How to Plan a Winter Elopement

In the summer, couples are drawn to eloping in Alaska for the mountain trails that bloom with wildflowers, the glaciers that sparkle in the warm summer sun, the wildlife that wanders through lush forests. And while winter is colder, and quieter, it brings a really unique experience to the wild landscape – and a winter elopement might just be the perfect adventure!

For couples who want to plan a winter elopement, this guide will tell you everything that you need to know to tie the knot in Alaska.

What to Know About a Winter Elopement in Alaska

Before we dive into planning your winter elopement, there are a few things you need to know about getting married in the wild, one of a kind landscape of Alaska during this time of year.

The Weather

We probably don’t need to tell you that a winter elopement will be cold – you probably know that Alaska isn’t exactly a tropical beach destination! And we’ll definitely give you some tips later in this guide about dressing for the weather, but you should also know that winter weather can be kind of wild. Snow and rain can happen kind of suddenly, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.

Another note about the weather is that it can cause road closures. Many locations are inaccessible in the winter, but even if a road is open one day, a snow storm might close it the next – so a Plan B (and C) is an important part of planning a winter elopement! But, don’t worry – our job as your elopement planning team is to handle all of this, so you don’t have to stress.

The Daylight

Another important thing to know when planning a winter elopement is that the days are pretty short here in Alaska. You won’t have very much sunlight, so it’s important to plan around this! The exact timing depends on where in Alaska you’re eloping – Anchorage has a minimum of 6 hours of daylight in the winter, but there are some remote areas up north where the sun hardly comes up, if at all.

The good news is that your elopement day doesn’t have to be over when the sun goes down! Winter is the absolute best time of year to see the Northern Lights, so you can end your elopement adventure standing under a magical night sky. Or, you can head into the cute (warm) cabin you rented and have a little celebration after tying the knot, roast marshmallows over the fireplace, and get cozy!

Photographer: Zoya Dawn

You’ll See Fewer People Around

A winter elopement requires some extra planning and there are more logistics to think about – but you’ll be rewarded for it! Not just with the incredible views of the winter wonderland, but also the serenity and quiet you’ll get to experience on the day you get married. Much fewer people venture out to explore in the cold, so you’re likely to have these amazing places all to yourselves. 

What to Do During a Winter Elopement 

Your elopement day should be an unforgettable adventure – so we’ll help you figure out what your perfect day looks like, and how to make it unique to you. In the winter, there are so many unique ways to celebrate tying the knot! Here are a few ideas for things you can do during a winter elopement in Alaska.

Dog Mushing

Imagine watching the scenery fly by around you as you’re pulled through the winter landscape by a pack of dogs. Dog mushing is an incredible, unique experience that you won’t forget anytime soon! This is one of the best things to do during a winter elopement, allowing you to have a one of a kind day.

Snowshoeing

You can still explore some trails in the winter! Many locations, though covered in snow, are accessible with snowshoes. If you’ve never used snowshoes before, they’re kind of like skis, but much shorter and much wider, that you strap to your boots. They distribute your weight so that you don’t fall through the snow, allowing you to walk through the winter wonderland!

Snowmobiling

Another unique experience that you can have during a winter elopement is snowmobiling. Gliding over the snow, and zipping through the gorgeous landscape is the perfect adventure for couples looking for a little bit of an adrenaline rush.

Skiing or Snowboarding

A classic winter elopement adventure is to hit the slopes! Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, or you want to try it out, it’s a really fun adventure to have on the day you get married. Afterwards, you can warm up and get cozy in the lodge! There are several resorts around Alaska, including the Alyeska Resort and the Hill Top Ski Area.

How to Prepare for a Winter Elopement

Now, here are some tips that you can keep in mind during your elopement!

Dressing for a Winter Elopement

One of the most important things about eloping in the winter is to make sure that you’re dressed for the weather. You want to have a good time, without shivering all day long! So make sure you’re comfortable and prepared for the cold.

Photographer: Kristian Irey

We recommend base layers under suits and dresses – thermals make a big difference! Layering under a suit is easier, but if you get thermal leggings that match your skin tone, they won’t be visible under a dress, even if there’s some exposed leg.

On top, you can add jackets, shawls, capes, coats… anything to keep you warm! For some more tips on dressing for an elopement in Alaska, check out this guide.

Wear Waterproof Shoes (and Socks)

Shoes are just as important as the rest of your attire when it comes to staying warm during a winter elopement! Boots are ideal, but definitely make sure they’re waterproof. If you’re spending any time in the snow, without waterproof shoes, it won’t take long for it to soak in and make your toes feel like they’re about to fall off. Along with the shoes, make sure you have good socks too. Wool socks are ideal, because wool is the only material that still keeps you warm even when it’s wet! An extra pair of socks or two is a good idea too, so that you can change them if needed.

Hire an Elopement Planner

There are so many tips we could give you for preparing for a winter elopement – like putting hand warmers on your packing list, having hot chocolate, booking a cozy place to come back to, planning some breaks if you’re planning to spend a long time outdoors… but the truth is, there’s one thing you can do that will take care of everything! Hiring us to plan your elopement means we handle it all. 

We’ll give you location recommendations that fit your vision of your dream elopement day and are accessible in the winter, make a timeline for the day, plan and book any adventures, give you all the tips and advice to stay warm, and have everything you need to ensure the most incredible adventure!

Photographer: Rachel Struve

If you’re ready to plan your dream winter elopement in Alaska, contact us!