How to Elope in Alaska: The Photographer’s Guide to Permits, Planes, and What It Costs

Why Alaska

Alaska is the place I keep going back to, and the place I tell most couples to pick when they want a wedding day that feels like an expedition. I have photographed elopements since 2006 and have been working in Alaska since 2017. That means floatplanes into Lake Clark, helicopter landings on glaciers out of Seward, salmon fishing and whale watching with my couples, bears close enough to count, Denali standing behind the ceremony, and more than one sunrise plan rewritten at 5am because the weather had other ideas. This guide covers the legal steps, when to go, where to go, what it really costs, and the operators I trust. Packages start at $8,750 with travel included.

Check your Alaska date

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Why trust me on Alaska. My Alaska journey started in 2017, and I have lost count of the trips since. I have photographed couples in Wasilla, Palmer, Hatcher Pass, Girdwood, Whittier, Seward, the Kenai Peninsula, Homer, Lake Clark, Juneau, Kodiak, Glacier Bay and with Denali in the frame, on glaciers by helicopter and on forest beaches you reach on foot. I plan these days as well as photograph them, because in Alaska those are not two separate jobs.

Couple exchanging vows on a glacier during their Alaska elopement

Short on time? If you would rather skip the reading and have me do the research for your day, start with my Alaska elopement photographer and planner page. New to elopement planning? Start with my step-by-step guide on how to elope, then come back here to plan the where.

Real Alaska elopements to steal ideas from

Bride and groom portrait in the Alaska mountains on their elopement day

Free guide

Planning Alaska? Steal my Destination Elopement Starter Guide.

The exact first steps I walk every couple through: picking your place, the legal shortcuts nobody tells you about, and the real numbers. Then four short emails with my best locations and a gift at the end.

Send me the guide

Activities for an adventurous elopement in Alaska

Opting for an Alaska elopement means enjoying some of the most exciting activities on the day you exchange your vows. This state offers unique and breathtaking views, so you have plenty of options to include in your photographs. If you want to make your elopement memorable, we recommend being as diverse as possible with your activities. You can pick some for the big day and leave the rest for your honeymoon. But the most important thing is that you have choices – an abundance of them!

Northern lights in Alaska

If you wish to experience some magic on your Alaska elopement, then the Northern lights are a must-see. However, they won’t be visible in summer due to longer daylight hours. So, if they’re on your list, you should plan your special day sometime between September and April. This will be a wonderful sight that will come as the cherry on top of your special day.

Moreover, to ensure that you’re going to witness them in all of their glory, make sure to go somewhere away from the city, because pollution can obstruct the view. Certain hotels will offer wake-up services not to miss the incredible sight.

Glaciers in Alaska

You cannot elope in Alaska without experiencing the magnificence of the glaciers. They are simply amazing, and there are multiple ways to admire their magnificence. If you want to go for some glacier walking, then you have Seward, Juneau, and Anchorage – fascinating areas surrounded by glaciers. Another option is Glacier Bay National Park, which will give you some splendid views. And if you are up to something more adventurous and wild, don’t forget to contact Seward Helicopter Tours for a helicopter landing on a glacier. They also offer overnight adventures, meaning you’re promised an amazing time.

Wild animals in Alaska

This state is known for its astonishing wildlife. So, why don’t you take advantage of your Alaska elopement to see a part of it? You can do some whale watching in Seward or Glacier Bay and enjoy the sight of these beautiful creatures jumping in front of you. Another option is to visit Katmai and see the famous bears of this region or go to a reindeer farm. And, if you want to feel some thrill, then you can try dog sledding. So far, we personally have fished the banks during salmon season (only a good 2 week window in June!), dog sled, took a helicopter ride to glaciers, boat rides to private forest islands around waterfalls, whale watching, and finding the best seafood I’ve ever had.

More adventure Elopement things in Alaska!

This beautiful state offers so many things and adventures that it would be a pity not to experience them all, or at least most of them! One of the most popular sports adventures here is pack rafting, and its iceberg lagoons are the perfect places for it. Suppose you want to witness the remote portions of Alaska. In that case, you can take an air tour with Alpine Air Alaska or Seward Helicopters and visit some private and stunning locations to admire their beautiful views.

In addition, you can take a flight to the gates of the Arctic National Park, escape to Fairbanks, or go further north to experience the fascinating northern lights. 

Take a look at our BTS fun activities we experienced while shooting elopements in Alaska.

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Best time to plan an Elopement In Alaska 

Figuring out how to elope in Alaska starts with timing. The month you travel changes everything. Pick the month that suits your vision best. 

Generally speaking, the best time for an Alaska adventure is May through September – weather-wise. More precisely, May and July are months characterized by extremely pleasant weather, while September is known for miraculously vibrant colors. However, note that traveling during the shoulders season will mean that you might not be able to enjoy some of the activities popular in this state. In other words, you may find that some of the activities may not have started or have already ended. On the other hand, you will enjoy stunning wildlife scenery, rushing rivers, blooming flowers, and temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. 

Certain companies, such as specific helicopter companies, operate continuously throughout the year. Others, like most of those stationed in areas like Seward, function for merely four months per year. 

Chasing the Northern Lights

Another important thing is that you’ll witness the longest daylight hours during this period. But if you want to see the Aurora Borealis up close, then you shouldn’t travel between May and September. They are best visible from September to April.  

Want to catch this spectacle? Visit Fairbanks from January to March. Once the weather conditions settle after the winter solstice, you can have a miraculous elopement under the magical skies of Alaska. During these months, the clear skies offer an ideal observation opportunity. Days run shorter then. In exchange, the northern lights show up far more often. 

The Best of Both Worlds Window

Want summer adventures AND the Northern Lights in one trip? Plan for August 15 to September 15. But bear in mind that August is actually the wettest month here, so expect some rain. May brings the driest conditions of all.

Conversely, February and March are ideal for a winter Aurora Borealis getaway, owing to prolonged hours of darkness and favorable snow conditions. You will get to enjoy an array of exhilarating winter pursuits like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing. Fairbanks stands as the best viewpoint of this breathtaking natural phenomenon. 

If you are pretty considerate of your budget, then early November and mid-December are the cheapest for traveling, with Anchorage being the least expensive city to stay at.

During the day, temperatures reach a balmy 60°F to 80°F, while in the evenings, they cool down refreshingly, dropping to 40 or 50 degrees. However, in May and September, temperatures should be 5° to 10° cooler. May is the driest month, with only a 25% chance of precipitation on any given day. As summer progresses, the likelihood of rainfall increases, peaking at a 50% chance in September.

Midnight Sun and Daylight Math

June 21 is the longest day of the year. Think 19 hours of daylight in Anchorage, 18 in Southeast, and a wild 22 in Fairbanks. Evenings stay bright from late May to late July. Daylight past 10 pm stretches an extra month on either side. Long days mean more adventures under the Midnight Sun.

Wildlife Timing

The ideal period to see some stunning wildlife is between May and September. Fly-in bear viewing typically starts in mid-June and runs through July. Moose show up year round. Gray whales travel northwards in March and April, while Humpbacks are present from May to September. Orcas can be seen throughout the whole year.

However, we have your back if you need more precise details about each specific month of the year. Planning to elope in Alaska is a real adventure, therefore, it needs careful planning. So, if you want to go into details about some stuff, then we are here for you. 

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  • January and February – January may start with extended periods of darkness, but gradually the days brighten, reaching over 8 hours of light in early January and more than 12 hours by the end of February. This period is a great time for a winter expedition, with various towns hosting thrilling festivals. Moreover, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the exceptional snow conditions, while those eager to witness the aurora can do so with sufficient darkness.
  • March – We consider this month the ideal time for a visit, especially for a romantic winter-ending elopement. This is when the days start to get longer and temperatures reach 20 to 30 degrees. 
  • April – April presents some challenges when it comes to visiting Alaska, as most summer activities are yet to begin, and snow has largely melted. However, you will still have some exciting choices. For instance, ski fans can indulge in crust skiing at higher elevations or still have the chance to witness the Northern Lights until the 20th of the month.
  • September – September has several advantages, such as reduced hotel and activity prices, fewer crowds, fall colors, and optimal northern lights. However, days are shorter, and rain and cooler weather are possible. 
  • October – The first half of October provides a great opportunity to enjoy some summer-like conditions without the crowds. With relatively warmer temperatures and longer days, you can really enjoy your stay. However, as the month progresses, days become shorter and colder, with a possibility of snowfall in the mountains.
  • November – November in Alaska can be tough due to increasing darkness and cold temperatures in the 20s and 30s. However, if you are visiting for the Northern Lights and do not require many winter activities, November could be an ideal month for your trip.
  • December – Winter days in Alaska are short, with daylight beginning around mid-morning and fading into dusk by mid-afternoon. Nevertheless, the season offers amazing opportunities for winter sports with great snow conditions and twinkling holiday lights adorning the cities. Additionally, the cold and dark nights make it an ideal time for the Aurora Borealis experience. 
Helicopter landing on an Alaska glacier for an adventure elopement

Obtaining a marriage license in Alaska

Couples who opt for elopement find the legal stuff the most exhausting. Since there are different rules in different countries, you have to be well-informed, so you can set out on your adventure prepared. When figuring out how to elope in Alaska, take into account that you don’t need to gather extensive documentation, but you need to have everything ready. 

First, you will need to apply for a marriage license through the State of Alaska, which costs $60 and is valid for 90 days. You need to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe before your special day. Other documents you will need are IDs or birth certificates. There’s a three-day waiting period, and you’ll have to have a Notary Public witness before you send the documents off.

Your marriage application needs to be turned in to the Alaska Court or The Vital Records Office in Juneau or Anchorage. To legally elope in Alaska, you will need to have two witnesses present at your ceremony. If you don’t plan on bringing any family or friends, your witnesses can be your Alaska elopement photographer and some random hiker- if they want to do you a favor. If you ask us, this is quite cool and completely adventurous! 

Couple celebrating their Alaska elopement with mountain views

Intimate Alaska elopement ceremony surrounded by wilderness

Where I take couples in Alaska

The most exciting part of planning an Alaska elopement is picking out your location. This state is known for miraculous landscapes and magical scenery, so whichever place you use, you will absolutely enjoy yourselves- and your celebration! Here are some of the most stunning locations for getting married. 

Every place below is somewhere I have actually photographed a couple, not a list I pulled from a map. Each one is a different kind of day, and I will tell you straight which one fits you.

Wasilla, Palmer and the Mat-Su Valley

An hour north of Anchorage and the most underrated elopement country in the state. Hatcher Pass gives you alpine tundra, old mine buildings and a road that climbs above the treeline. Knik Glacier is a helicopter or side-by-side day. Lakes and mountain views sit right off the road. Rob and Meghan married here with guests and an adventure built in. Best June through September. Hatcher Pass is a state park, so plan for day-use fees.

Rob and Meghan’s wedding at The Gathering Place near Wasilla, Alaska

Girdwood

Forty-five minutes south of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Temperate rainforest, a tram to the top of Alyeska for a mountaintop ceremony, and Winner Creek trail for a forest walk in your dress. Lodging is right there, which makes it the easiest full day in the state. June through September; snow is back by October.

Whittier and Prince William Sound

Through the one-lane tunnel off the Seward Highway, about ninety minutes from Anchorage. This is boat country: tidewater glaciers calving into the sound, sea otters, kayaks and a ceremony on deck if you want it. The tunnel runs on a schedule, so your timeline is built around it. June through September.

Elopement couple at Whittier, Prince William Sound, Alaska

The Kenai Peninsula and forest beaches

Cooper Landing, the turquoise Kenai River and Homer at the end of the road with Kachemak Bay in front of it. This is where my couples fish. Salmon runs peak late June through August, and the spruce forest runs right down to the beach, which gives you two completely different sets of photos within a few steps. Fly-out bear viewing leaves from Homer and Soldotna.

Homer and Kachemak Bay

The end of the road, literally: the Sterling Highway runs out at the Homer Spit, a four-mile finger of gravel with Kachemak Bay on both sides and the Kenai Mountains and glaciers standing across the water. It is five hours from Anchorage, and worth every one. Bishop’s Beach at low tide gives you a mile of wet sand and mountain reflections. A water taxi across the bay drops you at Grewingk Glacier Lake, where icebergs float past your ceremony, or at Halibut Cove, a boardwalk village with no cars. The bear-viewing flights to the Katmai and Lake Clark coast leave from the Homer airport, so you can marry on the beach in the morning and stand in front of brown bears by lunch. Halibut fishing runs all summer. Best May through September, and the Spit is windy, so bring a jacket for the dress.

Lake Clark National Park

Floatplane only, about an hour from Anchorage, no roads in or out. Coastal brown bears in June, a lake that looks like glass, and a ceremony where the only sound is the water. Amanda and Cody eloped here. Commercial photography in the park needs a permit, which I file. Air taxis book out six months ahead for summer. There are four lakes you can marry on, and they are not the same day: my Lake Clark lake-by-lake guide walks through each one.

Amanda and Cody’s fly-in elopement at Lake Clark National Park

Kodiak

A flight or the ferry from the mainland. Emerald hills, empty beaches and the biggest bears in the world. Fewer couples make it out here, which is exactly the point. Best July through September.

Glaciers by helicopter

Out of Seward, Girdwood or the Palmer side, you can land on ice that has been moving for ten thousand years and say your vows in total silence. Weather decides the day, so there is always a second plan. Everything about it is on my Alaska glacier elopement page.

Couple on a glacier during their Alaska helicopter elopement

Glacier Bay National Park

Perhaps the most striking thing Alaska is known for is the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park. It’s one of the locations you can pass by during one of the Inside Passage cruises, which would definitely be the highlight of your trip. Not only will you see the 100-ton icebergs of the Margerie Glacier, but you’ll also witness the abundant wildlife of orcas, sea lions, seals, and other marine animals. If you bring a pair of binoculars, you will probably spot a bear onshore or some mountain goats on the cliffs.

Katmai National Park

We’ve already briefly mentioned this location, so you know it’s mainly popular for the brown grizzly bears living there. In addition, this national park is home to Brooks Falls- Alaska’s most famous waterfall that offers stunning bear-viewing spots. This remote park is also known for the hiking, fishing, rafting, and kayaking possibilities it offers. However, due to its specific location, you’ll be able to reach it only by floatplane. Well, ain’t this the most unique and adventurous way to elope in Alaska?

Juneau

As the capital city of Alaska, Juneau provides an urban backdrop for an elopement, yet it will also enchant those who deeply admire the wilderness. The city boasts an abundance of wildlife, including whales, birds, and bears, and can be conveniently accessed by ferry or air travel. Moreover, with 40 glaciers close to the city and the largest intact rainforest, the Tongass, a Juneau elopement is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. 

Seward

Located south of Anchorage, the Seward area can be conveniently reached by a 35-minute flight or a 2-hour drive. However, the most exciting way to get there is by train, which takes around four hours and offers breathtaking views along the way. Seward is known for its rural and natural environment with abundant wildlife and trails. Being a coastal town, it provides a stunning backdrop for beautiful photos.

Anchorage 

An Anchorage elopement is perfect for those seeking a blend of city and nature. It is the largest city in Alaska, nestled amidst awe-inspiring, snow-capped mountains, resulting in a picturesque location. Moreover, Anchorage’s airport offers easy access to the city, eliminating the need for extensive travel or connecting flights to reach more remote areas.

Denali

One honest note first: you cannot elope on Denali itself. What you can do is put the mountain behind you, and on a clear day there is nothing like it.

Denali is undoubtedly one of the top reasons to choose Alaska as your elopement destination. The National Park and Reserves are fascinating, providing an ideal outdoor venue to exchange vows with your loved one. The park is abundant with scenic trails, majestic mountains, and breathtaking vistas, so you will have the chance to explore the most beautiful treasures of this state. What’s more, this pristine ecosystem boasts unique wildlife, from wolves and bears to caribou and even Dall sheep. You’ll get to witness all this from your bus or through a ranger-led program.

You can reach Denali via a plane, which will take 1.5 from Anchorage or about 2 hours from Juneau. Another possibility is to take an 8-hour train ride or a 4-hour car ride from Anchorage.

Bride and groom on ice during their Alaska glacier wedding

Things to consider while planning your Alaska Elopement

Hair and makeup: Ripleigh at AK Borealis Beauties is my go-to for Alaska brides.

Picking the date and place of your elopement doesn’t mean that you have already acquired all the information about how to elope in Alaska. There are some additional things you need to consider, and which will really help you with the planning. 

  • Insurance – Since you are going on a trip, it is always wise to be protected. You never know what can happen on your way to your destination, so some insurance coverage will not do any harm. 
  • Flights – It’s highly recommended to avoid arriving the day before or on the day of your elopement. This is due to unexpected flight delays or cancellations that can occur, so it’s best that you book your flight a couple of days. Having an extra day to spare provides some assurance and flexibility in your travel plans.
  • Extra costs – You should count on some extra costs, like activities, food, and gas. Therefore, make sure that you plan them along with your other expenses. 

 

Getting around and staying in Alaska

Flights – Alaska’s primary ports of entry are Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau airports. Among them, Anchorage is the largest city with the busiest airport – the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. You can check out Skyscanner, Momondo, Cheapoair, and Google Flights for affordable flight options.

Ferry – Traveling by ferry is another enjoyable way to explore Alaska’s beautiful destinations.

Car rentals – It is always convenient to get around Alaska by car. You will want to get from one place to another easily and without tricky commuting ways, therefore, renting a car will be a wise decision. 

 

Staying in Alaska for your elopement

The most practical option for your accommodation in Alaska would be to stay in a hotel. There are plenty of hotels in Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Seward, Juneau, Glacier View, and Glacier Bay you can select from. However, there are also some amazing Airbnb accommodations that you might find suitable. We have a whole list of our favorite Airbnb stays that cover the whole state of Alaska

Alaska elopement couple photographed by Brit Nicole Photography

What to wear for your Alaska elopement

The dress 

As you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring in your elopement dress, it’s important to consider practicality when choosing your attire. While mermaid-style dresses may look stunning, they can be difficult to move in, and heavier fabrics may make you feel hot and sweaty if you plan on hiking. It’s best to opt for lighter fabrics such as tulle or chiffon, as they will keep you cool and will look gorgeous in photos, even if it gets windy on your Alaska elopement day. For getting married in colder months or unpredictable weather conditions, consider bringing base layers such as nude leggings to wear underneath your dress to keep you warm. 

The shoes   

Wearing high heels or uncomfortable dress shoes may not be the most practical choice for an adventure elopement. However, opting for a pair of hiking boots with your wedding attire can be quite cool! To ensure you’re fully prepared for the big day, break into your shoes ahead of time and avoid any unnecessary distractions while you’re out exploring.

The suit

For those not planning to hike during their Alaska adventure, a three-piece tuxedo can be a great option, especially in colder months. However, you might want to opt for a lighter and more breathable outfit during summertime. A nice button-up shirt paired with dress pants will still look classy and elegant while keeping you comfortable. Wearing thermal base layers under your clothes can be a lifesaver in colder weather.

Alaska elopement couple under dramatic northern skies

Alaska elopement packages

Alaska sits in my Alaska + Hawaii collection at $8,750, with all of my travel included. Flights, lodging, rental car, the whole circus. The number I quote you is the number you pay. Most couples spend $11,000 to $15,000 all-in once the air taxi or helicopter, excursions and their own stay are added. Half day or full day, the price is the same.

Every Alaska package includes: coverage up to 12 non-consecutive hours, from first look to star shots; a full-resolution gallery with printing rights and a print release; custom location scouting and research matched to your budget and your personalities; permit handling, which I file; vendor and operator recommendations; a custom timeline built around real light and real flight windows, with a second version for when the weather votes; unlimited planning calls; my 90+ page Alaska elopement guide; and me as your officiant if you want it, because I am ordained and can legally marry you in Alaska.

The aircraft is the one honest line item on top. You book the helicopter, floatplane or boat directly with the operator, and I tell you exactly which ones to trust and when to book. See every collection on my elopement packages page.

Check your Alaska date

Alaska elopement couple photographed by Brit Nicole Photography

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Drawn to somewhere else cold and wild? See How to Elope in Iceland.

Want to see what these days actually look like instead of just reading about them? Peek at this Lake Clark elopement and this helicopter glacier elopement. Then come talk to me and let’s build yours. You can also browse everywhere I shoot on my destination elopement locations page.

Not ready to reach out yet? Steal my free Destination Elopement Starter Guide: the exact first steps I walk every couple through, from picking your place to the legal shortcuts nobody tells you about. Grab the free guide here and start dreaming with a plan.

What Couples Say About Their Alaska Elopement

“Brit made our dreams a reality. From the first phone call to the day of our elopement in Alaska, she was so easy to work with and so personable. Even when the day didn’t go 100% to plan, she had plan A, B, C, and D ready to be sure we had a perfect day. AND WE DID. It turned out even better than we could have imagined.”

Amanda + Cody, floatplane elopement at Lake Clark National Park

“She helped with the smallest of things like zipping up my dress, to keeping in contact with the boat captain the whole time to help us find a beach for the best pictures ever. Our bouquet didn’t come in, and within a few minutes she had a local florist contacting us. She even brought the champagne. Stop questioning and just do it. Truly, it will be the best day of your life.”

Amber, helicopter glacier elopement


Dreaming of the ice? Read my Alaska glacier elopement page.

Why Alaska Is Not the Place to Gamble on Your Photographer

Alaska does not care about your wedding date. Flight windows close, fog grounds helicopters, and a perfect forecast can flip before your coffee is gone. Plenty of photographers can shoot Alaska on a good day. You are not paying for the good day. You are paying for what happens on the other one.

I build every Alaska day with backup aircraft windows, backup landing zones, and a Plan C that is already routed before you wake up. I check conditions every single wedding morning before we ever leave, the same habit that once saved an entire Iceland wedding from a 30 foot rogue wave before my couple even knew there was a problem. And because I am legally ordained, there is no officiant to coordinate onto a glacier. I marry you AND shoot it. On a helicopter day, one less seat to fill is not a detail. It is the plan.

The flight windows, the backup landing zones, the tide tables, the marriage license timing, and a day built in five versions before you ever pack. That is what you are actually paying for. The person offering to shoot Alaska for free brings a camera and a dream. I bring the machine that makes your dream land safely.

What Your Alaska Elopement Day Actually Looks Like

Here is your wedding day, Alaska-sized.

The Half Day

6:00am You get ready in a lodge with coffee and a window full of mountains. Nobody asks you about seating charts because there are no seats and no chart.

7:30am The helicopter spools up. Your dress is packed like precious cargo and your stomach does the good kind of flip.

8:00am You land on a glacier. Blue ice to the horizon, silence so complete you hear your own heartbeat. First look happens right there because neither of you can wait.

8:30am Your vows on ten thousand year old ice with mountains for witnesses and me far enough away that it is truly just you two. Your breath clouds between you. It is the most alone and most together you will ever feel.

9:15am Champagne on the ice. You slide around laughing. The pilot pretends not to cry.

10:30am Back down to earth, married, buzzing, starving. Lunch tastes like victory.

The Full Day (the one most couples book, and the same price as the half day)

Morning on the glacier, then an afternoon that keeps escalating: a floatplane to a lake no road reaches, salmon jumping while you eat dinner on a gravel bar, a bonfire on a beach with the midnight sun refusing to quit. In September we trade the endless light for a shot at the aurora over your first married night. Alaska does not do halfway, and neither does your wedding day here.

One day, zero roads required, a story nobody at your office will top. That is the elopement difference.

Want the numbers before anything else? Smart. All my elopement packages and pricing are public: every travel cost included, zero surprise invoices.

Alaska elopement FAQ

Do you need a permit to elope in Alaska?

It depends on where. National parks like Denali, Kenai Fjords, Lake Clark, Katmai and Glacier Bay require a commercial photography permit, which I file for you. State parks such as Hatcher Pass charge day-use fees. Most roadside pullouts, beaches and trailheads need nothing at all.

How much does it cost to elope in Alaska?

My Alaska packages are $8,750 with all of my travel included. Most couples spend $11,000 to $15,000 all-in once the air taxi or helicopter, excursions and their own lodging are added. The marriage license is $60.

When is the best time to elope in Alaska?

June through September. June gives you the longest light and wildflowers, July and August bring the salmon runs and the bears that follow them, and late August into September adds fall color and the first real chance of northern lights.

Can you see the northern lights at an Alaska elopement?

Only when it gets dark. Summer nights never do, so a June or July elopement will not see them. From late August through April, on a clear night away from town, you have a real chance, and I plan those nights to stay flexible.

Is there a waiting period for an Alaska marriage license?

Yes. Alaska has a three-day waiting period after the state receives your application. Once issued, the license is valid for 90 days. There is no residency requirement, and you can apply online.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Alaska?

Yes, two witnesses must be present at the ceremony. If I am officiating, we bring two. If a friend or family member officiates, I can stand as one of your witnesses, and I have for plenty of couples.

Can we land on a glacier for our ceremony?

Yes. Helicopter operators out of Seward, Girdwood and the Palmer side land on glaciers from roughly May through September, weather permitting. You book the flight directly, I tell you which operators to trust, and we always have a second plan for the day the clouds win.

How far ahead do we need to book an Alaska elopement?

Summer dates go nine to twelve months out. Air taxis and helicopters usually want a deposit about six months ahead. If you are reading this in winter for a summer date, you are right on time.

Check your Alaska date

Tell me what you are picturing and roughly what you have set aside, and I will tell you straight whether it works, and where in Alaska it works best.

Check your Alaska date

Free guide

Planning Alaska? Steal my Destination Elopement Starter Guide.

The exact first steps I walk every couple through: picking your place, the legal shortcuts nobody tells you about, and the real numbers. Then four short emails with my best locations and a gift at the end.

Send me the guide

About the photographer. Brit Nicole is a destination elopement photographer and planner based in Amarillo, Texas. She has photographed elopements since 2006, has worked in Alaska since 2017, and travels worldwide with all travel included in her collections. Her work has been featured by The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, PopSugar, Junebug Weddings, HuffPost, ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox News. She is ordained, files her own permits, and builds a backup plan for every Alaska day. See her elopement packages or check your date.

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