2024 Alaska Elopement Guide & Custom Elopement Packages In Alaska
ALASKA IS A WONDERLAND FULL OF TOWERING MOUNTAIN PEAKS ACCESSIBLE BY HIKING OR HELICOPTER, ABUNDANT WILDLIFE, AND ADVENTURES FOR DAYS. CONSIDER THIS YOUR GUIDE FOR HOW TO ELOPE IN ALASKA.
LET’S TALK HOW TO ELOPE IN ALASKA
When seeking out the ultimate elopement, plenty of destinations spring to mind. Colorado, Wyoming, and Hawaii sit pretty high on the list, but nothing quite comes close to an Alaska elopement. With iconic parks like Glacier and Rocky Mountain now requiring reservations, eloping in Alaska stands out.
An elopement in Alaska could see you witnessing the Northern Lights, whale watching, or bear spotting—pretty wild right?, but Alaska has it all. As an Alaska elopement photographer, I’m thrilled to share my tips for you to create your dream ceremony amidst this great state’s breathtaking landscapes.
Digging the resources? you ain’t seen nothing yet.
sam@samstarns.com @samstarns
Is is difficult to beat an elopement in Alaska
When you decide to elope, there are a LOT of locations up for grabs. Colorado, Wyoming, and Hawaii are all high on the list, but there is truly no place that rivals Alaska. Especially since parks like Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and others are now requiring reservations for particular days that sell out faster than concert tickets.
Plus, there’s the Northern Lights, places to go whale watching and to see bears. Alaska is one of my favorites, and I’m breaking down ideas and tips on how—and where—to have the most fantastic elopement. With me as your Alaska elopement photographer, of course!
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BEST TIMES TO ELOPE IN ALASKA
With Alaska being what and where it is, there are times of the year that lend themselves more towards eloping. In Alaska, the best weather months are typically between May and September. May and June offer fabulous weather, with September showcasing beautiful colors. However, be aware that some of the activities you might want to experience as part of your elopement to Alaska may be seasonally dependent, so plan carefully.
Some activities, such as certain helicopter tours operate year-round, but many businesses in locations like Seward are only operational for about four months, so time your Alaska elopement locations and dates mindfully.
“Our decision to elope in Alaska is certainly up there for life experiences, choosing Sam to capture those moments is a decision we will never regret. We all had the time of our lives”
I’m giving away a free copy of “Elope Your Life”
As a thank you to couples like the ones I get to adventure with, here is a free copy of my book that’s helped get couples hyped for an intentional adventure.
This book is full of inspiration, beautiful stories, and ACTIONABLE items to guide you to the inspirational day that’s already inside you.
*BONUS* – You’ll also receive a copy of my elopement planning and packing checklist!
EXPERIENCE A NORTHERN LIGHTS WEDDING WITH A CUSTOM ALASKA ELOPEMENT PACKAGE
To enjoy the longest daylight hours during your Alaska elopement package, plan your visit between May and September. To stand the best chance of witnessing the jaw-dropping Aurora Borealis, the ideal time will be between September and April.
The Alaska elopement location well worth considering is Fairbanks between late September and early November (less snow, not as cold) or January to March (plenty of snow for dogsledding and ice caves!). You can expect calmer weather and clearer skies after the winter solstice which creates a far better geomagnetic environment for the Northern Lights. Elope in Alaska during the Autumn months and you can expect shorter days which actually enhance the visibility of the auroras, making this period the best for experiencing the sky’s breathtaking colors.
WETTEST & DRIEST MONTHS IN ALASKA
An August elopement in Alaska promises the longest daylight hours but is generally the wettest month, which can lead to potential cancellations of certain activities, primarily helicopter tours. May offers you the driest conditions, though snow remains in higher elevations.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN ALASKA?
To put it in no BS terms, the best time for an Alaskan elopement depends on your preferences. If you want longer daylight hours and warmer weather (55°F or warmer), June to August would be ideal despite higher rental car costs.
To experience the Northern Lights, consider Alaska wedding elopement packages in late September or February to March in Fairbanks. Given the planning complexities, I’d highly recommend planning and booking your Alaska elopement photographer (Hi there!) at least 4-6 months in advance.
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR ALASKA ELOPEMENT?
June through August is the prime season for great weather for an Alaskan elopement, but it can also be quite busy due to increased tourist numbers. Since the pandemic, the demand for rental cars has skyrocketed. The best deal I’ve found was for a compact car from a traditional rental company (not Turo, the rental car version of Airbnb), and you can expect to pay at least $1500 for a six-day rental. After Labor Day thorough, the demand does lessen somewhat.
Come mid to late September, rental prices are nearly half of what they are during the summer months. If you’re okay with paying a premium for your rental vehicle during the summer months for eloping in Alaska, get in early and bookASAP to avoid missing out. Booking early also allows out-of-state vendors, like Alaska elopement photographers (Moi) to secure good deals also.
It’s also important to note that many rental companies don’t permit you to take cars on unpaved roads, meaning scenic routes such as Hatcher Pass to Talkeetna are off-limits.
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN ALASKA
Ok, the state is pretty darn big, making Alaska elopement locations incredibly unique, and an Anchorage escape will be worlds apart from a rural Fairbanks elopement. Let’s explore some of the options below and find what suits your vision best.
ANCHORAGE
Anchorage, the largest city in the state, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty for an elopement in Alaska, surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains. The convenience of the airport eliminates the need for travel to remote areas, making it one of the most accessible Alaska elopement locations.
Nearby, Chugach State Park provides couples with incredible scenery, while Kenai and Talkeetna offer charming rural settings for those seeking “get away from it all” photo opportunities that highlight the famed wilderness. Whether you’d prefer city vibes or a more intimate, secluded feel to elope in Alaska, Anchorage serves as the perfect getaway.
Top Anchorage Elopement Location: Hatcher Pass
Juneau
If you’re thinking about having an Alaska glacier elopement, Juneau is the perfect destination with 40 glaciers within easy reach of the capital city, offering a truly unique experience for a romantic escape. Beyond that, the nearby Tongass National Forest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world, adding to the area’s natural magnificence.
Juneau is also renowned for its spectacular wildlife, including whales, birds, and bears, providing plenty of captivating opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Interestingly, you can elope in Alaska to Juneau by ferry or plane, but not by car, making it an even more intriguing destination to visit.
Top Juneau Elopement Location: Mendenhall Glacier
Seward
The Seaward area, located south of Anchorage, offers a scenic journey that takes roughly 2 ½ hours by car. However, the most exciting and visually stunning way to travel between these two cities is by train. The train ride extends to four hours, providing breathtaking views of the incredible natural beauty between these two Alaska elopement locations.
The town of Seaward is charming, rural, and brimming with wildlife and numerous hiking trails for outdoor adventurers. Nestled on the water, like many Alaskan cities, Seaward boasts picturesque landscapes, making it a haven for nature lovers and Alaska elopement photographers (me included).
Top Seward Elopement Location: Helicopter to Glacier
Denali
Denali may just be one of the best reasons to elope in Alaska! Imagine exchanging your vows amidst breathtaking trails, majestic mountains, and stunning views. Denali is conveniently accessible, being only a 1 ½ hour plane ride, an eight-hour train journey, or a four-hour drive from Anchorage. This guarantees that your travel to this enchanting location is as memorable as your special day.
Additionally, for those starting their Alaskan elopement in Juneau, Denali is a short flight away, taking just under two hours. With exceptional beauty, Denali offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your ceremony, making it the perfect location for couples seeking a romantic adventure.
Top Denali Elopement Location: Denali National Park
Fairbanks
The genuinely adventurous will adore Fairbanks with its rustic atmosphere and untamed beauty, though Alaska’s interior (the Fairbanks area in particular) is less mountainous than one might think. Alaskan elopement couples can embrace the wilderness and inject some recreational excitement into their trip. Some of the activities on offer include snowmobiling across pristine landscapes, marveling at the Northern Lights, and visiting a charming reindeer ranch.
Fairbanks is just an hour’s flight from Anchorage, making it one of the easily accessible Alaska elopement locations. For couples who relish the journey as much as the destination, a 12-hour train ride offers breathtaking views of the stunning Alaskan scenery. Alternatively, an eight-hour drive provides the flexibility to rent a car and explore destinations along the way.
Top Fairbanks Location: Gates of the Arctic National Park
BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO WHEN ELOPING IN ALASKA
One of the most incredible things about tailoring all-inclusive elopement packages in Alaska is the sheer variety of awesome experiences the state has to offer. When you piece together your Alaskan elopement, you canembrace every opportunity and include each special moment in your photos, creating once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable moments.
Alternatively, extend your elopement, stick around for a honeymoon and gradually tick off some of these bucket list moments. Enjoy an Alaska glacier elopement, see the Northern Lights, and let’s not forget, there’s no shortage of kickass adrenaline-filled adventures to be had. Dog sledding, whale watching, hiking, bear spotting, pack rafting in an iceberg lagoon, and tons more. Your elopement in Alaska will be an extraordinaryadventure to kick-start married life!
- Ride a dog sled.
- Do a glacier walk when you elope in Alaska.
- Land on a glacier via helicopter (so cool!).
- Go whale watching.
- Check off new national parks.
- Visit a reindeer farm.
- Pack raft in an iceberg lagoon.
- Hike to a cabin.
- Take an air tour to see the remote portions of Alaska. Alpine Air Alaska does special outings, and they also have dog sledding on glaciers.
- See bears. Head to Katmai or Lake Clark for this!
- Fly to the Gates of the Arctic National Park.
- Get off the grid.
- Go to Fairbanks or further north and experience the northern lights.
ALASKA ELOPEMENT: HOW TO GET MARRIED IN ALASKA?
Eloping in Alaska isn’t only about having stunning photos with your partner. The key aspect is making sure that you take care of all the paperwork and actually get legally married. The paperwork isn’t as challenging as you might think, and I’ve put together some essential info to help you navigate the process.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED IN ALASKA?
To turn your Alaskan elopement into a legit legal marriage, you’ll need to ensure you obtain a $60 license (download the PDF here), which will remain valid for 90 days. Please ensure you apply for it within a reasonable timeframe aligned with your wedding plans. You’re not required to take a blood test, however, applicants must be over 18, or if under, they need parental consent.
There is a 3-day mandatory waiting period, and additionally, when mailing or faxing your application, ensure to include your ID and birth certificate, as well as have a Notary Public witness it before sending. Submit your application to either the Vital Records Office in Juneau or Anchorage; or an Alaska Court
DO YOU NEED A WITNESS TO ELOPE IN ALASKA?
The state mandates that you have a witness for your ceremony, though some online sources claim two, but most licenses I see now feature only one witness line. I can serve as the witness for your Alaskan elopement, or any state, see my blog post for essential links.
DESIGN YOUR OWN ALASKA ELOPEMENT PACKAGES WITH MY CUSTOM VENDOR REFERRALS!
I make no excuses for my love of Alaska, and why should I, it’s spectacular! As an Alaska elopement photographer, I’m fueled by a passionfor capturing love stories amidst nature’s grandeur. Specializing in adventure elopements, I embark on treks with couples, ensuring every moment is immortalized in stunning imagery. Beyond my photography, I endorse services like The Teal Door and Meraki Floral, enriching your experience with expertise.
I understand the scarcity of skilled hair and makeup artists. Enter Meaghan from Black Fern Beauty Co., an Oregon-based specialist offering an unparalleled concierge service. With her, an elopement to Alaska gains an extra touch of magic. Tell her I sent ya!
YOUR ALASKA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER!
As an Alaska lover and adventurer, I’m thrilled every time I get to explore the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that evoke the realms of Middle Earth and Narnia in Alaska elopement locations with adventurous couples.
Experience the Northern Lights from a dogsled (awesome), listen to humpback whales serenade you in Resurrection Bay, and have your breath taken away by the majesty of Glacial peaks.
Your Alaska elopement begins with a personalized planning portal offering custom vendor recommendations, location resources, marriage license details, and much more.
Are you ready to embrace the wonders of the Last Frontier on your Alaskan elopement? It’s time to embark on your greatest adventure yet.
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