Your Guide to Having a Denali National Park Elopement
Eloping in Denali
Why Elope in Denali National Park
Denali National Park is just one of the 17 National Parks in Alaska, and it’s one of the most memorable thanks to its namesake mountain: Denali. Looming at 20,310 feet, this incredible mountain can be seen all the way from the Anchorage Airport. Seeing this iconic mountain is on the list of many folks who visit Alaska, so why not include the mountain in your elopement day? Read on to get all the tips you need for planning a Denali National Park elopement!
How to Get to Denali + the Best Times to Visit
Denali is about a 4 and half hour drive from the Anchorage Airport. You can opt to rent a car and drive up to the park, or you can take the train. The Denali Star Train can take you to the park with a stop in Talkeetna on the way. This is a great option if you don’t want to worry about driving. Upgrade to the GoldStar service for some more amenities on your journey!
Denali is best visit from May through early September for warmer weather and longer days. You are more likely to have clear days June through mid August so you can see the mountain in all her glory!
If you want to see the Northern Lights come visit February through April. While it can be hard to predict the weather, if you give yourself at least a week you will have a better chance at seeing the mountain and the cosmic display.
How to Elope in Denali National Park
If you’ve chosen Denali as your elopement destination get ready to go on a wild adventure. Whether you choose to hike, backpack, float place, or heli to your ceremony location you are going to have an unreal experience! Below is all the info you need for your elopement along with some inspiration for your day.
Get Your Ceremony Permit
Since Denali is a National Park, you are required to get a Ceremony Permit. The permit is only $200 and should be submitted at least 10 days before your elopement date. You can find more info about the permit here!
Denali is pretty special in that you don’t have to choose a specific ceremony location. You can really choose to get married where you want, so together we can find a spot that’s right for you.
Getting Your Marriage License
You can either get your marriage license in person in Anchorage, or send in a notarized application and have the license sent to you to bring along. You can read more about these options here!
What to Do on Your Day in Denali
Denali offers a ton of fun adventures. No matter what elopement experience you are looking to have, this park can provide. Here are some ideas to think about as you start planning!
Go on a Bus Tour
The Bus Tour is the best way to view wildlife and sightsee without having to hike a ton. You can choose between narrated and non-narrated tours. I recommend the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Be sure to book yours as they can fill up quick!
Go for a Hike
There are a ton of scenic hikes in and around the park. Horseshoe Lakes, Little Coal Creek, Spruce Forest, or Savage Alpine Trail are just a few of the trails that will leave you in awe.
Go Backpacking
Denali has a ton of backpacking opportunities as well. If this is your jam check out the trails and see what could be right for you! Remember that this is bear country, so bear cans are going to be a must have.
Go Flightseeing
One of the most epic ways to see Denali is from the air. You can hop in a float plane and be flown around the park to take in views that you will never forget. While there are a ton of pilots in Alaska, only some offer truly private experiences. I’ll be able to recommend the pilots that are right for you, but check out one of my favorites.
Land on a Glacier
If you’ve always wanted to land on a glacier you might as well pair it with that epic flight around Denali National Park. Glacier landings tend to just cost a couple hundred more and are totally worth the experience of adventuring on ice!
Visit Sled Dogs
Denali National Park has their own sled dog kennels, so when the kennels are open you can visit the pups!
Go Mushing in the Winter
Dog sledding is one of the most Alaska things you can do. If you plan on visiting in the winter for a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, opt to stay at Earth Song Lodge so you can also go on a winter, dog-filled adventure!
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!
