Alaska Adventure Elopement Photographer

With jagged mountain peaks, rugged wilderness, Arctic tundra, and breathtaking glaciers, Alaska is wildly beautiful and the perfect location for an adventurous elopement or intimate wedding!

Alaska Adventure Elopements

So you’ve decided to elope in Alaska! Congratulations on making one of the most important decisions of your lives.

Take a deep breath and let’s start dreaming!

alaska helicopter glacier elopement with wedding photographer naomi levit


Imagine a moment

where you feel loved, limitless, joyful, and free. Whether it’s on a mountaintop with the wind blowing through your hair, on the beach with your toes in the sand, or maybe its watching the sunrise as it peeks over the horizon. Imagine your perfect day together. What would you be doing? What would the surroundings look like? What smells would be in the air? Your wedding day can be ANYTHING your heart desires. Whatever you’re envisioning I will help you bring your dream to life!

best of 2022 adventure elopements and engagement sessions in oregon hawaii and beyond


I know it can feel overwhelming planning your own wedding

That’s where I come in! Whether you want to hike up a mountain, hop in a helicopter or a float plane to explore majestic glaciers, or go fly fishing with bears along a pristine river, I’ll be here to help create an epic elopement experience that is unique to YOU.

I am not just your Alaska elopement photographer! I am your tour guide, planner, and new friend. I’m here to help you every step of the way with planning assistance, location suggestions, vendor recommendations, and more. I will also bring champagne and granola bars to keep you nourished while we’re exploring!

Hey friends! I’m Naomi your new Alaska adventure buddy :)

I’m granola AF with a lil’ bit of woowoo sprinkled in. I’m an outdoorsy, nature loving human who is absolutely in LOVE with adventure elopements and small weddings. Nothing makes me happier than a day filled with adventures in wild places getting my feet dirty and breathing the fresh air.

Whether it’s in the mountains, the forest, or on the beach I am here for ALL of it! I’m a mountain gal but I’m also a beach gal, so I split my time between Alaska, Oregon, and Hawaii. You’ll usually find me hiking in the Pacific Northwest spring and fall, Alaska during the summer, and surfing in Hawaii during the winter months. I’m also available to travel throughout the year so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in booking me for your destination adventure wedding!

I believe experiences are more important than having a lot of stuff. Your wedding day will be one of the greatest experiences of your life and I’m here to help you bring that dream to life!

maui and oregon adventure elopement photographer
alaska helicopter glacier adventure elopement inspiration


Why You Should Elope in Alaska

Icy blue glaciers, towering mountain peaks, dense forests, and rocky coastline—all are abundant in the vast and rugged Alaskan wilderness. With eight National Parks, untouched landscapes, untamed wildlife, and breathtaking locations you can only reach by helicopter or float plane, Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. If you’re looking for an epic, off-the-grid elopement, Alaska is the perfect location for an adventure elopement or intimate wedding!

Weather in Alaska

The weather in Alaska changes dramatically throughout the year. The summer months of June and July bring the best weather with daytime temperatures in the 60s to low 70s. Summer also boasts the longest days with 18-22 hours of daylight. In the winter months, temperatures drop below freezing, the days become shorter, and snow is abundant. This time of year is also the best time to see the Northern lights.

Spring

In Alaska, spring is generally considered to be the months of April and May. April weather can still be wet, cold, and windy, but by May, the temperatures warm into the 50s and the days grow longer.

Summer

Summer is definitely the best time to elope in Alaska, especially July through September. During these months the weather is dry, warm, and the days are long (so you’ll have plenty of time to explore!). Daytime temperatures can reach the 70s and nights are cooler in the 40s and 50s. It’s also the best time of year to see wildlife.

Fall

Like spring, fall is the shoulder season in Alaska. Autumn is fairly short, spanning just a few weeks from mid-September to early October. Temperatures start off warmer in the 50s but quickly drop into the 40s as the days get shorter. September also brings beautiful fall foliage.

Getting To Alaska

Unless you live in Alaska, chances are you’ll be flying. The best airport to fly into is the Anchorage International Airport (ANC). However, depending on where you’re flying from, you may be able to find good flights into Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) or Juneau International Airport (JNU).

Where to Elope in Alaska

The best adventure elopement locations in Alaska

I’ve done a lot of adventuring in Alaska and have found so many secret spots for private elopements! There is soooo much untouched wilderness in the backcountry of Alaska it’s actually pretty easy to find locations that aren’t busy with tourists if you’re down for a helicopter or float plane adventure!

Denali National Park

Denali is one of eight National Parks in Alaska and home to North America’s tallest mountain peak. The Denali peak stands at over 20,000 feet surrounded by 6 million acres of park land. The park is one of three Alaska National Parks that you can drive to with only one road running 92 miles long. From Anchorage, it’s about a four hour drive to get to Denali. Inside the park, you’ll find rugged wilderness and untouched land. The landscape ranges from spruce forest to massive glaciers to Arctic tundra. Here wildlife is abundant and the views are jaw-dropping. Its untamed beauty makes it the perfect elopement location for adventurous couples.

Chugach State Park

Situated at the edge of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, Chugach State Park spans 495,000 acres. From snow-capped mountain peaks to winding river valleys, the park is filled to the brim with natural beauty. The park is Alaska’s second largest state park and with over 280 miles of hiking trails, there’s plenty to explore. Hike the popular Flattop Trail for sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape, visit the pristine glacier-fed Eklutna Lake, or marvel at the dramatic views at Turnagain Arm. With its close proximity to Anchorage and its diverse scenery, Chugach State Park is perfect for couples looking for a taste of Alaskan wilderness that doesn’t require them to venture too far off the beaten path.

Hatcher Pass

This popular scenic pass is situated in between the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Talkeetna Mountains. Just 90 minutes from Anchorage, this 49-mile long scenic mountain pass is an alpine paradise. Unbeatable panoramic views, alpine meadows, blooming wildflowers, rushing rivers, and turquoise glacier lakes are what make Hatcher Pass such a special place. Recreational activities are abundant in Hatcher Pass with hiking, paragliding, skiing, and even historic goldmines. There’s a reason locals and tourists alike love visiting Hatcher Pass! You can even stay the night in the picturesque red cabins of Hatcher Pass Lodge nestled on the mountainside. The area is a perfect spot for an adventurous Alaska elopement!

Girdwood

Deemed one of the 10 most beautiful towns in Alaska, this small mountain town is surrounded by lush pine forests and the rugged Chugach mountains. An hour drive from Anchorage, Girdwood is a convenient and sought-after destination for both Alaskan locals and visitors. Originally carrying the name of “Glacier City,” awe-inspiring glaciers line the surrounding mountain ridges. If you’re hoping for a winter elopement, Girdwood is a true gem. It boasts a world-class ski resort, Alyeska Ski Resort, which dates back to the 1960s. Ride the tram up to Mount Alyeska for unbeatable panoramic views, jump in a helicopter to get up close and personal with the glaciers, or hit the slopes to get a taste of some fresh powder.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Denali might get most of the attention, but Kenai Fjords National Park isn’t one to overlook. Another one of Alaska’s eight National Parks, Kenai covers over 600,000 acres of Alaskan wilderness. Just two hours southwest of Anchorage, the park lies on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula where the mountains meet the ocean. But what really sets Kenai apart is the vast snow and icefields which make up over half the park. The park is made up of three main areas which include Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, and the coastline. One of the more accessible areas of the park, Exit Glacier is an amazing sight to behold as it descends 3,000 feet from Harding Icefield ending in a small ravine. Kenai’s crown jewel, Harding Icefield, covers 700 square miles and is the largest icefield existing completely within the U.S. border. Mountains and ice give way to a rugged coastline boasting towering sea stacks, hidden caves, and rocky arches. It’s an incredible place to elope in Alaska.

Eloping in ALASKA – Frequently Asked Questions

Summer in Alaska is definitely the best time of year to elope. The days are long (18+ hours long!) and the weather is warm and dry. Mid-June to late August are the best summer months. September is one of my favorite months because crowds dwindle and you experience more privacy. But if you’re looking for a winter wonderland elopement, don’t rule out eloping in winter! The landscape will be blanketed in snow and this is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights!

Popular destinations can get busy on the weekends, especially in the long and warm summer months. For that reason, weekday elopements are usually best. With that being said, if you prefer to elope on a weekend, we can get creative with locations off-the-beaten path to make it happen! That’s one of the huge benefits of eloping in Alaska! There is soooo much untouched wilderness to explore!

The best time of day to elope is around sunrise or sunset. The light during these times makes for the most beautiful photos. Plus, many locations are less crowded during the early morning and late evening.

Aside from your wedding dress and attire, a rain-proof jacket or warm sweater is recommended since there’s always a chance of cooler or unpredictable weather. Hiking shoes or boots are usually a good idea for most locations – you can always change into different shoes for your ceremony. Some other fun ideas include a bottle of champagne and two glasses, a blanket or scarf, cute denim or leather jacket, and a clear umbrella in case of rainy weather.

To ensure your Alaska elopement is legal, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. You and your partner will complete the marriage license application
2. Drop the completed application and the $60 fee at the Vital Records Office closest to your ceremony location (in Juneau or Anchorage) or an Alaskan court. You can also mail or fax your application to a Vital Records Office.
3. You’ll have to wait three business days before you can pick up your marriage license for your ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days.
4. After the ceremony, the license must be signed by all parties and returned to the Vital Records Office in person or by mail.

In addition to your signed marriage license, Alaska requires you to have at least two witnesses (your photographer counts!) and an authorized officiant.

FIFTY TREES PLANTED FOR EVERY SHOOT BOOKED

When I became a photographer I knew that I wanted to utilize my passion to make a positive impact in the world.  Throughout my career I have volunteered for non-profits but I want to do more.  I want to have a greater impact on our beautiful planet.  Nature is where I find my peace, joy and inspiration and I want my business to reflect my passion for the environment.    I am very excited about my partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects .  Eden reduces extreme poverty and restores healthy forests in Nepal, Madagascar, Haiti, Indonesia, Mozambique and Kenya by employing local villagers to plant millions of trees every year.  Fifty trees are planted for every shoot booked with Naomi Levit Photography.

“Working with Naomi was a dream. From the easy communication of planning our little intimate elopement ceremony in Alaska, to the final edited gallery, my husband and I could not be more happy with our experience with her. She made us feel at ease during the whole shoot and offered her own expertise while listening to our preferences as well. A lovely professional photographer and person all around. Thank you, Naomi!”
– Emily + John

Behind the scenes an Alaska glacier adventure elopement!