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Photos is the ultimate therapy for me, but telling the stories to go along with every session I have is also a fun way to document the amazing humans I get to work with, the gorgeous places we visit, and all the details that make the memories whole.
Who knows, maybe you'll find some inspo here along the way!
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Welcome
Eloping in Alaska is a literal dream, but planning (long-distance or not) can be challenging logistically. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Alaskan elopement broken down into 9 easy steps.
STEP 1: Dream Up Your Perfect Elopement Day
You’ve already knocked out the hardest part of planning an elopement (see Step 4): deciding where you want to elope! Congrats on deciding to elope in Alaska. I guarantee you won’t have any regrets if you’re looking for an elopement day (or days!) full of adventure, beautiful scenery, fun, memories, and documenting every step of the day.
Questions to Ask Each Other While Planning Your Dream Alaskan Elopement
Now is where the fun begins in planning your Alaskan elopement: dreaming about what your ultimate lavish elopement day would look like. Do you want to draw out the day and soak in every moment close to a scenic Air BnB or are you looking for a little more adventure? What kind of adventures do you want to plan into your Alaskan elopement? Do you plan to keep things small and intimate, or do you plan to invite close friends and family? When you envision yourself on your elopement day and you’re getting ready, what are you wearing? What are the smells and who is around you? When you’re standing with your partner exchanging vows, take in your scenery and note it. When you are celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary, are your favorite photos the ones surrounded by family after your elopement or are they the epic editorial-style landscape portraits?
Are you by the coast or surrounded by mossy trees or soaking in panoramic views from a mountain top? What season is it?
What Matters Most
Next, think about the parts of a wedding or elopement that are the most meaningful to you. What are the things that, if you DIDN’T have, you’d regret until your dying day? Is it the photos that matter most? Having epic images to display in your home as you build your life together? Is it about the vows and the finer details of the day? Are you including family or friends in a way besides physical presence? Are you wearing special jewelry or planning to gift a wedding day gift or note?
Just start jotting notes down as you and your partner discuss your dreams together. Trust me, the vision will start to develop from here.
STEP 2: Find Your Elopement Photographer
Arguably the most important step in planning your Alaskan elopement will be finding your elopement photographer. This is going to be YOUR PERSON that you trust to help bring your elopement vision to life. This will be the person you entrust to document the highest of highs and the best candid moments before and after saying “I Do.”
Your photographer should be a local who knows the seasons, the best private locations, and is a logistical master when planning your Alaskan elopement.
As an Alaskan elopement photographer, I would love to be that trusted person to you. As a local, I can ensure you have the absolute best locations, know how to prepare for your elopement, advise you on proper gear and equipment for your adventures, and so much more.
My goals as an Alaskan elopement photographer is making sure every one of my clients have an elopement day that is tailored to them and unique to their elopement vision while having the absolute most FUN DAY(S) EVER! Let’s make some memories, shall we!
STEP 3: Set a Date for Your Elopement
The date you choose for your elopement will be key in determining the types of adventures are available, accommodations, attire, footwear, florals, and even where you can actually elope! Check out this article about When to Elope in Alaska. This will provide you with the elements you’ll need to consider when planning your Alaskan elopement and selecting your elopement date.
Of course, if you and your partner have a special date in mind, then the season is irrelevant. We can still make your dream elopement day come to life. Ultimately, at the end of your elopement day, as long as you are married to your partner and love of your life then that is what truly matters.
STEP 4: Choose Your Elopement Location
Arguably one of the hardest parts of choosing to plan an Alaskan elopement is choosing where you want to say “I Do.” Flying into Anchorage works to your benefit because within an hour’s drive North or South, you can be in a mountain pass or walking into a fairy forest or at a glacier. Wild, right?!
Knik Glacier
Knik Glacier is located in Palmer, Alaska and is just over an hour’s drive north. From the lodge, you’ll load into a helicopter and fly to land on a glacier or in front of the glacier.
If you’re looking for a particular setting or view or blue pools, just let the pilot know prior to take off and they’ll come through for you. Helicopter tour companies that offer glacier tours are very familiar with elopements so they know what to look for.
Girdwood
South of Anchorage is the cute little ski resort town of Girdwood. Alyeska Resort offers ski slopes in the winter, stunning views and hiking in the summer, and an excellent nordic spa experience. Girdwood is wild but upscale in a tree-huggy-vibe type of way. The cabins are quaint, but those are million-dollar views. Surrounded by mountains topped with glaciers, Girdwood offers a variety of settings.
There are SO MANY other beautiful location choices but as a local, I like to keep these gems I’ve scouted for the couples who choose to work with me (*hint* *hint*).
STEP 5: Plan Your Ceremony, Details, and Adventures
The dreaded timeline — insert the doom sounds *dun dun dunnnn*! It seems scarier than it is and, even if it’s not accurate to the minute, it will still be wildly helpful in planning next steps, managing small tasks, and preventing the feeling of overwhelm.
Start Big, Break It Down Smaller
The best way to avoid the overwhelm while planning your Alaskan elopement is to start with the big things for the day, then break those down into smaller chunks starting with a few simple questions:
- What time do you and your partner want to say “I Do?”
- If you want a particular type of lighting, like golden hour, then you will be on Mother Nature’s schedule. In Alaska, golden hour in the summer basically is non-existant unless you want to get married at 2am. In the depth of winter (January, February) golden hour is all day long because there are so few hours of daylight.
- By planning the time for your ceremony, you can work backwards on your timeline, starting with…(question 2)
- When do you and your partner want to start your day? Do you and your partner plan to do anything together prior to putting on wedding attire and getting ready?
- Maybe you just spend some quiet time together while you sip morning coffee. Or maybe you whip up some breakfast together. Maybe you take a morning walk and just enjoy soaking in one another. Sounds like a pretty great way to kick off an Alaskan elopement.
- Do you need to build in driving time, hiking time, boating time, or additional commuting time at any point(s) throughout the day?
- I encourage couples to intentionally build in time for them to just stop and truly soak in the moment while in the actual moment. I don’t even have to take photos if you’d prefer the privacy.
- When and where you both want to get ready?
- At your housing? Or are we hiking to a glacier before you throw on a suit or dress with those ice cleats?
- When does the sun set? After the sun sets, do you plan to do any elopement photos?
- When the sun sets, the fun can carry on! Astrophotography with you and your new partner could be fun. Or maybe a warm campfire to wrap up and snuggle down before calling it a day.
- If you would prefer to not do any photos once the sun sets, then this would typically be where we would part ways for the evening.
Starting with the big events and continuing to break down the overall task into smaller chunks is helpful. HOWEVER, by choosing me as your photographer, I am more than happy to help build your personalized timeline, anticipated commute times, and anything else you want to make sure happens while planning your elopement with me. I’m just here to make sure things go smooth and stay on track.
STEP 6: Book Your Travel, Accommodations, and Transportation for Your Alaskan Elopement
I recommend planning your Alaskan elopement a year in advance. Since 2020, tourism has increased. Availability changes drastically with the seasons, as do prices for vendors, accommodation and adventure guides. Check out my blog on When to Elope in Alaska. There’s some great info on what to expect in each season and what your options are while you’re planning your Alaskan elopement.
Once you know when you’re eloping in Alaska, booking your travel and accommodations should quickly follow.
There are lots of popular tours and places to stay that sell out a year in advance, especially during summer months. After knocking out your timeline, you’ll know exactly what you need to start booking and which vendors you plan to include in your Alaskan elopement.
STEP 7: Book Your Elopement Vendor Dream Team
This is where creatives unite and create your dream elopement. You’ve been planning your Alaskan elopement and you are now ready to lock in meal options, adventure or guided tours, housing, hair and makeup, florals, cake (or other sweet treat).
The beauty of an elopement is you can include as much or as little “tradition” into the day-of details. Elopement vendors in Alaska are well networked because our community is small, but mighty. We all support each other and work well together to deliver the best for our couples. If it matters to you, it matters to us.
STEP 8: Purchase Your Elopement Attire & Gear
This is one of the most fun parts of planning your Alaskan elopement. You’re already breaking away from tradition by choosing to focus on a day that is exactly and uniquely yours. Take it a step farther and dream up some something different for your attire.
Not your ordinary suit jacket and pocket square…add a classy lace panel on the back of your jacket, or embroider your elopement date into the inner pocket of your jacket. Your elopement day deserves a little extra flair. Dream big, friends! A groom could also choose to rock the lapel floral trend. This fun trend has some added floral flair for a little eXXXtra elevated touch. Functional footwear is the best footwear in my opinion. While polished leather loafers look slick, they’re also slick on wet rock and ice, literally. Throw in a little contrast to your attire – rubber boots with your custom tailored suit? Absolutely yes. Hiking boots? Also absolutely yes. We can always change into the fancy shoes at location and carry them between sites.
Planning Your Alaskan Elopement Bridal Look
For the ladies let’s think functional but epic. Only the most epic dress will do for your epic Alaskan elopement. Pro tip: look for a dress with pockets or see about having some sewn in. These are especially handy for holding rings until they’re exchanged, holding vow books, and hiding tissues or hand warmers during colder months.
STEP 9: Elopement Day is Finally Here!
You have been dreaming and planning your Alaskan elopement for at least the last several months. You know every detail and are fully prepared with what to expect, who your points of contact are, you’re aware of logistics, and your photographer has made all of this an absolutely seamless planning process for you.
Don’t Stress – Just Focus On You and I’ve Got The Rest
That is my goal as your photographer: to remove the stress and fill your elopement day to the brim with laughter, memories, photos, love and adventure. Reach out and let’s chat about your. Let’s start planning your Alaskan elopement!
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!
It’s not every day you’re in Alaska, but it’s even more rare that you’re in Denali National Park on a glacier. If you’re planning to propose, then you need to prepare before you’re in backcountry. Here’s some pointers on how to plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park.
Why Plan a Surprise Proposal in Denali National Park?
Alaska is arguably one of the most stunning places on Earth. I may be biased, but anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong, just saying! Alaska is wild and draws in the most rugged adventurers and elite athletes. But it is also the perfect place for planning a surprise proposal. Read more on WHY Alaska is perfect here.
When you plan a proposal, you go into it wanting to make sure the moment is exactly perfect, exactly authentic to who you and your person are together, to the life you’ve built together and the future that awaits. You want your plan to be epic, but over anything else — memorable.
Where in the World is Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is located south of Fairbanks, Alaska and just north of Talkeetna, Alaska. While you could drive to Denali National Park, it’s still a LONG hike to reach the mountain. Learning how to plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park is not a feat for the faint of heart, but proposals are a big deal and worth the extra logistical hoops.
The fastest way to land at the base of the mountain is by plane. There are several small flight companies that offer trips daily between May and September. The rest of the year the weather is too harsh, cold, and snowy to land safely. K2 Aviation is the tour operator I have used multiple times, flying from Talkeetna. The tours range 1-2 hours long and the pilots are personable, well educated and very experienced in backcountry navigation.
When scheduling your reservation, I recommend mentioning that you’re planning a surprise proposal in Denali. These planes are much smaller than most people are used to, so pack light. You’ll be required to weigh yourself when checking in for the flight. You’re required to have everything on you that you plan to bring on the plane. Small planes have to balance properly for safe take-offs and landings.
How to Plan Your Time on the Glacier
Denali is remote – so remote there is no cell phone service, bathrooms, or other amenities – but this is also what makes it so beautiful and wild. When you plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park, you need to dress for the weather. The weather could range from single digits to 50* at any given time, and change in an instant. Ensure you and your partner are comfortable, warm, and able to enjoy your time in backcountry by wearing an extra layer. Some days may be colder than others, but landing on a glacier is rarely warm by any standard. Here are ways to make sure you stay warm:
- Battery-operated heated layers
There are so many options for heated gloves, socks, vests and hats nowadays. Or rock it old-school and prepare to shake your little Hot Hands packets to slide in your pockets. Heated layers or hand warmers are very helpful to stay warm while taking photos after you propose. - Base Layers
Purchasing high quality polyester or wool base layers will keep heat close to your skin and is still light enough that you can layer over it without looking too bulky. Nobody wants to look like the Michelin Man or Pillsbury Doughboy for their proposal day. And yes, get the pants AND the top layers. - Down-filled Layers
Down-filled jackets, vests, and pullovers will surely keep you well insulated and warm, are easily layered, but can also be packed down into a small bag and are very lightweight. Highly recommend.
The Perfect Shot of the Surprise and Proposal
When you land on Ruth Glacier, you’re essentially in a bowl that is surrounded by mountains. The area around the plane is where you’re asked to stay (glaciers are unpredictable) due to safety reasons. When choosing where you’ll propose, decided if you want the plane in the shots or not. On clear days, Denali is out in the background and makes a stunning backdrop. Also consider where the sun is at to make sure you avoid harsh shadows on your faces or squinting. If you have questions, your photographer (ahem, me!) should be able to set you up with the perfect spot for light and scenery.
Your photographer should also be subtle enough to make it all seem unsuspecting until THE MOMENT you drop to your knee. Did I mention I am great with secrets?
Planning a surprise proposal in Denali National Park will come with challenges – weather is often the biggest of them. Weather around Denali can change in a blink of an eye and become dangerous quickly. So, what happens if the plane can’t fly due to conditions? Often, the flight charter will try to reschedule you for a later flight the same day. If another day is not an option, there are places surrounding Talkeetna that still have views of Denali and would be excellent locations for your surprise proposal.
What NOT to Forget when Planning Your Surprise Proposal
As long as you come prepared with layers, a ring, and a knowledgeable photographer then you will be set to pull off a proposal with the partner of your dreams. Knowing how to plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park is whimsical – the perfect start to a new beginning as a fiancé.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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!
For Better or Worse, in Sickness and in Health: An Alaska Elopement in Covid Times
If there’s anything I know from the past 2 years, it is that even in the worst global times, love conquers all; there’s really a reason that vows state both sides of the spectrum to cover the highs and lows, sickness and health, good or bad, as long as you both shall live. Mainly, because tomorrow is guaranteed and at some point, as humans, we must persist and continue to adapt in order to overcome the odds, which is EXACTLY what Calliope and Jeff did for their Alaskan Elopement, even amid Covid times.
One of the first questions I ask my clients is to share about their wedding day and their journey together. I love getting to know my couple past their wedding day because this allows me to really tell a story of their love through the images I capture. I want to capture the love, the looks, the details, and the emotion of every moment.
When I was first contacted by Calliope and Jeff, all I could think about was how I could possibly make their elopement day MORE special becuse they had been through the ringer in terms of planning a wedding during Covid. They had planned multiple in-person weddings followed with the disappointment of ultimately cancelling their plans, C+J decided to elope. Being educators, they both had a week off in March and they decided on Alaska or Hawaii for their elopement. Ultimately, Alaska had less restrictions for travelers, so off to the great frigid North they went!
J + C stand in front of a small waterfall after eloping 
Hiking Boots are the new Heel 
Love in Alaska
April 14th: The Day of the Elopement
Literally, an elopement is exactly what the couple wants and that is liberating. It is easy to bounce around or set a loose schedule or just run with the punches of the day. After I spoke with J + C, it was evident that these two are the real deal. Their elopement plans had fallen together seamlessly with contacting me, their photographer, and I was able to help point Calliope in the direction of an officiant, some florals, and a few suggestions for things to prepare like, you know, the marriage license.
Jeff reads his vows as the wind swirls relentlessly 
Love can move mountains 
Calliope reads her vows to her beloved
The day before their elopement I drove to Beluga Point to make sure that all was well and to scout the area for possible views, tide status, and wind. This spot along the Seward Highway is notorious for being calm one second and the next second brings hurricane-force winds. The day I scouted, the inlet was quiet. So quiet you couldn’t tell where the mountains stopped and the water began. PERFECTION.
Around 4pm I picked up Jeff and Calliope from the Historic Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Alaska and we hit the road towards Beluga Point. We arrive and unlike the previous day, the water has whitecaps and the wind is whipping. Jeff and Calliope were troopers. They had selected this location for the views and decided to push through the weather. The officiant arrived and we made our way to the lower rocks. Jeff and Calliope shared their vows and were married with the mountains as their witness.
As the wind swirled around them, C + J shared their hand-written notes with passion, love, and promise for the future they would share together.
With a couple of “I Do’s,” Jeff and Calliope were officially married!
We all signed the marriage license while taking turns warming up in the car. North of Beluga Point is McHugh Creek, with stunning views and was the perfect place to pop some bubbly. We wandered and adventured, capturing their love and celebrating their newly minted marriage.
My favorite thing is surprising my elopement couples with a nice bottle of bubbly that they can pop and drink. Sometimes when there is a last-minute event, simple details can make an entire experience that much more special. An Alaska elopement with Uncharted Elopements is guaranteed to be epic, but I always try to level up the experience.
Alaskan bubbly pop 
Before the Pop 
Pulling the Groom in for a smooch
Jeff and Calliope, I wish you all the happiness, prosperity, and adventures you can handle. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future!
