Snowy Family Elopement Adventure in Valdez, Alaska

Kara and Nate have been together for five years before deciding to elope, so they could have a less stressful and more intimate day that was focused on celebrating them. They planned a family elopement adventure in Valdez, Alaska.

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About This Family Elopement Adventure in Alaska

“Everything throughout their entire day honestly worked out so perfectly for them, it was straight out of a fairytale. I headed over to their Airbnb where they were excitedly getting ready for their big day. Kara’s daughter was helping her get ready upstairs and was so happy and sweet. Nate was downstairs getting ready, very excited to see his bride. Something I thought was so sweet was even though Nate’s children couldn’t be there, he had photos of them to look at when he was getting ready so he could still feel like they were a part of their day in some way…

When it came time for their ceremony, they said a prayer as a family before beginning their vows. It’s hard to describe how powerful and moving it is to witness two people commit their lives to one another in a beautiful, remote place in such an intimate way. It’s such an emotional experience and their vows to one another were so incredibly beautiful and romantic (I definitely teared up a bit!). After they exchanged rings, they did a handfasting ceremony and tied a knot to symbolize their everlasting love before having their first kiss as a married couple.

Then, we explored more around their ceremony area before heading a little further up the pass to find even more jaw-dropping views! The sun came out of the clouds and created this incredibly dreamy light over the valley, shining on the river below. They explored the area, played in the snow, had a little snowball fight, made tiny snowmen, and enjoyed one another’s company.” [Kathleen, the photographer]

Planning Your Elopement in Valdez, Alaska

“There’s so much openness, unbelievable beauty and space. You feel complete freedom and truly alive there. Giant mountain peaks, endless seas of mountains, places where mountains touch the sea, icy glaciers, stunning valleys, glacier lagoons with icebergs, fjords, overlooks, waterfalls, lakes, the tallest mountain peak in North America, incredible wildlife, wildflowers or fall foliage depending on the time of year- Alaska has all the best elopement locations. So when they told me they were eloping in Alaska, I knew they had chosen the perfect spot.” [Kathleen, the photographer]

Remember, it’s important to stay on trails and to not trample any fragile tundra and to always pack out everything you bring with you! For permits, your photographer needs to have an Alaska business license and you will need to get a DNR Commercial Recreational Day Use permit.

Kathleen’s favorite time to elope in Alaska: July-early September

July & early August brings warmer weather, sunnier days, longer days, and blue glacier pools, but has more crowds, mosquitos and higher travel costs. Mid-late August has less mosquitos, cooler temperatures, not as long of days (so earlier sunset times), but has a higher chance of rain. Early September brings fall foliage, less crowds, cheaper travel, and no more mosquitos but less predictable weather in the form of rain and maybe an early snow.

Memorable Moments From This Elopement

From the photographer:

“Eloping later in September in an area known for snow, we knew weather might be a problem, and we had all driven into town from Anchorage through a snowstorm with all the views obscured by a complete whiteout. The weather forecast wasn’t looking great and we were thinking about pivoting to Plan B, when the morning of, everything cleared and we had perfect weather with incredible views the entire day!

Another favorite moment was their first look- Nate was absolutely thrilled to see Kara all dressed up looking gorgeous in her wedding attire, and it was the sweetest thing. I also loved how as soon as they had their first kiss, they looked at one another and simultaneously yelled “we did it!”.

Final Advice From The Photographer

“When planning your elopement, leave time to be spontaneous! Sometimes the best moments happen that aren’t planned. And if you’re staying in Valdez- go to the fish hatchery. It’s the best place to see wildlife!” [Kathleen, the photographer]

Vendors 

Photography |

Venue: Valdez, Alaska

Bride’s shoes: Vasque

Groom’s shoes: Salomen

Catering: The Fat Mermaid

Photos From This Family Elopement Adventure in Valdez