The last wild frontier is a place on many people’s bucket lists, but is it on your elopement location list? It should be.
Alaska has everything you could ever want for your elopement- from rustic adventure to elegant venues and everything in between. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or you are just daydreaming about a jaw-dropping picturesque elopement, Alaska is an all-encompassing location that you want to consider for your elopement.
I first went to Alaska in 2021 and was unprepared for the magic of Alaska. Of course, I knew it would be awesome, but it’s become one of my favorite places. I’ve now gone multiple times (I can’t get enough)!
I’ve learned so much from my time there and am blown away by the immeasurable potential the state has for any kind of Pinterest-worthy elopement. I’ve actually compiled all my lessons learned and secrets of the trade for AK here.
I wanted to write this blog post to share the incredibleness of Alaska, and to inspire you to join me to elope, celebrate an anniversary or engagement, renew your vows, or “JUST BECAUSE” portraits while I am there!?
Bucketlist experiences in a bucket list place are within your reach
With that said, keep reading to see why you should elope as I spill on the best places to elope in Alaska, or a trip at a time you choose!?️
3 reasons to drop everything and say “I do” in the last wild frontier:
1) The landscape is waiting for you.
Alaska is called the last wild frontier for a reason, there is a vast wild landscape waiting for you. From mountains, glaciers, and temperate rainforests, to coasts, forests, and volcanic landscapes.
In addition to the 15 national parks, one wild river, and 120 state parks, (including recreation areas, and historic parks), Alaska is home to 16 national wildlife refuges and two national forests. In all, Alaska contains over 322 million acres of public land. Crowds? What crowds?
Plus, there are some great urban home-based options with Anchorage and Fairbanks. These can provide some wonderful jumping-off points for elopement activities across Alaska while maintaining access to city convenience.
Or, you can hop on a commuter flight from a main city to experience the tiny towns that are farther out.
No matter the vibe you want, AK has got it!
2) Your elopement should be more than just a ceremony and Alaska has the activity for you:
You know how people often feel like their hometown has “nothing going on” and there is “nothing to do?” Alaska does NOT have that problem.
There are activities for endless adventures for every level of adventurer and tons of ways to include family and friends within a multi-day elopement experience.
There is:
- Dog sledding/dog carting
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Helicopter exploring
- Seaplanes
- Train
- Vanlife/Jeeping Overlanding/Camping
- Kayaking
- Glacier pack rafting
- Resort/lodge experiences
- Hot springs
- Glacier walking
- Waterfall chasing
- Via Ferrata
- So much more!!!
Want more? Maybe home-base your Alaska elopement activities and adventure at a beautiful lodge or glamping on a glacier only accessible by plane? Yup, you can do that too! Hopefully, you can see that if you can think it, we can explore it! No rules, no limits. YOUR adventure, YOUR way?
3) Why wait for the honeymoon?
Alaska can be your elopement and your epic honeymoon all rolled into one trip!
There is no reason to rush through the wedding ceremony to get to the rest & relaxation, instead create a major experience that includes time to breathe and sights to take your breath away.
Best places to elope in Alaska:
The sights are different in each place you go and they are awesome! You can’t go wrong on an Alaska elopement location. They are all epic.
Here are 10 places (and ideas) on where to elope in Alaska. (Pro tip: Click the links and be stunned by how incredible the state of Alaska is.)
01. Kenai Fjords National Park –
Crystal blue glacial waters and almost 40 glaciers originate at the impressive Harding Icefield. So if you want water, ice, or even lush forests, Kenai is a great spot!
02. Hatcher Pass –
Winding, gorgeous mountain roads take you to a gorgeous pass with mountain vistas just 90 minutes from Anchorage! The best part? You can enjoy and explore the amazing views of the trailhead parking as hiking is optional here!??
03. Gates of the Arctic National Park–
Officially the least-touristed National Park in 2022! Talk about unique and private!?? A true wilderness with no roads or trails, and featuring a landscape carved by glaciers, visiting this secluded park in the Arctic Circle requires some planning. But, it would be worth EVERY moment!
04. Denali National Park–
A super accessible national park, very famous, and well-regarded. For a great reason! Hike it, fly it and so many more ways to explore!
05. Katmai National Park–
A vast volcanic park is known for beautiful craggy shoreline cliffs that are only accessible by boat or plane. Great for wildlife watching (bears!!!)?
06. Skagway–
A small coastal town in Southeast AK perfect for blending rad adventures and fun local culture
07. Chugach Mountains–
A mountain range just 25 minutes from Anchorage–for adventures that look and feel way out in the wilderness, but allow you to still be nearer to it all
08. Head to the wilderness-
Describe a feeling you want to experience, and let’s find something unexplored
09. Say “I do” on the water-
Countless boating options to give you the experience you want
10. Hunt for the Northern Lights–
Hop a flight from Anchorage to a point far north! See the lights if you’re lucky, or, even if not, know you’ll enjoy the darkest, most glorious night skies you’ve seen ❤️
Pair these beautiful, diverse locations with the list of activities for your Alaska elopement and prepare for magic.
As I said before, my mantra for Alaska elopements (and ALL elopements, really!) is this:
If you can think it, we can explore it! No rules, no limits. YOUR adventure, YOUR way?
Planning an elopement can be a lot, regardless of where it’s taking place, but for Alaska, there can be a lot of travel logistics that need sorting. There are rental cars, commuter flights, and in-adventure travel.
Lucky for you, I’m a seasoned traveler who digs the puzzles of travel planning AND I’ve got space to help take those logistics off your plate with my elopement concierge service. More fun, less stress. As your wedding should be!? (I’ve also compiled all the secrets to getting hitched in Alaska without any hiccups here.)
Before I leave you…if you haven’t been picking up on my not-so-subtle hints…I’m headed to Alaska in June 2024!
I have space to fit in another elopement (or two) while I’m there in June 2024. If you want to elope in Alaska this coming June, contact me here! Adventure, here we come!?
There is an endless list of options. Alaska gives you some really unique and cool opportunities, too! From dog sledding to seaplanes, or glacier pack rafting and hot springs. There is so much adventure waiting for you!
I completely get that, but that’s why having me on your side is ideal. (; I’ve got you. Check out this blog post to learn the secrets I’ve learned about having a blast at your elopement in AK.
