The Last Frontier is calling, and you must answer. With otherworldly landscapes (without the need for a passport), ample wildlife, breathtaking views, dramatic landscapes, magical water features, and glaciers galore, why wouldn’t you want to say, “I do” in Alaska?! This blog is designed to highlight the 6 best places to elope in Alaska, but believe me: there’s far more to be discovered.
I’ve had the honor of documenting Alaskan elopements over my years as an elopement photographer, and each time it gets better and better. The beauty of eloping in Alaska stretches far beyond the views — whether you’re envisioning a laidback waterfront ceremony surrounded by loved ones, or an adventurous day spent hiking through the vast wilderness, there’s something for everyone.
Before we dive in, allow me to introduce myself in case we haven’t met. My name is Sydney, and I am a Montana and Alaska elopement photographer and planner! I’ve photographed over 200 weddings and elopements from coast to coast — and everywhere in between. I specialize in photographing intentional, adventurous elopements for those who crave an experience as true to them and their story as possible. If you’re ready to wander and want to learn more, check out my portfolio!
How to Legally Elope in Alaska
Getting married in Alaska legally isn’t much different than any other state. Each state has their own restrictions; for example, in Colorado your dog can serve as your witness (and “sign” your marriage license). Alaska’s biggest restriction is their waiting period. There is a 3 day waiting period, so be sure to plan accordingly. Here’s what else you need to know about legally eloping in Alaska:
- Apply for your marriage license on the Health Analytics & Vital Records website. The fee is $60. If you want to receive your license by mail (rather than picking it up in person), the fee is $73.
- There is a 3 day waiting period that begins once the application is received. You must wait 3 full business days after submitting your application before you can pick up your license and have your ceremony performed.
- You must get married within 90 days of the marriage license’s date of issuance.
- Your ceremony must be performed by an authorized person such as an officiant, judge, or pastor (fun fact: I’m ordained and can perform ceremonies).
- You must have one other witness present to sign your license — a good way around this is asking a hiker to sign if you are just eloping as 2 people.
- You must return your signed license to the State Vital Records Office within 7 days. Your officiant can also do this for you!
If you are planning to elope in one of Alaska’s 8 national parks, you must adhere to the park’s requirements. There are often restrictions on where you can have a ceremony, how many people are allowed, how long you can be in a certain area, etc. Your wedding photographer will be a great resource to help you navigate such specifications.
Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Alaska is one of those places that you could spend a month visiting, and you’d barely scratch the surface. With less than 15% of Americans ever visiting Alaska in their lifetime, it is a place worth seeing. And getting to say that you tied the knot in such a unique, remote location?! Talk about epic.
Hatcher Pass Elopement
Set between the quaint towns of Willow and Palmer, among the Talkeetna Mountains, you’ll stumble upon Hatcher Pass. Located just a 90 minute drive from Anchorage, it’s one of the most attainable, adventurous places to elope in Alaska.
The terrain is characterized by steep bowl-like structures (cirques), jagged peaks, and u-shaped valleys. You’ll only find trees in the lowest valleys, accompanied by dense brush. Recognized by its cute little red huts sprinkled along the mountainside, the area is steeped in rich mining history and a popular recreational sight.
I am a firm believer in couples doing whatever they want on their wedding day. If that means waking up late, making pancakes, and ending the day with sunset vows, sign me up. If that means a 2 a.m. wakeup call for a sunrise hike, I’m your girl. Hatcher Pass is a place where you have the freedom to do whatever suits you. Your day can be as adventurous as whitewater kayaking, or as leisurely as berry-picking and picnicking by an alpine lake.
Take a peek at Val and Jack’s adventurous Hatcher Pass elopement below. You can view their whole day here!
Special Notes:
- Parking lots fill up fast (especially during peak season). There is a small fee for parking in the lot.
- A Special Use Permit is required if you have a group of 20 people or more. Apply early for your SUP, as it takes up to 30 days to be approved.
Check out some gem from Rachel and Devin’s 2-day elopement at Hatcher Pass below or view more from their weekend over on the blog.
Seward (Kenai Fjords National Park) Elopement
Located in southern Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. A Seward elopement is a great option for couples who love the coastal vibes, and are craving something they’ve never experienced before.
Exit Glacier is the most accessible part of the park, and can be accessed by road (depending on the season). But one of the best ways to see all that Kenai Fjords has to offer is by boat. Take a boat tour or water taxi to take in the epic glacier views and ocean life. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter tour and land directly on a glacier for an equally epic experience. Not everyone can say that got married on a LITERAL glacier!
Get a glimpse Mary Grace’s and Aaron’s adventurous Seward Elopement below. From Thumb Cove to Exit Glacier, you can view their whole day here if you’re looking for some Alaska elopement inspiration. Further down, take a look from the sweetest vow renewal at Resurrection Bay. You can view Kenzie and Clay’s vow renewal here!
Where to Get Married in Seward/Kenai Fjords National Park:
- Exit Glacier
- Ressurection Bay
- Thumb Cove
- Sandspit Point State Marine Park
- Spire Cove
- Bear Glacier Lagoon (The Iceberg Inn)
Special Notes:
- A Special Use Permit is required if eloping in Kenai Fjords National Park.
- A fee of $100 is required
- Apply at least 2 weeks in advance
- Transportation is your biggest obstacle when eloping in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Homer Elopement
Another Alaskan coastal elopement favorite is Homer. Homer is also located on the Kenai Peninsula, just on the opposite side! While the area is known for the Homer Spit (a 4.5 mile gravel bar extending into the bay), the stunning coastal scenery and world-class halibut fishing are runner-ups. My husband and I honeymooned in Alaska, and the Homer area was a big favorite of ours. Katmai National Park was absolutely unreal.
Homer is a perfect place to say, “I do!” if you love fishing and good seafood. There’s also some cute shops along the Spit, like the Homer Shores Boardwalk, Salty Girls, and The Better Sweater. Really, it’s just such a quaint area to visit!
Where to Get Married in Homer:
- Seldovia (Outside Beach)
- Kachemak Bay State Park
- Fritz Creek (Eveline State Recreation Site)
- Katmai National Park
Special Notes:
- A Special Use Permit may be required if your party is 20 or more or if eloping in Katmai National Park
- A fee of $100 is required for the national park
- Apply at least 2 weeks in advance
- A water taxi or boat tour will be the best way to visit surrounding areas if you’d like to get married on Kachemak Bay.
Knik Glacier Elopement
Located 50 miles east of Anchorage, the Knik Glacier ice field stretches over 25 miles. This is a place you absolutely have to see to believe. With impossibly blue water below the thick sheets of ice, I’ve never seen anything quite like this place. With a whopping 5-mile-wide face and daily calving, the 400-foot-tall walls of ice lift up from an iceberg-riddled lake.
Knik Glacier holds such a special place in my heart, as it’s where my husband asked me to marry him. You can read our engagement story here. We took a helicopter to the glacier, which is such an incredible way to do so! You can absolutely ride an 25 mile trail by ATV up the Knik River, but I think a helicopter ride is pretty rad. Certain tours (like the one we opted for) land directly on the glacier, while others provide just a flight-seeing tour.
Alaska Helicopter Tours offers wedding packages to accommodate 2 to 50 people. You can get married directly on the glacier, or up high with the glacier below. Absolutely unreal.
Matanuska Glacier Elopement
Located about 90 miles from Achnorage, the Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in the US that can be reached by car. At 27 miles long, by 4 miles wide, this valley glacier is such a fun one to explore. While you can’t walk onto the glacier alone, you can take a guided tour to explore the blue mazes of ice. My dear friend, Laura (Laura Burns Photography) and I had the incredible opportunity to CAMP on Matanuska Glacier which was truly a highlight of my life.
Just imagine starting your elopement off with an incredible helicopter ride, and spending the afternoon exploring the ice formations, ice climbing, and getting breathtaking photos. Return to camp for a delicious, cozy meal, a glacier cocktail, and time around the campfire before turning in. Imagine waking up the next morning in your cozy yurt and looking out over the endless ice fields as you sip your morning coffee. A once-in-a-lifetime experience through and through. Elope with MICA Guides — you will have the time of your life, guaranteed!
Girdwood Elopement
A charming resort town located in southern Anchorage, Girdwood offers the best of both worlds. If the idea of eloping in Alaska appeals to you, but you’re not quite up for “roughing it”, a Girdwood elopement might be just the fit for you. Consider a stay at the 5-star Alyeska Resort for endless views of the Chugach Mountains. The chateau-style resort offers luxurious amenities, which make it the perfect place to start your elopement. Explore nearby Anchorage, take the Alyeska Aerial Tram, or even take a day trip to Soldatna or Seward.
Take a peek at Abi and Josh’s Girdwood, Alaska anniversary session below. For a full recap, view their blog here.
Best Places to Elope in Alaska | Alaska Elopement Photography
Uffda! That about wraps up my round up of the 6 best places to elope in Alaska. But if I’m being 100% honest, there’s not a place you could go wrong. Whether you see the perfect fit on this list or you’re still searching for “the one”, I’d love to help document your best day ever.
Stay tuned to the blog for more Alaska elopement inspiration and planning tips. But in the meantime, be sure to keep up with my adventures over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Get ready to wander, my friend.
