Why Alaska is the Perfect Destination for Your Elopement

Alaska offers a one-of-a-kind elopement experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Learn why Alaska is the perfect destination for couples looking to tie the knot.

If you’re looking for a unique and breathtaking location to elope, Alaska may be just the place for you. With its stunning natural rugged beauty and wilderness, Alaska offers an unforgettable experience for couples looking to exchange vows. Read on for 5 reasons why Alaska is the perfect destination for your elopement and start planning your dream wedding today.

1. Alaska has Stunning Natural Scenery!

Newlyweds enjoy their elopement lunch surrounded by Turnagain Pass mountain views

Firstly, Alaska is known for its stunning natural beauty, that’s no secret. Unlike most places, Alaska has mountains that touch the clouds, blue ice of vast glaciers, and pristine lakes and rivers – there is a plethora of backdrops to choose from. The crazy part is most of this epic scenery is within an hour or two of Anchorage. As a local elopement photographer, I am constantly discovering new, untracked locations that would be perfect for an adventurous day spent celebrating an elopement!

A couple enjoys a moment sitting on the hillside surrounded by mountains in Turnagain Pass, Alaska.

Whether you choose to exchange vows on a mountaintop, in a coastal rainforest, or river flats of the Matanuska River, the scenery in Alaska is sure to take your breath away. With so many beautiful locations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to say “I do” and create memories that will last a lifetime. Not a good enough reason for why Alaska is the perfect destination for your elopement? This is just the first reason, keep reading.

2. Alaska Offers a Variety of Unique and Adventurous Activities.

There are many unique and adventurous activities to do in Alaska during your elopement day.
A couple hikes around the hills at the base of the Chugach Mountains

Alaska also offers a HUGE range of unique and adventurous activities for couples to incorporate into their elopement. From dog sledding and snowmobiling in the winter, to hiking (and picking fresh berries!) and kayaking in the summer, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures in Alaska. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a helicopter tour to a remote glacier or booking a water taxi to a private beach where the mountains meet the ocean.

3. Alaska has a wide variety of intimate and private elopement locations.

A couple stands in front of the altar at their intimate wedding location in the Chugach Mountains in Alaska.
The Chugach mountains surround a newly eloped couple in Turnagain Pass, Alaska.

Alaska offers a variety of intimate and private elopement options for couples looking to escape the crowds and have a completely personalized experience. From secluded cabins and lodges to remote beaches and mountaintops (some that you don’t even have to hike to in order to access them!), there are endless possibilities for a romantic and private ceremony surrounded by the most epic scenery an eloping couple could ever imagine. With Alaska’s vast wilderness as your backdrop, you’re sure to have a breathtaking and unforgettable wedding day. Plus, with fewer guests to worry about, you can focus on each other and enjoy the moment without any distractions or pressures of a traditional wedding.

4. Alaska has an incredible network of supportive and experienced wedding vendors.

An elopement table set up for an intimate fall elopement in Turnagain Pass, Alaska

When planning an elopement in Alaska, it’s important to have a team of supportive and experienced vendors. As an elopement photographer in Alaska, I can testify to the incredibly network of florists, officiants, planners and caterers. There is a vendor for anyone’s style and vision!

Additionally, many wedding vendors in Alaska are familiar with the unique challenges and logistics of planning an elopement. From an elopement in a remote location or taking a helicopter to a glacier there is nothing off limits. Most vendors will jump at the opportunity to create a unique experience and bring your vision to life!

5. Alaska has Endless Daylight in the Summer & Northern Lights in the Winter – Need I Say More!?

Unlike most trendy elopement locations, during the Alaskan summer the sun rarely dips below the horizon. Why does this matter? Because celebrating the most special day of your life shouldn’t come with limits. Pack an entire day (literally 12+ hours) of adventures, vows, creating core memories, and enjoying your favorite snacks at your leisure while surrounded by gorgeous scenery .

Embracing Couple in Moody Alaskan Lighting
A couple embraces the moment as moody rainclouds move in across the mountain pass

Alternately, the winters are dark and perfect for fur accents, candlelight romantic dinners, campfires and more. The best of ALL those options is the opportunity to hop in the car, drive to a remote location, and capture your vows for a life of love while the sky fills with aurora.

In short, Alaska is the PERFECT destination for your elopement. Vast landscapes, wild adventure possibilities, and just unpredictable enough to add a sense of adventure to any couple’s dream elopement. Ultimately, if this is the type of adventure you’ve dreamed of for your elopement, reach out and let’s plan your dream Alaskan elopement!