Warning: Lots of text below! We have thousands of photos on this website, but this section is specifically for those looking for information and can’t call right now. We’re assuming you’ve already seen some of our galleries and want more information. Here we go!
- Destination-Elopement Timelines: We’re often asked what a typical elopement or destination wedding schedule looks like. Glaciers, flower filled meadows, lush rainforest, and coastal rock outcrops are all possible in a single day. We’ll start off where you are getting ready – capture the end of the getting ready process, and proceed either to a first-look or the ceremony site, depending on the specific schedule. It really is possible to visit all the different landscapes you see on our website in one 5-7 hour block of coverage in most of the areas we work. If you want to really make it an adventure and go to even more locations, consider our all-day coverage option.
- Larger Wedding Timelines: (25+ people) The amount of coverage you choose will determine exactly how the flow of your day goes. Often we begin with some getting ready photos of the bride and bridesmaids, and groom and groomsmen. We can show up at your hotel, home, or venue. We generally like to arrive about an hour before you are fully ready. After that, we will either do a first look with the bride and groom, or maybe go straight into the ceremony. If we have time available, exploring the local area and capturing the beauty of the mountains around us before the ceremony is a great way to ensure your guests are not waiting too long after the ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete, we will likely do some family photos, wedding party photos, and head over to the reception. We like to cover all the festivities – cocktail hour, toasts, dancing, cake cutting, etc. We also try to get candids of as many of your guests as possible, if time allows. When you contact us, we can discuss the details that are specific to your location and expectations.
- Marriage License: So you live out of Alaska and won’t be here until the day of the wedding, or maybe a few days before? No problem. You can apply online through the state Health Analytics and Vital Records website. You will need to pick it up in person or have it mailed to you. If picking it up in person, the bureau is open during normal business hours Monday-Friday as long as it is not a holiday. If you plan to get married Saturday, plan to arrive at least Friday before 2:00pm if you are picking up your license in person.
- Marriage Commissioner/Officiant and Witnesses: Did you know anyone can marry you in Alaska? Provided they are 18 years old or older. Bringing a father, friend, or your favorite aunt and want to give them the honor? This is extremely simple and can be a great way to have a personalized ceremony with someone you know and love. If it’s just the two of you, we can connect you with a professional marriage commissioner. ONE witness is required. This means if your pilot or an officiant marries you, the photographer is your witness.
- Daylight and Weather: There are lots of misconceptions about what the weather and daylight will be like in Alaska. We get it, it can be confusing – is it 24 hours of daylight, darkness, or somewhere in-between? Will it be cold, rainy, or or sunny? Basically, if you get married in the summer, you’ll have lots of available daylight. In the shoulder months, April-May, or September-October, you’ll have a “normal” amount of light similar to your home. Come winter solstice on December 21st, sunrise is about 9:45am and Sunset is 3:45pm in Anchorage. Most folks come in the spring, summer, or fall. In summer, temperatures can vary from downright chilly, to warm and sunny. There’s no exact science, and there are multiple climate zones within the state, but we can give you some personal advice on what to expect once we know your date and location. Even within a single day, we have seen hot and sunny, and cold windy and rainy. Just be mentally prepared for anything and hope for the best!
- Picking a Location: You might be sitting there 3000 miles away with no clue on where to go and what to do. Or you’re in Anchorage but want a head start before visiting a bunch of venues. Hopefully you have discovered our extensive photo galleries! These galleries will give you a very good sense of what an area looks like under a variety of conditions. To really explore all the options, call us up and we can give you some personal recommendations and go into greater detail about what areas to consider.
- Hazards: “We are scared of bears, avalanches, small aircraft, glaciers, mountains and getting dirty. Is Alaska really for us?” Yes – we have heard a lot of questions along these lines. However, there are many ways to have a wedding in Alaska, and we’re happy to say we’ve never lost a bride or groom! Most of the stuff you see on TV is sensationalized and your trip and experience will be awesome and safe!