Alaska Engagement Photos During the Summer Solstice
At this point in my life as a destination wedding photographer, it’s hard to imagine falling in love with landscapes outside of North Carolina and the East Coast. But that’s what happened when I arrived in Alaska. Alaska completely lives up to its nickname, the Final Frontier. It offers a landmine of landscapes from ice fields, glaciers, fjords for ice creations. Additionally, Alaska contains a ton of greenery with vibrant wildflowers, and towering mountains to explore. These unique features are why Alaska is a dream destination wedding location for couples. Especially couples looking for something a little different for their wedding. Being fortunate enough to spend time in this amazing state was a dream, and I couldn’t wait for Maci and Tyler’s Alaska engagement photos at Hatcher’s Pass.
It is no secret that one of the best times for portraits is a few hours before sunset, but summertime in Alaska contains a rare phenomenon called the midnight sun. From April to mid-August, the sun is visible for 24 hours. The sun sets just below the horizon for approximately four hours, and never achieves true darkness. With all the anticipation of the session starting at nearly 10 pm, I was excited to finally meet Maci and Tyler.
Maci and Tyler’s Engagement Session
Maci works in digital marketing, loves traveling, and anything outdoors. Tyler is a fireman and paramedic, and can make friends anywhere! After traveling from Oklahoma, Maci and Tyler were excited about spending some much needed time in the Alaskan wilderness. Hatcher’s Pass is a favorite recreation area for residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Anchorage area. It is easily accessible from Palmer, Wasilla, and Anchorage. Its stunning panoramic views are some of the most photographed in the Mat-Su Valley. We choose a trail that offered a light hike next to a few streams rolling below us. The streams collected glacial and snowmelt from the mountaintops overhead while being surrounded by warm greenery at 3,000 foot elevation. To end the evening, we made our way down to the iconic red cabins that overlook the valley surrounding us. The sun finally “set” at its lowest point in the sky shortly about midnight.
As we ended our evening, I couldn’t help but think how humbling the whole experience was. I have been photographed countless sunset sessions, but never at midnight on one of the longest days of the year. It was truly a bucket list item that I will never forget. (I also don’t think I have ever had coffee so late in the evening haha!)
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to read more destination wedding photography information and tips below:
- A Glacier Wedding in Alaska
- A Playful Spring Atlantic Beach Wedding
- A Winter Destination Wedding in Savannah
- An Intimate Wedding on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Ethereal Elegance at Carolina Grove
Hey ya’ll! I am Coby, the owner of JoLynn Photography, and a North Carolina-based wedding photographer. I serve couples across the state, the East Coast, and destinations worldwide. For couples who want to remember the most beautiful day of their lives in an exquisite way, inquire here today!
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