Your Guide to Eloping in Alaska
How to Elope in Alaska
Why Elope in Alaska?
Alaska is such a wild 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!
How to Get Your Alaska Marriage License
You can opt to get your marriage license in person at the Anchorage office. The process is fairly simple.
To Get Your License:
- You need your full names and socials
- A copy of both of your IDs
- $60 payable by check or money order
To Make it Legal:
- You need an officiant and 2 witnesses.
- I can act as your officiant and we can always find willing witnesses if needed!
Alternatively, you can send in a notarized application in advance and get your marriage license mailed to you a month prior to your elopement! Apart from taking care of the legal side in your home state, I feel this is the best option so you don’t have to spend your time at the record office.
Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Via Helicopter
Helicopter flights allow for you to see a lot of Alaska in a short amount of time. This is a rad way to get to a glacier, an iceberg lake, or up into the mountains. I love flying with Outbound Heli as they partner with adventure guides to get you out exploring safely. The experience of seeing the landscape from a helicopter is surreal – I can’t wait for you to experience it.
The Matanuska Glacier
I’m a little biased, but I spend the summers living near this glacier and have fallen hard for it. Whether you come in by helicopter, hike out far into the backcountry or to the toe of the icefall, this glacier is just beautiful. Since you must have a guide on this glacier, I’ve got the connections to get you out there!
Seward
One of the cutest sea towns around, Seward is a hub for adventure. Whether you want to go kayaking, fishing, hiking, on a boat tour, or out to a private island, Seward mixes mountains and ocean with ease. Plus you know there’s going to be some amazing seafood!
Girdwood
Girdwood is home to epic waterfalls, great hikes, and Alyeska- Alaska’s main ski resort. Head up to the Seven Glaciers Restaurant for a fine dining experience, take a heli to a glacier, or hit the slopes for your elopement.
Hatcher’s Pass
This is one of the more accessible mountain areas in Alaska. Just outside of Palmer, Hatcher’s Pass has great hikes, world class climbing, and backcountry skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. It also has cute, simple A-frame cabins if you are going for a rustic experience.
Alaska Adventure Ideas
There are so many incredible adventures that you can have in Alaska. From climbing on glaciers, to dog sledding, to wildlife boat tours the adventures are endless. Here are a few types of adventure that you can look forward to- but trust me I could name more!
- Helicopter flights
- Glacier hiking
- Iceberg lake paddleboarding and packrafting
- Hiking in the mountains
- Backpacking
- Boat rides to islands
- Wildlife tours
- River rafting
- Salmon fishing
- ATV riding to a glacier
- Dog sledding
- Floatplane flights
- Sea kayaking
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!
