Winter Elopement Guide: Tips for a Snowy Elopement in Alaska
There’s something so magical about snow, and eloping in the winter that gives you a really unique, one of a kind experience! Though a lot of couples think of Alaska as a destination that can only be explored in the summer, winter in this wild state is absolutely incredible. This guide will give you some tips for planning a winter elopement - including how to stay warm, things to do, and more!
Photo by Emelia K Photography
Reasons to Plan a Winter Elopement
A winter elopement might have a few extra logistics to think about, but there are plenty of reasons why it’s so worth it! Accommodations, flights and rental cars are typically less expensive and many wedding vendors will offer discounted pricing as it is slower than the summer season. Winter in Alaska has less tourists, is much quieter and has many unique opportunities that can be enjoyed without the crowds of people visiting the state.
A Personal, Private Experience
A lot of the places that are really popular in the summer get super quiet during the winter! This means that a winter elopement can give you a lot more privacy as you exchange vows, and you can get some pretty amazing places all to yourselves.
2. Unique Adventures
Winter gives you the opportunity to have some unique adventures - ones that wouldn’t be possible in the summer! The snow and ice transforms the landscape, and you can explore it in a whole new way. Later in this guide, we’ll talk about some of the amazing things you can do during a winter elopement in Alaska.
3. It’s Beautiful!
The last reason to plan a winter elopement is simply that it’s beautiful! If you bundle up and prepare for the cold, you’ll be rewarded with snowy landscapes that sparkle and crunch under your feet, and a quiet stillness that will make your elopement day absolutely magical.
Things to Do During a Winter Elopement in Alaska
Your elopement day should be an experience - one that lasts all day and allows you to really have the wedding day of your dreams. There are so many one of a kind adventures that you can only have in the winter - so here are some ideas for things to do during your winter elopement!
See the Northern Lights
Alaska’s winters may be dark, but this means it’s the perfect opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Those green and purple lights actually happen constantly - but we can only see them when conditions are right! In Alaska, you can spot them from late August through April, but the best conditions are in the winter, when it’s darker. Seeing the colors dance above you is an experience you’ll never forget!
Dog Mushing
Imagine sitting on a sleigh, being pulled by a pack of dogs through the winter wilderness, watching the landscape roll past you. It’s a really unique experience, and one that you can only have during a winter elopement in the snow!
Skiing
If you love hitting the slopes, a winter elopement is absolutely perfect for you! Alaska has plenty of mountains to ski down, and plenty of cozy resorts where you can warm up afterwards.
Helicopter to a Glacier
It’s one thing to stand and look up at a glacier, but it’s a totally different experience to see the ice from above! Soaring through the sky in a helicopter, looking down at the wild landscape is an unforgettable experience, and you can land in a completely secluded, remote location to exchange vows and explore an icy glacier.
Ice Fishing
You can catch your own dinner and go ice fishing during your winter elopement! It’s best to go with an experienced guide for safety, but you’ll drill a hole in the ice and wait for a fish. This is a really fun way to experience catching your own fish the way Alaska’s locals have been doing for centuries.
What to Wear to a Winter Elopement
To ensure that your winter elopement is enjoyable and fun, you’ll want to stay warm! Being prepared for the weather is always essential, so here are some tips for what to wear during your snowy elopement day.
Choose Warmer Fabrics
Whether it’s a dress or a suit, choosing heavier, warmer fabrics while you’re shopping can work wonders! For elopement dresses, chiffon and tulle and other lightweight, airy fabrics are gorgeous, but they aren’t very warm - heavier fabrics like silk and satin are thicker, and will help you stay cozy.
Same thing for suits! Opt for thicker suits and heavier fabrics, like cashmere, wool, and tweed.
But, no matter what elopement attire you choose, you’ll probably need a few more layers for a winter elopement!
Add Base Layers
Base layers are amazing for keeping you warm - and you can wear them under your clothes. Wool is ideal, as it stays warm even when it’s wet, so adding some thermal leggings (you can choose a color close to your skin tone if it’ll show through the dress) will work wonders!
A few of my favorite underlayer brands:
And Outer Layers
You’ll probably want something over your elopement attire too. When buying a jacket or coverup for your winter elopement, be sure and pick something you will feel comfortable being photographed in. The last thing you want is to have to take the coat off for every other photo, the better you feel seeing the coat in photos, the more you’ll get to stay warm. I recommend going with a fur coat, wool sweaters, puffy or fleece.
It’s best to avoid thin shawls and scarves that require you to hold them in order to keep them draped to look good (they also tend not to be as warm.) Ideally, your layers will let you keep your hands free and stay in place even if its breezy. Oftentimes something you can zip up or button instead of over your head is best for your hair’s sake.
You can always take off your layer for a few pictures, but remember - it’s better to have too many layers and take them off than to not bring enough and be chilly.
Wear Warm Boots
Shoes are super important for your winter elopement! You’ll be trekking in the snow, so it’s absolutely essential to make sure that your boots not only cover your ankles, but that they’re also waterproof. It’s no fun walking around with soggy feet, and the cold will seep in quickly if your shoes aren’t waterproof!
The best footwear for winter elopements have a few things in common:
Traction. No matter the conditions, you want shoes that have enough traction underneath that you can comfortable walking on ice, snow, rocks, and other surfaces without slipping and falling. Men’s dress shoes are especially bad, as they’re completely smooth underneath. The rougher the sole, the more comfortable you’ll feel when outside in the elements.
Comfort. You’ll be wearing your shoes all day, so make sure they fit well without pinching – or on the opposite of that, with too much room for your feet to slide around in them. Always try on shoes in person, or order online from a store with a flexible return policy. Be sure to wear your shoes in prior to your wedding day.
No heels. Seriously. Even if you found the cutest low-heeled ankle boots, they will likely make you worry about spraining an ankle the second you leave the front door and head out into the snow therefore they are a big no-go. If you are able to walk around confidently, you will have more fun – and your photos will turn out even better!
Along with warm boots, make sure to wear warm wool socks too. Wool is unique in that it keeps you warm even if it gets wet, so you won’t have to worry if you get a little bit of snow in your shoes!
Planning Your Winter Elopement
As a full service elopement planner, my job is to make sure your elopement day is absolutely perfect - and to have everything you need for snow, cold, and anything Alaska throws at us! I’ll be prepared with warm drinks, extra hand warmers, and absolutely everything you need to plan your day. From location recommendations to a custom timeline that includes an unforgettable adventure, your winter elopement will be personalized just for you!
If you want to start planning your winter elopement, contact me!
