Alaska Elopement Planning Guide: Where to Go, What to Do & More! *updated in 2026
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.
Top 10 Reasons to Elope in Alaska
Alaska Elopement Planning Checklist
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The Best Time of Year to Elope in Alaska
One of the best parts about planning an Alaska elopement is that every season offers a completely different experience.
Because Alaska is such a massive and diverse state, weather and seasonal conditions can vary dramatically depending on the region. Coastal towns like Homer and Seward tend to stay milder, while interior locations like Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks experience more dramatic temperature swings and earlier seasonal changes. Your ideal season will often come down to the scenery, activities, and overall atmosphere you’re envisioning for your day.
Spring Elopements in Alaska
(Best Spring Month – May)
Spring in Alaska feels short and can be unpredictable. It offers longer daylight hours, milder temperatures and beautiful scenery without the peak summer crowds. Snow still lingers in the mountains while lower elevations especially along the coast begin waking up for summer.
Spring can be unpredictable weather-wise, but it often rewards adventurous couples with dramatic landscapes and a more peaceful feel overall.
I’d recommend Mid to Late May for the best overall “spring elopement experience” here in Alaska.
Summer Elopements in Alaska
(June – August)
Summer is Alaska’s most popular elopement season — and for good reason. Long daylight hours, lush green landscapes, wild flowers, snow free high elevation hiking, and warmer temperatures make it the perfect season for adventurous experiences across the state.
Most of Alaska’s adventures are fully accessible during the summer months, including helicopter landings, glacier hikes, flightseeing, kayaking, hiking, and boating.
Temperatures in most regions typically range from the 60s to low 70s, though weather can change quickly depending on elevation and location.
June brings nearly endless daylight and vibrant greenery, while July is often the warmest and most accessible month statewide. August is personally one of my favorite times for Alaska elopements — the landscapes are still beautifully green, temperatures remain comfortable, and the evenings finally begin getting dark enough for potential northern lights appearances later in the month.
Fall Elopements in Alaska
(Best Month – September)
If you’re dreaming of beautiful colors, fewer crowds, and crisp air, fall may be the perfect season for your Alaska elopement.
September transforms much of the state into a landscape filled with golden yellows, fiery reds, and deep orange tundra.
Fall colors arrive quickly in Alaska and timing can vary significantly by elevation and region, but early to mid-September is generally the sweet spot.
Temperatures begin cooling off rapidly, and fresh snowfall beginning to dust higher peaks. September offer’s a chance at seeing the northern lights before temperature get too cold!
Keep in mind some summer activities like sea kayaking, sailing and glacier activities wind down by beginning/mid September.
Winter Elopements in Alaska
(Best Months February & March)
Winter elopements in Alaska are truly magical for couples willing to brave the cold. Snow-covered mountains, ice caves, frozen lakes, northern lights, and unique winter adventures create an unforgettable experience.
The winter season is perfect for incorporating activities like snow machining, dog mushing, skiing, snowshoeing, helicopter access to remote winter landscapes, or even riding aboard the Alaska Railroad through snow-covered terrain.
Winter days are shorter and temperatures can vary dramatically depending on location, but for couples who embrace the season, Alaska offers an incredibly intimate and adventurous atmosphere unlike anywhere else. And if seeing the northern lights is high on your bucket list, winter gives you the best chances to experience them.
No matter what season you’re drawn to, Alaska has a way of creating an experience that feels unforgettable. Part of my role as your photographer and elopement planner is helping you choose the right time of year, location, and experience based on the vision you have for your day — so you never have to figure it all out alone.
The Best Locations To Elope 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:
The Mat-Su Valley
Best for Helicopter Glacier Elopements on the Knik or Matanuska Glacier
The Mat-Su Valley is located just an hour from Anchorage; making it an excellent easy access location for those who only have a few days to visit. It’s also a fantastic destination for an intimate wedding when you have guests traveling in from out of state!
The towns of Palmer and Talkeetna make up my two favorite spots to base out of for an elopement in the Matsu Valley!
Palmer is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for small town vibes with a couple cute craft breweries, farmers markets in the summer and a huge variety of outdoor activities. Take a scenic drive, a picnic lunch or enjoy a plethora of hikes in nearby Hatcher Pass. You can also ATV or helicopter out to the Knik Glacier for a unforgettable elopement adventure.
Talkeetna is best for those wanting to enjoy views of Denali. See the mountain from downtown, explore the shops and local meals, and go flightseeing into Denali National Park for an unforgettable experience. Land out on a glacier, stare up at immense rock walls, and say your vows while standing in the Alaska Range. Choose a unique stay like Talkeetna Aerie, The Airstrip, or a luxury backcountry lodge.
Glacier View is perfect for those that want to feel like they are in a remote area with incredible views. Visit the Matanuska Glacier, the most accessible glacier in Alaska, and go hiking or ice climbing. You can also fly out to the glacier for a ceremony before a glacier blue pool and time to explore up in the mountains. We love Sheep Mountain Lodge for the views, food, and heli rides, or the Glacier Hut for an even more remote experience.
Seward
Seward is well known for it’s incredible views, whale sightings, and access to Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike to Exit Glacier or take a boat to a tidal glacier to check the National Park off your list. Seward also offers plenty of hiking trails along the beach, and more strenuous hikes like Mt. Marathon.
Lots of couples opt to helicopter and/or sail while staying in Seward as it makes for the perfect elopement day adventures! Set off for a glacier lagoon, say your vows privately in the mountains, and then get dropped off on an island to be picked up by boat! Enjoy dinner and desert onboard while sailing into the midnight sun.
Seward is also home to great venues to include your friends and and family, like Salted Roots. You can also find luxury backcountry stays like the Iceberg Inn or a personal favorite Shearwater Cove!
Homer
Homer is often overlooked as a stop for your Alaska trip – but it really should be top on your list! Take the views of Seward and mix them with the charm of Talkeetna, and you get Homer. This popular fishing and flying destination means there is plenty of adventure to be had!
Go bear viewing and fly around volcanoes in a seaplane. Say your vows on a private beach with bears as your witness. Or, take a helicopter up into the mountains to explore places no one else may have ever seen. Rather be on the water? Take a water taxi across the bay to hike in the state park, or go yachting for the day and explore the coast line.
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, flightseeing and landing in the backcountry, or rafting rivers is a great way to experience the Wrangells. 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
For more Information on eloping in Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains:
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:
Things to Do During Your 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 and experiences.
Charter 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. Many companies even offer elopement packages with multiple landings at different locations to make the most of your special day! You can also add in adventurous experiences like glacier lake paddling or ice climbing.
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. The Matanuska, Knik, and Exit Glaciers are great for ice climbing!
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 is a great winter activity and will require some hiking or a helicopter flight!
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 the Matanuska Glacier make for a nice 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.
Go Flightseeing
Flightseeing is one of the best ways to see Alaska. . Your pilot can take you above even the highest mountains giving you a birds eye view of Alaska’s stunning peaks and glaciers.
A flightseeing charter can take you to insane views and have you landing in unique locations like backcountry airstrips or on glaciers. Floatplanes can land you in gorgeous mountain lakes.
For the brave, fly-in hiking and backpacking trips, rafting, camping, and even drop-offs at remote cabins and luxury stays are available!
Charter a Boat
Alaska’s coastlines are best explored from a boat. Charter a sailboat or yacht to find a secluded beach for your ceremony, to sail off in search of wildlife, and to view tidal glaciers.
A boat can make for a fun way to explore the landscape, or a great way to bring family and friends along on a sightseeing adventure. You can pair glacier kayaking, a private chef meal, and even a helicopter ride with a boat charter.
Choose between a sail boat, yacht, boat, or water taxi depending on the adventures you have in mind!
Kayaking and Packrafting
Kayaking and packrafting are popular activities in Alaska, and for good reason. With miles upon miles of untouched rivers, iceberg lakes, and coastline, this is a great way to 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.
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.
The Legal Stuff; 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. One witness must be present and the ceremony can be performed by any licensed or ordained minister, priest, or rabbi of any church, as well as judicial officers (judges and magistrates) and marriage commissioners. A friend or family can marry you, they just need to become ordained through an organization like Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries.
Because Alaska has a 3 day hold it’s important to plan accordingly and arrive atleast days prior to the date you’d like to get married or apply for your marriage license ahead of time by mail – As your photographer, I will walk you through these steps.
How to get your marriage license in person, in Alaska:
Something to keep in mind; 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 and the state has some beautiful decorative options to choose from!
Gearing Up for Your Alaska Elopement
Getting ready for an elopement in Alaska requires more preparation 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. 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!
What To Pack For An Alaska Elopement
A few things I always recommend couples bring:
One thing I always tell couples is this: practical doesn’t have to mean boring. Some of the most beautiful Alaska elopement photos happen when couples fully embrace the environment — boots, jackets, windblown hair, rain droplets and all.
Don’t worry – I provide all my couples with a very detailed packing list for their Alaska elopement!
Traveling to & From 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 Juneau. 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.
Elopement Packages in Alaska
A 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 planning on eloping to Alaska but don’t have the time to plan everything yourself then my all inclusive packages may be the perfect fit.
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