3-Day Alaska Elopement

Matt + Lauren’s Elopement in Seward + Palmer, Alaska


Day 1 – Adventures in Seward, Alaska
Lauren and Matt traveled from the mid-west with their families to the last frontier – Alaska. Together they all gathered at Salt Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska for the wedding festivities. Day 1 was all about Lauren and Matt getting to adventure and explore the remote areas of this coastal mountain beauty. While they explored via helicopter + sailboat, their families took a boat tour to look for whales and other birds and critters.
After sharing a first look in dress one, Lauren and Matt headed out for their heli ride. A short 15 minute flight over mountains, waterfalls and glaciers, we landed on the shores of Bear Glacier. The sight was so surreal, and we had it all to ourselves. Lauren and Matt enjoyed kayaking around the massive towering glaciers, watching and listening to them move in the water. It was the perfect way to kick off the start of the wedding events. A bucket list destination, a familiar activity they have shared in various other countries together, but this time – for their wedding.
The helicopter came back to pick us up, showing off some impressive flight skills before landing. We loaded back up into the heli for a short flight across the sound to a private beach, flying over the sailboat we would soon all be on. We waved goodbye to the helicopter one last time. Taking in the view around us we got to see eagles watching us enjoy the shore. The dingy came to pick us up and take us to the sailboat. It was like a movie, Lauren and Matt snacking on the dingy, grinning ear to ear, loading onto the beautiful white boat in the middle of a cove surrounded by glacier carved mountains with waterfalls rushing down into the ocean. We joined them and we started our relaxing, beautiful journey back to Seward.
When we first started planning Lauren and Matt said they wanted their day to feel awe-struck. Day 1 definitely felt like complete awe, setting the tone for the entire event.















Day 2- Wedding Day at Salted Roots Cabin
Wedding day has arrived!! Lauren got ready with all of her gals in her and Matt’s cabin while Matt got ready and spent time with is family in various cabins. Since it was raining on the wedding day we decided to move the ceremony location from the private beach to the lush forest. The A-framed arch decorated with flowers popped among the forest creating such an enchanting vibe.
Lauren and Matt each gifted their parents handkerchiefs with a photo of them when they were little with beautiful words about being their parents on it prior to the ceremony. Lauren’s mom helped her get dressed, as they shared some emotional moments together. Once everyone was ready, Lauren shared a private first look with her dad before he walked her down the aisle, through the forest to Matt. During the ceremony the rings were passed around to their dearest loved ones to bless the rings with well wishes before returned to the couple to place on each others fingers. The ceremony ended in a passionate dip kiss and celebratory smiles and giggles.









After the ceremony we all gathered in one of the cabins that had been transformed into a beautiful romantic setting for a private chef prepared brunch. Everyone dined smiling, laughing and sharing stories over delicious food. Lauren and Matt shared their first dance that they had been practicing and choreographing for the past few months. Then Lauren shared a first dance with her dad and Matt with his mom to complete the wedding day celebration.
Everyone went back to their cabins to rest and relax while Matt and Lauren took a walk on the shore line and ended their day at the sauna. It was a perfect way to end a high emotional, big event day getting to just relax and slow down time together.











Day 3 – Heli Tour in Palmer, Alaska
After a one day gap to check out of the cabins, travel to Palmer and check into a new stay we were all ready for another big adventure day exploring Alaska via helicopter! This day was planned around being the “bonus day” and to feel like celebration of coming together, ticking off a bucket list item of getting to fly in a helicopter together and experience an Alaska glacier in all of it’s glory.
They got ready together sharing a slow morning. Before setting out they took some time to read through the journal they have shared together throughout their relationship – revisiting memories, times during long distance dating, trips and more. It was a morning that just felt like thankfulness – to be here together and for everything they have shared up to this moment.
We arrived at the helipad to set out to the Knik glacier. Immediately flying over the valley we knew it was going to be a good day – partly cloudy, incredibly fall colors on the mountains (reminding them of CO) and the stunning blue glacier.
We first landed at a private spot with various blue pools and found the perfect spot for them to share their private vows with each other. They shared their vows with laughter and tears, just them and the ice. Once the emotions settled and they came back to present with each other the sheer joy was undeniable.













We hoped back into the heli for our second landing – another blue glacier pool. Lauren was most excited for seeing the blue glacier waters when it came to exploring the Knik. At this stop they chose to share an intimate, meaningful, moment washing each other’s feet to honor their faith. In true outdoor fashion they took turns sitting in the camp chairs, removing crampons and boots to wash each other’s feet with the cold, fresh glacier water.
Then we set off for location number three! We landed up on the hillside of the glacier to stop and see a private waterfall coming from glacier run off up above us. It was incredible hearing the roaring power of the water and getting a different perspective of the mountains and glacier.







Our last stop of the day was on the top of the mountain ridge where we landed in bright read heather overlooking the entire Knik glacier and surrounding peaks. It was magical. We started out by exploring the expansive view of the entire glacier coming down the valley and seeing the tiny spot we had previously landed. Lauren and Matt decided to share their choreographed danced together one last time in this incredible place. We stopped to snack on the fresh Alaskan wild berries, which went perfect with their champagne. This was the perfect time to just soak it all in and memorize the view and feeling to the best of our abilities.
During the flight back the pilot took us to see various other pockets of the glacier and mountains, just in time for a beautiful sunset. Since Lauren and Matt have a lot of flight experience of their own and a lot of interested in helicopters the pilot showed off just a little, making it a memorable ride!
We returned to the cabin where Matt ordered a pizza for dinner and they dived into their cake, decorated in a mountain scene. Once the pizza arrived they hoped into the hot tub to enjoy the last of the evening together relaxing.









Lauren + Matt’s Elopement Day Video
We not only captured Lauren and Matt’s day for photo, but also video. It was important to them to capture not only the visual of the experience, but also the auditorial experience of the elopement. It is truly special to get to be transported back to Alaska to re-hear the vows, but also the sounds from the adventures!
Alaska Elopement Vendors:
Dress designer: Calla Blanche (Day 1 Adventure Dress was Lillian West)
Hair and makeup: Tiffanee with Vibe Artistry (Day 2 + 3) + Lana Makeup (Day 1)
Stay/Ceremony Venue: Salted Roots Cabins
Heli companies: Seward Helicopters and Outbound Heli
Sail: Resurrection Bay Sailing
Catering: Barrio Kitchen
Officiant, Photo + Video: Adventure and Vow
Cake Day 3: Glacier Icing Cakes + Cupcakes
More about eloping in Alaska….

Meet your team!
Hi – it is Traci, Bill and Malachi
Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of couples plan and document intentional, meaningful elopements in wild places.
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