This Matanuska Glacier Elopement near Sheep Mountain Lodge with Darby + Jarrett was one of the most epic wedding days I have ever been lucky enough to be part of. If you're dreaming of an adventurous and unique way to tie the knot, consider an 'elope Alaska' experience like this.

Matanuska Glacier has so many unexplored areas and I cannot WAIT for y’all to see the magic we created. I have a feeling you will fall in love with this place and it will quickly make your list of dream places to elope! Keep reading to hear about this beautiful day and to learn a little bit more about ways you can elope in Alaska.

The Helicopter Elopement at Sheep Mountain Lodge

THE LOCATION: SHEEP MOUNTAIN LODGE

Let’s talk a little bit about this phenomenal lodge first! Because it’s definitely one of the most underrated spots in Alaska. It’s not the first one that comes to mind when you typically think of Alaska like Girdwood or Seward might, but should 100% be considered when planning to Elope in Alaska or plan an Alaska wedding.

Elopement First Look at Sheep Mountain Lodge

For over 75 years, Sheep Mountain Lodge has been hosting travelers from all over the world. The lodge is situated between Palmer and Glennallen and the most spectacular mountain views with access to countless outdoor activities (Think helicopter tours, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, gold panning, ATV tours, river rafting, berry picking, and mountain biking). The wilderness lodge is known for its old fashioned Alaskan hospitality, and cooks up some of the most scrumptious meals. If you are visiting in the fall, you might get lucky and feel like you are on another planet getting to experience the unreal fall colors and textures surrounding the lodge.

Bride and groom on glacier with helicopter

THE SWEETEST COUPLE, DARBY AND JARRETT

Before I show you too much more of their special day, you have to get to know this couple a little bit! Darby + Jarett traveled to Alaska all the way from Nashville, Tennessee to exchange vows. They are incredible people who love giving back to their community - Jarrett is a firefighter and Darby is a nurse. Darby keeps flowers in their house on a regular basis and I knew we needed to create the perfect bouquet for her big day. Seeing her fresh florals on instagram each week has made me want to start a floral garden this summer!

Now, time to share a little more about their Alaska elopement day because it was AMAZING from start to finish. Darby and Jarrett woke up early in their cute little cabin to start getting ready for the day. Tiffee from Vibe Artistry did Darby’s hair and makeup and PERFECTED her vision. Jarrett dressed in his suit waited in a nearby field with the mountains showing off behind and the sun poking through for his bride.

We found a perfect spot for their first look with the mountains showing off behind and the sun poking through.

First look in a field of fall foliage — First Look in a field of fall foliage

MATANUSKA GLACIER CEREMONY

Their chariot was waiting and it was time to experience their first helicopter ride. Flying over the glacier crevasses and snow dusted mountains could not have been a more beautiful and thrilling experience. After about a 10 minute flight we found a spot to land on Matanuska Glacier where the ice appeared endless (27 miles long) and the views were brilliant. Soon after Darby and Jarrett exchanged vows and shared their first look as husband and wife. Let’s be real, could you imagine a more magnificent backdrop to exchange vows? WHAT A DREAM!

Bride and groom pop champagne on glacier — Champagne Pop on the glacier

Following their glacier ceremony, Darby and Jarrett celebrated with a champagne pop and explored the magnificent glacial formations for some elopement portraits. Over and over we all agreed there’s nothing quite like a glacier to make you feel small.

Next, we decided to explore another location taking the helicopter high above the glacier to capture breathtaking mountain wedding photos. It’s shocking what a difference in perspective you can get from being above the glacier and gosh what a reminder that the alpine mountain areas are great for wedding photos.

Thistle Creek Photography captured every aspect of Darby and Jarrett’s love so perfectly.

Returning from their adventure, snacks were very much needed! Darby and Jarrett enjoyed an intimate picnic set up inside the glass greenhouse at Sheep Mountain Lodge complete with charcuterie, wedding cake, local beer, candles and laughs.

The newlyweds ended their adventure elopement day with a private first dance in the greenhouse and went off to enjoy married life exploring Alaska for the remainder of their trip!