Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: September 17, 2026

Welcome to Gilded Fern Estates. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, property information, reservation links, inquiry forms, accommodations, event venue services, photography locations, and related offerings (collectively, the “Services”).

In these Terms, “Gilded Fern Estates,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Gilded Fern Estates and its owner or operating entity. “Guest,” “client,” “you,” and “your” refer to any person who visits our website, submits an inquiry, makes a reservation, signs a venue agreement, attends an event, or otherwise uses our Services.

By accessing our website, submitting an inquiry, making a reservation, or entering into an agreement with us, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to comply with these Terms, our posted policies, and any separate reservation, rental, or venue agreement applicable to your booking.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you should not use our website or Services.

A lodging reservation, event reservation, or commercial-use booking is not confirmed until all required agreements have been signed and the required payment or deposit has been received.

2. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms periodically to reflect changes to our Services, properties, policies, or legal obligations.

The current version will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Changes will apply prospectively and will not replace the terms of an already signed agreement unless the parties agree otherwise in writing or a change is required by law.

3. Eligibility and Authority to Book

You must be at least 25 years old and legally able to enter into a binding agreement to submit an inquiry or make a reservation.

The person making a reservation represents that they:

Are authorized to enter into the reservation or agreement;
Will provide complete and accurate information;
Will communicate applicable property rules to guests, attendees, vendors, and invitees; and
Accept responsibility for the conduct of their party as permitted by law.

Additional minimum-age requirements may apply through Airbnb, Vrbo, Hostaway, payment providers, or other booking platforms.

4. Our Properties and Services

Gilded Fern Estates offers short-term accommodations and approved private-property uses at its Alaska locations.

Offerings may include:

Overnight accommodations at the Hyer Road and Hatcher Pass properties;
Elopements and micro weddings;
Outdoor ceremonies and intimate receptions;
Engagement and wedding photography;
Styled shoots and approved creative projects;
Photographer workshops;
Overnight wedding or event packages;
Tables, chairs, tents, portable restroom facilities, and other listed amenities; and
Additional services or rentals identified in a written agreement.

Property features, sleeping capacity, event capacity, included equipment, availability, and pricing vary by location and package. Only the items expressly listed in your signed agreement or confirmed reservation are included.

Website descriptions and photographs are intended to provide a reasonable representation of the properties. Natural conditions, landscaping, furnishings, décor, views, weather, seasonal appearance, and amenities may change.

5. Inquiries and Reservation Confirmation

Submitting an inquiry form does not reserve a date or guarantee availability.

A booking is confirmed only after Gilded Fern Estates has:

Approved the requested use;
Received all required signed documents;
Received the applicable deposit or payment; and
Issued written confirmation.

We may place a temporary courtesy hold on a date, but a courtesy hold is not a confirmed reservation and may expire if the required agreement and payment are not received by the stated deadline.

Wedding, event, commercial photography, workshop, or other special-use reservations must be approved in advance. A standard lodging reservation may not be used to host an event, ceremony, reception, styled shoot, workshop, commercial production, or unapproved gathering.

6. Separate Agreements and Booking-Platform Terms

Certain bookings may require a separate lodging agreement, event venue agreement, photography agreement, rental agreement, or platform-specific contract.

If a signed agreement contains terms that conflict with these general website Terms, the signed agreement will control with respect to that booking.

Reservations made through Airbnb, Vrbo, Hostaway, Google, or another third-party service are also subject to that platform’s terms, payment rules, cancellation policies, and dispute procedures. Gilded Fern Estates does not control the operation or availability of third-party platforms.

Questions concerning a platform transaction may need to be directed to the platform through which the reservation was made.

7. Pricing, Deposits, and Payments

Prices are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Rates, packages, add-ons, taxes, fees, and availability may change before a reservation is confirmed.

For event reservations, unless a different schedule is stated in the signed venue agreement:

A deposit equal to 50% of the total booking price is due when the agreement is signed;
The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the event; and
A 3% surcharge may be applied to credit-card payments where permitted by law and properly disclosed.

Additional charges may apply for optional rentals, lodging, camping spaces, equipment, excessive cleaning, damage, overtime, unauthorized guests, unapproved uses, or other items identified in the agreement.

Failure to make a required payment by its deadline may result in cancellation, release of the date, or other remedies described in the applicable agreement.

8. Cancellations, Changes, and Refunds

Cancellation and refund rights depend on the type of reservation, booking platform, package, and signed agreement.

Short-term lodging reservations are subject to the cancellation policy displayed at the time of booking or imposed by the applicable booking platform. Event, wedding, elopement, photography, workshop, and commercial-use reservations are subject to the cancellation and rescheduling terms in the applicable signed agreement.

Any representation concerning a “30-day refund” should be interpreted according to the exact policy shown during the reservation process. It does not automatically apply to event deposits, optional rentals, third-party fees, or other non-lodging charges unless expressly stated in writing.

Requests to change dates are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Changing a reservation may result in different rates, fees, package requirements, or minimum-stay requirements.

Unless required by law or expressly stated in the applicable agreement, Gilded Fern Estates is not responsible for expenses incurred through third parties, including travel, lodging elsewhere, vendors, attire, catering, rentals, or photography.

9. Event Capacity and Approved Use

Gilded Fern Estates specializes in intimate celebrations and micro weddings.

Unless a signed agreement states otherwise:

Events are limited to a maximum of 30 people, including the couple and guests;
All events must be approved and reserved in advance;
The property may be used only for the purpose described in the agreement;
Event activities must remain within approved areas;
Events must conclude by the time listed in the agreement, which may be no later than 10:00 p.m.; and
Indoor areas may be limited to registered overnight guests, the couple, or designated members of the booking party.

We may stop or restrict activities that exceed capacity, create unsafe conditions, disturb neighboring properties, violate the agreement, or threaten people, animals, structures, equipment, or the natural environment.

10. Overnight Accommodations and Occupancy

Overnight occupancy may not exceed the capacity stated for the reserved accommodation.

Current property capacities may include:

Hyer Road Farmhouse: up to five overnight guests;
Hyer Road bungalows: up to two overnight guests per bungalow; and
Hatcher Pass cabin: up to four overnight guests.

The applicable listing or signed agreement will control if capacity information changes.

Only registered overnight guests may stay in an accommodation. Event attendance does not include overnight lodging unless lodging is expressly included in the purchased package.

Check-in and check-out times are stated in the reservation or package description. Early arrival and late departure require prior written approval and may involve an additional fee.

11. Outdoor Events, Weather, and Natural Conditions

The properties are located in natural outdoor settings. Guests and clients acknowledge that outdoor use may involve rain, wind, snow, ice, mud, uneven ground, changing temperatures, wildfire smoke, insects, wildlife, falling branches, limited lighting, and other conditions common to Alaska properties.

Weather conditions are outside our control. Clients are responsible for considering appropriate clothing, footwear, transportation, accessibility, guest comfort, and backup arrangements.

Unless otherwise stated in a signed agreement, unfavorable weather alone does not automatically entitle a client to a refund, cancellation, relocation, or rescheduling. Any weather-related options will be governed by the applicable agreement.

Guests must not approach, feed, disturb, or attempt to handle wildlife.

12. Tents, Tables, Chairs, and Other Equipment

Equipment is included only when identified in the selected package or signed agreement.

Depending on the package, equipment may include white chairs, rectangular tables, a reception tent, a portable restroom with a handwashing station, or other listed items.

When tent setup is included, Gilded Fern Estates will arrange for the tent to be set up before the approved event period. Clients and guests may not relocate, modify, anchor, decorate, dismantle, or misuse tents or other equipment without permission.

The client is responsible for damage, loss, excessive cleaning, or misuse caused by the client, guests, vendors, or invitees, excluding ordinary wear and tear.

Equipment availability, quantities, styles, and substitutions will be confirmed in the applicable agreement.

13. Setup, Cleanup, Trash, and Property Condition

The client is responsible for leaving approved event areas in the condition required by the signed agreement.

Unless otherwise stated:

The client and their vendors are responsible for event cleanup;
Decorations, food, personal belongings, and vendor materials must be removed by the specified deadline;
Gilded Fern Estates will handle up to two bags of properly secured event trash;
Additional or oversized trash may result in extra charges;
Confetti, glitter, fireworks, rice, sky lanterns, or other difficult-to-remove or hazardous materials may not be used without written approval; and
Nothing may be nailed, stapled, glued, or permanently attached to trees, structures, furnishings, or equipment.

Additional cleaning, repair, disposal, or overtime charges may be assessed when permitted by the applicable agreement.

14. Parking, Transportation, and Access

On-site parking is available in designated areas, subject to property conditions and the instructions provided for the booking. The Hyer Road property includes a lower parking area.

Clients are responsible for informing guests and vendors where to park and for arranging transportation if the number or type of vehicles exceeds the property’s approved capacity.

Vehicles may not block roads, driveways, emergency access routes, neighboring properties, or unauthorized areas. Parking on lawns or natural areas is prohibited unless specifically directed by Gilded Fern Estates.

Road and parking conditions may be affected by snow, ice, rain, or seasonal conditions. Drivers remain responsible for operating suitable vehicles and driving safely.

15. Vendors and Outside Services

Unless otherwise stated, vendors are independently hired by the client and are not employees, partners, or agents of Gilded Fern Estates.

Clients are responsible for:

Selecting and contracting with their vendors;
Confirming that vendors are properly licensed and insured when required;
Providing vendors with venue rules and access times;
Ensuring vendor compliance with applicable laws and property policies; and
Paying all vendor charges directly.

Vendor access, setup, delivery, power use, open flames, catering equipment, alcohol service, and teardown may require advance approval.

A recommendation or preferred-provider listing does not guarantee a vendor’s work, availability, pricing, safety, licensing, or performance. Gilded Fern Estates is not responsible for the acts, omissions, products, or services of independent vendors.

16. Alcohol, Food, Fire, and Prohibited Activities

Alcohol may be served only when approved in advance and handled in compliance with applicable Alaska laws, licensing requirements, insurance requirements, and the signed agreement.

The client is responsible for preventing service to minors and visibly intoxicated individuals. We may require a licensed and insured bartender or other professional alcohol-service provider.

Open flames, candles, firepits, grills, cooking equipment, fireworks, smoking, vaping, firearms, generators, and amplified sound may be restricted or prohibited. Any approved use must comply with property instructions, fire restrictions, burn bans, and applicable law.

Illegal drugs, unlawful conduct, threatening behavior, excessive noise, and activities that create an unreasonable safety risk are prohibited.

17. Dogs and Other Animals

Dog policies vary by property and booking type.

Unless otherwise approved in writing:

Event dogs are permitted only at the Hatcher Pass property;
No more than two dogs may attend;
Dogs must remain leashed and under the control of a responsible adult;
Dogs are not permitted inside the Hatcher Pass cabin;
Event dogs must be removed from the property after the event and may not remain overnight; and
Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs and are responsible for any injury, disturbance, damage, or excessive cleaning caused by them.

Pets are not permitted at the Hyer Road event property unless written approval is provided.

Properly trained service animals are accommodated as required by applicable law. Guests needing an accommodation should contact us before arrival so that access arrangements can be discussed.

18. Event Insurance

Event clients must obtain event liability insurance and provide acceptable proof of coverage no later than 60 days before the event unless the signed agreement states a different deadline.

The required coverage limits, insured parties, additional-insured wording, host-liquor coverage, and other insurance requirements will be stated in the venue agreement.

Failure to provide required insurance may result in cancellation, postponement, restricted activities, or denial of access, subject to the applicable agreement.

19. Photography and Commercial Use

Personal photography associated with an approved lodging stay, wedding, elopement, engagement, or event is permitted within the scope of the reservation.

Professional photography, styled shoots, brand sessions, advertising campaigns, workshops, content creation, commercial productions, or other business-related use requires prior written approval.

Additional fees, deposits, insurance, permits, location agreements, model releases, or usage restrictions may apply. A lodging reservation alone does not grant commercial-use rights.

Guests and vendors may not photograph people on neighboring property, enter private or restricted areas, use drones without permission, or interfere with other guests or property operations.

20. Photos and Promotional Use

Gilded Fern Estates will not use identifiable professional photographs supplied by a client or photographer for commercial promotion unless appropriate permission or a license has been obtained.

Any permission to share photographs, testimonials, or event details may be documented separately. Clients are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions from photographers and other rights holders before giving media to Gilded Fern Estates for promotional use.

Guests may not use the Gilded Fern Estates name, logo, property imagery, or other branding in a way that suggests sponsorship, partnership, or endorsement without written permission.

21. Property Rules and Guest Conduct

All guests, attendees, and vendors must behave respectfully and follow staff instructions, posted policies, and the applicable agreement.

You may not:

Damage, remove, misuse, or alter property, furnishings, equipment, plants, or natural features;
Enter locked, marked, private, or restricted areas;
Exceed approved occupancy or event capacity;
Host an unauthorized party, event, shoot, or commercial activity;
Create excessive noise or disturb neighboring properties;
Interfere with safety or security systems;
Use the property for unlawful, dangerous, or fraudulent purposes;
Bring prohibited animals, equipment, substances, or materials onto the property; or
Allow unregistered overnight guests to stay in an accommodation.

We may require a person to leave the property when reasonably necessary to protect safety, comply with the law, prevent property damage, or enforce the applicable agreement. Refund eligibility in such circumstances will be determined by the agreement and applicable law.

22. Damage, Security Deposits, and Additional Charges

Clients may be responsible for damage, loss, excessive cleaning, unauthorized use, missing items, overtime, rule violations, or extraordinary expenses caused by the client, guests, vendors, pets, or invitees.

A security deposit, payment authorization, or damage waiver may be required. Applicable amounts and claim procedures will be disclosed in the reservation or signed agreement.

We will document and assess charges reasonably and in accordance with the agreement and applicable law. When a booking is made through a third-party platform, damage claims may also be handled through that platform’s procedures.

23. Accessibility and Accommodation Requests

The properties include natural outdoor areas, lawns, wooded terrain, historic structures, and other features that may present accessibility limitations.

We want guests to have accurate information before booking. Guests may contact us to ask about entrances, paths, parking, restrooms, sleeping areas, terrain, and other property features.

Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law. Because available accommodations depend on the property, event layout, and nature of the request, guests are encouraged to contact us before making a reservation.

24. Website Use and Prohibited Conduct

You may use our website only for lawful, personal, and legitimate business purposes.

You may not:

Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website or connected systems;
Introduce malicious code or interfere with website security;
Scrape, copy, or harvest website content or personal information without permission;
Submit false, misleading, fraudulent, or unlawful information;
Impersonate another person;
Use automated systems to overload or disrupt the website; or
Use website content in a manner that violates intellectual-property, privacy, or other legal rights.

We may restrict access to the website when reasonably necessary to protect the website, our business, or other users.

25. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, the text, design, graphics, logos, branding, photographs, videos, downloads, and other original materials on the Gilded Fern Estates website are owned by or licensed to Gilded Fern Estates and are protected by applicable intellectual-property laws.

You may view the website and print limited portions for personal, noncommercial use. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, publish, sell, license, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit website content without prior written permission from the applicable rights holder.

Third-party names, photographs, logos, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

26. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may include links or integrations involving Airbnb, Vrbo, Hostaway, Google, payment processors, maps, social media platforms, vendors, or other third parties.

These services are governed by their own terms and privacy practices. We do not control and are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, security, content, pricing, or practices of third-party services.

A link does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or guarantee.

27. Electronic Communications

By submitting an inquiry, making a reservation, or providing contact information, you consent to receive communications reasonably related to your request or booking, including confirmations, agreements, payment notices, property instructions, and scheduling updates.

Marketing communications will be sent only as permitted by applicable law. You may unsubscribe from marketing emails using the instructions provided in those messages. Transactional or reservation-related communications may still be sent when necessary to administer a booking.

Electronic signatures and electronic records may be used where permitted by law.

28. Privacy

Our collection and use of personal information are governed by our Privacy Policy.

Payment-card information may be processed by third-party payment providers or booking platforms. Gilded Fern Estates may not directly receive or retain complete card information when payments are handled by those providers.

29. Assumption of Risk

To the extent permitted by law, guests and clients voluntarily assume the ordinary and reasonably foreseeable risks associated with visiting and using rural, wooded, historic, and outdoor Alaska properties.

These risks may include uneven or slippery surfaces, stairs, decks, firepits, weather, insects, wildlife, natural bodies of water, wooded areas, outdoor equipment, temporary event structures, and activities undertaken by guests or independent vendors.

Nothing in these Terms releases Gilded Fern Estates from responsibility that cannot lawfully be waived.

30. Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE WEBSITE AND ONLINE INFORMATION ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.”

GILDED FERN ESTATES DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE WEBSITE WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE, ERROR-FREE, SECURE, OR FREE FROM HARMFUL COMPONENTS.

PROPERTY, LODGING, AND EVENT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE RESERVATION OR SIGNED AGREEMENT.

NOTHING IN THESE TERMS EXCLUDES WARRANTIES, RIGHTS, OR REMEDIES THAT CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.

31. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GILDED FERN ESTATES AND ITS OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AND AGENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES.

GILDED FERN ESTATES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSSES CAUSED BY INDEPENDENT VENDORS, THIRD-PARTY PLATFORMS, GUEST CONDUCT, TRAVEL INTERRUPTIONS, WEATHER, NATURAL CONDITIONS, UTILITY INTERRUPTIONS, GOVERNMENT ACTION, OR OTHER EVENTS OUTSIDE ITS REASONABLE CONTROL.

ANY LIMITATION APPLIES ONLY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THESE TERMS LIMITS LIABILITY THAT CANNOT LEGALLY BE LIMITED, INCLUDING ANY RIGHTS AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE CONSUMER-PROTECTION LAW.

32. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Gilded Fern Estates and its owners, employees, contractors, and agents from third-party claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and reasonable expenses arising from:

Your material violation of these Terms or a signed agreement;
The conduct of your guests, attendees, vendors, invitees, or animals;
Your unlawful or unauthorized use of the property or Services;
Property damage or personal injury caused by your negligent or intentional acts; or
Your infringement of another person’s intellectual property, privacy, or other legal rights.

This section does not require you to indemnify any person for that person’s own negligence or misconduct where doing so would be prohibited by law.

33. Events Beyond Reasonable Control

Neither party will be considered in breach of an obligation that cannot be performed because of circumstances beyond that party’s reasonable control, including severe weather, wildfire, natural disaster, government order, road closure, public-utility failure, public-health emergency, or other comparable event.

The parties’ rights concerning cancellation, rescheduling, credits, refunds, or substitute performance will be determined by the applicable signed agreement and governing law.

34. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Alaska, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Before filing a legal claim, the parties agree to make a reasonable good-faith effort to resolve the dispute informally.

Unless applicable law requires otherwise or a separate signed agreement provides a different lawful procedure, legal proceedings relating to these Terms or the Services will be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Alaska.

Nothing in this section prevents either party from pursuing relief in small claims court when eligible or exercising a right or remedy that cannot lawfully be waived.

35. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision will be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law, and the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

36. No Waiver

A failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not waive the right to enforce that provision or another provision later.

37. Assignment

You may not transfer a reservation, event agreement, or your rights under these Terms without prior written approval.

We may assign our rights and obligations as part of a lawful sale, reorganization, transfer, or change in operation of the business, subject to applicable law and existing contractual obligations.

38. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, applicable reservation details, posted property policies, and any signed agreement, constitute the agreement between you and Gilded Fern Estates concerning the applicable Services.

Statements made in informal conversations, social media posts, or promotional materials do not modify a signed agreement unless the change is confirmed in writing by an authorized representative of Gilded Fern Estates.

39. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact:

Gilded Fern Estates
Operated by: Mahler Enterprises
Phone Number: 907-310-1462
Email Address: gildedfernestates@gmail.com
Contact Hours: Monday-Sunday 8 AM- 6 PM

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