Best Places to Elope in Alaska
The How, When, and Where for Your Alaska Elopement
Why Elope in Alaska?
Alaska is such an epic state. There is something about the rawness of the landscape, the scale of the mountains, and uniqueness of the area that is incredibly inspiring. For me, Alaska feels like home. It will leave you breathless and have you planning your return trip, so eloping there is perfect because you have an excuse to come back for your anniversary!
When to Elope in Alaska
Alaska can be great in any season depending on the adventure you are looking for!
Summer is hands down the nicest time to be in Alaska. I recommend coming in May to avoid crowds, or experiencing the summer from June-August. The sun pretty much never sets, you can do a lot with your time, and the weather is really nice. However, it can get cold so be sure to pack layers!
As Fall comes the weather turns to rain – this can start in August. Keep in mind that even come August temperatures can be mild – which is nice you never get too hot!
Winter can offer northern lights, excellent skiing, dog sledding, and snow adventures. February and March are great times to experience the winter and catch the northern lights!
Alaska’s Landscapes
Alaska’s landscape varies from vast tundra, to glacially carved mountains, blueberry covered slopes, iceberg lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, lupine covered fields, raging rivers, and black sand beaches. You can visit ocean islands in the summer and ski pow in the winter.
The Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Glacier View
Elope on the Matanuska Glacier via hiking or helicopter, hike up to an overlook of the glacier flowing from the mountains, or go on a rafting adventure! Glacier View is perfect if you want to get away from the crowds and have nearby access to spots like Hatcher’s Pass, Valdez, and Denali. Whether you stay in a lodge, cabin, or glamping tent you will enjoy the time away in nature.
Via Helicopter or Float Plane
Alaska’s most iconic way to elope, helicopters and float planes open up a lot of terrain that would otherwise take weeks to access. This can include glaciers, iceberg lakes, secluded beaches, and mountain ridges.
Hatcher’s Pass
Hatcher’s Pass is just an hour and a half outside of Anchorage. It has a ton of fun hiking trails, alpine lakes, sweeping views, historical mines, and the cutest A-frame lodge you can glamp at. These mountains are perfect for ceremonies with adventurous groups, hiking elopements, backcountry skiing elopement, and the blueberries are delicious when in season:)
Girdwood
Girdwood is home to Alaska’s luxury ski resort, Alyeska, and some pretty killer views from the top of the chairlift. You can also explore various waterfalls, go for a hike, or helicopter to nearby glaciers and beaches.
Seward
Seward is home to black sand beaches, the best wildlife and whale watching tours, private islands, and a unique coastline where the mountains seem to rise out of the sea. Get married on the beach or on a boat before a glacier! Sea kayak out to icebergs or charter a sailboat for a big adventure. Seward also has some prime seafood and the cutest coffee shops.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Bordering Seward, this National Park includes iconic places like Exit Glacier and the Harding IceField. You can opt to hike along the ice or to an overlook, kayak in the sea, or helicopter out over the glaciers.
Denali National Park
This National Park is home to its namesake Denali – an Athabascan word meaning “the high one”- aptly named by the Native people as it is the tallest mountain in all of North America. You can see this colossal mountain when you land in Anchorage! While summiting Denali is for the truly adventurous mountaineers, visiting Denali National Park can be for everyone. On a good weather day you can gaze out at the mountain and all its wonder. To get a better view and explore some of the surrounding glaciers and see Denali herself, take a float plane tour out of Talkeetna.
How to Start Planning Your Alaska Elopement
Now that you’ve decided you want to elope in Alaska you may be wondering where to start. This list may have landed you on a dream location, or maybe you need some time to decide. Let’s hop on the phone and talk more about your elopement day! When you hire me as your photographer I’m with you every step of the way from adventure planning, to vendor wrangling, to timeline co-creation. I’ve got all the expert advice to help you make your day stress free, give you rad ideas, and leave you with an adventure you’ll never forget. Let’s get started!
Ready to Elope in Alaska?
I can’t wait to help you plan your adventurous wedding day. Let’s take your love on a wild adventure!
