Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
Alaska is one of the wildest, most remote elopement destinations in the U.S. (and one of the most epic!). From helicopter tours on unnamed mountain ridges to dog sledding across glaciers, it truly is the land of adventure, and eloping here offers an experience to create something truly magical.
If you want to elope in Alaska, this guide is for you! We’re breaking down the best time to visit (hint: July and August give you nearly 24 hours of daylight!), where to elope, how to get around, what to pack, marriage license requirements, and how our team helps you plan your Alaska adventure from start to finish.
How to Elope in Alaska in 7 Simple Steps
- Choose the Best Time of Year to Elope in Alaska
- Hire Your Dream Alaska Elopement Photographer and Vendor Team
- Choose Where to Elope in Alaska
- Plan Your Transportation and Logistics
- Apply for Your Alaska Marriage License
- Pack for Your Alaska Elopement
- Plan Your Elopement Day Activities
Table of Contents
- How to Elope in Alaska in 7 Simple Steps
- When is the Best Time to Elope in Alaska?
- Where are the Best Places to Elope in Alaska?
- How Do You Get Around Alaska?
- What Should You Pack for Your Alaska Elopement?
- How Do You Get a Marriage License in Alaska?
- What Vendors Do We Need to Elope in Alasa?
- Real Alaska Elopement Inspiration
- Meet Your Alaska Elopement Photographers
- Are You Ready to Elope in Alaska?
When is the Best Time to Elope in Alaska?
Deciding when to elope in Alaska is one of the first (and most important!) decisions you’ll make. Unlike other states that have year-round accessibility (we’re looking at you, Hawaii), Alaska’s seasons require a bit more timing consideration!
Summer (July – August)
Best for: Accessibility, long daylight hours, and warmer temperatures.
Summer is the most popular time to elope in Alaska, and we’re not exaggerating when we say the midnight sun is absolutely magical! In July, you’ll have almost 24 hours of daylight, which means you have plenty of time to adventure around and take in the beauty.
While Alaska’s summers are relatively short (just July and August), they bring snow-free trails (well, mostly!), wildflowers, and temperatures that are comfortable even in wedding attire. This warmer weather also means that most of Alaska’s remote areas become accessible, giving you more locations to choose from and more flight reliability if you’re including a helicopter adventure.
Things to keep in mind: Summer is peak season in Alaska, which means prices for accommodations and tours are typically higher. But, if you ask us, those extra hours of daylight are worth every penny!
Winter (March)
Best for: Northern lights, snow-covered landscapes, and dog sledding or snowmobile adventures.
We’ve experienced Alaska in winter and oh my gosh, it’s like stepping into a completely different world! Picture snowmobiling across the Matanuska Glacier, dog sledding through pristine wilderness, and (if you’re lucky) witnessing the northern lights dancing across the sky during your elopement.
Winter in Alaska means shorter days (though even in March, you’ll still have 10+ hours of daylight), cold temperatures, and the need to bundle up a little extra. But if you’re dreaming of a true winter wonderland elopement with epic snow backdrops, this might be your season!
Insider Tip: Most winter elopements in Alaska experience shorter daylight (sometime as little as 6 hours!), so the time of year your elope matters. This is where working with a local expert (that’s us) is helpful.
Shoulder Seasons (September – October)
By September, Alaska is already transitioning into fall. The colors can be absolutely stunning, but you’ll need to prepare for slightly colder temperatures, rain, and unpredictable weather. The days are getting shorter, too, so you’ll have less flexibility with timing.
If you’re considering a shoulder season elopement in Alaska, just know that you’re trading some accessibility and predictability for potentially lower prices and fewer crowds. If you’re unsure if a shoulder season elopement is right for you, reach out to us! We’re always honest with our couples about what to expect!
Insider Tip: Alaska’s snowmelt can be intense, so, generally speaking, we recommend avoiding eloping in Alaska during the spring months (May-June) as this is mud season.
Where are the Best Places to Elope in Alaska?
Alaska is HUGE (like, bigger than you can possibly imagine until you’re there), so the even bigger question becomes, “Where should you elope in Alaska?” Below, we’re sharing a handful of the areas we know best, but we’re always down to explore anywhere you want to go in this beautiful state!
Anchorage Area (Your Home Base)
Most couples eloping in Alaska fly into Anchorage. This is honestly a perfect starting point for your Alaska elopement because from here, you can easily access Hatcher Pass, drive down to Seward, head up to the Matanuska Glacier, or arrange helicopter tours to remote glaciers and mountain ridges. Plus, Anchorage has all the amenities you might need to celebrate (think, hotels, rental cars, gear shops, and amazing restaurants for your celebratory meal)!
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is one of those places that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. Located about an hour north of Anchorage, this area offers incredible alpine landscapes, wildflower meadows (in summer), and panoramic mountain views. And the best part? It’s accessible by car, making it a great option if you want stunning mountain backdrops without needing a helicopter!
Best time to visit: July – August for accessibility, though September often brings some gorgeous fall colors.
Seward, Alaska
If you’re dreaming of combining mountains with coastal vibes, Seward might be the place for you! This charming port town sits at the edge of Resurrection Bay and is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Imagine saying your vows with massive glaciers as your backdrop, followed by a boat tour to see whales, sea otters, and puffins (sounds pretty magical, right?).!
Seward is about a 2.5-hour drive south of Anchorage along one of the most scenic highways in Alaska. We love this area because you can experience so many different landscapes (towering peaks, tidewater glaciers, and the ocean) all in one incredible day.
Best time to visit: June – August
Matanuska Glacier
Getting married ON a glacier is about as epic as it gets! The Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers (meaning you can actually drive right up to it), and it’s absolutely stunning. Picture bright blue ice formations, crevasses, and that otherworldly feeling of standing where no one else has gone before*
If you want to elope on an Alaskan glacier, you have a few different options. In summer, you can hike onto the glacier with a guide, or in winter, we’ve done snowmobile tours across the glacier that were absolutely unforgettable!
Best time to visit: Year-round! Summer is best for hiking, while winter snowmobiling is unmatched!
*Insider Tip: Glaciers are ever moving and changing. This means where you elope may not ever exist in the exact same way again. How cool is that?
Helicopter Access to Remote Locations
Planning a helicopter elopement will make you understand why Alaska is called the Last Frontier. Working with Outbound Heli (our go-to helicopter tour company in Alaska), we can take you to mountain ridges that are so remote they literally don’t have names (how wild is that?)!
In fact, during one of our recent Alaska elopements, we were on a helicopter tour with a couple, and the pilot decided to land on this ridge because he’d “always wanted to check it out.” We’re standing there looking at this MASSIVE mountain that rivals Mount Rainier in size, and when we asked what it was called, the pilot just shrugged and said it didn’t have a name. It was just one of the mountains in the range. That was the moment we realized how truly wild and unexplored Alaska still is!
Other Amazing Places to Elope in Alaska
While the locations we listed above are the areas we know best, Alaska has so much more to offer! Other incredible elopement destinations include:
- Denali National Park – Home to North America’s tallest peak
- Kenai Fjords – Known for tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife
- Sitka – Where temperate rainforest (yes, you read that right) meets the ocean
We’re always open to exploring new areas with our couples. That’s the beauty of Alaska – no matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, Alaska has it!
How Do You Get Around Alaska?
Getting around Alaska is part of the adventure! Unlike the lower U.S. states, where you can easily drive to most locations, Alaska often requires a bit more preparation (and creativity) with your transportation plans.
Flying In
Most of our couples fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). From there, you’ll likely want to rent a car. If you’re going this route, we highly recommend getting a 4-wheel drive vehicle, especially if you’re visiting during the shoulder season or planning to explore any backcountry roads.
Transportation Options for Your Elopement
One of the best things about eloping in Alaska is that you’re not limited to just hiking to your ceremony location! Depending on where you want to elope, there are lots of other fun transportation alternatives:
- Hike: This is one of the most traditional adventure elopement activities, but it’s effective, not to mention, many Alaska trails are absolutely stunning!
- Helicopter: One of our favorite things to do in Alaska is a helicopter tour! You can land on remote glaciers or mountain ridges that most people have never even seen before!
- Floatplane: Another way to fly to your elopement is via floatplane. This gives you the best access to Alaska’s remote lakes and coastal areas.
- Train: A romantic train ride across Alaska’s stunning landscapes? Sign us up!
- Boat: If a glacier elopement is on your Alaska bucket list, consider exploring the fjords and coastal areas by boat. This option allows you to get up close to some of the most incredible glaciers and coastal settings.
- Snowmobile: If you’re looking to add a little speed to your elopement in Alaska, we highly recommend renting snowmobiles or taking a tour! This option is perfect for exploring glaciers and backcountry areas during the winter season!
- Dog sled: Here at Between the Pine, we are big fans of elopements with dogs, so this just might be one of our favorite ways to explore Alaska! You can hire a dog sled team to take you and your love for an adventure through the snow. Mush!
Insider Tip: When planning your elopement in Alaska, we always recommend building in a buffer day. Weather in Alaska can be intense and sometimes we experience days when it’s not safe to go out. We don’t say this to scare you away from eloping in Alaska; it’s just the reality of getting married in such a wild, remote place. However, having that extra day means you can reschedule if needed without the stress!
What Should You Pack for Your Alaska Elopement?
Packing for an Alaska elopement is a bit different than packing for, say, a Washington elopement. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Summer Elopements (July – August)
- Layers, layers, layers! Temperatures can vary wildly throughout the day so it’s best to be prepared
- Waterproof jacket (weather can change in minutes)
- Comfortable hiking boots (be sure to break them in before your elopement!)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (that midnight sun is no joke!)
- Bug spray (Alaska’s mosquitoes are legendary)
- Wedding attire that you can layer (think removable jacket, warm accessories, etc.)
Winter Elopements (March)
- Heavy winter coat, gloves, and warm hat
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Hand and foot warmers
- Multiple layers of thermal underwear
- Wedding attire designed for cold weather (we’ve seen some stunning winter capes and faux fur wraps! Read this post for some of our favorite elopement attire ideas.)
Regardless of Season
- Marriage license and IDs (more on Alaskamarriage licenses below)
- Any special ceremony items (vows, rings, etc.)
- Snacks and water (we’ll bring some too, but extra never hurts!)
- Sense of adventure and flexibility!
How Do You Get a Marriage License in Alaska?
At this point, you’ve found your person and you’ve chosen your epic Alaska backdrop. Now, you need that all-important piece of paper that makes your marriage official. Here’s what you need to know about getting your Alaska marriage license:
Alaska Marriage License Requirements
Cost: $60
Waiting Period: 3 days
License Valid For: 90 days
Witnesses Required: 2 witnesses + officiant
Steps to Get Your Alaska Marriage License
- Apply in any district – You can apply for your marriage license in any Alaska district, and it will be valid throughout the entire state
- Bring required documents:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security numbers
- If previously married, divorce decree or death certificate
- Pay the $60 fee
- Wait 3 days – Alaska requires a 3-day waiting period before you can legally get married
- Get married within 90 days – Your license expires after 3 months
After Your Ceremony
After you say “I do”, you, your officiant, and your two witnesses will sign the marriage license. Your officiant then has 30 days to file the paperwork. A few weeks later, your official marriage certificate will arrive in the mail!
Need officiant or witness recommendations? We’ve got you covered! We can serve as one of your witnesses, and we have amazing officiant recommendations for Alaska elopements, if needed.
For more detailed information about marriage licenses, check out our complete guide to getting a marriage license in the U.S.
What Vendors Do We Need to Elope in Alasa?
Technically, you don’t need any vendors to elope, but the truth is, eloping in Alaska is wild. Like, truly wild. And while that’s exactly what makes it such an incredible elopement destination, it also means that having an experienced team by your side makes a huge difference.
What You Get When You Hire Between the Pine as Your Alaska Elopement Photographers
We Have Years of Alaska Experience
Since 2022, we’ve been photographing elopements across Alaska, from summer helicopter adventures to winter glacier snowmobile tours. We’ve built relationships with the best local vendors (like Outbound Heli for helicopter tours and Salted Roots and Sheep Mountain Lodge for the coziest accommodations, just to name a few). Over the years we’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) in Alaska’s unique environment.
We’re Your Planning Guides
Just like with all our elopements, we don’t just show up to take photos. We walk you through the entire Alaska elopement planning process. This includes:
- Helping you choose the perfect location based on your vision and adventure level
- Creating a custom timeline that accounts for Alaska’s unpredictable weather
- Providing vendor recommendations from our trusted Alaska vendor list
- Offering accommodation suggestions near your elopement location
- Sharing insider tips about what to pack, when to go, and how to prepare
You’re Never Alone in the Process
From your first inquiry to the moment you receive your photos, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We’ve guided hundreds of couples through adventure elopements, and Alaska is one of our absolute favorite destinations to photograph. We’re stoked to share our knowledge, our vendor connections, and our genuine excitement for your best day ever!
Real Alaska Elopement Inspiration
Want to see what an elopement in Alaska actually looks like? Check out these incredible couples who said “I do” in the Last Frontier:
Liz & Zach’s Epic Helicopter Elopement
[Coming soon!] This two-day adventure included helicopter tours to remote glaciers, stunning mountain ridges, and some of the most jaw-dropping views we’ve ever photographed.
Two-Day Alaska Elopement (with a Helicopter Tour)
Jo and Mike embraced everything Alaska has to offer. Over the span of two days they enjoyed hiking on remote trails for their ceremony (with their guests) and an epic helicopter adventure to the most stunning glacier lake you can imagine.
Alaska Glacier Elopement (With Snomobiling and Dog-Sledding)
Krystal and Evan are another one of our Alaska couples who decided that a single day just wasn’t enough for them to experience everything they wanted for their best day ever. Their celebration included an intimate ceremony with family, a dog sled ride across the snow, and an epic stroll through Alaska’s ice caves.
Meet Your Alaska Elopement Photographers
We feel most at home in the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that it’s where we gravitate towards as your Alaska elopement photographers. Between the Pine was founded by Mollie in 2018, and she has hiked hundreds of miles all over the Pacific Northwest, Kauai, and Alaska to capture couples during their best day ever. Since 2018, we’ve grown our team and continue to hire even more incredible photographers!
Our team at Between the Pine is passionate about our jobs and adventuring to the most beautiful locations to document your best day ever. We know the Pacific Northwest like the back of our hands and are dying for a reason to head back to the mountains, forest, and everything in between! Click here to learn more about the Between the Pine team, your Alaska elopement photographers!
Are You Ready to Elope in Alaska?
If Alaska is calling your name, we’ve got you! Whether you’re dreaming of helicopter tours to unnamed mountains, dog sledding across pristine wilderness, or saying your vows on an ever-changing glacier, we can’t wait to help you plan your greatest adventure yet.
Contact us if you have questions about where to elope in Alaska or are ready to start planning. Your best day ever deserves the most epic backdrop, and Alaska definitely delivers!
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