How To Elope In Alaska: Everything You Need To Know
Hoping to elope in Alaska? From exchanging a lifetime of vows on a breathtaking glacier, to sharing that on-top-of-the-world feeling among mountain peaks, or even soaking in the views in a scenic bay with orcas swimming in the distance, Alaska is one of the few places in the world where you can experience such a uniquely diverse landscape.
As a wedding planner in Alaska, I’ve learned all the must-know details about eloping in Alaska, and I can’t wait to share.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, this is your sign to elope in Alaska.
Photo by: The Adams Co.
How to get to Alaska: the best airports
The best way to get to Alaska is through Anchorage’s airport, the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). From here, you’ll have the best access to the rest of the state, including my favorite places to elope in Alaska.
The best time of year to elope in Alaska
In Alaska, with such a rugged landscape, the weather can be just as intense. Since the fall and spring are so short-lived, you’ll find that Alaska practically has two seasons, winter and summer. For those cold-loving couples, Alaska’s winter is what dreams are made of with picturesque snowy mountains and plenty of activities for your elopement. But if you two live for the sunshine, wait until you hear about a summer elopement in Alaska.
Winter
As the longest season here, Alaska is known for its impressive winters. For winter elopements, I recommend the end of the winter season, around late February and March, when there is a bit more sunlight and milder weather. Between the intense snowfall and the icy terrain, winter in Alaska can get colder than most places, especially with the long nights. However, this is also the time for one of nature’s greatest wonders: The Northern Lights. Watching the sky light up with its green and yellow hues is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can only have during the winter months here. Plus Alaska has countless winter sports that are amazing, from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and snowmobiling.
Have the chance to see the Northern Lights
Amazing time for winter sports
Limited access to many areas due to icy conditions
Few hours of sunlight
Photo by Donna Marie Photography
Summer
With the sun shining and snow melting, Alaska’s terrain becomes much more accessible in the summer. If you choose to elope between April and September, you’ll find colorful wildflowers and amazing wildlife. And while Alaska’s tourist season reaches its height this time of year, there is plenty of wide open wilderness to make you two feel like the only people on earth. Plus, with almost 24 hours of sunshine in some places, you can adventure as long as you’d like.
Lots of sunlight, with some areas getting 24 hours of sunshine
Easy access to all parks and scenic activities
Get the opportunity to witness the midnight sun
Peak tourist season and high traffic for many hiking trails
Photo by Megan Rai Freeman
Beautiful places to elope in Alaska
Seward
Known for its coastal feel and loved for its eclectic vibe, Seward, Alaska is a small town about three hours from Anchorage. As the main town in Resurrection Bay, Seward is perfect for couples who love spending time by the water. One of this area's most exciting features is marine life, with beautiful orcas, sea otters, and seals. With scenic islands like Orca Island and Fox island, chartering a boat is one of the best ways to explore the many sights this bay has to offer.
About 2.5 hours from Anchorage
Access point to Kenai Fjords National Park
Lots of pebble beaches and marine life
Sheep Mountain Lodge
With everything you need for an ideal Alaskan elopement, Sheep Mountain Lodge is one of my favorite places to elope in Alaska. Situated about 2 hours outside of Anchorage, this cozy mountain lodge is immersed in Alaskan wildlife and has breathtaking views year-round. The lodge offers plenty of activities, including ATV tours for the summer months and snowmobile tours in the winter. But one of my favorite parts of this elopement location is the onsite transportation and helicopter tours to Matanuska Glacier!
2 hours away from Anchorage
Easy access to the Matanuska Glacier (beautiful elopement site)
Mountain views with lots of Alaskan wildlife like bears, moose, and sheep
Delicious restaurant on-site
Helicopter services available steps from your cabin door
Portage
Great for those wanting to hike the Alaskan landscape for their elopement, Portage Pass Trail is an amazing experience. This hike can be very different depending on the time of year. In the winter, the Portage Lake freezes over providing a shortcut for the trail, making the hike to the glacier’s edge about 2.5 miles. However, in the summer, when the lake is no longer solid, you’ll follow the trail for about 4 miles to reach the glacier. But either way, with the Portage Glacier visible on one side and the Prince William Sound on the other, the views you’ll see on this hike will be unforgettable.
1 hour from Anchorage
Direct access by foot to the Portage glacier
An enjoyable hike with breathtaking scenery
Photo by: Zoya Dawn
Denali National Park
As one of the largest national parks in the country, Denali National Park has so much to offer. From America’s highest peak to winding rivers, this park is for the truly adventurous souls. Plus, with multiple cozy lodging options within the park, you can stay and explore for as long as you’d like after you elope. I recommend staying in Talkeetna, a small village at the base of Denali. From there, you can discover the park through its hiking trails or even during a helicopter tour.
About 4 hours from Anchorage
Requires a special use permit
Millions and millions of acres to explore
While these are some of my favorite places to elope in Alaska, you can find a more detailed list of my favorite Alaska elopement locations here.
Permits and licenses: how to elope in a different state
To get married in Alaska, you and your person will need to complete this marriage license application and drop it off (or mail it) to the Alaska court location closest to where you’ll be eloping. So for example, if you want to elope in Denali National Park, you’ll have to send your application into the Palmer courthouse.
It’s important to note that Alaska has a three-day waiting period for marriage licenses, so you can explore the state while you wait (or you can expect to find it in your mailbox after about two weeks). Once you’ve signed the license after your ceremony, you’ll return the document to the Vital Records Office in Anchorage or Juneau.
The last thing to consider depending on the location of your elopement is whether you’ll need a special use permit. All state and national parks in Alaska require a special use permit for all elopements and weddings, so be sure to apply for them well in advance. I help my couples with these logistical details as their wedding planner!
Elopement packages in Alaska
Whether you’re looking for an all-out adventure, or just hope to spend a peaceful day celebrating this milestone together, my Alaska elopement packages are all-inclusive and can be completely customized to your dream elopement whether it's by sky or sea, or anything between. If you need more elopement location inspo, check out my blog: Five Unforgettable Alaska Elopement Locations!
Photo by: Donna Marie Photography
