Romantic Alaska Vacation
Scroll below to see the story of the adventure.
Imagine soaring over turquoise waters, over glaciers surrounded by towering mountains, and then… landing directly ON an alpine lake tucked away in the wilderness.
With a floatplane adventure, this experience is absolutely possible!
Even if you’ve flown before, there’s something unforgettable about lifting off from the water, watching how the view changes as you angle upward toward the mountains that make Alaska magical.
ROMANTIC ALASKA VACATION IDEA: A Floatplane Picnic in a Hidden Alpine Paradise
Flying Toward Something New
A Stop at a Secluded Lakeside Cabin
Stop at a Glacier-Fed Lake & a Picnic
Why Choose a Floatplane Adventure for Two
Tips for Planning a Seamless Adventure
For Elopements, Engagements, and...
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(Flight images)
(Cabin Exploration images)
(Lakeside Portrait & Play images)
(Excursion Experience images)
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Flying Toward Something New
Samantha and Paul, an adventurous couple from Seward, leaned in to this chance to experience Alaska in such a unique way. When we met up in person for the first time at the floatplane dock, they were full of energy and curiosity. From their fun stories and shared passions, it was clear they are the kind of couple who live for a good adventure!
Despite having taken on all kinds of adventures both independently and together, neither of the them had ever done a floatplane getaway! So, the excitement was high as we start the walk to the floatplane dock.
As the plane pushed back, picked up speed, and then began to skim across the turquoise water, the world shifted.
This very first take off moment marked the start of a floatplane day trip they’ll never forget—a romantic day of exploration, fun, and, time to connect, with easy going images to capture the story..
A Stop at a Secluded Lakeside Cabin
Our first landing was at a remote backcountry cabin nestled beside a still alpine lake—a hidden surprise, as we learned it was public-use cabin in the Alaska Parks system. We stepped out to explore and take it all in.
The place had a rustic charm, and as Samantha and Paul walked the shoreline with the mountains and sky perfectly reflected in the water, I was struck by how quiet it was. So peaceful, with the twitter of birds and the sounds of their conversation and laughs whispering across the water.
...In my mind's eye, I can see it beautifully set for an intimate backcountry chef-made dinner for a luxury elopement or intimate wedding celebration in the wilderness.
That’s what I love about exploring, and my work as a planner concierge as well as photographer in wild and remote places—I believe everything is possible, and then I get to figure out with my network of amazing vendor partners how to make it happen, beautifully! 😉
Looking around, I couldn’t help but imagine how magical it would be to use this space in an unexpected way…
A Glacier-Fed Lake, a Picnic, and an Eagle Overhead
Climbing back into the plane, we waved goodbye to the cabin (for now!) We skimmed across the water (which never gets old!) and lifted off again.
Doing a bit of flight-seeing, we glided over a glacier, rugged peaks, peaks with traces of snow yet, and lush green valleys nestled between them. We’d dodged a bit of rain with our flight booking so the clouds were extra moody. The sun peeking in and out made the light dance across the sides of the mountains.
And the water….
There is something so amazing about the vibrant, turquoise blue of glacier melt lakes. A color you have to see to believe.
Our second stop was even more remote: a rocky beach with a glacier stream cascading out into the expansive mountain lake. This was where time slowed down.
Samantha and Paul shared a quiet picnic—fresh-smoked salmon, local honey, fresh cheeses, and a delicious wine—all spread out on a rich-colored throw I’d carried with us for the purpose.
They skipped rocks, and played around on the beach, running, laughing, and huge smiles. It was unhurried, relaxing, and deeply romantic. A bald eagle circled overhead, as if on cue to reinforce the romance and beauty of travel in Alaska!.
Why Choose a Floatplane Adventure for Two?
They want real, deeply unique experiences. The kind that create a beautiful memory they can feel when they close their eyes..
Whether you're planning a proposal or an engagement session, celebrating an anniversary, or just dreaming up a romantic Alaska vacation, these kind of experiences offer something rare: total quiet, beauty that you need to immerse in to really understand, and, the chance to share it all with someone you love.
Tips for Planning a Seamless Adventure
So, if you are inspired by an adventure like this, but, will be doing it on your own, I’ve provided my tips and tricks as a pro from my travels across Alaska:
If you’re thinking about booking a floatplane trip, aim for late spring through early fall. May to mid-September tends to offer the best weather, warmth-wise.
However, August and September are typically considered some of the “rainiest” months in Alaska.
October is considered rainy as well, but deserves a special call out because in more Northern parts of the state, and higher altitudes, the threat of snow is real! So, plan your timing accordingly.
* TIME OF DAY *
Depending on your overall vacation timeline, mid-morning flights are a smart choice to give you wiggle room to change flight time if weather patterns shift (which they often do in the mountains).
And, if you have multiple days in the area, it doesn’t hurt to book your flight experience earlier in your stay for this same reason–it’s always better to have more room to flex than less.
This is why I book an “adventure window” with all my clients of at least one day, bookending the target session date. This allows us the space to shift as may be needed in the moment.
Don’t worry if it’s your first time on a floatplane—these pilots are experts, and the experience to “ride” the water on take off and landing is surprisingly smooth. The spray of the water is beautiful!
You’ll wear noise-canceling earmuffs during the flight, so plan your hairstyle with that in mind.
And, wear or pack clothing layers for warmth and weather conditions like rain. You never know what the weather in Alaska will be, so being ready is key.
* BOOKING THE ADVENTURE: *
If we’re working together, in addition to the photography, I’ll take care of every detail—including vendor coordination, picnic prep, and timing and anything else needed for the romantic getaway adventure we are planning.
If you’re organizing the excursion yourself, double-check that your flight vendor offers a landing option, not just flightseeing. Not all tours do, so you may need to book a private flight (buying out all the seats, not just the two or three you need!) in order to create this custom excursion.
But, the flexibility and privacy in this romantic vacation excursion in Alaska is unlike anything else. It’s worth it.
AND, most importantly… Book yourself more time than you think you’ll need for a custom flight with 1-2 landings… Talk with your flight vendor about what you’d like to see, do, or experience and trust their expert guidance on the right amount of time considering flying time as well as ground time.
As context from my experience as a destination elopement photographer… If you are doing an engagement session, vows as part of a full or multi-day elopement experience, or, just a private romantic outing on a vacation, 2-2.5 hours is typically good for a 1-2 landing tour. But, if you can, 3-3.5 hours is ideal for soaking it all in without rushing. I’ve never had a couple say they wish they’d had less time! ;-)
* IF BOOKING FOR A GROUP *
If you are planning a custom adventure with a group and not just you two, add more total time to the excursion.
It takes longer than you think (or want, lol) to get everyone back from exploring, organized, and reloaded onto the floatplane so you can head out to your next location!
So, more time equals less stress.
For Elopements, Engagements, and Everything In Between
For couples staying in Seward or Girdwood, or, the Anchorage area, floatplane options like this one are an extraordinary day trip–something totally unique and wonderful to add some peace, exploration and romance to your couple’s getaway.
Whether you’re planning a romantic Alaska vacation, a surprise proposal, or simply want a once-in-a-lifetime day trip for two, this floatplane adventure offers the kind of quiet luxury that stays with you—long after you’ve landed.
Inquire here. Let's build and capture the story of your romantic buckletlist Alaska getaway. You deserve amazing.
---Adventure Always--
Kate
Curious what's Possible?
More INspiration
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MEET KATE
Principal Photographer & Planner
I plan -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 I’ll create options as original as your love story—capturing images of every unforgettable moment.
Once-in-a-lifetime events nestled in once-in-a-lifetime places:
Still forests, sweeping savannas, craggy mountains: The world’s most awe-inspiring places are your stage.
Kate removes every barrier so you can fully embrace a never-been-done elopement—a journey through extraordinary landscapes & adventures you’ll carry with you forever.
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