Summer Hatcher Pass Elopement: A Moody August Day

What Eloping in the Summer Looks Like at Hatcher Pass

Do you enjoy the idea of picking wild berries and running through a lush green landscape of wildflowers? Then a summer Hatcher Pass elopement may be the perfect fit for you! Hatcher Pass is an absolute must to visit in the summer. It’s also one of the top destinations for Southcentral Alaska elopements! Hatcher Pass is for the explorers and laidback couples alike. There’s jaw-dropping views to see from car parking lots, but also the option for long adventures through the backcountry. Take a look at this moody day in late August for an idea of what your summer Hatcher Pass elopement could look like.

Table of Contents

• Summer Elopement Expectations
• Why Couples Elope in the Summer
• Is a Summer Elopement Right for You?
• Hatcher Pass Elopement Planning Guide

Summer Elopement Expectations at Hatcher Pass

The summer time is the best time to visit Hatcher Pass if you want to see as much of it as possible. The summit road opens usually in late June or early July, and closes again in mid/late September. It’s a small window. Which means this area is booming with people enjoying the summer months, and the summit, while they can. Planning your summer Hatcher Pass elopement outside of peak visiting hours can be crucial to your experience. This area gets very busy during the warm months, so parking can become limited to non-existent. I recommend early morning sunrise elopements or late evening at sunset for best odds. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so even in the summer you should prepare for the possibility of random, brief rain.

What Each Month Looks Like

June – The road to the summit is still closed from snow, until maybe the end of the month. Days are growing long. Less cloudy this time of year so best odds of having sunshine. Tourist season is beginning so crowds are starting to grow.

July – The road to the summit is open. Less cloudy this time of year so best odds of having sunshine. Great time for full Alaskan summer experience. Crowds will be at their peak, which means lodging, car rentals, etc. are usually spiked and need to be booked early in the year, not right before your trip.

August – All of Hatcher Pass is still open. Days are shortening. Half the month is likely to be cloudy and rainy, making it a slightly less busy time for tourists. Great time for waterfalls and moody vibes.

This elopement editorial I photographed in late August is a perfect example of what you can expect to see and experience when you elope at Hatcher Pass in late summer, just as the fall transition is beginning. This is a great time to elope and still catch those summer vibes while missing some of those more intense crowds and summer rates. The only thing to be prepared for is a likelihood of rain – but it can be so romantic to get married in and these photos show for it!

Hatcher Pass Lodge Expectations

Hatcher Pass Lodge is a favorite to visit because of the 360° mountain views, and the iconic tiny red cabins. The red cabins contrast against the greens of Hatcher Pass in the summer – making a beautiful backdrop for elopements. Wild blueberries grow all across this landscape. If you’re lucky, you may catch a pika foraging! There’s one main parking lot here that’s large enough to usually find parking if you get here early enough. Wandering around this area is so fun and makes for some stunning photos.

Summit Lake Expectations

Summit Lake is a stunning spot to exchange your vows and explore. The glacier-carved lake is an amazing vibrant blue surrounded by mountain peaks and a view of the valley. You’ll be at the peak (in terms of road access) of Hatcher Pass at nearly 4,000ft! The road to Summit Lake opens usually in late June or early July at the latest, so if you want to see this area it’s best to wait until July/August. There’s very minimal parking up here so planning your elopement outside of peak hours can be crucial. Otherwise it’s a long and steep walk up nearly 1,000ft to get here from the lodge.

Gold Mint Trail Expectations

The Gold Mint Trail is a beautiful hike that stretches about 16 miles up and into the pass. Stunning sights can be seen even if you go less than a mile in, so it works for the hardcore backpackers and the chill couples that just want to see something pretty real quick. There is one designated parking lot for this area that’s usually large enough to find parking as long as you go outside of peak hours.

Rentals and Parking Expectations

Alaska can get over 3 million visitors annually during May-September, the peak of those crowds being in June-August. Lodging and car rentals can go quickly in Anchorage and generally will have a spike in cost during busy season. I always recommend booking your needs ASAP when planning an Alaska elopement in this timeframe. Hatcher Pass gets really congested in the summer while all these crowds are in, which is why aiming for an early morning/late evening elopement is best. This will give you the chance to either grab parking before the crowds start arriving, or snag a spot as people start to leave in the evening. Trying to go to Hatcher Pass in the middle of the day can be rough since this is the peak time everyone else is visiting, too.

Why Couples Choose to Elope at Hatcher Pass in the Summer

Eloping at Hatcher Pass in the summer is such an amazing experience for nature lovers. It should go without saying that the landscape is just absolutely stunning this time of year. Despite heavy crowds, it doesn’t stop couples from having an enjoyable experience here at all. Especially because planning outside of peak visiting hours and the vastness of Hatcher Pass can provide a more private and secluded experience.

Full access to the pass – Unlike the majority of the year, the summer time is when you can fully access Hatcher Pass. This makes it a favorable time to visit so that you can see Summit Lake.

Wildflowers and fireweed – Hatcher Pass erupts in colorful blooms in the summer, a favorite among many being the purple and stunning fireweed. It adds such a beautiful color palette to elopement photos.

Wildlife is active – Wildlife is everywhere this time of year. If you’re lucky, you might see pikas, bears, moose, Dall sheep, or many other legged and winged critters.

Warmer weather – Alaska is relatively cold year-round, especially in high elevation areas like Hatcher Pass. June-August can see some mildly warmer days, especially in the peak of summer, in the upper 60s. This is generally a very comfortable temperature for couples to enjoy the outdoors without sweating like crazy or freezing without parkas.

Waterfalls and rushing waters – In the early summer you might catch all the waterfalls and creeks and rivers flowing from snowmelt. By August, one of the wettest months of the year, the rain will do the same. It’s always stunning to see all the falls pop up across the mountains and to hear the peaceful sounds of rushing water from the creeks and rivers across Hatcher Pass.

Is a Summer Hatcher Pass Elopement Right for You?

There’s really no cons to eloping at Hatcher Pass in the summer months. It’s the best time to visit the area. While it is a busier time to visit, planning outside of peak visitor hours makes eloping here more than manageable! If you love a gentle warmth, colorful flowers, wildlife, and lush moss and greenery, you will be awestruck by Hatcher Pass in the summer months.

Planning an Elopement at Hatcher Pass

For an extensive breakdown of permits, planning tips, timelines, and more, read my Hatcher Pass Elopement Guide.

Your Photographer For a Hatcher Pass Elopement

It’s beneficial to you to find a photographer that’s been to Hatcher Pass. An expert familiar with the area can help you navigate the space and educate you on all the ins and outs of eloping here in the summer. This will help you best prepare for your big day with less stress, and less problems. Reach out and let’s chat about your dream plans at Hatcher Pass!