How to Elope in Alaska | Andrea Wagner Elopement Photographer

“North to the future.” That’s Alaska’s state motto, and I love how it falls perfectly in line with elopements. When you start looking for “How to elope in Alaska” you usually do it thinking about your future, your north. And Alaska embodies that.

A while back I wrote a blog listing my 12 Best Elopement Locations in the U.S. and one of the first places that came to mind was Denali National Park in Alaska.

But that got me thinking about the specific spots within the park for eloping as well as other locations within the vast state of Alaska. And after doing some research I wanted to share my findings with you!

Denali National Park covers 6 million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness. Meaning that there are more than enough intimate locations within the park. But since there is so much wilderness, there are dangers to avoid! So it’s important to keep in mind that you want to go with someone familiar with the park.

But to best know how to elope in Alaska we need to cover the basics. Such as permits, marriage licenses, and officiants laws.

Let’s go over marriage licenses first. Like in most states, in Alaska to obtain a marriage license you have to be over 18 years old. And a birth certificate may be required to show proof of age! An Alaskan marriage license is valid only for marriages performed in Alaska or Alaska State waters. You must apply to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. And don’t forget the $60 application fee!

There is a three-business-day waiting period. This means that you must wait at least three full business days after the application is submitted before you can pick up the license and the marriage ceremony can be performed. So be sure to plan around that!

And the license will be valid for three months from the day it’s issued. If the marriage isn’t performed before the three-month expiration of the license it will no longer be valid.

What about hiring an officiant to elope in Alaska?

Who qualifies as an officiant in the state of Alaska? Well according to the Alaska Public Courts documents this is a minister, priest, or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state. Or a judicial officer of the state anywhere within the state.

But what if you’d rather have a friend or loved one officiate your wedding? No worries! They would just have to get ordained.

And last but not least, you’ll need PERMITS to elope in Alaska.

Permits are going to work a bit differently since these will be based more on your location.

So without further ado, we will go right into the exciting part…

The locations!

Alaska is known as the last frontier state for good reason, it’s WILD in the best way. Get ready to feel small in the beautiful vast wilderness. Lost in the romance of the landscape.

Let’s start with the national parks. Alaska has 8 beautiful National Parks within the state.

What about permits to elope in the Alaska park?

Like most National Parks, you have to apply for a Special Use Permit for all of these parks in Alaska. Depending on your party size and specifications there are different types of permits you have to apply for. The best way to be sure you are applying for the right one is by checking online and speaking directly to a ranger if you have any questions!

First off we have the beautiful Denali National Park.

Denali has the highest mountain in the U.S. (Formerly known as Mount McKinley.) At its core, Denali is a refuge for the wildlife who call it home. So while its beauty is to be admired and explored, be sure to explore with caution. If your wedding party will include six or more people use this Special Use Permit to apply. If you have five or fewer people attending use this one. It will cost you $200. But don’t forget one last thing! Contact the park through this link at least ten days before your wedding day.

Next up we have the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve.

The Bering Land Bridge National Preserve covers 2.8 million acres on the tundra Seward Peninsula of northwestern Alaska. It’s one of the most remote National Park areas and least visited in the United States. But it’s definitely worth the visit! Full of beautiful frozen terrain and a plethora of animals to admire together while proclaiming your “I do’s”. Nothing beats that. (For the Special Use Permit at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve you’ll have to email the office directly. You can find the information here!)

Let’s dive into Katmai National Park.

Get ready to explore and find spectacularly unique volcanoes, and wildlife. Especially brown bears that are drawn to the salmon in Brooks Falls. You can find Katmai located on a peninsula in southern Alaska and it’s only accessible by boat or plane. This means you have a high chance of eloping in solitude! (For more information on Special Use Permits click here.)

Explore the Kenai Fjords National Park.

This National Park covers 607,805 acres of unspoiled wilderness on the southeast coast of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Get ready to see icebergs, glaciers, orcas, and so much more wildlife. Only 125 miles south of Anchorage you'll find all the beauty this park has to offer. An application for a Special Use Permit will cost $100. Don’t forget to apply at least 2 weeks before the date!

Sitka National Historical Park is a definite contender.

This may be the smallest National Park Alaska has to offer (at only 113 acres) but it’s not small in beauty. Being the oldest national park in Alaska it is rich in history. To find out if you need a Special Use Permit call (907)-747-0110.

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is impossibly beautiful.

Welcome to the largest National Park in the U.S. (It’s equal to SIX Yellowstone’s!) With nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States and one of the largest active volcanoes in North America, it’s a romantic backdrop for an elopement! If glaciers are a part of your dream Alaskan experience, go with this one. Here is the Special Use Permit application, just don’t forget the $200 application fee.

We can’t forget about the Gates of the Arctic National Park.

This is the northernmost National Park in the United States. It’s a vast and untouched National Park. There are no roads, no trails, and no established campsites. With 8.4 million acres of natural beauty, it’s the perfect place for discovery and exploration. (Check here for information on a Special Use Permit.)

Last but not least, Kobuk Valley National Park.

Kobuk covers 1.75 million acres of forest and mountains in northwestern Alaska and includes the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Which is the largest active, high-latitude, dune field on Earth. It has some of the most unique landscapes in all of Alaska and is visually spectacular. (Check here for Special Use Permit information!)

But what about locations to elope in Alaska that aren’t in a National Park?

While around 60% of Alaska is federal land, there are plenty of locations outside of National Parks that are just as exquisite.

Let’s start with the mountain locations to elope in Alaska.

There are indeed lots of mountains within the National Parks as well but I need to spotlight these beauties as well. I want to specifically go over 4 of them.

Mount Susanna (A.K.A “The Sleeping Lady”.)

The sunsets in this corner of the world are spectacular. The golden sky reflects off the slopes as the sun sets for the night. It’s truly a sight to behold. This is a 4,396-foot mountain located on the west bank of the lower Susitna River. (About 33 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska.)

The Chugach Mountains.

This one is a winner for sure. It’s one of the most beautiful Alaska mountain ranges and they form a dazzling backdrop to Anchorage. (Alaska’s largest city.) These mountains are special because they are the northernmost of the mountain ranges that make up the Pacific Coast Ranges of the western edge of North America. But they’re more than that, they are perfect for the adventurous souls out there.

Mount Marathon

This mountain is famed for the grueling annual Independence Day race that draws 1,000 runners from all over Alaska. From the highest point, on a clear day, you can see the entire length of Resurrection Bay, as well as the vast white sheet of the Harding Icefield. It is a 4,826-foot mountain summit directly west of Seward in the Kenai Mountains. This is another one that would be great for the adventurous or athletic couple on their elopement day.

Mount Roberts

This mountain towers behind the state capital, Juneau, the town huddled on a narrow strip between the slopes and the Gastineau Channel. There is so much to see on this mountain. You can stroll through the rainforest and the alpine meadows full of colorful flowers. Just keep an eye out for the wildlife!

Another favorite of mine to elope in Alaska? Coastline towns.

Alaska has over 40,000 miles of coastline. (Including the islands.) And there are plenty of locations within the miles of shoreline that could be the perfect backdrop for your day. I’m just going to mention a couple to you!

Seward, Alaska.

This magical little town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. You can have your elopement ceremony on the black sand beaches and then take photos with waterfalls and glaciers nearby for the most unique experience. Keep in mind that since some of these locations are only available by plane, you might have to charter a flight! But don’t worry, it’s an easy process and worth it.

Gustavus, Alaska.

For those wanting a small-town feel with all the big and magnificent views, Gustavus is calling your name. Gustavus is surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park and beautiful snow-capped mountains. The relatively moderate climate is perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife sightings while still giving you all the benefits of a small town.

And as in every state, there are unique locations, and Alaska has no shortage of these. Everything from the northern lights to a private Alaskan cruise. And while all of these locations are beautiful in their way, remember to not let the options overwhelm you. No one knows what will work best for you as a couple than you do, and if you’re feeling lost you can always contact me here to talk about options!

And as always, happy elopement planning!