Alaskan Adventure Elopement on Knik Glacier

Two gorgeous brides, a helicopter, and Alaska’s unspoiled wilderness… that’s the recipe Janelle and Tiffany offered for me to cook up some glamorous glacier elopement photos. Sprinkle in an epic backdrop of endless precipices, more snow, and their palpable love. The result is a truly dreamy destination elopement in the mountains.

FROM TEXAS TO ALASKA, A LOVE STORY!

The wonderful thing about elopements is that we can capture whichever part of a big modern wedding that inspires you. And we can leave out the parts that don’t. For Janelle and Tiffany, coming all the way from Texas to explore our beautiful landscape and say “I do,” they had some traditions and wedding norms they wanted to incorporate. For example, the adorable cake in their bridal cabin, a first look photoshoot, jumping over the broom, and a not so typical tradition anywhere other than Alaska, to sign their wedding certificate on a glacier! 

We met at Knik River Lodge and I found the bridal cabin where Janelle was getting ready. This is always a fun place to start the shoot. I was able to take some detail shots of items such as the bouquet and the rings, which Tiffany had outside. After make-up was complete, we did the first look photoshoot. They surprised each other with how they were dressed for the day and showed off their suit and gown for the first time. 

Tiffany was adorned in a flashy grey and black rose patterned suit and matching bow tie. Janelle was in a beautiful flowing bridal gown with long sleeves and layers. Both brides had Alaskan approved boots, ready for glacier trekking. 

FIRST TOUCH TO TAKE OFF

Much like a surprise proposal photoshoot, I think the importance of capturing the first touch or first look can make for long-lasting memories. This moment is so special, but it also happens quickly. I was able to get it all… Janelle walking up to Tiffany and the joy in their faces when Tiffany was only halfway turned. Then the moments when they got to soak each other in. The excitement was palpable. After an endearing kiss, they walked side by side up to the helicopter. They were ready for the big day ahead. 

We took off from the lodge bound for the infamous Knik Glacier. The thudding of the helicopter blades and the anticipation was intense. However, it was never as overwhelming as the awe-inspiring views. They will take your breath away whether it’s your first time visiting from Texas, or you’re a local. Alaska is such a surreal place to photograph. 

THE I DO’S

Black helicopter, white wedding dress, white snowy glaciers with dark lines of silt and deep grey caverns, all shrouded with a light-grey misty sky… I love near-monochromatic settings like this. However they can pose a challenge. White on white on white can be difficult to create depth. However, when everything aligns in the picture-perfect way, the results are stunning. 

I found pops of blue in a glacial pool and placed the brides in front of it. I kept the red and greens of the bouquet in the foreground to photograph the ceremony. It was so sweet and loving. It was filled with laughter and happy tears alike. Both Tiffany and Janelle wrote their own vows and exchanged rings. These are common traditions that we can easily bring along to a glacier with us! 

A BROOMSTICK AND A SIGNATURE SEALS THE DEAL 

Something not so usual in modern weddings today is the jumping over the broom. After an exaltation and cheer from Tiffany as they were pronounced wife and wife and kissed the bride, they jumped over a broomstick together. 

The symbolism for this monumental occasion in their lives was really important for these women, and I can see why. To represent a long and tumultuous history dating centuries back in England and in the southern USA during times when churches or governments could label certain weddings as “not recognized unions,” jumping over the broom was an act of defiance. More importantly, it was love. 

A beautiful homage to their roots, ancestors, and to those who paved the way. This allowed Tiffany and Janelle to be married on an Alaskan glacier! Immediately after some glowing couple photos to memorialize the little glacial pool as the exact place they were wed. The certificate was signed. The state of Alaska definitely recognizes their marriage. We are so glad they flew all this way for a one of a kind destination elopement photoshoot on a glacier! 

MISTY MOUNTAIN VIBES

After a gorgeous set of glacier shots and elopement portraits, we were back to the chopper. In the air, once more taken back by the misty mountain views as we waved goodbye to that sacred place where they said “I do.” Only to land upon another, equally enamoring view. This view was a bit more dramatic both in color, cliffs, and wind. The glacier and snow-covered stones collided with the raw, late summer mountain shale and tundra moss. Here Janelle’s white dress was now a standout jewel among the emerald mountain face. We took photos with the helicopter among the pillowy green rolling hills backdropped by a cliff overlooking icebergs floating in Knik River. We then jet set to our final location. 

YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS UP

Last but not least, we landed on the rocks lining Knik River. An uneven dark grey and moody beach with the perfect view of the cross section of glacier standing tall across the river like a massive ice wall. An ice wall on which they were married just hours before! This contrast of dark stones and black helicopter with misty sky and now bright blue glacier made their black and white wedding attire pop. 

They are such a sweet couple that came all the way to this remote glacier in Alaska for these gorgeous destination elopement photos. It was an honor to be their adventure photographer for the day. Just as we were wrapping things up, I heard the all-too familiar buzzing of a small engine in the sky. We hurried into position just as the most Alaska thing happened… we were gifted with a proper drive-by from a small bush plane. It was the most magical glacier elopement photo we could ever ask for. Thanks for the trust and the adventure ladies, and congratulations! 

CHELSA JAY | ALASKA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER 

Where Alaskan landscape photography meets wedding portraits, there are several genres of photos that we can take in the last frontier during your adventure Alaskan elopement photoshoot. This is anywhere from mountaintops to fjords and every glacier and valley in between. You can count me in to be your adventure companion and capture these special moments to cherish for years to come! 

Whether you live near or far, I hope these images inspire you to find the view that feels magical for your dream wedding or destination elopement! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. I cannot wait to hear where we’ll be going for your adventure photoshoot!