Alaska Elopement Planning Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do & More! *Updated for 2023*

First things first, you might be wondering:

Why Elope in Alaska

I’m going to go ahead and make a bold statement… You should have an Alaska elopement because there is absolutely no where else in the United States that offers the same variety of unbelievable terrain that Alaska has. Alaska holds some of the most incredible elopement locations on the North American continent. From epic glaciers and mountain tops, to fantasy-like islands, beaches and lush forests, Alaska is an adventure-lover’s playground. Activities like ice climbing, kayaking, dog mushing, helicopter rides, and all the hiking you could ever want are accessible throughout the massive state.

Not only can you get married in Alaska, but make the trip worth it and make a vacation or honeymoon out of it as well!

The wildlife and scenery here is like nowhere else on earth. Polar bears, moose, elk, wolves, and even whales are just a few of the amazing animals you can catch sight of here. 54 million acres of the state are designated as national parks, not including the nature preserves, state parks, Bureau of Land Management areas, and other public lands. The scenery throughout the state ranges from tundra plains to mountains and beaches, providing a wide variety of stunning backdrops for your special day. 

10 Reasons to Elope in Alaska

• Incredible scenery & vast landscapes waiting to be explored. Whether you like glaciers, mountains, waterfalls or oceans – Alaska has something for everyone.
  
• You want to say your vows with no one else around – Alaska has a number of options for a private ceremony experience in stunning locations including being the only place in the US that you can actually get married ON a glacier!
  
• You want an adventurous experience. Alaska is wild! Whether you love hiking, kayaking, sailing, helicopters, flightseeing, fishing, ice climbing – Alaska has something for every type of adventurer
  
• Alaska has 8 different National Parks – If you love the idea of getting married in a National Park, Alaska sure does have plenty of options!
  
• It’s the only place in the US where you could end your elopement day in a hot tub watching the famous Aurora Borealis
  
• You want a unique experience; in Alaska you can fly into your own little private wilderness, enjoy delicious cuisine right on a fishing boat, take a gondola ride to the top of a mountain & much much more!
  
• You can sleep under the stars/northern lights in your very own “igloo“
  
• You want to elope in a location that is cool enough to extend your trip & have an awesome honeymoon! You could spend weeks & even months exploring this vast state & never run out of things to see. My recommendation is to elope in one area (such as Denali National Park) and then honeymoon in another region (my personal favorite – the towns of Homer or Seward on the Kenai Peninsula).
  
• Alaska is the perfect location to bring your family & friends along! There are so many great small wedding venues that you can even rent for multiple day’s and celebrate with your favorite people. See my list of Alaska’s Best Small Wedding Venues
  
• Because you’re like a kid & get so excited about wildlife (or maybe you just like animals more than people ;). Alaska is known for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. From viewing moose, grizzlies or black bear & wolves in the interior of the state or seals, otters & whales along the coast. It’s the only place in the US and one of the few places in the world you can see polar bears!

How to Get Legally Married in Alaska

Alaskan marriage laws are pretty similar to those in most states. Any two people over the age of 18 may apply for an Alaska marriage license. Your marriage license will be valid for 3 months from the date of issue and cost $60. Two witnesses must be present and the ceremony must be officiated by a marriage commissioner.

Because Alaska has a 3 day hold it’s important to plan accordingly and arrive 4-5 days prior to the date you’d like to get married.

How to get your marriage license in Alaska:

1. Download your Alaska marriage license here: Alaska’s Division of Public Health
2. Take your filled out & printed application along with a government issued photo ID to the Alaskan courthouse of your choice & $60 to pay for your license.
3. Return to the same courthouse 3 days later to pick up your marriage license
4. get married within 60 days.
   

As your Alaska elopement photographer & planner I can connect you with an amazing officiant who can legally perform your ceremony. If you’re considering a helicopter charter I know a couple helicopter pilots who are ministers in the state of Alaska & will happily marry you & your fiance’ on a glacier!

Something to keep in mind; if you want to have less to worry about during your elopement in Alaska, you can always get legally married in your home state and then celebrate your elopement with an amazing adventure and vows exchange in Alaska. But having an Alaskan marriage license can be a pretty cool perk! In Alaska you can also get marriage certificates which are sort of like certified copies of your marriage license. 

What Time of Year is Best to Elope in Alaska

When you should elope in Alaska is mostly based on the location and activities you plan on. Summer days are very long and fairly warm, with highs being in the 60’s in most of the state, though it can be much warmer or cooler depending on elevation and the region you’re in. Most adventure options are available during the summer from the beginning of June to the end of September, as winter makes things less accessible due to inclimate weather and many more hours of darkness. August is probably my favorite month as it’s still warm but the evenings start getting darker and by the end of August you have opportunities to see the unforgettable northern lights.

Winter may be for you however, if you want to include any winter sporting activities, like the state sport of dog mushing or skiing. You could even take a train ride aboard the Alaskan Railway! Locations may differ, but generally September is the best time to catch the stunning fall colors. Weather does vary greatly from region to region because of the vastness of the state of Alaska, so make sure you do research on any specific regions you have in mind. For example the coast near Homer will be more mild than up near Talkeetna or Fairbanks.

As your Alaska elopement photographer, I’m always happy to help guide you and give you suggestions on where and when to go!

The Best Elopement Locations in Alaska

With Alaska being such a large state, it may seem a daunting task to select one location out of all of the great ones. Glaciers populate the landscape, along with many mountains, lakes and plenty of greenery and wildlife. Alaska is a great place to choose for a wedding day you will never forget. Each area of Alaska has its own unique features and just a few paragraphs will never do them justice, but below is an introduction into some of the best places in Alaska to elope.

Top 5 Places to Elope in Alaska

1. Kenai Peninsula / Specifically the towns of Seward, Homer or Cooper Landing
2. Denali National Park / Base out of Talkeetna & adventure from there: How to Elope in Denali NP
3. An Eco Adventure Resort like: Ultima Thule or Within the Wild / The exact location doesn’t matter, you will be immersed in a true upscale alaskan experience
4. Wrangell St. Elias National Park / It’s wild & vast, home to volcano’s & snow capped peaks. Kennicott & McCarthy are my favorite tiny little towns: How to Elope in Wrangell NP
5. Sitka, Alaska / Only accessible by boat or plane Sitka is truly a jewel that anyone who wants to embrace the stunning scenery Alaska has to offer should definitely consider!

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a 6 million acre national park in the south-central part of the state. Named after the tallest peak in North America, Denali, Denali National Park is one of the most popular parks in Alaska. The park is contained in a section of the Alaskan range and has glacial valleys and rivers, as well as many glaciers themselves. 

Hiking here is plentiful in Denali, with trails of all difficulties through varying scenery. From tundra with mountain views to mountain lakes or even steep hikes that lead to sweeping vistas, a totally unique and beautiful backdrop for your wedding is not hard to find. Activities like biking and jeeping are also available, and for those who want a truly unforgettable experience, flightseeing can take you to rarely touched glaciers for a mid-summer snowball fight or even an overnight stay on a glacier.

For an incredible remote & luxurious experience you can get married in the heart of Denali at an epic location called the Sheldon Chalet – only accessible by helicopter.

For more Information on eloping in Denali:

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States and is known for its numerous, massive glaciers, wildlife, and even volcanoes. Hiking mountains, skiing glaciers, or rafting rivers is a great way to experience Wrangell-St. Elias as is flight seeing. Four mountain ranges collide here, but the real stars of the show are the glaciers. Glaciers take up as much as 35% of the park and provide much of the stream and river water in the area. Mount Wrangell is a still-active volcano that mostly spews steam from its vents near the peak, and is the only active volcano left in the range. With 9 out of 17 of the tallest peaks in the United States, the perfect scenic backdrop for your special day will not be hard to find.

Craving a exclusive & remote destination wedding experience with a group of your closest friends and family, check out Ultimata Thule Lodge

For more Information on eloping in Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains:

Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass is an area in the Talkeetna mountain range. Being only an hour and 20 minutes drive from Anchorage it makes it one of the more accessible locations for your Alaska elopement. Those famous photos of the red cabins sitting amongst tall mountains? Those are on Hatcher Pass at the lodge there and you can rent them for your own elopement: Hatcher Pass Lodge. This is a great summer destination for hiking and biking as well as simply enjoying the scenery. The valley floor starts at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level and Hatcher Pass takes you up to more than 6,000 above sea level. This makes for gorgeous mountain views that stretch on for miles.

Hatcher Pass is also a fantastic location for an adventurous winter elopement. With one of the earliest snowfalls in the state, this is a great place to ski or snowboard, snowmobile, or snowshoe. Groomed trails are maintained throughout the winter, but backcountry options abound. Even multi-day treks to secluded mountain huts are available for those experienced and brave enough. 

Girdwood

Originally called Glacier City and founded as a supply camp for miners, today Girdwood serves as a basecamp for snowsport enthusiasts, hikers, rafters, and other adventurers. Only an hours drive from Anchorage and situated right by Alyeska Resort it’s a fabulous easily accessible option for your Alaska elopement. For couples who don’t want to hike the option to take Alyeska’s Tramway opens up a world of possibilities for a gorgeous elopement ceremony. Girdwood has plenty to see year-round. Girdwood has many accessible glaciers, leaving it one of the best bets to observe these colossal features. Activities such as paragliding, climbing, rafting, sled dog trips and of course hiking are available during the summer for those who are adventurous enough. Or take the tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for an easy way to the stunning backdrop of the Turnagain Arm and several glaciers. 

Girdwood is one of the main locations for popular Luxe Group Elopement Package!

Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula is a mountainous area that extends 150 miles into the sea, surrounded by Cook Inlet and the Prince William Sound, much of which is enclosed in Kenai Fjords National Park. There are 3 locations on the Kenai Peninsula that I think are some of the best places in Alaska to elope; Seward, Coopers Landing and Homer. The Kenai Peninsula is located just south of Anchorage, making it an easily accessible location for your alaska elopement. The northern coast is a marshy area with mountains and glaciers in the south-east and some larger lakes towards the center. Kayaking and boating here are popular, as you can approach many glaciers through many fjords. This can make for an incredible elopement experience! Who else can say they got married on a glacier? 

The Town of McCarthy

McCarthy is situated deep in Wrangell-St. Elias and offers great options for seeing glaciers up close through hiking, backpacking, or by plane. Other popular activities include packrafting, alpine hikes, and a visit to the abandoned Kennicott Mine. Root Glacier trail may be the best in the area, taking you on Root Glacier and providing views of surrounding mountains and glaciers. Glacial lakes and streams criss-cross the glacier in summer and the moderate hike will reward you with views of the 6,000 foot Stairway icefall and a good chance to see bears foraging in a nearby moraine. Read more about eloping in McCarthy in my Wrangell-St. Elias elopement guide.

Things to Do for Your Adventurous Elopement in Alaska

Your wedding day is one you should never forget, so why not do it Alaskan style? Opportunities here are like nowhere on earth, so why not take advantage of it? Helicopter or bush planes can take you places otherwise inaccessible. You could kayak, packraft, go ice climbing, hike glaciers, or combine a few of these for the ultimate experience and make for some jaw-dropping photos. If you would like something more low-key, the Alaskan Scenic Railway

Take a Ride in a Helicopter

Helicopters not only can take you flightseeing but can also take you on top of glaciers or high alpine locations. From short rides to all day flights and tours, a helicopter is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Alaska from a birds eye view to up close and personal. Many companies even offer elopement packages with multiple landings at different locations to make the most of your special day and offer various locations for photos.

Check out this beautiful helicopter elopement out of Seward!

Go Ice Climbing

Ice climbing can often be combined with flightseeing and landing on a glacier, though there are many other options for approach hikes, and even multi-day adventures. Trips are guided by professionals and can accommodate any level of experience. If you are an experienced ice climber, look into areas like Eagle River and Symphony Lakes, Hatcher Pass, and Purinton Creek. 

Visit an Ice Cave

Alaska is home to some absolutely incredible caves but access is not easy. Dreamed of saying your vows in an ice cave? This requires an 8-9 mile guided hike to the entrance of a cave. A once in a life time experience!

Hike an Alaskan Glacier

With an estimated 100,000 glaciers across the state, there is no shortage of unique glacier locations for your elopement waiting for you. Some easily accessible glaciers such as the Exit Glacier or Byron Glacier, both in Kenai Fjords National Park may be better for an elopement due to the shorter length of hike. If you are down for more of a trek, Exit Glacier’s Harding Icefield Trail takes you past a waterfall and up to the top of the glacier. 

Train Rides on the Alaska Scenic Railway

A train ride is not typically what you think of when you think of Alaska, but this is actually a fantastic way to see the beauty of Alaska. Many routes take you away from any road or trail, leaving the railway the only way to catch many of these stunning views. Some tours can be taken in one day, for example, from Anchorage to Denali, but other packages last days with included bus tours and lodging. 

Tour by Air in a Bush Plane

Touring by air is one of the best ways to see Alaska. Floatplanes can take you to gorgeous mountain lakes or to the tops of mountains and glaciers. They can take you above even the highest mountains giving you a birds eye view of Alaska’s stunning peaks and glaciers.

For the brave, fly-in hiking and backpacking trips, rafting, camping, and even drop-offs at remote cabins are available. 

Kayaking and Packrafting

Kayaking and packrafting are popular activities in Alaska, and for good reason. With miles upon miles of untouched rivers, streams, lakes, and coastline, these are great, affordable ways to still have a unique and adventurous wedding. Glacial lakes and streams are gorgeous with bright blue colors reflecting up from the ice, making for wonderful scenery for some adventurous photography. Kayaking can take you to otherwise inaccessible glaciers along the coastline, and even into some glacial canyons. Packrafting lets you enjoy hiking and rafting in one experience. A light raft can be carried in a backpack up river or glacial canyon, then inflated and ridden down the river or canyon. Or you could take a pack raft on a hike to a remote lake and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

How to Elope in Alaska – Elopement Checklist:

1. Set a Date For your Alaska Elopement: Keep time of year in mind & also what day of the week. Remember, middle of the week will always be less busy that the we weekend. As mentioned above, my favorite months are May & June or August & September
   
2. Book Your Most Important Vendors: I know I might sound biased here, but booking on of my all inclusive packages will save you so much time & stress planning your elopement day! If you choose to plan things on your own many elopement photographers like myself offer planning help & can direct you towards your dream location, lodging, other elopement vendors & craft an epic timeline!
   
3. Choose Your Alaska Elopement Location: Alaska is a big state so one the first things you should do is decide on a general area to elope. This will make it easier to move onto the next step.
   
   
4. Book Your Lodging, Flights & Elopement Day Activities: Once you have a general area in Alaska narrowed down for your elopement you can now focus on your flights, lodging and any tours/activities you want to enjoy on your elopement day.
   
   
5. Don’t Forget to Get Any Permits Required & Arrive in Time to Get Your Marriage License! If you’re eloping in a State or National Park you may need a permit, make sure to apply for these at least 60 days in advance. Arrive 4-5 days prior to your elopement so you can apply for your marriage license & then pick it up after the 3 day wait.
   
   
6. Your Elopement Day is Here: Enjoy the hell out of the amazing experiences you’ve planned on the day your marry your best friend!
   
   

Gearing Up for Your Alaska Elopement

Getting ready for an elopement in Alaska can be a bit more difficult than other locations due to the different terrain and ever-changing weather. In many areas of Alaska, rain can happen at any time, so make sure you bring a good rain jacket. Many layers, preferably synthetic or wool, are important, even in summer, to keep you warm and dry. If you decide to hike in your suit or dress, make sure it is comfortable and allows freedom of movement. 

Choosing appropriate footwear is also necessary as many areas are icy, muddy, wet, and otherwise slippery. Microspikes are a worthwhile investment if you plan to spend much time on any glaciers. Just remember to be prepared for anything that Alaska throws at you and do research on specific areas so you know what to expect. Even if you are super prepared, just know that you may get a little wet, a little muddy, or even a little cold. It’s all part of the adventure of Alaska and you need to embrace that!

Don’t worry – I provide all my couples with a helpful packing list for their Alaska elopement

Traveling to Alaska

Though driving is a realistic possibility (hello epic road trip!), the best and fastest way to travel to Alaska is by flying. The Anchorage airport is Alaska’s main entrance by air, but flights can land in places like Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Jeauno. Flights from Seattle to Alaska are generally the cheapest and most frequent. However, if you don’t live in the northwest, Seattle likely isn’t the best option. Sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights can help in your search for a cheaper flight. If you fly early in the morning or after major holidays, many ticket prices will be down since this is a down time for the airlines. And always be sure to book far enough in advance to avoid price hikes.

All Inclusive Elopement Packages in Alaska

A custom curated wedding experience that is the perfect blend of adventure & luxury

You know you want to get married in Alaska, so, whats next?! I’m an adventure wedding photographer who specializes in helping couples plan their elopements in Alaska, around the United States & Worldwide. If you’re craving a luxury Alaska elopement but don’t have the time to plan everything yourself then my all inclusive packages will be perfect for you. Everything piece of this package is custom curated just for you & I’ve partnered with amazing local artisan vendors to provide you with an incredible elopement experience.

Here is what’s included in your All-Inclusive Package:

Ready to start planning your Alaska elopement, click the button below to set up a free consult & we’ll get started!

Alaska Elopement Photography Packages

Don’t need full planning services with everything booked for you? My photography packages are the way to go – they offer planning assistance, access to my list of preferred vendors. You can see my starting pricing below, drop me a note & I’ll send along my full pricing guide for your Alaska elopement experience!

• Half Day elopement coverage in any area of Alaska (Full Day & Multi Day Coverage Options Available!)
• Handcrafted Alaska elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance:
  • personalized location recommendations and questionnaires
  • Access to my list of the best Alaska elopement vendors & lodging
  • permit assistance
  • customized elopement timeline
• Online gallery with full resolution and printing rights
• 48 hour sneak peak gallery from your Alaska elopement
• Starting at $5,500 – Travel fees to ANYWHERE in Alaska are already included

Ready to start planning your Alaska elopement, click the button below to set up a free consult & we’ll get started!

An elopement in Alaska should be one of the greatest experiences of your life and you should make the most of it! Alaska is a one of a kind place to elope and your adventure can be whatever you’d like. And don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions or help. I’m here to help you make your elopement day perfect!