutting, a champagne pop, or a private first dance without the crowd.
Every detail was intentionally thought through to show what’s possible when you blend adventure with celebration. It’s a great reminder that an elopement day doesn’t need to be jam-packed. Sometimes the most powerful moments happen when you give yourselves permission to slow down, breathe, and actually enjoy the day you planned.
Recommended Timeline – Celebration (Hours 7–8):
- Travel to a nearby lake or scenic pull-off
- Cake cutting + champagne pop
- First dance and relaxed portraits
- Slow, intentional wrap-up to the day
This elopement session was a styled shoot created for inspiration and education. Styling by Saturn Education Co., with florals by Wild Blossom Design.
Your Alaska Elopement Photographer
Hey, I’m Mattie, an Oregon-based elopement and wedding photographer who loves intentional days and meaningful locations. Whether you’re dreaming up a glacier elopement in Alaska or planning something adventurous and laid-back somewhere wild, I’m all ears. I care deeply about creating an experience that feels true to you, while keeping things relaxed, fun, and maybe cracking a joke when the nerves kick in. I’d love to help bring it to life. Click here to inquire!
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