How To Elope In Alaska
The full power and beauty of eloping in Alaska is something that truly needs to be experienced to be fully understood. This state is home to truly stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking landscapes whose beauty is completely unrivaled anywhere else in the world.
From towering mountains to awe-inspiring glaciers to majestic river valleys, Alaska’s diverse unique environments and natural settings offer countless opportunities for unforgettable adventures and romantic vistas for perfect elopements.
Alaska is so vast and varied that, at first, it can seem a little daunting to figure out where to begin. Fortunately, this handy Alaska elopement guide has got you covered and will walk you through everything you need to know. Here are all the ins and outs about how to elope in Alaska.
Who Should Elope In Alaska?
An elopement in Alaska is perfect for couples with adventurous spirits — people who embrace the unknown and thrill at the thought of exploring just beyond the next mountain ridge, or around the next river bend.
If you love venturing out and finding yourself face to face with a once-in-a-lifetime view filled with natural beauty and unparalleled splendor, then an Alaska elopement is a great choice.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Alaska?
The weather in Alaska changes dramatically throughout the year and from season to season, so it’s important to plan your Alaska adventure elopement carefully in order to make sure you’re able to have the ceremony of your dreams.
There’s something amazing and completely unforgettable in every season! It’s important to know what to expect throughout the year in order to choose the type of Alaska elopement that’s right for you.
Summer wildflowers in Denali National Park. Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is usually the most popular time of year to get married in Alaska, and for good reason! The weather is mild, with average temperatures hovering between mid-60s to mid-70s°F (around 18-24°C). This means you’ll be able to do plenty of exploring, and if you’re bringing guests they’ll be able to travel to your elopement site with ease.
Summer is also the time of year when the Alaskan wildflowers are in bloom, so you can expect an elopement ceremony filled with natural beauty bursting with color and vibrancy.
Fall (September)
In the fall, the temperature in Alaska begins to drop, but it’s still an awesome time of year for an adventure elopement. The weather is cool but still pleasant, and you’ll be treated to some stunning fall foliage as the leaves change colors.
Winter (December to March)
As you can probably imagine, winter in Alaska can get quite cold. However, if you don’t mind some freezing temperatures and you have the appropriate apparel (like a heavy jacket, gloves, a warm hat, and boots), winter in Alaska can be a truly magical time. In the winter, Alaska transforms into a snowy wonderland, with vast expanses of silent white blanketing the majestic vistas.
If you like to ski or snowshoe, Alaska in the winter can provide the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind and truly romantic adventure elopement.
Spring (April to May)
Springtime in Alaska can sometimes be a real rollercoaster. As winter passes, the state begins to bloom and fill with colorful flowers and trees again. However, there are still some lingering vestiges of winter, and some days in springtime can be quite cold.
Nevertheless, a springtime adventure elopement in Alaska can be wonderful — just be sure to pack some winter wear in case of frosty temperatures and come in ready to embrace the unexpected.
Juneau, Alaska elopements are full of culture and stunning natural landscapes! Image by Pixabay.
Best Places To Elope In Alaska
Hatcher Pass
No matter what time of year you visit Hatcher Pass, you’re guaranteed to find thrilling adventures and no shortage of incredible things to do!
In the summer, the pass is home to some of the best hiking trails in all of Alaska, replete with breathtaking views of alpine forests and sprawling tundras. In the winter, the pass is covered in pristine, white snow, which makes it an ideal location for skiing.
Hatcher Pass is only a 90-minute drive from Anchorage, so if you’re considering an Anchorage elopement, this is definitely a great spot to keep in mind.
Portage Pass
This two-mile hiking trail offers something really special: an up close and personal view of a glacier. The Portage Glacier lies majestically at the end of this trail and serves as a perfect and truly unique backdrop for any elopement ceremony (it also makes for some really stunning Alaska elopement photography).
Denali National Park
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in pristine wilderness virtually untouched by human civilization, Denali National Park is hands down one of the best Alaska elopement locations. Just one single road weaves through this six-million-acre national park. Towering over it all is Mount Denali, which is North America’s tallest peak, standing 20,310 feet tall.
The opportunities for hiking are just about endless! Between the awe-inspiring mountain, the vast landscapes dotted with lush greenery and colorful wildflowers, and the diverse array of majestic wildlife, an elopement in Denali National Park is guaranteed to be absolutely unforgettable.
From whale watching to hiking, an elopement in Seward, Alaska is unforgettable! Photo by Fabienne Dorman on Pexels.
Seward
The town of Seward, Alaska is one of the greatest destinations on Earth for anyone who wants to pack a whole lot of adventure into a short amount of time. There are so many incredible experiences to discover in Seward, it’s hard to know where to begin!
If rare and majestic wildlife is what you’re after, you can enjoy a whale watching expedition in the nearby Kenai Fjords. For the truly adventurous, the Kenai Fjords are also home to some incredible hiking trails. Another popular hiking trail, Tonsina Trail, offers an unforgettable view of the gorgeous black sand beaches of Resurrection Bay.
For more experienced adventurers looking for a genuine thrill, a Seward elopement also offers the opportunity to go dogsledding across Godwin Glacier, and the nearby Exit Glacier offers some amazing ice climbing routes.
As if the unrivaled natural beauty was enough, Seward is also home to some truly great dining experiences. Places like the Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant and the Seward Brewing Company offer unique locations, stunning views, and a perfect atmosphere to celebrate a joyful occasion.
All in all, an adventure elopement in Seward is guaranteed to be filled with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Matanuska Glacier
The first thing to know about Matanuska Glacier is that it’s big. Like really, really big.
This 27-mile expanse of ice flows from the Chugach Mountains, and it serves as a completely one-of-a-kind landmark for your elopement photos. The glacier is surrounded by scenic hiking trails that offer stunning views of both the glacier and the nearby Glacier Park.
If you’re after a more pulse-pounding adventure, you can even arrange to go glacier trekking across the surface of the glacier itself. Any couple considering an Alaska glacier elopement should absolutely check it out.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Three unique natural landmarks come together in Kenai Fjords National Park: Mountains, glaciers, and the ocean. If you’ve never seen these three things all in one place (and few have), then you’re in for a mind-blowing experience.
The wide variety in the natural landscape means that there are tons of different habitats for a rich array of incredible wildlife. In addition to the unique sightseeing, Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some amazing hiking trails, allowing you to get up close and personal with this one-of-a-kind landscape.
Kenai Fjords National Park is, quite simply, one of the best possible locations for an Alaska adventure elopement, offering endless opportunities for thrilling discoveries and unique, timeless wedding photography.
Juneau
It’s pretty much impossible to be bored during a Juneau, Alaska elopement. Alaska’s capital city is packed with culture and tons of amazing venues for celebrating, eating, and dancing the night away. And right outside your door is a portal to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes you’ve ever seen. From stunning hiking trails to towering mountain peaks to majestic glaciers, there’s plenty to explore and discover. No matter what kind of elopement you’re looking for, you’re destined to find it in Juneau.
Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for an elopement! Image from Pixabay.
Take To The Skies With An Alaska Helicopter Elopement!
If you’re seeking a truly unique way to experience the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness, I would definitely suggest considering an Alaska helicopter elopement. You’ll sail through the skies and enjoy a top-down view of Alaska’s towering mountain peaks and massive, sprawling glaciers.
There’s really nothing else like it (and you can bet that the wedding photos are going to be utterly unique in every way). There are several great vendors in the area that offer expert flying and deep knowledge of all the best natural landmarks. Helicopter tour specialists like Alaska Helicopter Tours are always committed to helping you pull off the Alaska helicopter elopement of your dreams.
If you’re interested in learning more about planning a helicopter elopement, you can check out the blog post I wrote that covers everything you need to know!
What Do You Need To Elope In Alaska?
While it’s relatively easy and straightforward to get married in Alaska, there are a few legal and administrative requirements you’ll need to take care of. Fortunately, Alaska marriage requirements are quite easy to fulfill and are usually quite low-stress to complete (and if you need help, you can always ask me!). In particular, you will need:
An Alaska marriage license: This is a must if you’re planning on eloping in Alaska. You can find the Alaska marriage license application here. Keep in mind that in order to obtain your marriage license, both of you will need to be present, and you’ll both need to bring a valid photo ID.
An officiant: To legally get married in Alaska, your ceremony must be overseen by a recognized officiant. This can be a religious leader, judge, or any formally designated official with the authority to perform a wedding ceremony.
Witness: You’ll need at least one witness present at the wedding ceremony. Fortunately, if needed, your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer can act as your witness!
Start Your Journey
If you’re looking for an Alaska elopement photographer, let’s get in touch! I can’t wait to draw on my deep knowledge of Alaska’s natural landscape to help you realize your vision for a wedding day that you’ll never forget.
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
