Why should you elope?
Here are three reasons why adventure elopements are the perfect choice:
✨️Unforgettable Backdrops: Say 'I do' surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, from majestic mountains and magical forests to crystal clear lakes and a serene beach, the options are ENDLESS.
✨️Intimate Moments: Trade the stress of a traditional wedding for intimate moments shared with your partner in nature (or inside). This is YOUR day.
✨️Personalized Experience: Customize every detail of your elopement to reflect your personalities and create memories that last a lifetime. A full day of adventure and vows or a quick ceremony, the choice is YOURS.
Hey Friends! I just wanted to sneak on in here with a few quick reasons why an Adventure Elopement might be the perfect choice for you!
️Unforgettable Backdrops
Say 'I do' surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, from majestic mountains and magical forests to crystal clear lakes and a serene beach, the options are ENDLESS.
️Intimate Moments
Trade the stress of a traditional wedding for intimate moments shared with your partner in nature (or inside). This is YOUR day.
A️ Personalized Experience
Customize every detail of your elopement to reflect your personalities and create memories that last a lifetime. A full day of adventure and vows or a quick ceremony, the choice is YOURS.
If this sounds like something you would love to experience for your special day, scoot on over to my contact form and we can talk about how to make this unique for you and your future spouse!
Happy Eloping!
Adventure Elopement in Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Colorado
Quick tips on how to choose your elopement location
In my experience, one of the most important aspects of an elopement or micro wedding (especially out of state/country) is WHERE you elope.
Now, actually choosing that location can be easier said than done, because let's be honest, there are SO many gorgeous places in the world, and it can be really hard to narrow it down. But fear not, I have a few tips for you and your partner on how to make that list a little shorter.
1. Personal Connection and Meaning:
Choose a location that holds personal significance to you and your partner. Whether it's where you shared your first hike together, a place that evokes cherished memories, or simply a destination that resonates with your spirit, prioritizing meaning will make your elopement experience truly special and authentic
2. The Cost:
This can be a big one. Some of us don't realize the different expenses that go into adventure elopements as opposed to the more "traditional" wedding. Travel costs, permits, gear, or attire that may be needed for your location. As your photographer, these are all things I'll assist you with when planning your day.
3. Accessibility and Permits :
Accessibility for you, for your guests and any vendor staff (i.e., photographer and officient), if you're planning on having any vendors (flowers, cake, etc), knowing how you'll get there and how much space you'll have to work with is essential. Some locations only allow a certain number of guests, no pets or no props (wedding arch, any decorations). It's vital to know what you can do, where, and when. Like before, this is something I assist you with as your photographer to help minimize the stress and confusion.
4. Weather and Daylight :
The time of year and location make a big difference in how much daylight you'll have to work with, because no one wants to be caught off guard hiking in pitch black without headlamps (ask me how I know 😅) The sunrise and sunset times change depending on where you are and what season it is. Winter in Alaska, you're working with about 6 hours of daylight, in the southern most parts, whereas in the summer, you're looking at pretty much 24 hours of daylight.
Would you elope in the Winter or Summer?
In my experience, one of the most important aspects of an elopement or micro wedding (especially out of state/country) is WHERE you choose to elope.
Now, actually choosing that location can be easier said than done, because let's be honest, there are SO many gorgeous places in the world, and it can be really hard to narrow it down. But fear not, I have a few tips for you and your partner on how to make that list a little shorter.
1. Personal Connection and Meaning
Choose a location that holds personal significance to you and your partner. Whether it's where you shared your first hike together, a place that evokes cherished memories, or simply a destination that resonates with your spirit, prioritizing meaning will make your elopement experience truly special and authentic
2. Cost/Expenses
This can be a big one. Some of us don't realize the different expenses that go into adventure elopements as opposed to the more "traditional" wedding. Travel costs, permits, gear, or attire that may be needed for your location. As your photographer, these are all things I'll assist you with when planning your day.
3. Accessibility and Permits
Accessibility for you, for your guests and any vendor staff (i.e., photographer and officient), if you're planning on having any vendors (flowers, cake, etc), knowing how you'll get there and how much space you'll have to work with is essential. Some locations only allow a certain number of guests, no pets or no props (wedding arch, any decorations). It's vital to know what you can do, where, and when. Like before, this is something I assist you with as your photographer to help minimize the stress and confusion.
4. Weather and Amount of Daylight
The time of year and location make a big difference in how much daylight you'll have to work with, because no one wants to be caught off guard hiking in pitch black without headlamps (ask me how I know ) The sunrise and sunset times change depending on where you are and what season it is. Winter in Alaska, you're working with about 6 hours of daylight, in the southern most parts, whereas in the summer, you're looking at pretty much 24 hours of daylight.
Would you elope in the Winter or Summer?
Adventure elopement in Hatcher Pass, Alaska
Discovering Intimacy: 5 Breathtaking Alaska Elopement Locations
As an adventure elopement photographer based in the heart of Alaska, I understand the allure of intimate celebrations against the backdrop of nature's grandeur. Southcentral Alaska, with its diverse landscapes, offers a canvas of possibilities for couples seeking a truly unique and intimate elopement experience. Let's explore five enchanting locations that not only promise stunning photographs but also create an unforgettable setting for your intimate vows.
Denali National Park and Preserve: Denali National Park and Preserve, home to the iconic Denali, North America's tallest peak, is a wilderness of epic proportions. Choose this location for a backdrop of towering mountains, vast tundra, and the possibility of spotting diverse wildlife. Denali provides an intimate and secluded atmosphere, perfect for couples desiring an awe-inspiring yet private elopement.
Why It's Ideal: The sheer magnitude of Denali's peaks sets the stage for a truly grand and intimate elopement. With its varied landscapes, couples can find seclusion in the heart of this untamed wilderness.
Chugach State Park: Chugach State Park is a playground of natural wonders, offering glaciers, mountain ranges, and serene lakes. Elope on a mountaintop for panoramic views or choose a lakeside ceremony for a tranquil ambiance. Chugach State Park provides an intimate setting with a diverse range of landscapes, ensuring a unique experience for every couple.
Why It's Ideal: For adventurous couples, Chugach State Park offers the best of Alaska's wilderness in one accessible location. The variety of landscapes allows for personalized elopements, from alpine meadows to glacier-fed lakes.
Kenai Fjords National Park: Kenai Fjords National Park presents a coastal wonderland featuring glaciers, fjords, and marine life. Exchange vows with the awe-inspiring backdrop of ice-blue glaciers and rugged coastlines. Kenai Fjords provides an intimate, almost otherworldly setting, making it perfect for couples who dream of a coastal elopement with a touch of icy grandeur.
Why It's Ideal: The combination of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife makes Kenai Fjords an unparalleled choice for couples seeking an intimate elopement immersed in the magic of Alaska's coastal beauty.
Hatcher Pass: Hatcher Pass, with its alpine meadows and mountain vistas, offers a secluded and romantic setting. This location provides a touch of alpine charm, making it ideal for couples who want an intimate elopement surrounded by wildflowers and stunning mountain ranges.
Why It's Ideal: Hatcher Pass offers a blend of alpine beauty and seclusion. Couples can enjoy an intimate ceremony in the heart of nature, with the dramatic Talkeetna Mountains as their witness.
Girdwood: Nestled in the Chugach Mountains, Girdwood combines alpine scenery with a charming mountain town atmosphere. Choose Girdwood for an elopement at the Alyeska Resort or explore the surrounding trails for an intimate celebration with the mountains as your backdrop.
Why It's Ideal: Girdwood provides a balance between mountainous landscapes and the amenities of a mountain resort, making it an ideal location for couples seeking an intimate elopement with a touch of luxury.
As you consider the possibilities for your intimate elopement in Southcentral Alaska, these five locations offer a glimpse into the diverse beauty that our region holds. Whether you dream of exchanging vows in the shadow of Denali, by a glacier-fed lake, or in a charming mountain town, the landscapes of Southcentral Alaska are ready to frame your love story. Let's embark on this adventure together, creating moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Crafting Your Unforgettable Love Story -Bonus Free Download
Hello Adventurous Couples,
Embarking on the journey of planning your elopement is a thrilling chapter in your love story, one that's uniquely yours. As you navigate through this intimate celebration, let's dive into the essentials to ensure your elopement becomes the cherished adventure you've always envisioned.
Choosing Your Dream Location: Your love story deserves a backdrop as extraordinary as your journey together. Select a location that resonates with your spirits, whether it's a majestic mountain peak, a tranquil forest, or the serene coastline. Research permits and regulations, ensuring your dream spot aligns with your vision.
Setting the Date: As you flip through the calendar, consider the season that speaks to your hearts. Whether it's the crispness of winter, the bloom of spring, the warmth of summer, or the golden hues of fall, let the season weave its magic into your elopement story.
Creating Your Guest List: Elopements are inherently intimate, giving you the freedom to invite those who truly matter. Whether it's just the two of you or a handful of close friends and family, curate a guest list that enhances your experience.
Choosing Your Attire: Your elopement attire is more than just clothing; it's an expression of your personalities against the backdrop of your chosen landscape. Opt for outfits that blend style with comfort, ensuring you feel free to move and be your authentic selves.
Capturing Your Love Story: Every moment of your elopement is a precious page in your love story. Hire a professional elopement photographer (heyyy) to beautifully document the authentic moments, allowing you to relive the magic for years to come.
Personalizing Your Ceremony: Craft a ceremony that mirrors your unique love story. Whether it's writing personal vows, incorporating meaningful rituals, or exchanging tokens of love, let your ceremony be a reflection of your journey together.
Embracing the Unpredictable: Nature can be unpredictable, and that's part of the adventure. Weather-proof your plan and be ready to embrace the unexpected, knowing that every twist adds to the authenticity of your story.
As you embark on this exhilarating journey, remember that your elopement is not just a celebration but a declaration of your love. It's a day crafted around your connection, your adventures, and your promise to one another. May your elopement be as unique and beautiful as the love you share.
To help you start your planning I’ve included my free Elopement Planning Checklist below! Happy Planning!
Hannah