getting married in Alaska! (Anchorage, Fairbanks: wedding, cabins, move to)

[outdoorgal1976]

So, 13 yrs in the making, we are going for it!
We are outdoor peoole who have been to Alaska multiple times, it's kinda like our special place. We thought it would be fitting to get married there. It's just us. No reception, family, friends...
I know that anyone can perform the ceremony in AK, (looked into all the details also about marriage license, officiants and such) there's paperwork to fill out. We do not know anyone in AK. So, are there people or companies that offer such a service?

Also, our extra special place is Denali National Park. Would love to hold the very very small ceremony somewhere in the park with a beautiful back drop. (The whole place is beautiful, I know, but you know what I mean).
Has anyone done this or know someone who has done this?
I know in the park, you first see the mountain at mile post 9(if its clear), savage river area is pretty too.
Thanks for any info!
Wearing hiking boots and a simple dress!

[Chilkoot]

You might try contacting one of the wedding planning companies. Being Alaska, most are used to non-traditional venues and I'm sure they would be very helpful. Here's a list:
Alaska Bride & Groom | Resource Directory | Wedding Planners

Denali would be a wonderful place! Check with the park service to see if it's allowed. There would be many good places. There's a spot down by the artists cabin along the east fork of the Toklat River with the mountain in the background that would be pretty neat.
Denali National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

[BreezyC]

When are you looking to do this?

[outdoorgal1976]

I have tickets purchased for sept 12 - sept 19. I know the road lottery in Denali is going on the weekend of the 12th, so that may be a bit hwctic. If Denali is chosen, would probably wait until Tuesday the 16th.
I did email Denali NP and they said it was not a problem, no permit required!

[heathen]

My wife and I got married by a friend of ours on the shore of Eklutna Lake last fall. The one thing that screwed us up a little was that you need to have two witnesses, NOT including the person doing the ceremony. So, a minimum of 5 people, total. Just something to keep in mind.

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by outdoorgal1976

I have tickets purchased for sept 12 - sept 19. I know the road lottery in Denali is going on the weekend of the 12th, so that may be a bit hwctic. If Denali is chosen, would probably wait until Tuesday the 16th.
I did email Denali NP and they said it was not a problem, no permit required!

You're choices of locations will be limited as the day after the lottery you can only drive to mile 30. Also, there is always the possibility for snow in September in Denali.

[RayinAK]

Something else the OP has to consider is the possibility of a last minute weather change, so have a plan B.

Most summers it's nice and sunny in the interior of Alaska, and by that time of the season (late August-September) the vegetation turns into a myriad of rust, yellow, and red colors that would provide a beautiful photo backdrop or background. But this year it has been raining for nearly two months, with just a few days of good weather between rainy days. Right now it's pouring all around Fairbanks after a couple of days of sunlight.

Anyway, maybe the OP can choose a secondary location to move to and have the ceremony, or at least keep an eye on the weather.

[outdoorgal1976]

Thanks for all who chimed in!
Since 2007, we have visited Alaska every September. Sometimes early Sept, sometimes later Sept. Yes! Plan b and c's are a must! Eklutna Lake is beautiful ! I love the fall colors in Alaska!
Yes, I knew that the road in Denali is only opened to mile 30, when I emailed the rangers ,, they suggested a few mile posts where we could get great shots of the mountain (if its out)! She suugested the Tek river overlook at mile 30. 2 witnesses, yep, fiance is thinking it will be piece of cake to grab 2 folks wherever we are, but I like to have things more concrete, so working on the witness part.
I did find a wedding officiant in Anchorage who will travel to various locations for an additional fee. I need to inquire how flexible they are as far as changing locations. Seward, Kenai Lake, Girdwood, Hope, Lowell Point, all other places we love and are options. We are wanting to stay the wedding night in a cabin possibly, I know we are getting into the off season, but have found quite a few year round cabins near all the places I have mentioned.
For Eklutna Lake, did u need a permit or anything special?
Thanks all!

[heathen]

Nah, no state park permit or anything. From what I remember though, you do have to specify a location on your application for a marriage certificate. For outdoor ceremonies, it can be really approximate (ours was just "Anchorage"), but switching from Denali to Seward at the last minute might cause problems.

And actually, on the 2nd of October, there was no one else around for the entire evening. That's what we wanted, but I'd definitely recommend figuring out the witness thing beforehand.

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by outdoorgal1976

I did find a wedding officiant in Anchorage who will travel to various locations for an additional fee. I need to inquire how flexible they are as far as changing locations.
Thanks all!

You may know this already but anyone can perform a wedding in Alaska. Even a friend or relative as heathen mentioned.