How To Elope In Alaska in 2026
The full power and beauty of eloping in Alaska is something that truly needs to be experienced to be fully understood. This state is home to truly stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking landscapes whose beauty is completely unrivaled anywhere else in the world.
From towering mountains to awe-inspiring glaciers to majestic river valleys, Alaska’s diverse unique environments and natural settings offer countless opportunities for unforgettable adventures and romantic vistas for perfect elopements.
Alaska is so vast and varied that, at first, it can seem a little daunting to figure out where to begin. Fortunately, this handy Alaska elopement guide has got you covered and will walk you through everything you need to know. Here are all the ins and outs about how to elope in Alaska.
How To Get To Alaska
By Plane:
Overall, the best airport to fly into for your Alaska elopement will likely be Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Anchorage has the largest and most connected airport in Alaska and it puts you really central to iconic elopement locations! If you’re planning on a Denali National Park specific elopement, Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) will be your best option. If you’re looking at Southeast Alaska, I’d suggest Juneau International Airport (JNU). As you can see, where you choose to elope within Alaska will effect exactly which airport will be the best for you to fly into. Nine out of ten times, Anchorage will be your best bet and then you can either drive to nearby locations or access truly remote elopement locations by a private helicopter tour or a bush plane from Anchorage (highly suggest this!!).
By Car:
You will likely want a rental car in Alaska to get from one adventurous activity to the next! Especially if you fly into Anchorage, there is so much to explore around, even if you choose to do an adventurous helicopter, bush plane, or boat tour. To get the most out of your adventure, I’d recommend getting a 4WD vehicle so you can access truly anywhere you want!
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service, you can still receive navigation. As beautiful as the scenery is, getting lost probably isn’t on your to-do list!
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Alaska?
The weather in Alaska changes dramatically throughout the year and from season to season, so it’s important to plan your Alaska adventure elopement carefully in order to make sure you’re able to have the ceremony of your dreams.
There’s something amazing and completely unforgettable in every season! It’s important to know what to expect throughout the year in order to choose the type of Alaska elopement that’s right for you.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is usually the most popular time of year to get married in Alaska, and for good reason! The weather is mild, with average temperatures hovering between mid-60s to mid-70s°F (around 18-24°C). This means you’ll be able to do plenty of exploring, and if you’re bringing guests they’ll be able to travel to your elopement site with ease.
Summer is also the time of year when the Alaskan wildflowers are in bloom, so you can expect an elopement ceremony filled with natural beauty bursting with color and vibrancy.
Fall (September)
In the fall, the temperature in Alaska begins to drop, but it’s still an awesome time of year for an adventure elopement. The weather is cool but still pleasant, and you’ll be treated to some stunning fall foliage as the leaves change colors.
Winter (December to March)
As you can probably imagine, winter in Alaska can get quite cold. However, if you don’t mind some freezing temperatures and you have the appropriate apparel (like a heavy jacket, gloves, a warm hat, and boots), winter in Alaska can be a truly magical time. In the winter, Alaska transforms into a snowy wonderland, with vast expanses of silent white blanketing the majestic vistas.
If you like to ski or snowshoe, Alaska in the winter can provide the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind and truly romantic adventure elopement.
Spring (April to May)
Springtime in Alaska can sometimes be a real rollercoaster. As winter passes, the state begins to bloom and fill with colorful flowers and trees again. However, there are still some lingering vestiges of winter, and some days in springtime can be quite cold.
Nevertheless, a springtime adventure elopement in Alaska can be wonderful — just be sure to pack some winter wear in case of frosty temperatures and come in ready to embrace the unexpected.
Best Places To Elope In Alaska
In the summer, the pass is home to some of the best hiking trails in all of Alaska, replete with breathtaking views of alpine forests and sprawling tundras. In the winter, the pass is covered in pristine, white snow, which makes it an ideal location for skiing.
Hatcher Pass is only a 90-minute drive from Anchorage, so if you’re considering an Anchorage elopement, this is definitely a great spot to keep in mind.
This two-mile hiking trail offers something really special: an up close and personal view of a glacier. The Portage Glacier lies majestically at the end of this trail and serves as a perfect and truly unique backdrop for any elopement ceremony (it also makes for some really stunning Alaska elopement photography).
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in pristine wilderness virtually untouched by human civilization, Denali National Park is hands down one of the best Alaska elopement locations. Just one single road weaves through this six-million-acre national park. Towering over it all is Mount Denali, which is North America’s tallest peak, standing 20,310 feet tall.
The opportunities for hiking are just about endless! Between the awe-inspiring mountain, the vast landscapes dotted with lush greenery and colorful wildflowers, and the diverse array of majestic wildlife, an elopement in Denali National Park is guaranteed to be absolutely unforgettable.
The town of Seward, Alaska is one of the greatest destinations on Earth for anyone who wants to pack a whole lot of adventure into a short amount of time.
If rare and majestic wildlife is what you’re after, you can enjoy a whale watching expedition in the nearby Kenai Fjords. For the truly adventurous, the Kenai Fjords are also home to some incredible hiking trails. Another popular hiking trail, Tonsina Trail, offers an unforgettable view of the gorgeous black sand beaches of Resurrection Bay.
The first thing to know about Matanuska Glacier is that it’s big. Like really, really big.
This 27-mile expanse of ice flows from the Chugach Mountains, and it serves as a completely one-of-a-kind landmark for your elopement photos. The glacier is surrounded by scenic hiking trails that offer stunning views of both the glacier and the nearby Glacier Park.
If you’re after a more pulse-pounding adventure, you can even arrange to go glacier trekking across the surface of the glacier itself. Any couple considering an Alaska glacier elopement should absolutely check it out.
Three unique natural landmarks come together in Kenai Fjords National Park: Mountains, glaciers, and the ocean. If you’ve never seen these three things all in one place (and few have), then you’re in for a mind-blowing experience.
Kenai Fjords National Park is, quite simply, one of the best possible locations for an Alaska adventure elopement, offering endless opportunities for thrilling discoveries and unique, timeless wedding photography.
It’s pretty much impossible to be bored during a Juneau, Alaska elopement. Alaska’s capital city is packed with culture and tons of amazing venues for celebrating, eating, and dancing the night away. And right outside your door is a portal to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes you’ve ever seen. From stunning hiking trails to towering mountain peaks to majestic glaciers, there’s plenty to explore and discover. No matter what kind of elopement you’re looking for, you’re destined to find it in Juneau.
Take To The Skies With An Alaska Helicopter Elopement!
If you’re seeking a truly unique way to experience the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness, I would definitely suggest considering an Alaska helicopter elopement. You’ll sail through the skies and enjoy a top-down view of Alaska’s towering mountain peaks and massive, sprawling glaciers.
There’s really nothing else like it (and you can bet that the wedding photos are going to be utterly unique in every way). There are several great vendors in the area that offer expert flying and deep knowledge of all the best natural landmarks. Helicopter tour specialists like Alaska Helicopter Tours are always committed to helping you pull off the Alaska helicopter elopement of your dreams.
If you’re interested in learning more about planning a helicopter elopement, you can check out the blog post I wrote that covers everything you need to know!
Alaska Marriage License + Permit Information
While it’s relatively easy and straightforward to get married in Alaska, there are a few legal and administrative requirements you’ll need to take care of. Fortunately, Alaska marriage requirements are quite easy to fulfill and are usually quite low-stress to complete (and if you need help, you can always ask me!). In particular, you will need:
An Alaska marriage license: This is a must if you’re planning on eloping in Alaska. You can find the Alaska marriage license application here. Keep in mind that in order to obtain your marriage license, both of you will need to be present, and you’ll both need to bring a valid photo ID.
An officiant: To legally get married in Alaska, your ceremony must be overseen by a recognized officiant. This can be a religious leader, judge, or any formally designated official with the authority to perform a wedding ceremony.
Witness: You’ll need at least one witness present at the wedding ceremony. Fortunately, if needed, your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer can act as your witness!
Permit: It is likely that you will need a Special Use Permit to get married on public land. Whether this is required and if it is, the cost and process is different for every single park. Be sure to research if this is something you may need for your desired Alaska elopement location. Pro Tip: All of my packages come with permit assistance, so I walk you through step by step with each location on if you need a permit & if so how to exactly apply for it step by step.
Where To Stay For Your Alaska Elopement
Where you stay in Alaska can shape your entire elopement experience. Alaska is massive, and each region feels completely different—so the best lodging town depends on the landscapes you’re dreaming of. These are the top towns couples choose for Alaska elopements, based on access, scenery, and overall experience.
Anchorage
Anchorage is the most common home base for Alaska elopements and the easiest place to start your trip.
Why stay here:
Largest selection of hotels, Airbnbs, and restaurants
Best access to rental cars, helicopters, bush planes, and guides
Easy drives to glaciers, mountains, and coastlines
Best for: First-time Alaska visitors, glacier or helicopter elopements, flexible itineraries
The Best Places to Stay:
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small, charming town with front-row views of Denali on clear days.
Why stay here:
Cozy, artsy, and intimate vibe
Prime location for Denali flightseeing and glacier landings
Feels remote without being inaccessible
Best for: Denali elopements, flightseeing adventures, small-town charm
The Best Places to Stay:
Girdwood
Girdwood sits in a lush mountain valley just south of Anchorage.
Why stay here:
Alpine-meets-coastal scenery
Great access to hiking, glaciers, and waterfalls
Fewer crowds than Anchorage
Best for: Mountain-focused elopements, moody scenery, adventure lovers
The Best Places to Stay:
Seward
Seward is one of the best coastal bases in Alaska, located at the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Why stay here:
Dramatic fjords, glaciers, and ocean views
Boat tours, kayaking, and wildlife access
Walkable harbor town with great food
Best for: Glacier, fjord, and coastal elopements
Best Places to Stay:
Homer
Homer sits at the end of the road on the Kenai Peninsula and is known for its creative, laid-back energy.
Why stay here:
Ocean views and wide-open landscapes
Easy access to water taxis and bush planes
Relaxed pace that feels deeply Alaskan
Best for: Secluded elopements, artistic couples, off-the-beaten-path vibes
Best Places to Stay:
Juneau
Juneau is only accessible by plane or boat, making it feel especially wild.
Why stay here:
Glaciers, fjords, and rainforest landscapes
Ideal for helicopter and boat-access elopements
Remote without sacrificing comfort
Best for: Southeast Alaska elopements, glacier ceremonies, adventurous couples
Best Places to Stay:
Palmer
Palmer is a quieter alternative to Anchorage, located near the Matanuska Glacier.
Why stay here:
Fewer crowds, open farmland, mountain views
Close to glaciers and scenic drives
Easy access to Anchorage without city bustle
Best for: Glacier elopements, quieter stays, road-trip style itineraries
The Best Places to Stay:
Pro Tip: If you are planning to be having guests at any point of the day for either a ceremony, intimate dinner, or reception, be sure to get an event-friendly rental! Not all vacation rentals are event friendly and nothing would be worse than getting kicked out by your host mid elopement experience! For all my tips on finding an event-friendly rental, view my blog on how to plan your Airbnb elopement.
Alaska Elopement Activity Ideas
Eloping in Alaska is about embracing wild landscapes, big adventure, and moments that feel completely untamed. Alaska offers endless ways to turn your elopement into a once-in-a-lifetime experience—whether that means helicopters, glaciers, oceans, or quiet mountain solitude.
Take a private helicopter tour and do a remote landing (yes you can land on a glacier or a mountaintop that you normally can’t access otherwise!)
Hike or Pack Raft on a Glacier
Take a private boat tour or kayak through the fjords
Watch the northern lights from mid-August to mid-April!
Go Fly Fishing
Soak in a Hot Spring
Visit an Ice Cave
Dog-Sledding
Take a Bush Plane Tour
Snowmobiling
Whale Watching
Go on an epic hike
Ice Climbing
Take a Float Plane Ride
Try to spot some wildlife (I guarantee you will)
Share a picnic on a remote mountain top
Alaska Elopement Timeline Examples
Not sure exactly how much time you need for your dream Alaska elopement? Here are a few timeline examples to help you get a feel for what might be the best fit!
8 Hour Elopement
12:00pm Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
2:00pm First Look at Bnb
2:15 pm Drive to Port
2:30pm Private Helicopter Boat Charter Through Fjords & Ceremony
6:30pm Arrive Back at Port - Drive to Bnb
7:00pm Private Chef Dinner at Bnb
8:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
12 Hour Elopement
9:00am Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
10:45am First Look at Bnb
11:00am Drive to Heli Tour
11:30am Private Luxury Helicopter Tour of 7 Hours — Landing in Multiple Locations + a Mountaintop Ceremony
6:30pm End Tour - Drive to Lodging
7:00pm Private Chef Dinner at Bnb
9:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
Must Know Alaska Elopement and Travel Tips
Traveling to Alaska is unlike anywhere else in the U.S. The scale is bigger, the logistics are different, and flexibility is key. These are the most important travel tips couples (and visitors in general) need to know before heading north.
Weather Changes Fast—Plan for All Seasons
You can experience sun, rain, wind, and cold all in one day—even in summer. Always pack layers, waterproof gear, and warm clothing, no matter the forecast.
Wildlife Has the Right of Way
Moose, bears, caribou, and other wildlife frequently cross roads and trails. Drive slowly, carry bear spray when hiking, and always keep a safe distance. Never approach wildlife for photos.
Remote Travel Often Requires Small Planes or Boats
Some of Alaska’s most beautiful places aren’t accessible by road. Bush planes, helicopters, and boats are common—and weather dependent. Always plan with flexibility and book with experienced local operators. Expect private boat or helicopter tours to range $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on location and duration.
Services Can Be Sparse
Gas stations, restaurants, and stores can be few and far between. Fill up whenever you can, carry snacks and water, and don’t assume services will be available late at night or in remote areas. Once you leave major towns, cell service can be spotty or nonexistent. Download offline maps, share itineraries ahead of time, and don’t rely on GPS alone when traveling to remote areas.
Summer Has Extremely Long Days
From late May through July, Alaska experiences very long daylight hours—sometimes nearly 24 hours of light. This is amazing for sightseeing but can disrupt sleep. Bring an eye mask and plan intentional rest.
Alaska Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Alaska?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
Photography on digital, film, and drone (where permitted)
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in Alaska by 2WD and normal passenger plane already included
Starting at $5,000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
