Your elopement lives within a fully private, 3 hour custom helicopter journey across the Knik Glacier—landing on blue melt pools, alpine ridgelines, and hidden terrain—an intimate off-grid 2-night stay at The Wilds, a private chef-made wedding dinner, and into a second day exploring the sweeping mountains of Hatcher Pass.
This experience is designed for couples who want space, stillness, and variety without rushing.
As part of the Enchanted Canopy Collection™, your Alaska Elopement experience brings together adventure and ease, romantic design, and time — giving you the space to focus less on logistics and more on what it feels like to be fully present in every moment.
Some elopement experiences are about choosing one extraordinary place. This one is about experiencing Alaska in layers.
Why This HATCHER PASS + KNIK GLACIER ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE Belongs in
the ENCHANTED CANOPY COLLECTION
The Enchanted Canopy Collection™ exists for experiences that offer access, intention, and a sense of place that unfolds over time.
This elopement belongs here because it does exactly that.
This elopement experience isn’t built around a single dramatic moment.
It is built around how Alaska feels when you have time and space to slow, immerse and feel what makes each piece special.
Taken together, Alaska is experienced in layers, not highlights. Adventure and ease sit side by side, with enough time in between to actually enjoy where you are.
The experience moves wide, then grounded. Flying above the ice, the scale of the glacier opens everything up, and on the glacier you feel impossibly small.
Back at The Wilds, the land welcomes you again—firelight, cozy wood-fired hot tub, chef-made meals and the kind of evening that doesn’t need a plan.
The second day unfolds more slowly. On foot in Hatcher Pass, the landscape feels different but connected—open skies, mountains , meadows, lakes, and room to wander without urgency.
Your elopement can have relaxation AND adventure, without sacrifice. Perfectly adventure luxe.
1.5-Day Adventure Luxe Knik Glacier Elopement Experience
Here’s what makes this 1.5-day Alaska elopement package on the Knik Glacier and in Hatcher Pass extraordinary:
- A cozy, elevated adventure luxe stay. Cozily furnished off-grid tiny-home cabins with real beds, solar power, wood-fired hot tub, and with a communal campfire ring as the living room is your home base at this beautiful homestead property that welcomes guests with just three (3) cabins .
- Centrally located to the Knik Glacier and Hatcher Pass. Eloping on Knik Glacier offers impossibly craggy peaks, hidden waterfalls, and, the beautiful summer glacier melt blue pools and dramatic ice formations you've been dreaming of. Exploring Hatcher Pass? Stunning. Forests, jagged mountains, meadows of green with glassy alpine lakes., and trails of all lengths and level of challenge await.
- Private helicopter adventure. A 3 hour, 3 landing custom heli experience (can include glacier, high alpine, and hidden spots in between), led by an experienced pilot who knows this terrain intimately.
- Community-forward comfort. With a max of about up to 4 additional guests in the two additional tiny cabins, shared spaces like the "front yard" camp fire area and open-space for meals easily create an intimate summer-camp-style atmosphere—without roughing it nor sacrificing privacy where it matters.
- Guided, flexible exploration. Beyond your heli flight and included hike, this experience adapts to your energy and interests allowing you to explore more with longer mountain hiking, optional packrafting in glacier blue pools, dogsledding on a glacier, UTV excursions and more.
- Celebratory details. From a premium charcuterie board to a petite wedding cake or treat and a bottle of bubbly, the experience is layered with thoughtful touches in addition to the custom, gourmet chef-made wedding meal at the cabin that turn the wild into something quietly luxurious.
How It Works:
A Multi-Day Helicopter + Hiking Elopement at Knik Glacier & Hatcher Pass
DAY 1-- Arrival, Glacier Vows, & Midnight Sun
- You'll travel from Anchorage to The Wilds homestead in the morning, where we meet at the cabins. Getting ready happens onsite—hair and makeup artists can travel directly to the site, allowing your day to flow easily and with low stress.
- Arrive, settle in, and you’ll soon be comfortable your well-appointed off-grid tiny cabin, wrapped in the sounds of nature, with trees easing into wilderness, homestead critters (ducks, geese, and more!), and the nearby river to welcome you.
- Relax and get ready. There’s time to explore, enjoy lunch, and then, to prepare for the celebration ahead. Whether you choose to get ready together or apart for a private first look, the anticipation builds.
- Lift off for your fully custom, private helicopter experience in the afternoon. This is not a fixed route—it’s a flexible, experience-driven journey that may include glacier ice, blue melt pools, alpine terrain, and hidden features perfect for the conditions the day you fly. With up to 3 hours, and up to 3 stops to explore, we move easily through portraits, exploration, and quiet moments—pausing for a light picnic and snacks in the field.
- Your heli returns you to the landing area; with farewells shared with the pilot, you head back to the cabin.
- After returning to the cabin, the evening eases into relaxation. A light reception might include a drink & some appetizers by the fire, and/or a private moment back at your tiny cabin.
- Private Chef Dinner. Back at the homestead, near your cabin, a private backcountry chef has been preparing a custom, gourmet plated dinner. Savor the experience and delicious meal, set with sweetheart table decor, beautifully presented, and with thoughtful details.
- Toast To The Day. The evening closes in warmth — savoring your first meal as a married couple, toasting with your petite wedding cake and a celebratory sip, followed by campfire snuggles or time in the hot tub before sleep.
- Sleep finds you as you slide into your real bed under twinkle lights and cozy blankets, tucked in your private cabin, wrapped in the sounds of summer under Alaska's midnight sun.
Thinking About A Small Wedding With Your Most Treasured Few?
- Multiple Helicopters to bring your guests out to the glacier or mountain top ceremony location you choose. (each heli can hold three total passengers + the pilot)
- An intimate "nature-based" ceremony in the area, or, traveling up to Hatcher Pass, with beautiful mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers as possible backdrops.
- Your onsite guests can then return to the cabins while you adventure onward for your private helicopter tour experience.
- Back at the cabin, they can hike, hot tub, or rest--simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
- On and offsite guests gather again for a light reception, preparing for when you return from your flight.
- The rest of evening unfolds to your fully tailored vision for experiences, decor, and more—perhaps a private chef dinner prepared onsite at the cabins, or, a private dinner catered in or enjoyed elsewhere. If you can dream it, we can do it!
- Close around the campfire at the homestead for celebration and sharing stories of this amazing day.
Whether it’s just the two of you or shared with your treasured few, Day One closes with connection, quiet, and the comfort of The Wild's adventure luxe lodging.
Day 2:
- Enjoy a slow, easy morning start , with breakfast made just for you, and then prepare in your wedding attire — maybe even a second look chosen just for this day's adventure.
- Head to Hatcher Pass, where wide alpine views, varied trails, and open terrain invite exploration. Your hike is private and fully tailored—long or short, low-key or adventurous—based on how you want to experience the mountains and surrounds.
- Along the way, photography focuses on movement and connection rather than posing, capturing your experience as it naturally unfolds. No rushing allowed, there's nowhere to be but here. If Day 1 featured guests, this is a perfect time for private vows.
- A gourmet charcuterie lunch, styled for ease and enjoyment on the move becomes your mid-day pause in the mountains. European in spirit, unhurried by design.
- Return to the cabin for an open afternoon. With a second night stay already included, there’s no need to rush. Soak again in the hot tub, wander the property trails, or simply rest and let the experience settle — just you two, or, with your most treasured few.
On Day 3, your final morning begins gently, with a light breakfast available before check-out. From here, you’ll transition into the next chapter of your Alaska journey for additional excursions, advenures or rest that I'm happy to help you create as part of your overall elopement journey.
Photography woven throughout
From s'mores over a campfire to glacier landings to slow mornings at the cabin, these moments (big and little) are documented with care, based in movement, emotion, and your connection to this incredible place.
This is storytelling designed so you’ll always remember not just how it looked, but how it felt.
This is 1.5+ day, adventure luxe elopement experience — not a single-day trip.
This 1.5‑day luxury Alaska glacier and mountain elopement is designed for cozy connections, romance, and immersion in an experience unlike any other.
Every element of this adventure luxe elopement package is designed to immerse you in Alaska’s wild beauty while keeping you comfortable, supported, and fully present.
Here's what luxuries and experiences you can expect:
Starting at $15,000 for 2026 elopements
—this package includes virtually everything you need to bring your wedding experience to life. Florals are typically the only element you’ll add.
Total. Transparent. AMAZING.
- Licensed officiant support to finalize your marriage license.
- Award‑winning luxury elopement photography coverage across both days, including sneak peeks, multi‑day documentation, and a full‑resolution final gallery delivery.
- Comprehensive elopement design & concierge‑level planning support — from permits and timelines to curated activity options and seamless coordination with my trusted expert partners in Anchorage, Palmer/Wasilla, and beyond.
- Complementary album layout design to bring your wedding story to life in a beautiful heirloom album.
- Two nights of Adventure Luxe lodging at The Wild in a private mini-cabin for the couple, with amenities onsite like wood-fired hot tub, compost toilet facilities, and relaxation spaces, games, etc. Guest lodging is available across 2 additional cabins and can be customized for groups of up to ~4, or, ~20 total with offsite lodging.
- Custom helicopter flightseeing tour — includes up to 3 hours of private adventure with 3 fully custom stops included (often one glacier, one mountain, and one other vibe as preferred)
- Hiking excursion in Hatcher Pass with mountain views, and the option to share the experience with your treasured few.
- Private chef‑prepared plated dinner for two on Day One, including sweetheart table decor and curated presentation.
- Private breakfast for two on Day 2 and Day 3
- Premium charcuterie presentation for your Day 2 hiking picnic.
- Petite wedding cake or celebratory treat.
- A bottle of bubbly or NA substitute to toast the adventure.
- Alternate lodging types to fulfill your elopement vision with more in-town, on-the-grid, and many other options available
- Private chef experience elevated, with chef breakfasts or upgraded, ultra premium multi‑course menu prepared directly at the cabin... An unforgettable option any time, but especially well‑suited for celebrations with your treasured few.
- Florals + fully customized styled sweetheart table with enhanced styling, florals, and bespoke decor for your vision.
- Bespoke ceremony decor — a refined “stage in the wild” created with Leave No Trace principles, especially lovely for ceremony including your treasured few.
- Additional helicopter time for a more immersive, unhurried and diverse exploration.
Customizations for your Elopement Package
- Additional or customized excursions for Day 2 (and beyond!), such as dogsledding on real snow, UTV tours, iceberg adventures, backpacking, glacier blue pool pack rafting, train rides, bear spotting tours, and more.
- Extended photography coverage across additional experiences before or after the elopement.
- Luxury destination wedding or celebration setups in Knik Glacier area, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Hatcher Pass or beyond for additional guest‑inclusive moments.
- Booking support for flights, car rentals, lodging, or honeymoon extensions via personalized white‑glove travel concierge service.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Elope on the Knik Glacier & Hatcher Pass?
While helicopter access to the Knik Glacier is possible earlier in the season, the upper pass through Hatcher Pass—where many of the most expansive hikes and views are found—typically does not open until mid July, depending on snow conditions. Because the contrast between glacier and alpine terrain is central to this experience, the package is offered from July 30 through September 15.
During this window, the Knik's glacier blue pools are often visible, alpine trails are open, and the days remain long without the peak crowds of early summer. The experience is structured to take advantage of this overlap—allowing both days to unfold as intended, without compromise. As added bonus, early fall brings fresh blueberries galore to the wild bushes across Hatcher Pass. An absolute treat!
Seasonal conditions can shift slightly year to year, and planning always remains flexible, but this window offers the most reliable access to the full range of terrain that defines this elopement.
Can family or friends join us at The Wilds for an intimate wedding?
For up to 20 total guests, additional lodging can be arranged off-site, and closer to town.
Depending on group size, the celebration post your ceremony out in the wilds may be able to be hosted onsite; if not, alternate locations are plenty. Meals & specialized catering/chef options, glacier helicopter excursions, scenic boat rides, dogsledding, UTVS and other experiences, etc across your destination wedding days can all be tailored for groups, ensuring celebration without losing intimacy.
If you are looking to include guests, inquire 12+ months out for the best options to secure a full property buy‑out for an exclusive experience.
What happens if the weather is Bad During Our Knik Glacier & Hatcher Pass Elopement?
Because your elopement automatically covers more than a few hours or even just one day!, flexibility is built into your elopement flow by default. This means your adventure can flex to happen in the best possible way, no matter what.
How can we personalize our Matanuska Glacier Heli & glamping luxury elopement Package?
- Private chef service enhancements for your wedding meal, breakfast or additional meals as desired.
- A fully styled sweetheart table for your first meal as a married couple.
- Customized, luxe decor or styling to further enhance your adventure luxe cabin and the mini-cabin experience.
- Bespoke ceremony decor, luxe florals, and guest seating as applicable — an inspired “ceremony stage” in the wild.
- Luxury picnic tablescape to elevate your kayaking picnic.
- Additional helicopter time for more landings, trekking, or exploration.
- Additional unique excursions, amenities, and meals to enhance an adventure luxe experience for you and/or your guests.
- Extended multi‑day photography coverage to capture not only your elopement but also the adventures, beauty, and joy that surround it.
- Fully bespoke, white-glove travel concierge support to help you (and/or your treasured few) with flights, car rentals, lodging, or honeymoon extensions so your Alaska journey stays seamless from start to finish.
See this adventure luxe elopement Enchanted Canopy Collection offering that includes glamping on a glacier along with access to heli flights and blue pools for incredible glacier vows!
For intimate wedding with guests, check out this glacier landing option in the Enchanted Canopy Collection, or, get additional ideas and inspiration from other Luxury Adventure Elopement Itineraries with Family.
Helicopter partners are chosen based on their experience flying on the Knik Glacier, safety record, willingness/ability to allow custom flight paths and landing locations, and, willingness to do longer bookings (minimum of 2-2.5 hours or more), so that you can have a fully unique elopement experience.
I treasure my partners who share my goal of maintaining privacy, offering flexibility, and supporting an unhurried pace throughout your experience.
The Knik Glacier is large, varied, and constantly changing.
Its scale allows a single helicopter flight to move between open ice, the famous bright blue glacier meltwater features (aka "bluepools"), alpine terrain, rocky morraine, iceberg lakes, and elevated viewpoints, and more, often within the same experience.
Conditions shift throughout the season as the glacier and surrounding mountain snowpack changes, revealing different beauty in different locations instead of a single fixed backdrop
In short, trust your helicopter pilot to help you plan a route to experience the best places unique to when you are visiting.
Look for blue melt pools, open ice, waterfalls, and craggy peaks. Surrounding mountain views can be lush green, craggy rock, or even snow dusted at these elevations. Even when the sky is cloudy, the light is there, creating texture on the snow and ice, and on clear days the sun reflects strongly off the ice. While temperatures remain cool, direct sunlight can feel warm.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and layered clothing are important. Preparing for both glare and shifting temperatures makes it easier to slow down, feel comfortable and stay present during each landing.
Some couples choose a single landing for a quick experience with a few photos, but others include multiple stops to experience different terrain. As a baseline for the Knik Glacier, I typically recommend allowing enough flight time for at least two landings (often one on the glacier and one in higher alpine terrain, as conditions allow,) with each stop ideally no less than 30 minutes.
Additional time creates space to linger rather than move quickly — I've found even 45minutes at each stop or more will feel noticeably less rushed.
Moments like vows, a first dance, sharing a drink or styled picnic, pack rafting in a blue pool, or simply sitting with the landscape all take time. Extending the flight isn’t about doing more—it’s about giving each stop room to unfold without hurrying.
Yes. Many couples choose to marry by exchanging vows during their Knik glacier landing.
Ceremonies on the glacier are intentionally simple, shaped by the location rather than built over it. Some pilots are comfortable guiding a brief ceremony flow if needed, even when they are not serving as the legal officiant. This makes it possible to not have to book a second or larger helicopter to bring an extra person to officiate.
Light, Leave No Trace–friendly ceremony elements can be incorporated such as subtle location styling or a small ceremonial setup, and moments like a toast with glacier meltwater are often woven in naturally.
Hatcher Pass offers wide alpine terrain with layered mountain views, rolling tundra, and high alpine lakes and other water features dotting its valleys.
Around late summer/early September, the landscape shifts toward bright golds and deep red foliage, with wild blueberries covering the ground in many areas. Fog and low cloud cover are common and often move through quickly, creating a moody feel that some compare to the Scottish Highlands—especially in areas close to the road where the terrain is more gently contoured.
With even a short hike, the scenery changes quickly, offering increased elevation, epic views, and a stronger sense of separation (and privacy) as you move away from the road.
Privacy in Hatcher Pass depends on timing, location, and how far you choose to venture from the road.
Many areas near the pass are easily accessible and still feel expansive and quiet, especially when planned during less busy windows (eg away from summer weekends and holidays). With a short hike, privacy increases quickly, and it’s possible to find spaces that feel entirely your own.
Part of my role is helping you select locations and timing that balance accessibility/hike effort, scenery, and privacy, based on what matters most to you.
In short? Yes. Permits may be required depending on the specific location, group size, and how the ceremony is structured.
As part of the planning process, I identify and secure any permits that may be required, so you don’t need to navigate regulations or agency coordination on your own.
The well-known red cabins in Hatcher Pass are privately managed, and photography on the grounds is limited to guests who are staying at the cabins for a minimum number of nights. For day visits or hiking-based elopements, photography on the cabin grounds is not permitted in order to respect guest privacy.
If staying at the cabins is important to you, it’s possible to plan an elopement that includes a multi-night stay. It’s worth noting that the cabins are rustic in nature and offer a different experience than newer off-grid accommodations like The Wilds.
Even without photographing the cabins themselves, Hatcher Pass offers expansive scenery and varied terrain that stand on its own without relying on a single landmark.
Access to Hatcher Pass changes with the seasons.
Hatcher Pass is typically best from mid to late summer through early fall, when the upper pass is open and hiking access is at its best. Fall brings cooler temperatures, rich color, and a quieter feel as the season shifts.
For this specific elopement experience—paired with the Knik Glacier—the package is intentionally offered from July 30 through September 15, when both locations are fully accessible and complement each other beautifully.
MEET KATE
Principal Designer & Photographer
I design -then photograph- luxury destination elopements that are neither preceded nor replicated.
Search these remarkable landscapes, and you won’t see a parade of identical wedding photos.
I believe the world is too extraordinary for a borrowed plan.
My passion for unique global travel, belief that anything is possible, and mantra that meaningful experiences can’t be rushed are the foundation of how I support you.
Share how you want your wedding to feel, and as your luxury elopement photographer I’ll create options as original as your love story—capturing images of every unforgettable moment.
Kate's not just a photographer... She seamlessly shifts between being a creative director, a local concierge, and your biggest cheerleader...
-Ryan Monahan
Us Two International Lifestyle Adventure
