2-Day Shearwater Cove Elopement – Helicopter Wedding in Seward, Alaska
Irish and Brad didn’t want a celebration that only lasted a few hours. They wanted time to soak everything in, to explore, and experience one of the most remarkable corners of Alaska together.
Shearwater Cove was the base for their multi day elopement.
Accessible only by boat, this handcrafted wilderness eco-lodge sits tucked along the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by old-growth forest, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and rugged coastline. Built as a low-impact retreat that blends into the landscape, Shearwater Cove feels less like a resort and more like discovering a hidden piece of Alaska all to yourself.
Instead of rushing through an 8 hour timeline, they slowed down and enjoyed:
Morning coffee on the deck of their yurt.
Sounds of the stream tumbling towards the ocean.
An intimate ceremony high above the mountains.
A snowball fight on a glacier.
Listening to icebergs roll & crack in Bear Glacier Lagoon
Dinner aboard a beautifully restored wooden yacht.
Every moment intentionally planned for a unforgettable wedding experience.
See What Their Elopement Looked Like
How They Eloped
Irish & Brad’s Elopement Details:
The Package They Booked:
Shearwater Cove Luxury Glamping Elopement
Whats Included:
Ready to plan your own elopement?
Why Shearwater Cove is the Perfect place for Truly Unique Elopement Experience
One of my favorite things about Shearwater Cove is that your adventure begins the moment you leave Seward.
There are no roads leading here. The only way in is by boat up Resurrection Bay.
As town disappears behind you, you’re surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls spilling into the ocean, and the possibility of spotting whales, sea otters, seals or puffins before you’ve even unpacked your bags.
The property itself is intentionally designed to leave a light footprint on the landscape, with handcrafted yurts connected by raised boardwalks winding through lush coastal rainforest. It’s peaceful, private, and feels completely disconnected from the rest of the world, a perfect place to get married for those looking for something just a little out of the ordinary.
For couples who want to enjoy a multi day celebration somewhere remote, it’s one of the most unique places in Alaska to settle in and experience the wilderness.
The Beginning of Their Elopement Day
Irish and Brad hit the Alaska weather jackpot. They woke to sunshine pouring through the trees as they got ready for their big adventure.
Myself, Josh Vassar Films and Ripleigh with Borealis Bridal beauty took the boat out to Shearwater the morning of I & B’s elopement. I brought a bouquet, boutonniere and a centerpiece all created by the super talented Cassarah with the Teal Door.
Upon arrival Ripleigh got to work on Irish’s hair & makeup on the deck of their yurt overlooking Resurrection Bay.
Brad working on writing his vows on the deck of a separate yurt tucked in the woods. Once he finished his vows it was time to get fancied up. Suit on & ready for first look he got to relax for a bit while Irish finished her final touches and got into dress.
First look took place on the beautiful boardwalk over a stream in the woods with towering, Avatar like mountains rising above them.
Shearwater Cove’s boat carried us up the coast line for about 10 minutes to Fox Island Spit, where Mike from Marathon Helicopters was set to pick us up. While traveling by boat Irish and Brad took a couple minutes to call family back home.
Once in helicopter we were quickly transported from the shores of Fox Island Spit to a high alpine ridgeline with wild flowers and a glacier backdrop. Mike, our pilot, married these two in this beautiful spot with Lupine blooming all around.
A Ceremony In the Mountains
Our first landing brought us into an alpine meadow bursting with wildflowers. Snow & glacier ice stretched across the mountains behind them – It was the perfect place to exchange vows. Pilot Mike officiated a beautiful ceremony.
Yes… They Had a Snowball Fight in July
After their ceremony, we lifted off again for a quick glacier landing.
One minute they were surrounded by wildflowers. The next they were standing on fresh snow.
That contrast is one of the things I love most about helicopter elopements in Alaska. Within minutes you can move between completely different landscapes that other would take days—or simply be impossible—to reach on foot.
Of course, no glacier landing in July is complete without throwing a few snowballs.
Bear Glacier Lagoon
From the glacier, we flew over the mountains before descending toward Bear Glacier Lagoon. If you’ve never seen this place in person, it’s truly difficult to explain just how beautiful it is!
We had about 45 minutes to stroll the shoreline. Massive icebergs crack and pop as they drift in this deep, blue lagoon. Tiny bergie bits & growlers (yes these are actual terms for smaller icebergs) get stuck on the shore line as they make their way to the ocean and Irish & Brad enjoyed picking up pieces of ice.
Bear Glacier is one of those places that you never want to leave.
An Evening on the Water
After exploring Bear Glacier it was time to jump in the helicopter one last time. Mike flew us to one of my favorite coves where Irish and Brad waved goodbye to the helicopter & boarded a beautifully restored 36-foot wooden tugboat.
Waiting aboard was a private chef preparing an incredible three-course dinner as we slowly cruised through Resurrection Bay:
Fresh seafood.
Thoughtfully plated courses.
Champagne
Wildlife Spotting
Sunset on the water
Once Irish and Brad finishing their first couple courses they cuddled on the bow of the boat and read letters their family & friends had written for them to read together on their wedding day. There was laughter and tears. A first dance commenced, followed by champagne and a later evening dinner under the midnight sun.
As the sun set we docked back at Shearwater Cove where they cut their cake and we all enjoyed cake before saying our goodbyes.
The Culinary Experience
Imagine a multi course meal with locally sourced produce & seafood cooked on board your own private boat for the night.
“Ariel at AMW Studios put together the elopement package of our dreams!!!”
– Irish & Brad
Sample Two Day Shearwater Cove Elopement Timeline
Their two day elopement packed so much over the course of 48 hours
Day 1 – Elopement Day
Day 2 – Honeymoon Adventure
The Day After – Honeymoon Session
The next day we spent a couple hours exploring the Shearwater Cove property and taking some casual portraits.
Thinking About Your Own Shearwater Cove Elopement?
If your dream wedding includes multiple days of adventure instead of a single rushed timeline, Shearwater Cove is one of my favorite places in Alaska.
Between the secluded waterfront yurts, helicopter access to glaciers and alpine landscapes, private boat adventures, kayaking, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable sunsets over Resurrection Bay, it offers the rare opportunity to create a wedding that feels less like an event—and more like the adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate two-person elopement or a multi-day experience with your closest family and friends, I’d love to help you create something just as intentional, immersive, and unforgettable as Irish and Brad’s celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping at Shearwater Cove