The Coldest & Most Stylish Fairbanks Elopement I’ve Photographed

“Physically I’m in Melbourne, but mentally I’m frolicking in the snow with my wife again.” – Liv

To borrow some words from Elliotte: no one but her wife could make Elliotte take off her gloves in nearly -40 degree weather. Yes, -40: the 2025/26 winter in Fairbanks was officially named the coldest winter on record.

But for these two gals from Australia? They embraced the cold, the layers, and the wild unpredictability that is Fairbanks in winter by prioritizing cozy lodgings, activities to keep them active, and long nights eagerly awaiting the aurora.

Liv and Elliotte balance each other in a way that just feels easy and solid. Elliotte is grounded, thoughtful, and practical, with an aesthetic eye and just enough dorkiness; the one you’d call at 2am, or to help move a couch. Liv brings the spark. She’s smart, funny, and caring, with strong opinions. A self-proclaimed “spiky bitch who loves the soft life” who pairs her edge with warmth in a way that fits perfectly with Elliotte’s steady presence.

Getting Ready

Their lodgings were so important to Liv and Elliotte that we planned their elopement date around the availability of these glass-walled cabins just outside of Fairbanks. It ended up being the perfect decision, with how cold the weather was.

We started the day around 8am, though it looked much earlier than that due to the long nights in winter near the Arctic Circle. The immersive cabin allowed these two to get ready comfortably while still feeling like they were out amongst the wild.

Before they donned their fancy attire, they read a few notes from their family members, sending them well wishes from thousands of miles away.

Liv chose a matching headwrap and dreamy black dress (with sleeves 😍), while Elliotte’s ultra-sharp look reflected the care she took into choosing just the right pieces (she went through multiple shirts to find the exact right one!).

Details

Liv and Elliotte had a clear vision for what they wanted to include for storytelling details. And those details? They exuded their elevated style and aesthetic while giving a peek at their “let’s do it for the experience” mentality.

On top of vows to each other and Liv’s top perfume choice for the day (she’s a perfume expert), these two pulled tarot cards first thing that morning and sent images off to the artists who’d tattoo them later that day. These tarot cards embodied what they can look forward to, what they’re releasing, and what their future holds for their life together.

Vows in a Glass Cabin

To make sure these two got to be fully present, we opted to start the day off with an intimate and relaxed vow reading.

Laughs echoed off the glass walls ever so softly, and it reminded me what a cool space these two selected to hold their love and adventure for the days they were there.

Portraits in Fairbanks

When it’s as cold as it was on this day, staying outside for long (especially without a jacket) isn’t an option. In these temps, gloves only stayed off for moments and including walking from the vehicles, we were outside for a total of roughly 45 minutes. While these frigid temps don’t allow as many candid shots, it lets us plan more artistic moments. With more candids during activities, your gallery will have the perfect mix of storytelling.

How cold was it? It was so cold that Liv’s warm exhaled breath rose and froze on her eyelashes immediately.

SAM’S TOP TIP FOR PORTRAITS IN SUB-ZERO TEMPS: Invest in good, matching, flattering outerwear. You’ll be able to stay out longer if you look and feel good in the outerwear you have on. That means more images you’ll love and a greater time feeling like a badass 🙌🏼.

Dogsledding & Rings

After a quick bite to eat at Burger Zone (these Aussies love a good burger), we made the trek from Fairbanks to North Pole (yes, complete with Santa’s workshop) for a dogsled with Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service.

Liv was especially excited to be around the sled dogs and to see them work. It’s why they saved their ring exchange and Post-It Note moment for our stop while sledding. Liv and Elliotte have a tradition of leaving Post-It Notes for each other in random places, and this was the perfect opportunity to incorporate such a fun and unique piece of them.

There are few things more refreshing than sitting in a dogsled, watching the trees pass by, listening to the snow sliding underneath you, and marveling at the frozen wonderland.

Scroll down to bask in the golden glow of the low winter light.

Matching Tattoos & Evening Under the Stars

To bring things full circle from earlier, it was time to head to the tattoo parlor. I knew the ladies at Sweet Mercy Tattoo would treat Liv and Elliotte to a great experience. The room was all smiles and excitement as the artist workstations were set up and the final artwork for their tarot cards was approved.

Their time ended the next night, with us keeping an eye out for the aurora. While the aurora happens most every clear night when it’s dark enough, sometimes the ribbons only dance very lightly for a few minutes, and at odd times. We stayed up for hours, checking the tracking apps on my phone every few minutes (you’re in good hands, with my knowledge of the top apps, webcams, and tracking groups). Sadly, we missed witnessing the aurora that evening, but Liv and Elliotte got to witness it the next night on a personal tour (something I highly recommend).

Click here to see what an aurora elopement experience looks like.

Liv & Elliotte’s TOP TIPS for a Fairbanks Winter Elopement

I prep my couples for cold temps and possible inclement conditions, but it’s always so valuable to get feedback from someone not used to the kind of prep it takes. So, straight from the couple themselves, here are Liv and Elliotte’s top tips for making the best and most stylish Fairbanks winter elopement experience:

• Chena Hot Springs: make it just a day trip. Liv & Elliotte, like many folks, felt there wasn’t quite enough to do. Plus, the property runs off unreliable geothermal energy. That means you could get stuck out there with a car that won’t start like they did. When it’s really cold, everyone needs to plug in their vehicle to an engine block heater if it’s not running for longer periods. Don’t worry: most rentals have this set up and there are outlets everywhere.
• Invest in good underlayers. Whether it’s a dress or suit, get thick, fleece-lined underlayers if possible. Black, white, or nude is typically best.
• Book things in advance. Availability can fill up quickly for things like nicer lodgings, aurora chasing, dogsledding, and even a couple of restaurants.
• Get. Good. Gloves. If they’re heated, even better. Mittens also tend to keep hands warmer than 5-fingered gloves.
• Period body patches. Hear them out. They’re a good substitute for Hot Hands hand warmers, and can cover more surface. Putting them on your core is a top-tier tip. If you can’t have thermal under layers (like mentioned above) stick these patches on your legs too.
• Aussies – look at Marketplace or DPOP for attire. Liv and Elliotte report that is where they found the best deals on quality cold-weather gear like arctic jackets and parkas.

If you’re dreaming of a day like this, full of intention and connection, reach out, and let’s co-create a winter elopement adventure together that sets the bar…