If “don’t sweat the small stuff” was a couple, it would be Val and Jack to a T. As a Northwest Montana elopement photographer serving couples nationwide, I am no stranger to things going a little bit “less than” perfect. From uncooperative weather to impromptu road closures, a muddy dress to split pants, it’s never a surprise when things don’t go exactly to plan. Val and Jack couldn’t possibly have been bothered during their Alaska hiking adventure elopement. 

Alaska Hiking Adventure Elopement | Hatcher Pass Elopement

When Val and Jack first started dreaming about their wedding day, they knew that they didn’t want to have a traditional wedding. All too often, couples get caught up in the all the details that they lose sight of what the whole point is: love. Val and Jack wanted to be immersed in nature, go for a leisurely hike, and celebrate alongside their loved ones. Something that stuck with me from chatting with them was they wanted their day to feel like it was completely detached from the rest of the world — a day just for their own and their love. 

It was that mentality that made everything else melt away. You might be wondering what could’ve possibly gone wrong during their beautiful Alaska elopement. Well, to start with: the dress that Val was intending on wearing didn’t arrive in time! Rather than dwelling on it, she found an alternative. When their wedding rings didn’t arrive in time from their international jeweler, they didn’t sweat it. And when they forgot their vow books? They read their vows from their phones. Because in the end, it’s all just stuff. What will be most remembered will be adventuring alongside one another, and being wrapped in the warm celebration of their favorite people.

Alaska Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

Val and Jack’s wedding day began at Hatcher Pass. They specifically chose Hatcher Pass because of its easier-to-access ruggedness, which offered privacy and vast landscapes. While they envisioned hiking during their elopement, they didn’t want to get all sweaty and spend the entire day away from their loved ones. The perfect compromise? A shorter hike! We hiked from Hatcher Pass up to Gold Cord Lake (which was still frozen over in July!). They exchanged vows in the most perfectly “them” kinda way. 

Rather than rushing back to the trailhead, we were able to take our time enjoying the views and soaking in every moment of Val and Jack’s Alaska hiking adventure elopement. The lush greenery on the mountainsides contrasted beautifully with the stark white snow still lingering. The beautiful turquoise waters of Gold Cord Lake. Val and Jack were glowing from within, just so content with their intentional intimate wedding ceremony.

Once we arrived back at the parking lot, we drove back to a dreamy a-frame Airbnb in Palmer where the couple’s loved ones were waiting. Before greeting their guests, Val and Jack had an outfit change and we snagged some photos around the property. The magenta fireweed was in full bloom, and we took full advantage of the beauty. Back inside, an equally beautiful charcuterie spread was set up as guests anxiously awaited the newlyweds. Guests enjoyed the charcuterie, Moose’s Tooth pizza (an Alaska delicacy- IFKYK), and Moscow Mules. It was the most serendipitous end to a wholesome elopement in Alaska.

Alaska Elopement Inspiration

Searching for more mountain love stories? Head over to the blog to binge to your heart’s content. And if Alaska love stories specifically are more your style, head over to the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto) to hold you over until they hit the blog. Until next time, are you ready to wander?