Jeremy and Rachelle Wedding
Eloping in Girdwood, Alaska: Rachelle & Jeremy’s Wild, Warm, and Wonder-Filled Day
When Rachelle and Jeremy started planning their wedding, they knew one thing for sure—they wanted it to feel like them. Adventurous. Peaceful. Laid-back. But they also carried the same fear so many couples face when thinking about eloping:
“What if our families feel like they missed out?”
Their answer? A deeply intentional elopement in Girdwood, Alaska—with every detail crafted around what matters most, including finding meaningful ways to bring their loved ones along for the ride, even from afar.
From Florida to
Alaska: A Love Rooted in Laughter and Water
Rachelle and Jeremy met through a family friend and bonded immediately over their love for being on the water and fishing. Their relationship is built on shared interests, belly laughs, and the kind of joy that only comes from truly liking the person you love.
That spirit of connection is what guided their decision to elope somewhere that felt both wild and sacred. For them, Alaska offered what no ballroom ever could—freedom, stillness, and heart.
Why Girdwood Is One of Alaska’s Best Elopement Destinations
Located just 40 miles from Anchorage, Girdwood is an accessible mountain town with world-class scenery. It’s nestled in the Chugach Mountains, surrounded by towering spruce trees, glacial views, and peaceful hiking trails that feel a million miles from the hustle of a traditional wedding day.
Here’s why it’s ideal for couples like Rachelle and Jeremy:
- Easy Access: Just a 45-minute drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
- Intimate Beauty: Perfect for secluded ceremonies without the stress of a big venue
- Local Expertise: A community of talented vendors and artists who specialize in bespoke, down-to-earth elopements
They didn’t marry at the resort—but the Alyeska area gave them everything they needed: nature, comfort, and space to breathe.
A Hidden Gem: Virgin Creek Falls
One of Girdwood’s best-kept secrets—and one we love to include in photo timelines—is Virgin Creek Falls, a breathtaking waterfall just minutes from the center of town. A short and easy walk through the rainforest leads to a secluded cascade surrounded by mossy trees and soft light filtering through the canopy.
It’s the perfect second location for wedding portraits: romantic, wild, and so distinctly Alaska. Whether you want post-ceremony photos or a peaceful moment together before heading to the spa, Virgin Creek Falls adds a cinematic touch to your elopement gallery—and it’s just a few minutes from where Rachelle and Jeremy said “I do.”
Including Family Through Video
One of the most meaningful parts of their elopement? Using video to bring family into the moment.
We captured their full ceremony with cinematic video, allowing their families back in Florida to feel like they were right there, standing beside them on that quiet Alaskan trail. Rachelle and Jeremy shared the footage with loved ones afterward—and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
So if you’re worried your family won’t be included if you elope—know this: when you invest in meaningful storytelling, they can still experience the joy, the vows, and the raw beauty of your day.
Spa Time + Glacier Views? Yes, Please.
A new addition to the area since Rachelle and Jeremy’s elopement is Alyeska Nordic Spa—a luxury wellness experience that opened in 2022. With 50,000 square feet of hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a forest-framed bistro, it’s the perfect place to decompress and start your marriage in a state of total peace.
For couples who want to add even more adventure, the Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Glacier is a can’t-miss experience. Accessible only by rail, it offers jaw-dropping views, hiking among icebergs, and guided excursions that make for an epic honeymoon memory right after your vows.
Your Wedding. Your Way. With None of the Stress.
Rachelle and Jeremy’s day proves what we already know in our hearts:
You don’t need a huge guest list or a traditional venue to have a meaningful wedding. You just need a plan that reflects you.
With the right guidance, a bit of courage, and a willingness to do things your own way, you can elope in Alaska—surrounded by nature, deeply connected to each other, and still find beautiful ways to honor the people who helped shape your story.