Eloping on Matanuska Glacier in Matanuska Valley — Palmer, Alaska

The Matanuska Glacier is a sizable glacier located in the Matanuska Valley of Alaska. It is one of the few glaciers on the planet that is easily accessible by car! The glacier was first explored and studied in the twentieth century, though it had been known of for quite some time prior. Like many glaciers around the globe, Matanuska Glacier has been affected by climate change and is not as massive as it once was.
Pack your hiking shoes! Guided tours of Matanuska Glacier are offered, which are the only way to access the glacier itself. This is how you’ll be able to elope on the glacier! Our guide was absolutely amazing - she led us to, in her opinion, the “most beautiful photo spot” on the Glacier.

Our tour guide led us to this absolutely stunning location, where we were alone for the rest of the tour!

Savannah and Rodken were absolute troopers as we hiked hiked up and down the many ice crevasses. The ceremony included personalized vows, which the two lovebirds read to each other privately, far away from any cameras. The heartfelt promises made to each other are a symbol of what’s to come in their beautiful relationship. There were no altars or ceremony seating; both the couple and everyone attending were standing atop the awe-striking glacier itself.
Savannah stole the show with her blue and white gown from Raw Golden Rentals (@rawgoldenrentals on Instagram)! I was taking some bridal portraits of Savannah when a small plane flew by overhead. It was a moment straight out of a movie! The quiet majesty, interrupted by the buzzing of the plane above, felt incredibly surreal.

Savannah and Rodken exchanged heartfelt private vows on the glacier, Matanuska serving as a silent witness to their joy and commitment. Their celebration was more than a jovial testament of their love; it was also a testament to the beauty and resilience of their years-long relationship. You could tell from how Rodken stole glances at his partner that he knew he was a lucky man. The glacier's silent presence seemed to echo the eternal nature of love, a force that endures like the ice itself, through countless seasons and ages.

Following the ceremony, as the couple explored the glacier hand in hand, I captured moments that encapsulated the profound connection between love and the natural world. The juxtaposition of the delicate human bond against the rugged expanse of ice created imagery that spoke to the resilience of love in the face of life's challenges.

The beautiful glacier elopement served as a reminder that amidst the vastness of nature, love has the power to create a moment of unparalleled beauty and significance. It was a celebration of love, life, and the majestic world that surrounds us, forever engrained in the hearts of those who shared in this unforgettable experience. The ceremony ended just before sunset, with ample time to get back to solid ground and be transported back to our vehicles. I cannot recommend Matanuska Glacier and its tour company, Matanuska Glacier Tours, enough! They educated us on the history and geology of the nearby land and the glacier itself, making for a very fun and educational experience.