Intimate Glacier Elopement on Matanuska Glacier: A Private Helicopter Adventure in Alaska

Read the full experience

Set amidst the wild grandeur of Alaska, the Diamond Private Elopement Package offers couples a truly unique way to say "I do." Situated near Chickaloon, Alaska, this all-inclusive adventure centers on the breathtaking Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States, stretching over 26 miles long and a mile wide. Known for its immense blue ice formations and rugged crevasses, the glacier's otherworldly landscape provides a dramatic backdrop that elevates any special occasion. Guests start their unforgettable journey with a private helicopter flight that lifts them above the vast Alaskan wilderness, fjords, and snow-capped peaks before touching down directly on the glacier itself. This exclusive landing enables couples to exchange vows in silence, surrounded only by pristine ice fields framed by towering mountain ridges. Against this glacial setting, the natural light reflecting off the ice lends an ethereal quality to the ceremony. Following the exchange, the adventure continues with a champagne toast to celebrate the moment, all while professional photographers capture the unfolding memories with candid and scenic shots unique to this location. Beyond the glacier, the package offers a private dinner experience and cozy cabin accommodations, blending remote wilderness ambiance with comfort and intimacy. The next morning, guests wake to breakfast in bed, savoring a quiet moment before heading back to the vibrant life of Chickaloon and the Matanuska Valley. This elopement package stands out because it marries adventure, romance, and nature in a way few locations can match. The Matanuska Glacier's accessibility makes this trip feasible yet extraordinary—offering an intimate experience amidst raw glacial beauty without days of trekking or logistical complexity. The surrounding region, dotted with evergreen forests and ice-carved landscapes, is rich in native Alaskan history and natural wonder, contributing to a memorable setting for couples seeking an unconventional and meaningful ceremony. When visiting Chickaloon, guests find themselves in a quiet gateway town that combines rustic charm with easy access to outdoor pursuits, from hiking and fishing to dog sled tours. The Diamond Private Elopement Package turns a destination wedding into an immersive Alaska adventure, where the wild environment itself becomes a treasured partner in celebration.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

4–6 hours.

Fitness level

Moderate fitness required for brief glacier walk and navigating uneven icy surfaces

Frequently asked questions

Is prior helicopter experience necessary?

No previous helicopter experience is required; a safety briefing is provided before your flight.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

Flights and ceremonies may be rescheduled for safety reasons, ensuring the best possible conditions.

Can guests bring a small number of attendees?

This is a private elopement designed for couples, but inquire with the operator about small guest accommodations.

Are there restroom facilities on the glacier?

There are no facilities on the glacier; cabins provide amenities pre- and post-flight.

How physically demanding is the glacier walk?

The walk is short and manageable with moderate fitness; stable footwear is essential.

Is professional photography included in the package?

Yes, professional photographers capture your ceremony and moments throughout the adventure.

Local insights

Wildlife

Dall sheep commonly seen on nearby ridges
Bald eagles soaring above the glacier

History

Matanuska Glacier is one of the largest valley glaciers in Alaska, a remnant of the last Ice Age and vital to native Athabascan culture.

Conservation

Operators promote low-impact tourism practices to preserve glacier integrity and minimize ecological footprint.

About Sheep Mountain Air

Sheep Mountain Air is a Chickaloon, Alaska-based helicopter tour operator specializing in private, owner-guided flights to the Matanuska Glacier and surrounding Chugach mountains. The company offers a range of helicopter experiences, including glacier pool landings, walking tours on the ice, winter ice cave explorations, scenic mountain flights, and customizable photography and bucket-list tours. Owner Mark pilots many of the private tours and provides personalized guidance, photography instruction upon request, and detailed local knowledge during flights. Sheep Mountain Air operates multiple private elopement packages — from two-landing Gold and Platinum options to Diamond packages that combine a glacier landing, champagne toast, professional photography, and private dining or cabin stays where offered. Helicopter experiences include 90-minute and two-hour formats, winter flights with heated cabins, and specialized double-landing ice cave tours that highlight blue ice formations and panoramic mountain views. Safety and personalized service are central to each trip, with choices such as ridge views, blue glacier pools, and guided glacier walks on select tours. Based in Chickaloon near the Matanuska Glacier, Sheep Mountain Air connects visitors to remote glacier terrain otherwise inaccessible by road. The operator’s experiences appeal to photographers, couples seeking unique elopements, families, and adventure travelers looking for private, customizable helicopter access to Alaska’s glacier landscapes. Reservations and specific inclusions vary by trip and season; guests are encouraged to confirm details, available landings, and photography options when booking. Sheep Mountain Air offers private bookings year-round where weather permits and adapts itineraries to seasonal glacier conditions and guest preferences for more information.

Base locationChickaloon, Alaska

Tours offered11+

Adventure tips

Prepare for Cold ConditionsEven in summer, temperatures on the glacier can be chilly; dress in layered insulated clothing to stay warm.

Book Early for AvailabilityThis exclusive private elopement package fills up quickly during peak seasons—reserve your date well in advance.

Be Ready for Helicopter Safety BriefingListen carefully to the pre-flight safety instructions to ensure a smooth and safe helicopter experience.

Photography OpportunitiesBring a high-quality camera or smartphone; the glacier’s unique blue ice and mountainous backdrop offer unforgettable photo moments.

Recommended gear

Warm Layered Clothing: Layers keep you warm against glacier chill and can be adjusted as temperatures change.
Sturdy Waterproof Boots: Essential for traction and support when walking on glacier ice and rocky terrain.
Camera or Smartphone: Capture the stunning glacier landscape and intimate moments of your ceremony.
Sunglasses with UV Protection: Protect your eyes from intense sunlight reflecting off the ice and snow.