If you’re looking to run off to tie the knot in an epic destination surrounded by gorgeous scenery, look no further than Alaska! In this guide, I’m going to share everything you need to know about how to elope in Alaska, from why and when to have your elopement to the legal stuff and the most amazing locations for your big day.

Why Elope in Alaska

Alaska is the largest US state, and it shows in its endless landscapes that offer picture-perfect views and abundant wildlife. Alaska boasts massive mountains, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, stunning coastlines, and more. Talk about the perfect wedding backdrops!

And, if you’re looking to extend your trip for an unforgettable honeymoon, Alaska is a fantastic place for it. Whether you and your love enjoy getting adventurous in the mountains or on the water, relaxing seaside, or a mix of both – Alaska’s got it all.

When to Elope in Alaska

When planning when to have your Alaska elopement, you’ll need to consider the experience you’re looking for in terms of activities, budget, and weather.

Personally, I think May and September are the best months to run off and exchange your vows in Alaska because it’s right before and after peak season.

Alaska’s busy season is during summer, June through August. The weather is warm, wildlife is plentiful, and the day is longer. With this comes larger crowds and higher prices. You still get to experience the good parts of this before and after the summer season while finding fewer crowds and lower costs.

Alaska winters are also incredible if you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland elopement. You’ll experience lots of snow, offering an unmatched backdrop for your elopement ceremony. It’s important to note that Alaska’s winters only have about 5 hours of daylight per day.

Experience an epic winter elopement in Alaska with a bit higher temperatures and more daylight hours during February and March.

How to Get Married in Alaska

If you’re looking to get married in Alaska legally, there are a few requirements and steps to take.

The Marriage License

If you’re not a resident, you can still obtain an Alaska marriage license for $60. Learn more here or check out this quick guide:

• Age: You and your partner must be 18 years of age or older. Otherwise, you’ll need parental consent unless you’re on active duty with the US armed forces. A birth certificate may be required.
• Waiting time: Once your mailed or faxed application is received, there’s a 3 business day waiting period before you can pick up your license and hold your ceremony. 
• License expiration: The marriage must occur during this period, or the license will expire.
• Divorced applicants: If either party has been married before, the divorce must be final before applying for your license. The marriage start and end date must be shared on the application. 

Officiant and Witnesses

For your ceremony, you’ll need two witnesses and an officiant. And, guess what? Among the Pines (that’s me!) is not only an elopement photographer, but I can also act as a witness and officiate your wedding. 

Want to keep things easy and skip the Alaska marriage license? You can always do the legal stuff in your home state before you ‘unofficially’ elope in Alaska.

The Best Alaska Elopement Locations

Now for the fun part! While Alaska is filled with some of the world’s most remarkable elopement locations, here are some of my absolute favorites. Whether you and your love are looking for a hiking adventure, a peaceful lakeside wedding, or an elopement with various backdrops, there’s something for just about every couple.

Denali National Park: For Incredible Hiking and Views

Denali National Park spans over 6 million acres of wilderness in south-central Alaska. It’s also home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Mckinley. With its massive size, it’s just about impossible not to find the perfect spot to say ‘I do.’

You can find countless hiking trails, various waterfalls, and wildlife galore in the park. There are gorgeous snowy mountains during winter, while the park boasts vibrant wildflowers in the summer. Talk about endless photo-ops!

Denali State Park: Camping, Trails, and a Lake

Just below the national park in south-central Alaska, is Denali State Park. Denali State Park is a smaller version of the national park but doesn’t lack picturesque backdrops and fun activities. 

The park boasts forested wilderness with stunning landscapes and is the ideal destination for couples who appreciate hiking and camping. While there are tons of spots to elope within the park, Byers Lake is one of the most peaceful and beautiful. 

Girdwood: For Gorgeous Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Lush Forests

I recently headed to the small mountain town of Girdwood to photograph this magical elopement, and I’m still drooling over it! Situated just south of Anchorage, Girdwood is one of Alaska’s most charming and beautiful areas. It’s also a fun place to stay and explore before and after your elopement.

Girdwood is found within a rainforest and is surrounded by the Chugach mountains. What better way to exchange vows than surrounded by glaciers and forests while chasing waterfalls?!

Hatcher Pass: For an Adventurous Mountain Pass Experience

If you want to experience an adventure like no other when you elope in Alaska, I highly recommend the Hatcher Pass. This iconic mountain pass winds through the Talkeetna Mountains in southwest Alaska. 

The Hatcher Pass goes for about 60 miles and offers tons of amazing elopement locations. Stop and explore rolling hills, luscious fields, famous red cabins, and colorful wildflowers. There are tons of locations for you to find your perfect elopement spot.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: For the Largest National Park in the US

Although the Wrangell St. Elias National Park is often overlooked, it’s the largest in the United States. Elias National Park is nestled in the mountains off the beaten path in southeast Alaska and offers jaw-dropping views. 

There are various elopement locations in the park to fit just about every couple’s style. The Ultimate Thule Lodge offers a mix of adventure and luxury, while a helicopter tour from above takes you to various glaciers and mountain tops. 

Anchorage: For Various Activities and Stunning Scenery

Many couples choose Anchorage for a convenient Alaska elopement location that offers various activities and stunning scenery. It’s Alaska’s largest city and offers so much to see and do. 

There are many places to hold your elopement ceremony, from intimate lakeside spots to mountainsides to charming lodges and inns. Best of all, they’re all right in the city or just outside. 

Kenai Fjords National Park: For Abundant Wildlife and Glaciers

Our final Alaska elopement location is the fabulous Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can find glaciers, and coastal fjords and islands. It’s located in south-central Alaska and covers almost 700,000 acres of the Kenai Peninsula.

Kenai Fjords National Park is the perfect place to elope if you love the water and mountains. And, what better elopement day experience than boating while exploring glaciers, watching whales, and checking out the fjords?!

Your Alaska Elopement Checklist

Now that you have the details on how to elope in Alaska, here’s a quick checklist for you to make things easier.

• Choose your elopement destination and timeline. Once you know where you’re heading and when, you can start booking things and planning the rest of the details.
• Pick your vendors. Wedding vendors are a must for the perfect day! Are you interested in working with an elopement photographer who loves adventure, will help you pick your location, plan your timeline, find your other vendors, and, of course, photograph your special day? If so, let’s chat!
• Book your flight and accommodation. Depending on your Alaska elopement location, you’ll probably fly into Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau. I recommend booking your flight and accommodations as soon as possible to get the best picks and prices!
• Obtain your marriage license and permits. Again, you can get your marriage license in Alaska or do the legal stuff at home and have an ‘unofficial’ Alaska elopement. Totally up to you! Be sure you find out if you need any permits to hold your ceremony at your chosen destination. This is something Among the Pines (me!) can also help look into.
• Elope in Alaska. It’s finally time to run away to Alaska and marry the love of your life! 

Time to Plan Your Alaska Elopement

I hope this guide has you excited to elope in Alaska. If you need help planning your dream elopement, Among the Pines is here for you. I offer elopement photography for adventurous dreamers and can help you plan the most perfect day.