Elope in Alaska?? Have you been considering it?!
You’ve come to the right place.
I’m sharing with you everything you need to know in this guide about how to elope in Alaska!
Just thinking about Alaska makes my heart swoon – pristine wilderness, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and so much more! Alaska is a place that you can never forget and will create a stunning, unforgettable backdrop for an elopement.
As a photographer who specializes in elopements and micro-weddings, Alaska offers more than just gorgeous landscapes – it also offers you adventure and a truly magical atmosphere.
I’m sharing with you everything you need to know about how to elope in Alaska, how to get an Alaska marriage license, unique activities to do for your elopement, and more.
Ready to discover why Alaska should be where you elope? Let’s dive in…
How to Obtain an Alaska Marriage License
Before you figure out the rest of the details about your elopement in Alaska, one of the most important things you need to know is how you’re going to get your Alaska Marriage License.
So, let’s answer all of your questions…
Who is eligible for a marriage license?
Both Alaska residents and nonresidents can apply for an Alaska marriage license.
What steps need to be taken to get the marriage license?
First, you’ll submit your application at one of the following –
- Alaska Courthouses: Visit your local Alaska courthouse to complete the application in person, where a Licensing Officer or Notary will assist you.
- Vital Records Office: Drop off your marriage license application and pick up your license once processed at Vital Records Office: 3601 C St, Suite 1284, Anchorage, AK 99503.
- Online Application: Complete the application online with notarization and mailing options available. This method is convenient for couples, including those from out of state, allowing them to apply before arriving in Alaska. You can find the application you need on the Division of Public Health website.
How much does it cost?
A marriage license fee in Alaska costs $60. You can pay it by check or money order along with your application.
Waiting period
There is a 3 business day waiting period once you’ve sent in your application with payment.
Finally, the last thing you need to know is that once you get the marriage license you have 3 months from the date of issuance to get married.
Elope in Alaska in these Locations
There are several places to choose from but I want to highlight some National Parks in Alaska as places you should consider for your elopement!
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords is famous for its glaciers, wildlife, and scenic beauty. And, a huge plus of having an elopement in Kenai is that you can have a very intimate, secluded elopement – if that’s your vibe.
Kenai Fjords truly is an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and creates the illusion that you’ve stepped through a portal into another world with its stunning coastal landscapes and glacial features.
The best time to elope in Kenai Fjords is June, July, or August.
During these months, you’ll encounter mild weather and longer daylight hours, and this is also the best time to engage in any additional activities you want to do prior to or following your elopement, such as kayaking, boat rides, or hiking.
Denali National Park
Another spot to consider for an elopement is Denali National Park.
Did you know that Denali has the highest mountain in North America? This park is also known for having an abundance of wildlife and vast wilderness.
If you do choose to have your elopement in Denali you’re guaranteed to have dramatic and memorable wedding photos.
The best time to elope in Denali National Park is in July, August and September.
This time of year offers you the best chances to see wildlife, and moderate weather, and all activities and lodges in the park are still operating at this time.
Also, from late August to October you can see the Northern Lights as well if that’s something you’d like to do.
There are other times during the year when it’s possible to see the Northern Lights, but if you want the chance to see the Northern Lights with favorable weather, July through September are when you’ll want to plan your elopement.
Katmai National Park
Last but not least on the list – Katmai National Park!
Katmai National Park is known for its volcanoes, brown bears, a rugged coastline, and more! Katami is actually home to North America’s largest protected population of brown bears.
Those famous photos you’ve seen of bears hunting salmon in Alaska are most likely from Katmai.
But if you’re scared of bears that doesn’t mean you should cross Katmai off of your list as this park also boasts a stunning coastline, fjords, and volcanic landscapes!
Something else important for you to know about this park is that it typically involves a combination of air and/or water travel because it is in a remote location and has a lack of road access.
The best time to elope in Katami National Park is from late June to early September. During this time of year, you’ll encounter milder weather, lower precipitation, and more wildlife activity!
Unique Activities to Do for Your Elopement
Now that you know some places to choose from for your elopement let’s chat about another perk of having an elopement in Alaska – outdoor activities!
I mean how many people do you know that can say they saw glaciers the same week that they got married?
You could do activities such as a whale-watching tour, see the Northern lights, go hiking, and many, many more things!
Here’s a brief list of some activities for you to consider –
- Whale Watching Tour
If you go on a whale-watching tour you’ll have the chance to see humpback, orca, and grey whales – just to name a few. Alaska is known for its Whale Watching tours and this is definitely a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience to try while you’re there if you’re able to.
The best time of the year for whale watching is May – September!
- Hiking
If you have the chance and you’re up for an adventure definitely add hiking to your bucket list of things to do while in Alaska during your elopement. For a list of some of the best hikes to try from easy to beginner, check out this list!
- Bear Viewing Tour
Don’t miss the opportunity to go on a bear-viewing tour during your stay! Imagine flying on a plane to the remote wilderness to view bears set against the backdrop of mountains, glaciers, and even the ocean.
- Glacier Tour
Alaska has more than 100,000 glaciers within its boundaries and some great options too so you can have the best experience when viewing glaciers during your stay. Check out this list of some of the best glacier tours to try!
Additional Questions Answered about Eloping in Alaska
As I mentioned before I want to try to answer as many questions that you have about eloping in Alaska as possible so you can have the info you need before choosing to elope here!
So let’s address some additional common questions you might have!
How do you get to Alaska?
There are many different ways to get to Alaska but keep in mind that if you do want to elope in Alaska budget for travel as travel to Alaska can be costly. You can take a plane or a ferry from Washington up to Alaska (though a ferry ride will take much longer).
Another unique option would be to take a cruise from Washington to Alaska and have the cruise be part of your elopement!
What do you need to get married in Alaska?
You’ll need an Alaskan Marriage License, an Officiant, and a Witness.
What permits do I need for National Parks?
Every park has different regulations, guidelines, and permits. You’ll want to contact the park you’re planning to elope in for this information.
Just so you know I actually do this type of research for my clients (so if you work with me, you’re in luck!) and apply for the photography permits myself, I also include the cost of the permits in my client’s invoices to take this off of their hands.
Final Thoughts: Alaska Elopement
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about how to elope in Alaska. If there are any additional questions you have that you didn’t see answered in this blog post you can always send me a message below!
And…
If you are still in search of a photographer to team up with for your elopement, I’d be so honored to learn more about you and your partner’s love story. You deserve a photographer who captures your day in a one-of-a-kind way and truly takes the time to understand your quirks and unique dynamics. You can click here to contact me!
Can’t wait to see what you want to do..
