A Wintry Ice Cave Elopement in Alaska (+ Iditarod)

“We actually got to walk a frozen englacial river, I can’t believe it still!” – Lucy to her friends at a bar in downtown Anchorage after their helicopter elopement.

It didn’t take a master at sales like Zac to convince Lucy, an archaeologist, to elope in one of the wildest places in the U.S.

These two hail from Minnesota and are no strangers to the cold weather. Lucy was prepped with thermal, fleece-lined leggings under her dress, and Zac had a layer of Under Armour as well.

They love the outdoors (they feel more comfortable outside than inside) and hate being the center of attention — but after getting engaged, they recognized that such a special occasion deserved attention and more than a few casual afterthoughts of planning. These two really bonded over their love of nature; they take a yearly trip to the Boundary Waters to unplug and just get away with friends (and maybe play some DnD).

In fact, Lucy and Zac love adventure so much that they made this a multi-day experience across 2 states, on top of taking to the skies outside Anchorage via helicopter. The summer prior to their Alaska elopement adventure, they met me in my home state for some Oregon engagement photos.

Feel the rush of racing above cavernous glacial crevasses, exploring an ice-blue cave that fades to black the further you venture in. Scroll down to check out their helicopter ride and the effortlessly cool post-elopement dive bar dinner (including edgy alleyway elopement portraits).

Getting Ready

A quick getting ready and first look (in 18 inches of snow) in their Airbnb’s backyard was the perfect way for these two to get hyped for the day. A few friends made the trek to Anchorage, and the time was spent listening to music, talking about their common bonds, and imaging where they might be headed once we took to the skies.

Helicopter to a “Game of Thrones” Ice Wall

Once we linked up with the amazing folks at Outbound Heli, we hopped in their R66 and made a direct line to an ice wall that seems to rival Game of Thrones.

With Lucy and Zac looking like miniatures, you can really get a sense for the massiveness of the glacial wall. The sun warmed their faces as they took turns guessing how tall the ice towered. Lucy was beside herself at the geology. You really get a sense for how fun and cheeky Zac is, as he threw out measurements like “14 feet!”.

Naturally, that became the measurement for everything else the rest of the day.

An Ethereal Ice Cave

Ice caves were a big check-off for these two. When they initially reached out about curating a kickass elopement adventure together, it was one of the main things they mentioned in their elopement inquiry form.

Lucy was giddy, naming off rock formations and types as we all donned our microspikes and strolled through a frozen river gulley, to the mouth of the massive ice cavern.

Strolling past the mouth of the cave, we played with light & shadow and listened to the crisp crunch of ice beneath our feet as we ventured further into the darkness. Once we could not see daylight in either direction, we turned off our flashlights and reveled in the pitch-black, deafening silence.

Check out the ice cave magic and reach out to make this type of adventure real and in your future👇🏽.

Snowy Mountaintop Ceremony

The sun was peaking off and on out from behind the clouds as it started to sink below the Chugach mountain range. Our last stop was a mountaintop with a sweeping view of Knik Glacier.

Lucy and Zac took turns reciting vows to each other, in between jacket breaks. We were on an exposed hill, so the wind had full access to chill us. Even these two Minnesotans needed jackets!

The drone shot below gives you a wide angle view of truly how expansive your view can be for your ceremony. No archway, expensive florals, or other decor needed.

SAM’S TOP TIP FOR PORTRAITS IN SUB-FREEZING TEMPS: Invest in good, matching, flattering outerwear. You’ll be able to stay out longer if you look and feel good in the outerwear you have on. That means more images you’ll love and a greater time feeling like a badass 🙌🏼.

Dive Bar Dinner and Edgy Alleyway Portraits

The night ended just how Lucy and Zac wanted: a funky dive bar (the darker and more grunge the better), great takeout food, and good friends.

Some of the images they had in mind were some fun alleyway shots that really showed off their “do it for the plot” personalities. We selected a bar with the perfect alley nearby.

Scroll down for all the fun, carefree vibes (and a bonus: a sneak peek at our run with the reindeer during Iditarod weekend).

Running with The Reindeer

I invited Lucy and Zac to enjoy some Iditarod festivities with me, since we planned for their elopement adventure to coincide with the Fur Rondy. I had applied to be an official Iditarod volunteer, so after my shift was complete, we reunited for one of the Fur Rondy’s loved events:

The Reindeer Run.

Initially, when I first heard of the event months prior, I thought it was gathering to witness reindeer run down a chute laid out on a street. I read a bit more and then it sounded like it was a 5K where folks were encouraged to dress like reindeer (I don’t know, okay, I was confused). Then I realized what it truly was:

Humans running down the road right next to reindeer. Pamploma’s running-of-the-bulls style.

I’m so lucky to have couples who go, “we’re in,” when I mention a unique experience. What’s life if not a collection of fun and unique experiences?

Check out a video of our chaotic reindeer run here.

If you’re dreaming of a day like this Alaska winter ice cave elopement, then reach out, and let’s co-create an adventure together that resonates with who you are…