How to Elope in Anchorage: Your Ultimate Guide
Anchorage, Alaska - okay, listen, the city itself might not be *all that* BUT the nature? the food? the wildlife? the viewwwwws? the accessibility? there’s so many options. Also, I’m going to be real here - I will be using the term “Anchorage” loosely. Like I said the city is… what it is. There are cute pockets! But the Anchorage Bowl in general (surrounding areas)?! Brimming with options. Let’s chat about it!!
Why Choose Anchorage for Your Elopement?
On the practical side of things - it’s convenient! Anchorage is the main airport that you can fly into. While it isn’t a huge city compared to cities in the lower 48 , it IS the biggest city in Alaska so there’s a plethora of options for accommodations, car rentals, etc. around the airport.
On the vibes side of things, you have a lot of variety in Anchorage to choose from! Variety in dining options, and also different landscapes. Obviously mountains are the common denominator, but locations can range from alpine forest to rocky beaches by the oceans.
Best Time to Elope in Anchorage
Summer (June–August): This is when you’re going to get your “warmest” weather. You’re also going to get the midnight sun (it’s light till midnight, literally), lots of wildlife, and also… a LOT of tourists. This can be a plus because there are so many adventures and stays available for tourist season! It can also be a downside because well, there’s a lot more people, RV traffic, and you have to book things ahead of time to snag a spot.
Fall (September–October): Realistically, we only get fall colors for like, two weeks, usually in September. The birch leaves turn yellow and the mountainsides turn red and it’s stunning!! And then a big wind always blows through. BUT. It’s super pretty until then!! I love fall elopements. The temperatures are cooler, the air is crisp, you can go blueberry picking, and there are generally less people as tourist season slows down!
Winter (November–March): Underrated, if you ask me. You DO have to either be okay with the cold or dress for it, but Alaska is STUNNING in the winter. On clear days, the sunsets are something else. Snow covered pine trees, epic white peaks, and cozy vibes? Sign me up!!
Spring (April–May): Don’t come in April. I AM KIDDING but April and early May are “breakup season” - lots of brown trees, melting snow and mud, and overall not a super inspiring aesthetic. But if April is your time, we can always go to higher altitudes where there will still be snow or south where there is less snow in general!
Best Anchorage Elopement Locations
Flattop Mountain (Glen Alps) - Sweeping views of Anchorage on a clear day, pine trees and mountainscapes for days.
Kincaid Park - Home of the only truly sandy “beaches” in the area! You can take the trail to the sand dunes, or a different beach to get closer to the ocean. Moose are pretty common in this park too if you have your heart set on seeing wildlife!
Beluga Point (Turnagain Arm) - This location is beautiful year round. You should go see it even if you don’t elope there - it’s only 20 minutes outside anchorage. Sunsets are stunning - it can get windy, but you also might see beluga whales.
Eklutna Lake - Forty-five minutes north of Anchorage! You drive a windy road off the highway to an absolutely epic view of a the mountains towering over a glacial lake.
Alaska Botanical Garden - Looking for something a little more fairy garden vibes? Alaska Botanical Garden! Super accessible and obviously, green and planty!
Downtown - If you’re set on the courthouse city elopement vibe, there are cute streets in Anchorage and a couple rooftop bars we could really do some fun stuff with.
Marriage License & Legal Requirements
Alaska marriage licenses are available at Anchorage courthouse or online; there’s o residency requirement. There’s a three-day waiting period after application (can be waived by request). The application process is pretty simple: you need your ID and to pay the $60 fee.
My recommendation would be to hire an officiant to take care of the rest of the paperwork for you for after the fact!
Recommended Vendors in Anchorage
I can’t go spilling ALL my secrets - but I do have an amazing network of Alaskan vendors that literally live to make your elopement dreams come true. Florists, officiants, hair and makeup artists, you name it! I’ll point you in the right direction.
Where to Stay in Anchorage
Hotel Captain Cook: If you’re a hotel kind of couple, this is the place! You’ll get a luxury downtown experience.
Alyeska Resort (Girdwood) Okay this is technically not in anchorage, but there’s scenic mountain views, it’s a ski resort if you’re into that and here in winter, and also - they have the Nordic Spa, and it would be wrong of me not to tell you about the Nordic Spa.
Boutique Airbnbs or cabins - There are plenty of unique and aesthetic stays in the Anchorage Bowl! For example - my favorite Seward Airbnb owners opened some stays in Anchorage and the vibe does NOT disappoint: Salted Roots Anchorage
Fun Things to Do on Your Anchorage Elopement Day
I could honestly talk forever about all the options so I’m just going to rapid fire to get you inspired! You could:
Take a helicopter tour, land on a glacier, or near an epic remote waterfall! Go dog sledding (in the winter)! You could do a brewery tour (we have so many). You can take a number or epic or short and sweet but equally beautiful hikes in the area. You can view wildlife in the literal wild or at the wildlife center. You can bike the Tony Knowles Coastal trail. You can go to dinner (you SHOULD go to dinner) - there’s Glacier Brewhouse, South Restaurant, the Crow’s Nest, Simon and Seaforts - and that’s just scratching the surface (some of these restaurants have rooms you can rent for private parties as well, perfect for intimate elopements!).
Tips for a Smooth Anchorage Elopement
Some hot tips from a local Alaskan (me, lol):
You’re going to want to bring/acquire and dress in layers. Alaska is going to do what she does! The weather is unpredictable and can be extreme - rain, snow, wind, sun? all on the table. It’ll be beautiful no matter what, but you’re going to want to be comfortable. Keep that in mind for footwear too - the best choice will depend on your activity plans and location.
I HIGHLY recommend planning a weekday elopement, especially if you’re planning for summer! You’re going to have a lot more options for accomodations/vendors etc. and just less crowds at popular spots in general. *summer really is so crazy - we live hard and fast and we love it but it fills up QUICKLY so I always recommend booking your vendors as far in advance as possible.
And remember what I said earlier about Alaska doing what she does? Depending on the weather, you’re going to have to be flexible, trust your vendors, and embrace the adventure. I promise you’ll have the best time ever if you do.
Ready to Elope in Anchorage?
We’ve got food. We’ve got adventures. We’ve got food (oops already said that) and views and so many options. If any of this information or these photos are speaking to your heart, Anchorage is a great place to start! (I truly hate the rhyming situation that just happened but not enough to re word it).
If you’re ready to start planning your dream Anchorage elopement or have questions, reach out! I GOTCHU. We will make magic. If you haven’t guessed by now, I am a local Alaskan elopement photographer and I loooveeeee helping my couples dream up what their elopement day could look like! - Rachel
