The first time I visited Alaska, my jaw was pretty much on the ground the entire time. There’s just something about this place, the sheer scale of it, the stillness, the way the light hangs in the air, that makes you slow down without even trying. As someone who feels most at home in the mountains, Alaska grabbed onto my heart fast, and if youre thinking of eloping in Alaska I’m sure it will do the same for you too!

If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding day that feels spacious, intentional, and deeply connected to nature, eloping in Alaska might be exactly what you’re looking for. With those endlessly long summer days and forests that seem to go on forever, there’s a softness here that pulls you in. It naturally invites you to breathe a little deeper and be a lot more present.

Sarah and Charlie’s summer ceremony in Girdwood is one of those days that stayed with me. A gentle walk into the woods. No crowd, no performance. Just them, hand in hand, letting the forest hold space for their promises. If you’re feeling drawn to something similar, here’s what you need to know to plan an Alaska elopement that feels like you.

A Real Look at What It’s Like Eloping In Alaska | Sarah + Charlie in the Forest

Sarah and Charlie decided early on that they didn’t want their wedding to feel rushed or squeezed into one chaotic day. So they spread their celebration across two days , which, honestly, I think is one of the best decisions couples can make when eloping or planning something small. It gives you space to actually exist in your day instead of racing through it.

Day one was slow, quiet, and intentionally theirs. We wandered a forest trail in Girdwood, following the sound of water until the trees opened up to this hidden little pocket of ferns and soft light.  She wore the most delicate cape (I’m still thinking about it), and he kept lifting the hem for her as they walked. It was simple, effortless, and genuinely sweet.

Tip: If you’re planning a forest elopement, choose outfits you can move in and don’t be afraid to bring layers that add texture and personality. Capes, shawls, boots, these little choices make such a difference.

Their ceremony took place right in the greenery, sunlight breaking through the branches like it was showing up just for them. No crowd, no eyes on them, no pressure. Just two people grounding themselves in the moment and saying yes to forever in the calmest way possible.

Tip: Forest locations are beautiful because they naturally quiet everything down, the light, the sound, even your nerves. If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed easily, a setting like this is a gift.

The next day, we shifted into celebration mode, a small gathering at a lakeside venue in Wasilla. Still intimate and intentional, still soaked in that easy energy they carried through the forest, but with more laughter, warm moments with family, and golden reflections off the water. The perfect balance of private and shared!

Tip: Two-day celebrations are perfect if you want both intimacy and time with loved ones. You don’t have to choose one or the other, you can design your experience exactly the way you want it.

When Is the Best Time for Eloping In Alaska?

If you’re planning on eloping in Alaska, timing is everything! While the state is beautiful year-round, summer is by far the most welcoming season, especially for intimate outdoor ceremonies.

From late May through early September, Alaska offers longer days with golden light that seems to stretch on forever. In some parts of the state, you’ll find nearly 20 hours of daylight. This creates so much freedom: slow mornings, late afternoon ceremonies, and soft evening portraits without feeling rushed by time or weather.

Temperatures are perfect, trails are accessible, and the forests are lush and full of life. Whether you’re walking into the woods or gathering near a quiet lake, summer gives you the best chance for a day that feels peaceful and present.

Winters in Alaska, while beautiful, come with their own challenges, limited daylight, and unpredictable conditions. Unless you’re well-prepared for the elements and have experience with winter travel, I recommend choosing a summer or early fall date for your elopement.

Where to Elope in Alaska

One of the most meaningful parts of choosing to elope in Alaska is how wildly different the landscapes are, and how untouched they still feel. You can step from dense, mossy forest into wide-open mountain views in the same afternoon, and somehow it all feels calm, spacious, and completely yours. Whether you’re the type who feels most at home under towering trees or you’re chasing those big, shoulder-drop mountain moments, Alaska gives you room to breathe.

Here are a few places that offer that calm, spacious feeling many couples are seeking:

Girdwood

Between the Chugach Mountains and a temperate rainforest, Girdwood is ideal for those who want a ceremony among trees, ferns, and filtered light. It’s accessible yet intimate, perfect for short, peaceful hikes to tucked-away spots. Sarah and Charlie’s elopement here felt like stepping into another world entirely. 

Matanuska-Susitna Valley (Wasilla, Palmer, etc.)

This area is full of lakes, rolling hills, and those wide Alaska skies. Wasilla is where Sarah and Charlie held their reception, and it offered the perfect balance, cozy venues, mountain views, and nature all around, without feeling like you need to “rough it.” It’s great if you want a peaceful setting without being hours from town.

Kenai Peninsula

If you want a little bit of everything, ocean, forest, rivers,, the Kenai Peninsula gives you all of it without feeling overwhelming. You can go from mossy trails to coastal overlooks in one afternoon. It’s perfect for couples who want variety but still crave a grounded, intimate atmosphere.

Denali Area

More remote, but incredibly still. Denali is where everything suddenly feels bigger and quieter. If you’re dreaming of vast horizons and that feeling of being completely unplugged, this area holds that energy so naturally. It’s incredible for couples who want their day to feel like a deep breath.

You truly don’t have to go far off-grid to find somewhere meaningful in Alaska. Even spots a short drive from Anchorage can feel surprisingly private, especially if you plan your elopement on a weekday or during quieter hours. Alaska is full of beauty everywhere you turn, and honestly, I fell in love the second I arrived. It just has that effect.

Planning Tips for Eloping In Alaska

When eloping in Alaska, the experience becomes less about planning and more about presence. Here are a few thoughtful tips to help you plan a day that feels peaceful, connected, and true to you:

1. Choose Your Season with Intention

Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window. Summers offer long daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, and accessible trails. Plan for golden hour light in the evening; sunset can last for hours in Alaska.

2. Pick a Location That Feels Like You

There’s no need to go far to find beauty here. Choose a spot that feels calm and natural. Forests, lakesides, or gentle trails can offer plenty of intimacy and variety without requiring long travel or difficult hikes.

3. Keep It Light and Layered

Even in summer, the weather in Alaska can shift!!  Make sure to bring layers and wear something that allows you to move comfortably. Earth tones and natural textures photograph beautifully against the landscape.

4. Consider Permits + Accessibility

Some areas, especially state parks or public lands, may require a permit for ceremonies or photography. A little research ahead of time helps keep your day smooth and uninterrupted, and you won’t be doing that part alone. I’ll walk you through what’s needed and help you sort out the details so everything feels clear and stress-free! 

5. Prioritize Quiet Over Perfection

Let go of the idea of how your day “should” look and pay attention to how it feels instead. The moments that stay with you are usually the ones you don’t plan, holding hands, wandering without a timeline, sharing a laugh when no one’s paying attention. Those small, honest pieces of the day are what make the photos meaningful.

6. Work With Someone Who Knows the Landscape

Alaska has its own rhythm. Working with a photographer who understands that, someone who’s comfortable with shifting light and letting moments unfold, can make all the difference in how your day feels and how it’s remembered.

Questions to Consider as You Plan Your Alaska Elopement

If you’re starting to imagine your own elopement here, these simple questions might already be on your mind. Here’s what I often share with couples who are beginning to explore what’s possible when eloping in Alaska:

Do we need a permit for our ceremony?

Sometimes. A few forest trails and state-managed lands ask for a permit, especially if you’ll be bringing guests or a photographer. It’s not complicated; we’ll figure it out together and make sure everything is set ahead of time.

When’s the best time for eloping in Alaska?

Summer is the most gentle season, late May through early September. The light lasts for hours, the air is soft, and there’s room in the day to move slowly. Winter is beautiful, but unpredictable. If you’re craving something relaxed and accessible, summer is where everything opens up.

How much hiking is involved?

Only what you want! Some of the most peaceful places are just a few minutes off the path. If you love the idea of walking into the trees without going far, we’ll choose a spot that lets you do just that.

What should we wear?

Think ease and movement. Soft fabrics, layers for changing light, and something you feel yourself in. Alaska holds natural textures beautifully, earth tones, muted colors, and pieces that let you breathe and explore.

Can we invite a few people?

Yes. Even with a handful of close loved ones, your elopement can still feel grounded and personal. The key is choosing a place that gives you space to be present, together.

Book Me As Your Travel Photographer When You Elope to Alaska

Whether it’s the trees, the light, or the stillness that draws you here, eloping in Alaska is about returning to what matters: connection, simplicity, and the freedom to just be.

Sarah and Charlie’s day was a reminder of what’s possible when you choose presence over perfection. A walk through the forest or a quiet exchange of vows. A moment that felt like theirs, and no one else’s.

If you’re beginning to dream about eloping in Alaska, I’d love to help guide you through it. From finding the right trail to building a timeline that feels slow and grounded, I’ll be there to support you intentionally and with care. Ready to plan your adventure together? Send me a message today! 

Looking for more destination wedding planning tips? Keep scrolling!

Eloping in Washington: Everything You Need to Know About A Mount Baker Elopement at Artist Point
A Peaceful Golden Hour Whidbey Island Wedding
Outdoor Engagement Photos at Sunrise, A Mountain Session in the North Cascades