Ultimate Guide for an Alaska Elopement
Majestic white and teal swirled glaciers. Quaint, colorful towns. Towering pillars of ice crashing into frigid waters below. Rich green mountain ranges. Bears salmon fishing in rivers. Eloping in Alaska is almost like stepping into another world. It can be intimidating to plan an elopement especially in a state that’s known for its wild landscape and remoteness, so I always recommend a planner but especially so for an adventurous Alaskan wedding. It’s also vital for you to do your own research to understand what a wedding or elopement in Alaska entails. While I have visited once before, Alaska is huge and changes dramatically in each season. I wrote this guide with general information to help jumpstart your own research but as always, my best suggestion is to hire a local wedding planner or a planner with experience in Iceland who can help with the nitty gritty logistical details specific to the area. You’ll enjoy your day more and I’ll focus on getting you epic wedding photos!
About Alaska
When it comes to awe-inspiring scenery, Alaska has it all. As the 49th state in the US, it’s known as the Last Frontier because so much of the state has been left undeveloped and preserved in its natural beauty. It’s coastal, yet mountainous, blanketed in both lush green forests and sprawling glaciers at the same time. Fun fact: Alaska’s Aleutian Islands stretch into the Eastern hemisphere, so Alaska is simultaneously the westernmost AND easternmost state in the country!
Alaska is home to 8 different national parks, including 5 of the 6 least visited parks! Getting there can be tricky but rewarding. Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark and Katmai are only accessible by air, while you have to ride a bus into Denali in most cases and Kenai Fjords is best seen by boat. You can drive to Wrangell-St. Elias, about 5 hours from Anchorage.
Because so many of Alaska’s attractions are best seen by boat or by air, getting around once you’re there can be expensive. If you pick any of Alaska’s more remote spots for your elopement, be sure to factor in flight and guide costs into your wedding budget.
When to elope in Alaska
More than most places, weather is absolutely essential to consider if you want to elope in Alaska. Because it’s so far north, Alaska deals with extreme winters and the phenomenon of incredibly short winter days, sometimes with just 5 hours of sunlight in certain parts of the state. Winter conditions can make getting to and from elopement locations difficult and gives us very limited amount of daylight for photos.
You’ll find the absolute best weather in Alaska in July and August. In the coastal regions that visitors typically stick to, daytime weather is in the 50s-70s during these months. Plus, in some spots, you can get up to 18 hours of daylight in the summer! However, the great weather also means it’s the most popular time to visit. This can make some of the natural attractions more crowded, so keep that in mind for your elopement. I always love recommending the shoulder season months to my couples for good weather and less crowds. In Alaska, June and September are great months for this.
No matter which month you choose, make sure you pack the proper footwear and bring plenty of layers to put on over your wedding attire when it gets chilly!
Where to Elope in Alaska
One thing to keep in mind is that in Alaska, weather can change on a dime. Some of the spots we’ll talk about are only accessible by the air, and bad weather can ground flights for indefinite amounts of time. When you plan an Alaska elopement, ALWAYS have a back-up plan. The good news is, this is easy to do since there are so many beautiful sites where you can get married in this expansive state!
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular places for an Alaska elopement. This scenic road stretches from Willow to Palmer and runs through the Talkeetna Mountains. It’s relatively easy to get to, and the area features plenty of options for short hikes and pull out views if you have family coming to your elopement. You’re sure to find a spot along its 50 miles that you’ll love to say your vows!
Matanuska Glacier
If you want that classic, Alaska glacier backdrop for your elopement, Matanuska is one of the easier glaciers to access. It’s a beautiful glacier on private land, and usually costs a $30 entrance fee for hiking. Here, you can get a great view from the base of the glacier. However, since COVID, they’ve only been allowing private tours, which cost $125. While I definitely recommend having a guide for any hiking on the glacier itself, going with a group can make your ceremony feel a little less private. Keep an eye on if this policy changes at all in the future.
Girdwood
Another easily accessible spot for an Alaska elopement is the ski town of Girdwood. I skied here on my trip in March, but in the summertime it transforms into a hiking destination with lush forests, wildflowers, wooded areas and waterfalls. Nestled into the Chugach Mountains, there are an abundance of scenery options to elope here.
Denali National Park
Denali is one of Alaska’s most popular parks – and for good reason! Here, you’ll find expansive plains with majestic Mt. Denali and the surrounding mountains framing the skyline. You’ll have to bus into the park (unless you win a very competitive lottery to be able to drive in a specific time of year) and it gets quite busy in the summertime. Still, the park is so large, it’s possible to find some seclusion.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
This is one of the only parks in Alaska that it makes sense to drive to! Located about 5 hours east of Anchorage, its main attraction is obviously the mountain ranges its named for. Another really cool spot to visit inside the park is the Kennecott Mine, an abandoned copper mine whose dilapidated red buildings look somehow romantic against the green mountains in the summertime.
Kenai Peninsula
It’s tough to pick just one spot in the Kenai Peninsula, which is why I’ve looped it into one group here! The Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage is home to popular towns like Seward and Homer as well as one of Alaska’s national parks, Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you’ll find a more coastal vibe than some of the other spots on this list and options for your elopement can include Kachemak Bay State Park, the beach at Homer Spit, or even the national park. It’s also an amazing place to spot sea life like whales, sea lions and otters!
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Caves
This is the glacier you’ve most likely already heard of in Alaska. Located near Juneau, it’s a must if you plan on visiting this part of the state. It’s famous for the gorgeous glowing ice caves inside the glacier, which you’ll have to take a tour to visit. Still, it’s an incredibly unique place to exchange your vows!
An Airbnb or Lodge
Some Airbnbs in Alaska have views just as breathtaking as the natural lands that surround them. Consider keeping things simple and saying your vows with your officiant and witnesses in the backyard at your Airbnb or lodge, and then taking photos together on some fun Alaskan adventures afterwards!
Somewhere Off the Beaten Path
The great part about working with an experienced elopement photographer is having someone with the know-how to find some of the more secluded and unique spots to elope in Alaska! Let’s have a conversation about the vibe you’re looking for and I can help you pick the perfect spot that others may not know about.
Thinking about eloping in one of Alaska’s 8 national parks?
How to Elope in Alaska Legally
Like any other state, you’ll need to get your paperwork in order to legally elope in Alaska. Where you choose to get married has a big effect on what paperwork you’ll need, but here’s a general outline. *Information as of 2022. Always check for updated policies.
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In Alaska, you’ll need to download the Marriage License Application and return it in person to the Vital Records Office in Anchorage or Juneau, or an Alaska Courthouse outside of it in order to receive your Marriage License. There’s a 3-day waiting period for it though, so make sure you arrive in Alaska at least 3 days before your planned ceremony! Return to the same courthouse and pick up your license. It will be valid for 90 days after that. After your marriage, you’ll need to return the signed marriage license to a local Vital Records Office in person or by mail. Once filed, your formal certificate of marriage from Alaska is an additional $30.
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Alaska requires a credentialed officiant to preside over your ceremony as well as two witnesses. My husband who often second-shoots with me is a wedding officiant and I can sign as a witness, so we are already almost there!
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You’ll need this if you are eloping in one of Alaska’s 8 national parks. Alaska State Parks also have their own special park use permit system if you plan to have more than 20 people involved in your elopement. Each park has a different system and a different set of rules for what requires a special use permit, but it typically involves paying a fee to submit an application to the park for the permit around a month in advance and when your permit is granted, following a set of rules laid out by that park to protect its natural resources. Good news, I’m a Leave No Trace Aware photographer so I’ll help us make sure we do everything needed to comply and protect these gorgeous public lands!
You can find more detailed information for each of the parks at the links below. Since many of Alaska’s parks are more remote and have less infrastructure than say, the Grand Canyon, you may just have to call the park for permit info.
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If you choose a national park for the site of your elopement, you won’t be able to enter the park with just your special use permit. You’ll also need to pay the park entrance fee. These are usually around $35 per car, but I always recommend getting an annual National Park Pass for $80 because the pass will pay for itself in just 3 park visits, and you have a whole year to use it as much as you want! You’ll easily be able to mark off 3 parks in Alaska alone. Keep in mind state parks will require their own entrance fees.
Where to stay for your Alaska Elopement
You can find Airbnbs all around the state of Alaska, but there are 4 main areas visitors to Alaska typically choose to base their trips out of: Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, Juneau or Seward. Here are a few options for stays in each spot.
Anchorage
This is Alaska’s most populated city and will give you the most downtown vibes of anywhere in the state. It’s easy to fly to and you can easily find tours here that will take you to other
Tutka Bay Lodge – upscale lodge on a private cove near Kachemak Bay State Park, open seasonally
Winterlake Lodge – luxury lodge near the Alaska Range, open seasonally
Ultima Thule Lodge – a lively wilderness outpost in the Wrangell St. Elias range. They host weddings here too!
Luxury Barn with Tiny Home – we stayed in this Airbnb in Palmer, about 45 minutes outside of Anchorage and it was a great home base to access activities like helicopter tours and dog sledding
Luxe Mountain Hideaway with Hot Tub – 3 bedrooms for you and your guests with stunning views
Kenai Peninsula
Kenai Peninsula is home to stunning spots like Seward, Homer, Kenai Fjords National Park and Kachemak Bay State Park.
Salted Roots Alaska – a collection of beautiful A-frame cabins and cottages I stayed at near Seward. They’re on the waterfront and have gorgeous views. They also host weddings!
The Beach House at Between Beaches – a quaint, romantic spot on the water in Seldovia
Stillpoint Lodge – boutique log cabins on the water in Halibut Cove, open seasonally
Orca Island Cabins – cozy yurts perched on the waterfront
Juneau
Even though Juneau is the capital city of Alaska, you can’t actually drive to it! It’s only accessible by flight or ferry.
New Build Mountain View Retreat – modern spot with beautiful mountain views
Eclectic Abode Near Airport – tiny home guest house in a convenient spot
Private apartment with a Stunning Ocean View – bright apartment with waterfront views
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the best place to say to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights – but it’s quite far from most of the other attractions in Alaska.
Aurora Villa – if you’re up for a truly luxe stay, you can rent all 7 rooms in this remote villa
Borealis Basecamp – igloo-like adventure stay with incredible views of the Northern Lights
What to do in Alaska
This section of the blog could easily be a mile long because there are so many incredible adventures to be had in Alaska! But first, you have to fuel up for all the fun. Here are a few great food spots in different cities around the state.
Food
Anchorage
Rustic Goat – elevated American food in an industrial spot
Snow City Café – colorful spot for brunch
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria – a local favorite for pizza and house-brewed beer
Black Cup Coffee – cute coffee shop that roasts their own beans
Seward
The Cookery – locally-sourced Alaskan seafood and produce
Homer
Two Sisters Bakery – delicious local bakery and restaurant
Salty Dawg Saloon – unassuming local watering hole with dollar bills blanketing the walls
Juneau
The Rookery Café – coffee shop and café in downtown with a focus on baking from scratch
Hangar on the Wharf – not the most impressive menu but a great location on the wate
SALT – modern eatery for Alaskan cuisine
Activities
If you’re choosing Alaska for your elopement, chances are you’re a pretty adventurous couple! There are so many fun adventures to be had in Alaska, it’s hard to narrow it down.
The thing about Alaska, though, is there is a reason it’s known as The Last Frontier. So much of this gorgeous state is still wild, which means it is best explored with the help of professionals who make a living off of making sure you are first of all safe, and second of all, having the most fun possible on your trip. While something like hiking a glacier may seem commonplace in Alaska, these activities still require expert knowledge to do safely. Many areas are extremely remote, with very little cell service should something go wrong. Wildlife roams free, weather patterns can be extremely unpredictable and many areas are simply inaccessible without professional help. It’s a very different place than the Lower 48, so you really just can’t beat local knowledge and expertise here!
I absolutely love helping my couples research and prepare for their elopement (including prepping everyone on Leave No Trace principles!), but ultimately, your safety is your responsibility. That’s why I recommend all of my Alaska elopement couples involve a professional guide in their adventures! It not only helps everyone prepare for the unexpected, but it makes your time on the ground in Alaska way less stressful. And you get local expertise as you explore! It’s really a win-win.
With that, here are some of the most fun things to do across the Last Frontier.
Helicopter tour – so much of Alaska is best seen by air. Even if you don’t choose a fly-out elopement, you should at least experience Alaska by air while you’re there.
Go dog sledding – learn about Alaska’s state sport and meet some awe-inspiring dogs while you’re at it!
See the Iditarod – if you time your trip right, you can see this iconic dog sled race begin in Anchorage! I happened to be there at the same time as the 50th anniversary of the race on my last trip and it was incredible to see
Hike a glacier – from Mendenhall to Matanuska, there are plenty of cool options for this
Mark off Alaska’s national parks – there are 8 different options here, including two above the arctic circle (Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic). If you made it all the way to Alaska, why not mark off as many as you can?
Go skiing – we skied at Alyeska Resort during our March trip and had an amazing time
Go salmon fishing – catch Alaskan King Salmon on a guided fishing trip
Visit Ketchikan – this quaint, colorful town was Alaska’s first city. Stroll the historic boardwalk on Creek Street or spot salmon on the Salmon Ladder
Alaska elopement photography packages
Because there is SO much natural beauty in the Last Frontier, it can be tough to choose just one spot to elope in Alaska! Why not make it a whole experience rather than a day? Planning a custom multi-day Alaska elopement is a great way to get all the photos you want of all the fun adventures you’ll have in Alaska as you start your new lives together.
Imagine saying your vows with the backdrop of Hatcher Pass, then flying out on a helicopter for romantic photos with your new spouse on a glacier and going dog sledding with them the next day?! You’d have the most epic wedding photo album ever!
Let me help you elope in Alaska!
Doesn’t all of this sound amazing?! If you’re down for a wedding day with jaw-dropping views that require a bit of adventuring to get there, an Alaska elopement is right for you. I’d love to help capture your memories from the best day (or week!) of your lives as you elope in Alaska. Let the adventures begin!