alaska elopement

Alaska Elopement Ideas: 3 Unique & Adventurous Ways to Say "I Do"

bride and groom standing on a glacier in alaska

As an experienced Alaska-based photographer, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless elopements within the raw, untamed beauty of the last frontier.

If you’re eloping in Alaska, why not make getting married a full-on adventure?

Alaska is wild, vast, and full of places that will take your breath away. Elopements in Alaska are for the daring, for those who cherish excitement and beauty as they embark on a lifelong journey together.

If you and your partner want an elopement that feels like an adventure - not just a photoshoot but a real, once-in-a-lifetime experience - these 3 adventure elopement ideas will make your day unforgettable.

bride and groom getting off a helicopter on a glacier in alaska

one // Helicopter Glacier Elopement

bride and groom walking across a glacier in front of mountains

Picture this—you lift off in a helicopter, soaring over mountains and wildlife before landing on an actual glacier. Just you, your partner, and miles of untouched ice (and the pilot/officiant...and me... but you get the idea).

Glacier blue ice caves, towering peaks, and the kind of silence that makes everything feel more intimate. No guests, no stress, just the two of you in one of the most surreal places on earth.

bride and groom show off their wedding rings in a glacial pool
couple eloping on a glacier in front of mountains in alaska
groom kissing the bride after saying vows on a glacier in alaska

Some pro tips to get the most out of this experience: Dress in warm layers (even in summer) and opt for a flowy dress or veil that will catch the wind for extra jaw-dropping photos. Book with a reputable helicopter tour company like Outbound Helicopters or Alaska Helicopter Company. (I've worked with both of these companies!).

two // Oceanfront Vows & Private Boat Adventure

couple looking at each other through the window of a boat on the ocean in alaska

If you’re drawn to the ocean, imagine hopping on a private boat to a rocky coastline, where you exchange your vows in front of the waves and the mountains.

Boat elopements are the ultimate mix of coastal romance and adventure - if you're lucky, you'll see wildlife (puffins! seals! etc!) and galavant around secluded islands. One of my couples did their first dance on the beach with an audience of sea birds and it was perfect.

bride and groom saying their vows in front of pine trees and mountains on a secluded island in alaska
bride and groom enjoying the view on the ocean outside seward alaska
rocky outcropping over the ocean outside seward alaska
bride and groom kiss on a boat in front of waterfalls in alaska

To make the most out of this experience: Booking a private charter in areas like Kenai Fjords, Resurrection Bay, or Prince William Sound - my suggestions would be Millers Landing, Resurrection Bay Sailing, or Shearwater Cove. Pack a cozy blanket for the ride, and bring champagne to celebrate on the water - OR, better yet, hire a planner like AK Happenings or A Touch of Saige Events to coordinate cake/other treats and a beautiful table setting for you out in the wild.

three // Hike to a Secluded Ceremony Spot

bride and groom running through the mountains in alaska

There’s something grounding about your own two feet carrying you to a beautiful, stunning view where you will marry the love of your life. Whether it’s a short, scenic trail or a longer trek to a mountain peak, this adventure is perfect for couples who want privacy, stunning and unique views, and a true sense of freedom.

The options you can hike to in Alaska are endless - panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, or even a waterfall. A unique, stunning, just-you-two experience with no distractions (well, except for other hikers - it is Alaska, after all. but they usually keep to themselves and truck along.).

bride and groom saying their vows on the side of a mountain in alaska
bride and groom kissing on a rock on a mountain in hatcher pass
bride laughs at groom saying his vows during their hiking elopement ceremony

Choose a hike that matches your comfort level - trails like April Bowl or Gold Cord Lake in Hatcher Pass offer incredible views without an intense climb; Mt.Baldy or Mile High in Eagle River are steeper, Rabbit Lakes in Anchorage is longer but less uphill. Pack light, wear comfortable hiking boots, and plan a post-ceremony picnic!

groom takes a polaroid photo of his bride after the elope in the mountains

Your Alaskan Adventure

Starts Here

Your elopement day should be as wild and beautiful as your love story. Whether it’s standing on a glacier, sailing into the sunset, or hiking to a secret spot in the mountains, Alaska has endless ways to make your day unforgettable.

Let’s make it happen. I would be honored to help make your dreams come true!

to start planning your adventure elopement today!

polaroid images, a film camera, and a notebook of elopement vows

To see more of my work, click here.

To book with me, click here!

Kind Words

“Rachel was by far the most amazing photographer I could have asked for. She really took the time to get to know us a couple. On the day, she made me feel so comfortable and confident. She was incredibly easy going and creative. We received our photos back very quickly and could not be happier!” -Cristy

Adventure Elopement in Alaska | Carl + Emma

Just another day in the office... except my office was the oceanside in Alaska! I had the incredible honor of capturing Carl and Emma's intimate adventure elopement in Seward, Alaska, and it was SO beautiful. This fun couple ditched traditional wedding norms and exchanged vows amidst rugged natural beauty, creating a truly breathtaking and intimate wedding day. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and precious memories!

Emma spent her morning getting ready in the stunning blue A-frame cabin at Salted Roots Cabins out at Lowell Point in Seward, Alaska. Natural light poured in from the windows as Kelsey from Lipstick and Bobby Pins helped get the bride ready for the day.

Even after years of being an elopement photographer, it's moments like these that I live for - capturing the genuine emotions, the tender glances and the casual banter of close-knit family and friends.

The ceremony location was a perfect postcard-esque scene of Alaskan beauty. Lowell Point is one of my personal favorites in Alaska. Carl and Emma’s intimate vow exchange was witnessed by their closest friends and family and about 432 seagulls squawking on the beach. It was a milestone none of us will forget!

After the intimate ceremony, Carl and Emma and the crew made their way back to the adorable A-frame house. They had a champagne tower (love) and everyone toasted to the newlyweds! Following the champagne, they shared some homemade alaskan sourdough and salmon spread before heading to The Flamingo Lounge for their dinner.

Carl and Emma's Adventure Elopement in Alaska was everything a couple could dream of - cozy, intimate, and breathtakingly beautiful. From an A-frame cabin tucked into a magical forest, to a heartfelt ceremony set against a magnificent landscape, every minute and every photo was full of love. I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of their day ♡

Here's to Carl and Emma, may their life together be as adventerous, fun, and beautiful as their elopement day in Seward, Alaska!

If this kind of magical day is what you’re picturing for your elopement, click here!

Kind Words

“She manages to capture moments instead of just images, and I’m able to relive the emotion, the movement, and the memories of a day that went by so fast.”

— Lizi & Anthony

Dreamy Alaskan Elopement | Connor + Alissa

Connor and Alissa chose Whittier Alaska, their 12ish favorite people and their pups to create the perfect elopement day adventure for the two of them. Everyone got ready in a big cabin in Girdwood before making the drive to the overlook of their dreams in Whittier.


We all hiked down to the most serene little beach spot; Alissa got dressed on the beach and hid in a cove while the groom skipped rocks and the rest of the crew set up their ceremony in front of a stream running into the ocean.

Their ceremony (performed by their dear friend) was sweet and emotional. I never want couples to feel any pressure to “force emotion” during wedding day moments, but I DO want them to feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe to have the space to be authentically themselves and in their feels on their big day.

We raced against the tide to take some one of a kind portraits by the ocean before hiking back up to a perfect snack spread on the picnic tables. We took photos with the crew, drank whisky, and frolicked around in a field.

Thank you to Connor and Alissa for choosing me to document this day that they did their way!

The shots of them out on the rocks in the ocean are maybe some of the most epic photos I’ve ever taken, enjoyyyyy

Planning your own epic but personal adventure elopement and need it photographed?! click here, let’s talk!

Kind Words

“She’s amazing to work with, so talented, and a genuinely great human being. I’m so glad that I found her and had the opportunity to work with her. I can honestly say we found a friend through her and can’t wait until we get to visit Alaska again so we can catch up with her!”

— Bao & Bianca

Jade + Nick in Hatcher Pass // Alaska Elopement Photographer

Jade + Nick’s Hatcher Pass Elopement // Alaska Elopement Photographer

This love story started with a heated conversation (argument?) about aliens, and other important things.

Jade and Nick recounted the details of their first long conversation in the vows they shared during an epic, windy ceremony in Hatcher Pass. After photographing these two for their engagement session and now their elopement, all I could think when I walked away was “They REALLY like each other.” 

From the way they teased each other to the way they kissed, their love and relationship was so strong and beautiful and I was so honored to be their elopement photographer.

Their day felt peaceful and relaxed from start to finish, and Hatcher Pass was of course stunning. Alaska brought all of her wild glory with the sun and wind, and the view from their ceremony felt like you were on top of the world. There’s a reason Hatcher Pass is such a popular elopement location in Alaska. I love photographing there because even though it’s always beautiful, the light and the atmosphere are always different, like much of Alaska - you never know what you’re going to get.

Here are just a few images (oh yes, there are so many more) from their elopement day - getting ready moments, first look feels, hanging out before the ceremony, windy vows, exploring around the mountains, and champagne toasts by the river later.

the ending

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