Love in the Wild: Our Wedding at Matanuska Glacier Retreat
After years of adventures, countless miles traveled, and more than a few ups and downs, we finally found each other. Our love story began in the snowy mountains of Colorado and blossomed among the glaciers of Alaska, filled with exploration, discovery, and growth. When my (now) husband proposed with a handcrafted ring made from a moose antler, it symbolized our journey together—simple, meaningful, and deeply connected to nature. The engagement was a dream come true, but it also marked the beginning of a new adventure: planning our wedding.
Blue Glacier Pool
We envisioned a celebration that would embody who we are, infused with the spirit of adventure, love, and the wild places that have shaped our relationship. With so many memories tied to our journey, finding the perfect wedding venue felt monumental. It had to be a place that captured our shared experiences. Glacier View, nestled in the Alaskan wilderness, felt like the right choice—a stunning backdrop that echoed the essence of our story.
Finding The Matanuska Glacier Retreat
Our search led us to the Matanuska Glacier Retreat, and we quickly realized we had found the ideal venue. Having both our ceremony and reception in one breathtaking location was exactly what we wanted. Given our history with the area, we decided to elevate the experience with a helicopter photoshoot—a unique way to capture the stunning landscape that holds so many special memories for us. We had spent countless days exploring the glacier’s breathtaking terrain, and this photoshoot offered us a fresh perspective to relive those moments.
We were incredibly fortunate that our good friend Mark, a local and our helicopter pilot, was willing to be our wedding photographer. His familiarity with the Glacier View area ensured that he could capture the best shots of our special day. The Matanuska Glacier felt like home, and having it as the backdrop for our wedding made the experience unforgettable.
One of the best aspects of choosing Matanuska Glacier Retreat was how smoothly the planning process unfolded. The venue team made communication effortless, guiding us through each step and ensuring every detail was managed with care. Their support helped us connect with local vendors for food and drink that aligned with our vision, alleviating much of the stress that often accompanies wedding planning. This allowed us to enjoy every moment leading up to our big day, knowing we were in good hands.
The Marriage License Process
A few weeks before the wedding, we submitted our marriage license application online through the Mat-Su Borough’s system. The process was straightforward and convenient, which we appreciated. The week of the wedding, we made a quick trip to the Palmer Courthouse to pick up the license in person. Armed with our driver’s licenses and birth certificates, we navigated the paperwork successfully, and left the courthouse feeling a rush of excitement as we moved closer to our big day.
The Details
When it came to flowers, I wanted a bouquet that would endure—not just for the ceremony and reception but also for our glacier photoshoot and beyond. I chose sola wood flowers, hand-crafted blooms that allowed me to create bouquets and floral arrangements well in advance. This choice not only ensured that everything would be as I envisioned but also added a personal touch that made it even more special. Assembling these everlasting arrangements was a delightful creative project, and on the big day, they looked stunning, adding vibrant beauty to every moment.
For catering, we partnered with Sheep Mountain Lodge, which felt like the perfect choice. Having spent many evenings there after exciting days exploring the glacier, we knew we wanted to share that experience with our family and friends. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, we opted for their famous pies and crumbles. The variety of flavors—from rich berry pies to their famous triple berry crumble—was a hit, providing a sweet, homemade touch that felt just right for our rustic setting.
To complement the food, we discovered the option of hiring a mobile bar, which added an extra layer of fun to our celebration. The venue connected us with Travelin Tavern, and Jenni was fantastic. She brought a vibrant energy to our celebration with a fantastic selection of drinks and a personalized cocktail menu, ensuring that our guests felt truly celebrated.
The Big Day
The night before the wedding, my family and bridesmaids stayed at Alpenglow Luxury Camping, setting the perfect tone for the celebration. On the morning of the ceremony, I got ready amidst the serene surroundings, and the relaxed atmosphere made everything feel like a breeze. Being a DIYer, I chose to do my own hair and makeup, wanting to feel authentically me on my wedding day. After plenty of practice, I felt ready and excited for what lay ahead.
Standing at the altar, I was filled with a profound sense of peace and love. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Matanuska Glacier and our closest friends and family, I realized how right everything felt. It was a celebration of our love, the support of our loved ones, and the shared joy of our journey together. Each word of our vows resonated with significance, and in that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
As we embark on this new chapter together, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in making our day so special. Thank you to the incredible teams at Matanuska Glacier Retreat, Sheep Mountain Lodge, Alpenglow Luxury Camping, and the Travelin Tavern. Your dedication and kindness helped create a beautiful reflection of our journey and the adventures that lie ahead!
