The Most Beautiful Places to Elope in Alaska
Alaska is my top destination choice for elopements. Actually, it’s my favorite place in general! There is nothing like the Last Frontier. From tall snow-capped mountains where you can ski, to icy bays full of marine life and glaciers to admire, to lush forests of moss and mushrooms, this is the place to go if you want an experience in the wild. And the best part? Anyone can enjoy magnificent views and have an incredible elopement experience in Alaska in some shape or form – no need to be a pro hiker or be in incredible shape. It’s the perfect place to elope, and on the rise of popularity among couples looking for an epic getaway. If you’re looking for some ideas of where to elope in Alaska, this is your guide!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward)
- Girdwood & Alyeska Resort
- Mirror Lake
- Beluga Point
- Hatcher Pass
- Portage Lake
- Eklunta Lake
- Byron & Knik Glacier
- Kenai Penisula
- Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau)
(Pictured Above: Seward Boat Harbor)
About Alaska Elopements
Alaska is the right fit for your dream elopement if you’re looking for an experience that provides scenic views, wildlife, and a whole lot of outdoor activities. There’s a plethora of locations in Alaska to elope at. I mean, it’s a friggin’ huge state. And it’s all beautiful. So many locations are easily accessible for those with walking impairments or just looking for a laidback day. But there’s also epic adventures waiting to be had for your Alaska elopement. You can take a heli tour and exchange vows on a glacier, or a boat tour to a private beach in the fjords. Hike to a waterfall, or just park right outside epic views! There’s a little something for everyone.
(Pictured Above: Seward/Kenai Fjords National Park)
Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward)
The Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the best places to elope in Alaska. It consists of the Harding Icefield that feeds dozens of glaciers, the Chugach Mountains, and Resurrection Bay. You can take a heli ride to elope on an icy blue glacier or high up in the mountains. Or take a boat adventure to a private beach surrounded by fjords. It’s an incredible place to visit for an unforgettable adventure elopement! For more info about how to elope at Kenai Fjords National Park, check out my Kenai Fjords Guide.
You can also check out permit specific details about eloping in the Kenai Fjords at the NPS website.
Seward: The Kenai Fjords sits next to the small fisherman town of Seward, another wonderful elopement spot. This area is great if you want a more laidback day than adventuring through the national park. The Seward Boat Harbor and local beaches and trails are so beautiful and easy to access! For more info about eloping in Seward, you can check out my Seward Guide.
Girdwood & Alyeska Resort
Girdwood is a beautiful lush rainforest with waterfalls and rivers just outside of Anchorage. the Alyeska Ski Resort is also within this area and provides elopement experiences, with lush green mountains available in the summer and winter activities like skiing in the snow months.
(Pictured Above: Mirror Lake)
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a little park just outside of Anchorage. There’s the beautiful view of the lake with tall mountains just across from it. This is the perfect location for a simple elopement. The views are right by the parking lot, so you don’t have to hike or anything. Plus, you’ll still be close by Anchorage to head back into town to continue celebrations at a restaurant or bar!
Beluga Point
Beluga Point is another scenic area just outside of Anchorage along the Seward Highway that hugs Turnagain Arm, a glacial carved fjord. The views are dramatic and beautiful here. This is a tidal fjord, meaning during low tide it’s only 10-20ft deep with exposed mudflats. During high-tide, the water gets deep enough that you may spot whales in the arm, hence the name “Beluga Point”. This is a park and walk right out to the views spot!
(Pictured Above: Hatcher Pass)
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass provides stunning mountain pass views, making it another one of the best places to elope in Alaska. The iconic tiny red cabins at Hatcher Pass Lodge are a popular spot for elopements, though there’s miles upon miles of beautiful land here to explore, including the vibrant blue glacial lake at the summit and Gold Mint Trail. Colder months will include lots of snow and winter activities, while the summer months will be lush and burst into colorful wildflowers. There’s plenty of incredible locations here that are just a hop out of your car, and the option for day-long hikes to explore the lakes and mountains waiting for you in the backcountry. Check out my Hatcher Pass Guide for an extensive overview of eloping here, and the best time to do it.
Portage Lake & Glacier
Portage Lake is a lovely waterfront location with epic mountain views surrounding you every which way. Take it easy and just park and walk right up to the rocky beach for a stunning elopement, or you can schedule a heli tour to hike across the tidewater Portage Glacier. Boat tours are also available so you can exchange vows in front of the glacier.
(Pictured Above: Eklunta Lake)
Eklunta Lake
Another waterfront location with rocky beaches along a glacial blue lake and incredible panoramic mountain views. It’s a very short walk from the parking lot to the lake, making this another easily accessible spot for a stunning elopement.
Byron, Knik, Matanuska, Exit, and Many More Glaciers
Byron, Knik, Matanuska, Exit, and many other Glaciers across Alaska are excellent choices for an adventure elopement on an icy blue wonder. Schedule a helicopter tour, or hike to the ones that are accessible by foot!
(Pictured Above: Various places across the Kenai Peninsula)
Kenai Peninsula
There are other amazing elopement destinations within the Kenai Peninsula, aside from the Kenai Fjords National Park/Seward area, that makes this region one of the best places to elope at in Alaska. Homer is another beautiful waterfront town perfect for a beach elopement. Or, you can take a water taxi or small plane from Homer to the stunning waterfront village of Seldovia, or the Kachemak Bay State Park.
(Pictured Above: Mendenhall Glacier)
Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau)
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular ways to elope in Juneau. Take a epic helicopter ride to the glacier and explore the waterfalls and rivers that change atop the ice daily. My husband and I did an excursion here on our honeymoon and it was the highlight of our trip!
Juneau: Some other local favorite spots are Savikko Park – a waterfront park with mountain views and some old ruins. Nugget Falls – a massive waterfall, approximately 380ft tall and average of 100ft wide, that sits to the side of Mendenhall Glacier and pours into Mendenhall Lake.
A Photographer That Can Help Choose Your Dream Location
Alaska is a vast place and it goes without needing to be said that there are too many incredible places to choose from when picking where to elope here. If you want help planning your dream elopement in Alaska, I’m here to help you. We can start from the beginning and narrow down our top three choices, and go over all the logistics of each one to help you decide on your #1 elopement destination.
Wanna elope in Alaska? Reach out!
I’ve been exploring all areas of Alaska for the last several years and can help you plan your elopement based on your biggest needs, and your biggest dreams. Let’s get started!
Let’s Plan Your Dream Day!
How to Elope in Alaska: The Guide
Check out my Alaska Elopement Guide for a comprehensive look at planning an Alaskan elopement. I go over the marriage license process, best times of year to elope in Alaska, and everything else you need to get started planning your dream day.
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