Your Guide To A Majestic Mountain Elopement In Alaska
Alaska arguably has some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country. So it’s no wonder you and your person are dreaming of a mountain elopement.
As a wedding planner in Alaska, mountaintop weddings and mountainside weddings alike are some of my favorites to plan. Let me show you how to have a majestic mountain elopement with all the inside tips and tricks.
Photo by: The Hitched Hiker
How to get married on a mountain: the breakdown
Choose a mountainous location.
Pick a date (Hint: think about what kind of weather you enjoy!).
Hire your vendors like a planner, photographer, makeup artist, florist.
Book your travel and accommodations.
Take care of the paperwork: your marriage license and any necessary permits.
Get some activity inspiration for your elopement experience, and plan the details.
Soak in the views during your mountain elopement!
First thing’s first: choose a location
Whether it’s near or far, the mountain’s location will determine other factors you’ll need to consider when planning your elopement. An important deciding detail might be the hiking level you and your person are willing to take on. Or will you be taking a helicopter to the summit?
It’s also helpful to think about what type of scenery you want to soak in during your mountain elopement. Here in Alaska, the mountain views range from lush alpine forests, to reflective lakes, or snow-capped peaks, so be sure you find the views you’re hoping for!
Some of my favorite mountain elopement locations in Alaska include:
Girdwood
Girdwood is overflowing with incredible mountain views. As a ski town, it’s an ideal mountain elopement location.
Just 35-40 minutes from Anchorage
A variety of lodging and dining options
Hiking trails, waterfalls, wildflowers
Convenient for Alpine Air’s glacier helicopter tours
Photo by: Sarah French Photo
Arctic Valley
Arctic Valley is a year round recreational area known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. It's situated in the Chugach Mountains and offers beautiful hiking opportunities for a summer Alaska elopement and skiing for an winter elopement..
Photo by: Donna Marie Photography
Eklutna Lake
This is actually my first suggestion for couples looking for a lake backdrop. However, if you want a mountainous feel without needing to hike, this combines the scenic water landscape with the Chugach Mountains in the distance.
A crystal blue alpine lake surrounded by the Chugach Mountains
About an hour from Anchorage
Plenty of hikes for all abilities
Photos by: Donna Marie Photography
Denali National Park
Rugged landscape with some of the highest peaks in the country
About 4 hours from Anchorage
Perfect for off the beaten path hikers who are looking for an adventure
Matanuska-Susitna Valley
I highly recommend Hatcher Pass if you’re in this region!
A vast valley of beautiful wildflowers and lush highland
An hour from Anchorage
Easy location to park and elope surrounded by mountains, or hike to the top
Photos by: Donna Marie Photography
The best time of year for a mountain elopement
If you and your partner are fond of warmer weather, May to August will be the best time to plan a mountain top elopement. During this time the snow will have melted and the peaks will be full of fluffy trees and colorful wildflowers.
But, if you two are ready for a snowshoe wedding, mountaintops are often dusted with snow from October to April. Bundle up and get ready for a winter wonderland of powder-white snow. However, be aware that ice and snow can make traveling to some mountainous locations dangerous, so be sure to research your location well ahead of time.
Photo by: Megan Rai Freeman
Hire your local vendors
Think about all of the details you want to include in your elopement. The vendors you hire will largely depend on what details you want to prioritize for the day. But typically, elopements include vendors like a planner, photographer, florist, baker, and hair and makeup artist. As a wedding planner in Alaska, I make it my mission to keep stay up to date with all the best local vendors. So if you need recommendations, just reach out!
Book your travel and find a place to stay
To make sure you get the best deal on travel expenses, it’s a good idea to start looking at things like flights several months before you plan to elope. Typically, airline ticket prices are most expensive within a month of your travel date, so start tracking prices as soon as you can. Google Flights is a great way to find the best deals.
After you’ve settled the necessary travel plans, think about what type of accommodations you and your partner prefer. For areas with more tourism, hotels and ski resorts are a great option if you want a more luxurious experience. But, if you ask me, there are some breathtaking mountainous Airbnbs in Alaska that will make you feel totally immersed in the scenery.
Photo by: Donna Marie Photography
The paperwork: Permits and licenses
Maybe not the most fun part of the process, but definitely the most important. Each state has different laws for marriage licenses. Alaska required a $60 fee and a three day waiting period. You can find the application for Alaska here.
Since many scenic mountain regions are protected by state and national parks, it's also important to research any permits you may need for the park you choose to elope in. You can find special use permits for your chosen park on the official government website, and I recommend applying for these at least two weeks in advance to allow for processing time.
Ideas for mountain elopements
There are many adventures that mountains offer with their unmatched views and soaring heights. Here are a few ideas to inspire your mountain elopement.
1. Take a helicopter tour
What a more unforgettable way to celebrate this milestone than a helicopter tour? Chartering a helicopter to take you to the summit of a mountain of your choosing is a great way to experience some unbelievable views without much hiking required. Plus, many helicopter tours can take you to multiple locations, giving your elopement several incredible backdrops.
Photos by: The Adams Co.
2. Ski down the slopes
For the more sporty couples, skiing is a super unique way to celebrate your elopement. Take a backcountry skiing trip guided by a local ski pro. Explore pristine powdery snow in the Alaska mountains and feel like the only people in the world! Tie the knot at the top of the slope, then spend the first moments of that newlywed feeling flying down a mountain with your person!
Photo by: Donna Marie Photography
3. Enjoy a peaceful picnic by an alpine lake
If you’re looking for a more lowkey way to spend the day, a beautifully arranged picnic by the glacier-fed waters of a lake is for you. Enjoy your favorite meal, pop some champagne, or even just share your wedding cake together during an intimate picnic while you soak in the mountain views around you.
Photos by: The Hitched Hiker
4. Go for a hike and enjoy the views
This is a classic for a reason. What better way to immerse yourself in the beauty around you than hiking through it with your best friend? Whether it’s an easy mile round trip, or a more intense journey, plan to hike up your mountain of choice a bit before the sun sets. Once you reach your destination, enjoy the beautiful views with a side of champagne with your new spouse.
Photos by: The Hitched Hiker
5. Explore with the off-roading vehicle of your choice
Want a more thrilling experience for this exciting event? Many areas offer off-roading tours on ATVs in the summer or snowmobiles in the winter. Speeding through the alpine terrain together is a great way to explore the mountainous views as much as possible. Stop by a scenic overlook to marry your person then keep adventuring.
Photos by: The Adams Co.
Is a mountain elopement calling your name?
As a wedding planner in Alaska, mountain elopements are my forte. From alpine lakes to the grandeur of glaciers, my all-inclusive elopement packages in Alaska are designed to elevate your wedding day. Let nature's beauty take the backdrop for your intimate ceremony, while I take care of every detail, making sure you have a seamless and unforgettable experience.
