Alaska, with its breathtaking landscapes and untouched wilderness, offers some of the most spectacular settings for an elopement. If you’re dreaming of a wedding day amongst towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and serene lakes, Alaska might be the perfect destination for you. Here are five wild and scenic locations to consider for your elopement in Alaska.

1. Denali National Park

Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, which rises 20,310 feet above sea level. The park’s diverse terrain includes vast tundra, dense forests, and glacier-carved valleys, providing a stunning backdrop for an elopement.

• Highlights: Denali Peak, Wonder Lake, Eielson Visitor Center

• Permits: A special use permit is required for events with 12 or more people. You can inquire about a special-use permit through the National Park Service (NPS) website: https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/permits.htm

 

2. Mendenhall Glacier

Located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is an awe-inspiring 13-mile-long river of ice. The glacier is part of the Tongass National Forest, offering a dramatic and unforgettable setting for your ceremony.

• Highlights: Mendenhall Lake, Nugget Falls, Ice Caves

• Permits: A special use permit may be required for weddings and other special events. Contact the Juneau Ranger District for more information on obtaining a permit: 907-586-8800

 

3. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park, with its rugged coastline and stunning fjords, offers a unique and picturesque setting for an elopement. The park’s Harding Icefield and numerous glaciers create a breathtaking backdrop that is sure to make your day memorable.

• Highlights: Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield Trail, Bear Glacier Lagoon

• Permits: A special use permit may be required. You can apply for a permit through the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/permits.htm

 

4. Kachemak Bay State Park

Kachemak Bay State Park, located near Homer, is Alaska’s first state park and offers a diverse landscape of mountains, glaciers, forests, and ocean. The park’s remote and wild beauty makes it a perfect spot for an intimate elopement.

• Highlights: Grewingk Glacier, China Poot Bay, Halibut Cove

• Permits: A permit is required for events with 20 or more people. Contact the Alaska State Parks office for more information on obtaining a permit: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/permit/index.htm

 

5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

As the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve encompasses over 13 million acres of wild and rugged terrain. The park features some of the highest peaks in North America, massive glaciers, and pristine wilderness, making it an incredible location for an elopement.

• Highlights: Root Glacier, McCarthy, Kennicott Glacier

• Permits: A special use permit is required for large weddings. You can apply for a permit through the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

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Eloping in Alaska offers the chance to exchange vows in some of the most wild and scenic places on Earth. Whether you’re drawn to the towering peaks of Denali, the icy expanse of Mendenhall Glacier, or the rugged coastline of Kenai Fjords, Alaska’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for a truly unforgettable elopement. Be sure to check the permit requirements for your chosen location and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and magical wedding day.

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