Updated 4/14/25
Seward, Alaska is a quiet coastal town surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and some of the most breathtaking views in the state. When Melissa and Nicholas chose it for their helicopter elopement, we couldn’t wait to help bring their vision to life.
From booking a cozy A-frame cabin to choosing the right pilot (shoutout to Mike with Marathon Helicopters) and crafting a day that combined hiking with glacier views, we helped them plan every detail. If you’ve been dreaming of a helicopter elopement in Alaska, this story is filled with inspiration and a glimpse into just how magical Seward can be.
For even more location ideas and planning tips, check out our Alaska Elopement Location Guide.
Getting Ready at a Cozy Cabin in Seward, Alaska
Melissa and Nicholas traveled from Minnesota to have their helicopter elopement in Seward, Alaska. They stayed at Salted Roots, a group of cozy A-frame cabins tucked right along the water. It’s the kind of place that feels both peaceful and wild, making it perfect for a quiet morning together before such a big day.
They got ready in the same cabin, sharing that slow and meaningful start to the morning. Melissa had her hair and makeup done by Roxy with Hair by Jenn, while Nicholas sat nearby writing his vows into his vow book. When it came time to get dressed, I headed upstairs to help Melissa into her dress while Nicholas stayed downstairs and buttoned up his custom suit from Heimie’s Haberdashery.
Salted Roots has a beautiful beach area that works wonderfully for a first look. Once they were both ready, with Melissa in hiking boots and a warm fur shawl, we set Nicholas up outside for the classic tap-on-the-shoulder moment. But before we even walked out the door, Melissa paused. She started to cry and told me how deeply in love with him she was, and how lucky she felt to be marrying him. I’m not going to lie, I definitely got a little choked up too. It was such a beautiful and honest moment, and the day had only just begun.
A Helicopter Ride to the Ceremony Location in the Mountains
After their first look, we drove down the road to a private beach where we met Mike, a helicopter pilot for Marathon Helicopters. Mike scooped us up and we took off into the sky to our first destination of this helicopter elopement day. We rose high in the air above Seward, finally landing on top of a mountain with 360-degree views every way you looked.
Once we all got over the awe of how insanely beautiful it was, Nicholas and Melissa found the perfect spot for their ceremony. Becky officiated the ceremony for them and they read their handwritten vows to each other. We all took a moment to just be present and let it sink in just how special it was to be there.
Our favorite part of working with Mike and Marathon Helicopters was how knowledgeable he was of the area. Melissa and Nicholas were able to give him a few details about what they were looking for and based on that, he took us to 3 breathtaking locations. We would highly recommend booking a helicopter flight with him for your helicopter elopement!
You can also read about a completely different aerial adventure in this floatplane elopement in Alaska, where the couple landed on a remote lake instead of a glacier.
Already thinking a helicopter elopement is the way to go? Or if you’re dreaming of a longer adventure, check out this 2-day elopement in Hatcher Pass for more inspiration on how to make the most of your Alaska experience. Fill out our contact form so we can chat about all the details!
Hiking Elopement Day Through the Rainforest
After their ceremony and private first dance overlooking Resurrection Bay in Seward, Mike dropped us back off on land. Melissa and Nicholas had wanted to hike a little bit on their helicopter elopement day, so when Mike mentioned there was a great short trail we could hike, they were ecstatic!
We started on the beach and hiked inland, passing through a wet rainforest, then popping back out on the beach where we played with our drone for a bit, before heading up and over a hill. The trail ended where we had parked the car earlier that day so it was perfect!
Private dinner at the Flamingo Lounge
After finishing our hiking part of the helicopter elopement day, we were all starving! Our dinner reservation wasn’t for a little while, so while we waited, we ducked into a local dive bar called Yukon bar for a celebratory cocktail!
When it was time for dinner, we headed across the street to the Flamingo Lounge. If you’re planning a Seward elopement, we definitely recommend stopping in here for dinner during your trip. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays, so originally they were going to cater dinner for Melissa and Nicholas back at their Airbnb. But when they discovered there wasn’t a kitchen or dining room table to eat at, they decided to open up just for us for the evening!
They set a table for 4 and we feasted on some of the best food we’ve ever eaten. From halibut chunks to Halibut po-boys and Halibut chowder (do you see a theme here?!) it was truly divine! The chef and her kitchen staff definitely know what they are doing when it comes to food. The manager had a great time creating unique cocktails for us to try and once we were completely stuffed, he joined us for a drink to finish the night off. We had a great time sharing our stories, where we had all come from, and laughing really hard! It was the best way possible to end an incredible elopement in Seward, Alaska.
Making your Helicopter Elopement in Alaska Official
Every state is different when it comes to obtaining a marriage license and the requirements for that. Luckily, Alaska is pretty straightforward. Here are a couple of things you’ll need to know before you apply for your marriage license:
- You can start the process by filling out and submitting the marriage license via the Vital Records website. Once you have the form filled out, you’ll have to have it notarized before returning it. After you have it notarized, you’ll slip it into the mail along with copies of both of your driver’s license and a check or money order of $60.
- The marriage license is valid for up to 90 days after you apply.
- There is a 3-day waiting period from receiving your marriage license and getting married. This only will apply if you’re going in person to apply for it. If you’re submitting it online (which is easy to do) you won’t have to worry about this.
- After you have applied and sent in the fee for the license, you’ll be asked to email the Vital Records office so that they can send you your marriage license in the mail.
- You must return the marriage license to the same office within 7 days following the ceremony. If Becky is officiating for you, she will take care of that!
We break it all down in our full Alaska Marriage License & Permit Guide, so you don’t miss a thing while planning.
Seward Alaska Elopement Vendors
There are so many talented elopement vendors in Seward! We wanted to mention the handful of amazing people who helped make Melissa and Nicholas’ helicopter elopement come to life!
Helicopter Company: Mike from Marathon Helicopters (highly recommend!)
Accommodations: Salted Roots
Hair & Makeup: Roxy with Hair by Jenn
Flowers: Wild Blossom Design
Vow Books: Ox & Pine
Private Dinner: Flamingo Lounge
Seward Alaska Helicopter Elopement Photographers
Photographing this Helicopter Elopement in Alaska was one of the coolest things we’ve ever done. Not only did Melissa and Nicholas treat us like old friends and create an incredible elopement day, but also, Alaska is probably the most beautiful place we’ve ever photographed and we can’t wait to get back there!
If you’re already set on having a helicopter elopement in Seward Alaska, or you’re still searching for a different Alaska elopement location, we would love to be a part of your big day! We also offer all-inclusive elopement packages if you want everything handled for you, from vendors and flowers to dinner and permits.
As Alaska Elopement Photographers, we’ve taken the time to scout for the dreamiest locations, learn all about amazing accommodations for you to stay at, and research tons of fun activities (like helicopter rides and hiking trails) for your Alaska elopement day. We’ll help put together a timeline for your day that includes loads of time for spontaneity because you never know when you might see a moose out on the trail!
We’re excited to connect with you and help you create an unforgettable Alaska elopement experience! Fill out our contact form and we can get things started!
