Alaska Elopement Guide: How to, and the Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Imagine saying your vows surrounded by icy glaciers. Committing to spending the rest of your lives together with towering mountain peaks surrounding you. Getting married in a place that’s truly wild, with an experience that’s absolutely one of a kind. If you crave an adventure that doesn’t include traditional ballrooms or 100-person guest lists, eloping in Alaska might be right for you!
But to plan an adventurous wedding day, there are a few things you need to know. This guide is all about planning your day, from the best time to get married, local marriage laws, and the best places to elope in Alaska!
The Best Time to Elope in Alaska
One of the first things you’ll need to do to elope in Alaska is set a date! Alaska’s weather can be pretty dramatic, and changes a lot throughout the year – so before you decide, here’s what you need to know about the best time to elope.
Winter Elopements in Alaska
A winter elopement gives you the unique opportunity to say “I do” in a gorgeous, snowy wonderland! We won’t lie to you – it definitely gets cold, but as long as you have warm layers and you’re prepared for the snow, you’ll have a truly magical adventure. Adding a fur coat, a thick cape, or a shawl, bringing some hand warmers, and making time to cozy up by a fire will help you beat the icy temperatures. For more tips on dressing for the weather, check out this guide.
Photo by: Donna Marie Photography
One of the most Alaska-esque ways to elope is to take a ride on a dog mushing sled, and the best time to do this is in the winter! You’ll be pulled by a team of adorable, friendly pups to a scenic, remote location where you can exchange vows in complete privacy. Winter also gives you a chance to see the Northern Lights, so if you want to end your wedding day under a sky filled with dancing auroras, tie the knot in the colder months!
Spring Elopements in Alaska
Spring is a gorgeous time to elope in Alaska, as temperatures warm up and the days get longer! The mountains are still covered in picturesque snow, and you can often see the Northern Lights through April. This is the best time to see wildlife, like moose, bears, and even whales! Coastal areas tend to be more temperate, while inland regions are usually more unpredictable.
Summer Elopements in Alaska
Summer is the best time to elope in Alaska for couples who want warmer weather and sunny days, or who want to hike without running into too much snow. Temperatures in the interior are usually in the 70s (though they sometimes climb even higher), while coastal spots are more mild, with temperatures in the 60s. Many higher elevation spots will be covered in snow year round, so even when you elope in the warmer months, be prepared for anything!
Summer is an amazing time to hike, take a kayak or boat out in the water, or to see the wildflowers bloom in the alpine meadows.
Fall Elopements in Alaska
Fall tends to be pretty short in Alaska, with temperatures cooling down starting in September, and snow starting to accumulate as early as October. Like spring, fall is a little unpredictable – days can be warm while nights fall to freezing temperatures, so bring layers and be prepared!
Photo by: Juliana Renee Photography
Fall foliage is absolutely beautiful in Alaska, but seeing the golden colors can be hit or miss – the season is often gone soon after it begins. In the north, you can see the leaves change around August, and as you head further south, the best time to elope for fall foliage is usually early to mid September.
The Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Choosing a spot to tie the knot is one of the absolute most exciting things about eloping in Alaska! With countless gorgeous places all around the state, you can choose from remote national parks, stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and more – so to get you inspired, here are a few of the best places to elope in Alaska.
Anchorage, Alaska
One of the best places to elope in Alaska is Anchorage – the state’s largest city. Nearby, you’ll find stunning mountains just a short drive outside of town. There are plenty of trails and hikes through the Chugach Mountains, so you can plan an epic adventure!
Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood is a small mountain town just south of Anchorage, and it’s an incredible place anytime of year. Winters are amazing for skiing, and summers are great for hiking, biking, rafting, and more outdoor adventures! Girdwood offers mountain views, and gorgeous rainforest scenery – so there’s truly a little bit of everything.
Hatcher Pass
If you want to tie the knot in the mountains, Hatcher Pass is one of the best places to elope in Alaska! The pass runs through the southwest part of the Talkeetna Mountains, offering incredibly scenic views of the peaks. You’ll find long hiking trails, and easily accessible overlooks – so there’s something for every kind of adventure!
Seward, Alaska
For more ocean views and beachfront spots, one of the best places to elope in Alaska is Seward. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, this port city is a fun, quirky town to explore, and the surrounding mountains and coastal views are absolutely jaw dropping! You might spot otters, whales, and seals in the water, and nearby you’ll find Kenai Fjords National Park, with incredible glaciers and fjords.
Getting Legally Married When You Elope in Alaska
Part of eloping is getting legally married – so along with the adventures and epic experiences you’ll plan, you’ll need to learn a little bit about marriage laws!
A marriage license is required to legally tie the knot. In Juneau and Anchorage, you can get one from the Vital Records Office, and in other towns you can go to the local county court. You can fill out the marriage license application form ahead of time, but you’ll need to go to the office in person to sign it and show your IDs. There is a fee of $60, and once you get the marriage license, you need to wait 3 days before you can have your ceremony.
You’ll need an officiant and two witnesses, but don’t worry – if you’re eloping without any guests and you want a private experience, we can provide that for you!
All Inclusive Alaska Elopement Packages
Every couple deserves a wedding day that’s absolutely perfect for them – so our all inclusive Alaska elopement packages have everything you need to help you plan the perfect day! You can take a helicopter to an epic elopement location, experience dog mushing, elope on a private boat, or customize your own adventure. Each all inclusive Alaska elopement package includes an officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, vendor coordination, a custom timeline, and more – everything is completely customizable, so your day is personalized to the two of you!
Contact us if you’re ready to start planning your wild, once in a lifetime adventure in Alaska!
