Deciding where to elope in Alaska can be a daunting task considering it’s the largest state in the U.S. Here are five iconic locations, within driving distance of Anchorage, to consider when choosing where to elope in Alaska.
1. Seward, Alaska
Driving Distance from Anchorage:
Seward is a quaint little fishing town approximately 2 hours south of Anchorage. In summer months (from end of May-end of August) this little town comes to life! All hustle and bustle for the busy tourism months before quietly settling in for peaceful winters.
Activities:
Seward has a little of something for literally everyone! Fishing, hiking, beach-combing, shopping, jet-skiing, helicopters, and even a ritzy YACHT! Whether you prefer the life of luxury or getting your boots muddy, Seward is ideal for all types of adventure seekers.
This is why it is also one of the best locations when considering where to elope in Alaska: the possibilities and beauty are endless.
Things to Consider:
As mentioned in my detailed blog about How to Plan an Elopement in Seward, I hit hard on how unpredictable the weather can be in Seward. The rain along this coastline is a whole ~ViBe~ of its own, as seen in the following portraits from this incredible elopement just across Resurrection Bay from Seward, Alaska.
2. Matanuska Glacier at Glacier View, Alaska
Driving Distance from Anchorage:
Matanuska Glacier is located in Glacier View, which is basically a roadside pit-stop, approximately 2 hours drive-time from Anchorage. Two hours may seem like quite the drive, but the scenery will leave you jaw-dropped the entire way there.
Activities:
There’s not much to do in Glacier View, Alaska other than, well, look at the Glacier! You can hike to the glacier, sit on the glacier, jump on the glacier (not recommended; it IS ice). We opted to pop champagne on the glacier (don’t worry, LNT practices taken). Best activity recommendation: Hike to the glacier. Elope with your person. Let me document everything. The end. That is all.
Things to Consider:
When considering where to elope in Alaska, most people automatically think of glaciers as the ultimate elopement, and I agree! Depending on the tour company, some are more flexible than others. Luckily, our guides were more “go with the flow” than stuck on a schedule. We wandered (within reason and with appropriate footwear) around Matanuska Glacier to find the very best location for “I Dos.”
3. Hatcher Pass, Alaska
Driving Distance from Anchorage:
Hatcher Pass is approximately an hour drive North of Anchorage. You’ll cross hay flats, river, and sneak past looming mountains on this gorgeous drive.
And once you get to Hatcher Pass, you’ll know it. It’s where cell phone service ends, and living begins!
Activities:
Activities in Hatcher Pass will be powered by you and your legs – think hiking, berry-picking, camping (read: backpacking), biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, and ice skating.
Things to Consider:
Activities in Hatcher Pass are very dependent on the season. Often, Hatcher Pass closes the gravel road to the top of the pass once snow starts to fly. Because of the high altitude Hatcher gets snow, and a LOT of it, very quickly. The road access is closed for winter, but enthusiasts are welcome to hike it for epic slopes.
Envision your elopement: if you see mountains, rivers, and wildflowers then Hatcher Pass is where you should elope in Alaska.
4. Eagle River, Alaska
Driving Distance from Anchorage:
Eagle River is considered a suburb of Anchorage, located about 15 minutes North via the Glenn Highway. A cute, homey little town nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Nature is literally outside your front door in Eagle River.
Activities:
Much like Hatcher Pass, activities in Eagle River will be powered by you and your legs. There are lakes for paddle boarding and tons of gorgeous hiking trails, but bring bear spray!
One of my favorite hikes on the face of the planet is North Fork Trail. A flat trail, North Fork ends at the base of the mountains, which line the sides of the valley. North Fork is absolutely breathtaking in all seasons.
Things to Consider:
Eagle River is not as remote as other locations so roads and trails are maintained year-round. Dressing appropriately for the weather is a must at any location. There is a higher possibility of running into wildlife in Eagle River. Bears and moose are prolific and this is THEIR home.
5. Homer, Alaska
Driving Distance from Anchorage:
Homer is by far the most remote location of those listed, BUT also the most breathtaking locations you could visit. Quaint and easy to navigate, Homer is approximately 4 hours south of Anchorage. Assuming there’s no traffic, no accidents blocking the only highway, no moose in the road, and definitely not any construction.
All of those happen regularly, so give yourself an extra hour when planning where to elope in Alaska.
Activities:
Homer is a coastal fishing town, best known for its white winter King Salmon fishing tournaments, delectable dining experiences, and incredible scenery. This is a place you can walk the beach, discover tide pools, or just sit and let the salt air whip around you.
Things to Consider:
Summer in Homer is divine, when the weather cooperates. Coastal Alaskan towns receive more rainfall and Alaska isn’t known for it’s warmth. Layers, even in summer, are what will keep you warm or cool from weather swing to weather swing.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read Summary)
There are lots of beautiful locations to elope in Alaska. The locations listed are top notch, easily accessible, and within driving distance of Anchorage. When considering the possibilities of where to elope in Alaska, remember time of year, location, and accessibility will all play a role.
Hiring a knowledgeable local elopement photographer to help sort the logistics and timing is your best bet for success. You want someone who raced 4-wheelers on these beaches, who fished these rivers, and has endless hours of driving 2-lane highways.
It is my personal mission as your photographer and personal planner to elevate your experience, offer assistance and expertise when requested, and curate your elopement exactly as you envisioned so when you look back in 50 years, the emotions come flooding back. I’d love to hear from you!
