This elopement was as dreamy as the quaint little ski town in Girdwood, Alaska. As an Alaska elopement photographer, I loved blending all the pieces of traditional and glam with hiking through the lush forests of Alaska. I was able to capture their romance and give this couple exactly what they hoped for; a perfect party for two. They were able to celebrate and focus completely on their love and their special day. Meanwhile, I handled the rest through my all inclusive Alaska elopement package.
THE COUPLE
Kourtney and Zach were so cute and had a clear vision for a simple and elegant Alaska destination elopement. I was so honored to help make their dream come true as their Alaska elopement photographer. They are especially meaningful to me, because they were my first all inclusive elopement couple. Kourtney reached out when I first started advertising and offering this Alaska elopement package. She called from Arizona and told me exactly what she wanted out of her Alaskan destination elopement. In addition, she sent inspiration pictures, and I made the magic happen.
BEYOND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Working in the Alaska wedding and elopement industry and having so many couples show me endless ideas for elopements, along with building professional connections and discovering which Alaska wedding vendors I love to work with, I decided to offer an all inclusive Alaska elopement experience as both planner and Alaska elopement photographer.
In many of my Alaska elopement shoots, I am often the only witness other than the officiant and the occasional pilot or boat captain. This allows space for me to do destination elopement planning and help add those special touches for couples eloping in Alaska.
I know the local Alaska area and have gathered a list of fun ideas from all the amazing elopement couples I’ve met. Therefore, my all inclusive package is far more than just a wedding photographer or planner. It is a mix of both to help bring your Alaska elopement vision to life and is one of the most hands-on Alaska elopement packages available.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
A stress free and perfect Alaska elopement. Unlimited planning and elopement photography, while I think of and execute all the little things so you don’t have to. Click here to view the full list of offerings, pricing, and exact details of this all inclusive Alaska elopement package, designed for couples who want a seamless, elevated experience with an experienced Alaska elopement photographer.
For Kourtney and Zach, we chatted ahead of time for inspiration and then I organized everything before their arrival in Alaska. She told me cake flavors, colors, and flowers, and I planned and picked it all up. I organized the officiant and drove them to each elopement location in Girdwood.
I set up, ordered snacks and charcuterie, decorated, and cleaned up their reception dinner. All of the above is included in my all inclusive Alaska elopement package and pricing starts at $6,000. I also help ahead of time with recommendations and options for accommodations, Alaska hair and makeup artists, and tour guides if the plan calls for it. This level of support is what sets my Alaska elopement packages apart.
Additionally, the dream is up to you, and my job as your Alaska elopement photographer and planner is to see it through.
GETTING READY PHOTOS
Just like a traditional wedding, I’ve found that adding photos of the getting ready process for both the bride and groom, along with detailed shots of shoes, rings, and flowers, is a really special touch to an Alaska elopement gallery. These moments elevate elopement photography beyond a simple couples shoot and ensure the day feels like the wedding it truly is. This is an important part of telling a full elopement story as an Alaska elopement photographer, especially within an all inclusive Alaska elopement experience.
HOW DOES A PLANNER HELP WITH GETTING READY
Aside from what is included in the all inclusive Alaska elopement package, details like getting ready and where we start the elopement day are totally customizable. Part of the planning process is discussing your vision and then recommending professional Alaska hair and makeup artists. In addition, I suggest amazing towns, accommodations, guides if needed, and scenic elopement photo locations throughout Alaska that I know best as an experienced Alaska elopement photographer.
THE MOST MAGICAL FEELING
When the couple lays eyes on each other after fully getting dressed, whether it’s a first look or first touch, it’s a magical and emotional experience. My Alaska elopement couples who get ready separately are offered this intimate moment before the adventure of the elopement day begins. I love seeing if the groom cries or how beautiful each bride feels as her partner fawns over them. These moments are a cornerstone of my Alaska elopement packages.
When Kourtney and Zach chose Girdwood, Alaska as their elopement destination, it was easy for me as an Alaska elopement photographer to decide on the most magical spot for them to say “I do.” California Creek is a very short hike into a fern-filled fairytale landscape with a flat spot just above a mossy waterfall overlook. This location inspired Kourtney’s adorable wedding footwear, all white hiking boots. Before setting off, their wedding certificate was signed. Then we made our way through the dense trees and winding path to reveal the waterfall. This is where they exchanged vows and said their “I do’s,” surrounded by the lush green Alaskan landscape while I captured traditional elopement ceremony photos as part of their all inclusive Alaska elopement.
Can elopements really have a reception? Absolutely. That was a big reason I decided to offer an all inclusive Alaska elopement package, to make the day feel like a full wedding while still keeping the intimacy and ease that eloping in Alaska provides. It can still be just the two of you, and we can create a big, magical elopement day. Their beachy dinner for two was set up right along a riverbank with epic Alaska mountain views. I can arrange a memorable elopement reception dinner like this if that’s your vision too, which is something many couples seek when browsing Alaska elopement packages.
The intention is to blend the traditional feel and photography of a big wedding with the privacy and adventure so many couples want from an Alaska elopement. As you’ve seen here, I offer a full elopement day from getting ready, small meaningful details, a ceremony, couples portraits, and even dinner if you want it. I can set you up with a remote scenic table for two anywhere in Alaska, or recommend photogenic local restaurants. I come with extensive recommendations for venues, tour guides, and stunning landscapes across Alaska. For my all inclusive Alaska elopement package, I bring together every detail from flowers to cake and everything in between. Because of this, your elopement will feel like more than just a photoshoot with an Alaska elopement photographer.
CHELSA JAY | ALASKA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Let’s customize your perfect Alaska elopement day together. These all inclusive elopement packages take the very best parts of full weddings and intimate elopement photography and blend them into a curated experience designed just for you. To learn more about my all inclusive Alaska elopement packages, click here. I would love to hear your ideas and inspiration. Additionally, I can help plan, photograph, and bring your dream Alaskan elopement to life.
