A bride wearing a white dress and white winter cape holds hands with her groom who is bundled up for winter on their Borealis Basecamp elopement day.

Magical Borealis Basecamp Elopement in Snowy Fairbanks

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Monty and Perry’s love story took them all the way from South Carolina to the snowy wilderness of Fairbanks, Alaska, for a weekend of unforgettable memories. While they planned to celebrate with a big traditional Greek wedding a few weeks later, they really wanted something more intimate and personal beforehand—an opportunity to share private vows, something not typically part of a Greek wedding. So, they chose to have a Borealis Basecamp elopement at the end of February, surrounded by the snowy Alaskan landscape, under the magic of the Northern Lights.

Now you might be wondering, isn’t it cold and dark in Fairbanks, Alaska in February? The answer is yes, it’s very cold. But despite the temps being in the low teens all day, they had an unforgettable time. Keep reading to hear more about their chilly elopement day and we’ve included some amazing tips for how to plan your own Borealis Basecamp elopement plus how to stay warm!

A bride wearing a white wedding dress and a white beanie is being twirled around by her groom while they stand in the snow.
A newlywed couple walks hand-in-hand along a snowy path at Borealis Basecamp, Alaska, with the bride wearing a sparkling gown and a white cape, and the groom in a dark coat and scarf. The bride holds a small bouquet, and they both smile warmly at each other. In the background, one of the basecamp’s signature igloo-like structures is visible, covered in snow, with the scenic, snow-dusted hills behind them.
A couple shares a kiss in the snow during their winter elopement at Borealis Basecamp, Alaska. The bride wears a long-sleeved, sparkly gown, and the groom is dressed in a dark suit with hiking boots. The backdrop is a clear blue sky with snow-covered ground and scattered evergreens, capturing the serene, adventurous atmosphere of their special day.
Couple laughing and leaning in close during their Borealis Basecamp elopement, with winter coats and scarves in a snowy Fairbanks forest backdrop

Monty & Perry’s Winter Elopement Adventure

For their romantic escape, Monty and Perry stayed at Borealis Basecamp, nestled in one of the stunning wooden cubes designed for ultimate coziness in winter. The morning started with them getting ready together—an intimate moment that perfectly matched the vibe of their elopement. Before Monty slipped into her breathtaking wedding dress, Perry and Brian headed over to the bar for a pre-ceremony espresso martini. It was just the kind of laid-back energy they wanted to kick off the day.

Monty’s dress was a true winter wonder. With long sleeves and a shimmer that sparkled like snow, every step she took sounded like winter itself. And did we mention that she also had a long white cape, complete with a hood and pockets to keep her warm? Her outfit was perfect for an Alaskan elopement, blending elegance with the beauty of the cold, snowy landscape.

A close-up view of the modern cube-shaped cabins at Borealis Basecamp, Alaska, covered in snow with large windows looking out onto the snowy landscape. The simple, minimalist design adds to the wintery, serene atmosphere.
A white wedding cape is elegantly hung on a door, with a glimpse of a sparkling dress peeking out underneath. A pair of rugged hiking boots sits at the door, capturing the mix of elegance and adventure in this winter elopement.
Two wedding rings rest on top of personalized vow books with the names 'Perry' and 'Monty' engraved. The vow books are surrounded by a bouquet of white flowers and greenery, creating an intimate detail shot from an elopement.
A white wedding cape and a sparkly dress hang outside on a door, the sunlight casting soft shadows on the silver metallic walls. The snowy scene adds a serene, wintery feel to the image.
The groom stands near a large window, adjusting his suit jacket. The view outside showcases a snowy landscape with tall evergreens, creating a peaceful backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness at Borealis Basecamp.
The bride smiles warmly as she applies mascara in front of a mirror, dressed in a red plaid shirt. Her joy is evident as she prepares for her winter elopement day, with a white wedding cape hanging behind her in the background.
The bride, dressed in a sparkly gown, sits down smiling as she pulls on warm, patterned socks over her leggings. This intimate moment captures her preparing for the cold weather on her elopement day.
The groom, dressed in a dark suit, sits by a window in a cozy indoor space, smiling as he gazes outside. A cocktail rests on the table in front of him, adding to the relaxed, celebratory mood before the couple’s winter elopement.

Once she was dressed, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived—the first look. Brian walked Perry down to a snowy hill, where Monty approached from behind and tapped him on the shoulder. The pure joy and love on their faces as they saw each other was one of those unforgettable moments.

After soaking in the magic of their first look, we all hiked through the woods as the sunlight glistened on the snow, creating a stunning backdrop for their vows. In a quiet, secluded clearing, Monty and Perry shared their private vows with only the snow and trees as witnesses. The intimacy of this moment was something truly special—a quiet pause before the whirlwind of their upcoming Greek wedding.

Following the ceremony, we wandered through Borealis Basecamp, passing igloos and a cozy campfire, which was a much-needed break from the cold—it was only 15°F that day! But that didn’t stop Monty and Perry from embracing the full winter experience. We hopped on a snow machine tour that took us to the top of a mountain ridge, where a campfire awaited.

Surrounded by stunning views, we roasted marshmallows, made s’mores, and sipped hot chocolate, soaking in every bit of the Alaskan wilderness. As the sun began to set, Monty and Perry capped off their perfect day by making snow angels, laughing together in the snow. Their Borealis Basecamp elopement was a truly magical way to honor their love, blending adventure, intimacy, and a bit of winter wonder.

The couple shares a tender kiss while standing in the snow, surrounded by a serene, snow-covered landscape. The bride’s sparkly gown glistens in the sunlight, while the groom, dressed in a suit, embraces the moment.
The bride twirls in her sparkling gown and white cape, her face filled with joy as she dances in the snow with the groom looking on. The vast Alaskan landscape stretches out behind them, adding to the magical feel of the moment
The couple walks hand in hand through the snowy landscape, the bride in a sparkling dress and a white cape with the hood up, and the groom in a suit. They smile warmly at each other as they embrace the beautiful Alaskan scenery.
The couple shares a joyful moment, laughing together as they stand in the snow. The bride wears a white cape and the groom is bundled up in a suit and scarf.
The couple stands in the snow, holding hands and gazing at each other. The bride’s sparkly gown shines in the sunlight, and the groom looks lovingly at her, with the Alaskan wilderness as a peaceful backdrop.
The couple shares an intimate moment as they exchange vows in the snow, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The bride’s sparkling gown contrasts with the snowy landscape, while the groom holds her hands, smiling.
The couple laughs and cheers in celebration as they stand in the snow, with the groom raising his fist in excitement. The bride, in a sparkling gown, smiles alongside him, both clearly overjoyed in this lighthearted winter moment.
Couple laughing and leaning in close during their Borealis Basecamp elopement, with winter coats and scarves in a snowy Fairbanks forest backdrop
The bride gracefully twirls her white cape in the snow, creating a dramatic movement against the wintery Alaskan forest. Her sparkling gown peeks out from beneath, catching the light as she spins.
The groom, dressed in a suit, playfully wears a white cape, smiling as he walks through the snow. The surrounding trees and bright winter landscape add to the fun, adventurous vibe of the moment.
The couple walks hand in hand through the snow-covered trail, the bride’s cape flowing behind her. The sun shines brightly in the background, casting long shadows as they head off into the winter landscape
The couple walks hand in hand in front of several snow-covered igloo-style cabins on their Borealis Basecamp elopement day. The bride is wearing a white cape over her gown, and the groom is dressed in a black coat.
The couple stands next to a campfire, with hay bales surrounding them. The bride is wrapped in a white cape, and the groom, dressed in black, holds an axe with his foot on a hay bale as they share a relaxed moment in the snow.
A rugged, black snowcat vehicle parked on a snowy lot, next to modern igloo-style cabins, with the sunlight casting long shadows across the snow.
The couple is sitting side by side inside a snowcat vehicle, wrapped in warm clothing, with the bride’s sparkly dress peeking out from underneath a red jacket.
A couple, bundled in winter attire, shares a laugh inside a snowcat vehicle with a frosted window behind them, which has “P & M” written on the glass
A stunning sunset viewed through frosted glass, with soft golden light shining over a snowy landscape, creating a warm, dreamy effect.
A bride wearing a sparkling dress and knit hat twirls in the snow with her partner, holding hands as they smile at each other. The backdrop features snow-covered trees and rolling hills.
The couple shares an intimate embrace, smiling at each other while standing between two large snowcat vehicles, the golden light of the sunset reflecting off the snow.
A view inside a snowcat vehicle, showing its controls and dashboard with a scenic snow-covered landscape visible through the windshield.
The couple laughs together while roasting marshmallows over a campfire. The bride is bundled up in a red jacket with her sparkly gown peeking out, while the groom wears a knit hat.
The couple warms up by a campfire at Borealis Basecamp, dressed warmly and sharing a joyful moment as they prepare s'mores during their winter elopement.
A panoramic view of Borealis Basecamp domes nestled in a snowy valley, framed by distant mountains at dusk, during a winter elopement.
A groom dips his bride back in his arms during their Borealis Basecamp elopement, both laughing as the sun sets over the snowy Alaskan landscape.
The couple fall into the snow, about to make snow angels in the pristine snow during their Borealis Basecamp elopement, holding hands and gazing at the distant mountain range bathed in the soft light of dusk.
A couple is lying in the snow at Borealis Basecamp during their elopement, creating snow angels under the vast Alaskan sky, surrounded by snow-covered trees and a peaceful winter landscape

Planning Your Borealis Basecamp Elopement

If you’re dreaming of an elopement day that’s as adventurous as it is romantic, Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a one-of-a-kind location. This destination offers cozy accommodations with panoramic views of the Northern Lights and endless outdoor adventures for couples looking to escape the ordinary. You can choose to stay in futuristic igloos with glass windows or modern wooden cubes, both designed to immerse you in the Arctic landscape without sacrificing comfort.

The hotel provides a nightly wake-up call whenever the Northern Lights appear, ensuring you never miss the chance to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon. And if you’re a heavy sleeper, they’ll come to the door and knock to make sure you don’t miss out! For adventure seekers, Borealis Basecamp offers thrilling activities like dog sledding, snowmobile and reindeer tours, snowcat excursions, and helicopter rides. You can even take a day trip to the remote wilderness of Gates of the Arctic National Park for a truly unforgettable experience.

A bride and groom holding hands, walking through the snow at Borealis Basecamp, with snow domes in the background during their winter elopement.
A rugged, black snowcat vehicle parked on a snowy lot, next to modern igloo-style cabins, with the sunlight casting long shadows across the snow.
A couple enjoying a campfire moment at Borealis Basecamp, surrounded by hay bales under string lights during their winter elopement.
A panoramic view of Borealis Basecamp domes nestled in a snowy valley, framed by distant mountains at dusk, during a winter elopement.
A close-up view of the modern cube-shaped cabins at Borealis Basecamp, Alaska, covered in snow with large windows looking out onto the snowy landscape. The simple, minimalist design adds to the wintery, serene atmosphere.
Two reindeer grazing in a snowy enclosure at Borealis Basecamp, offering an authentic Alaskan wildlife experience during a winter elopement.

Chasing the Northern Lights
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, especially during winter. This year, the Northern Lights are supposed to be particularly stunning, making it an ideal time for couples hoping to exchange vows beneath the dancing colors of the aurora. (And we still have availability for November and December so get in touch today!) The best viewing season runs from August to April, and Borealis Basecamp is perfectly positioned for an unforgettable light show.

How to Plan a Northern Lights Elopement
Eloping under the Northern Lights sounds like a dream—and it is—but it does require some planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Timing: The Northern Lights are most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Consider a flexible schedule, so you can stay up late and adjust based on the aurora forecast.
  • Stay Warm: Winter in Alaska can be cold (like Monty and Perry’s 15-degree day!), so dress in layers and make sure you have proper winter gear—thermals, insulated boots, gloves, and hand warmers.
  • Accommodations: Borealis Basecamp offers unique, heated domes and wooden cubes designed for maximum aurora viewing. With large windows, you can stay cozy indoors while gazing at the sky, waiting for the auroras to appear.

What to Expect for a Winter Elopement in Alaska
Winter in Alaska is magical, but it’s also a bit unpredictable. Be prepared for snow, cold temperatures, and potentially icy conditions. That said, the snow adds a dreamy, winter-wonderland element to any elopement, and with the right clothing, the cold won’t get in the way of a beautiful day.

When planning your elopement, expect:

  • Short Days: In late February, daylight lasts only about six hours. Plan your elopement around the daylight hours, then spend the evening under the stars.
  • Epic Adventures: From snow machine tours to campfires on mountain ridges, Alaska offers plenty of outdoor activities to make your elopement unique. Just like Monty and Perry, you can roast marshmallows and make snow angels to celebrate! Looking for a different type of adventure? Check out this Floatplane Elopement we photographed last summer!

How to Dress for a Winter Alaska Elopement

Dressing for an elopement in Alaska’s winter is all about balancing style and warmth. While you want to look your best, it’s essential to stay comfortable and protected from the cold. Here’s how to nail your elopement outfit for a day in the Alaskan wilderness:

1. Layer Up
The key to staying warm is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, then add an insulating mid-layer like fleece or down to trap heat. Finally, a waterproof and windproof outer layer will protect you from snow, wind, and cold. This way, you can remove layers as needed while still looking chic for your photos.

2. Insulated Footwear
Your feet will be spending a lot of time in the snow, so make sure to wear insulated, waterproof boots. Look for options with good tread to prevent slipping on ice. Many brides opt for stylish winter boots under their dress, and no one can tell in the snow! If you’re going for a more elegant shoe for photos, just swap them out briefly during key moments.

3. Accessories are Your Friend
Gloves, scarves, and hats are essential. Choose neutral or matching tones so they complement your wedding outfit, and be prepared to wear them during down times to keep warm. Couples may opt for elegant faux-fur wraps or capes, which look stunning in photos and help keep shoulders and arms cozy.

4. Practical, But Stylish Outerwear
While you may want to show off your wedding attire, there will be moments when you need a proper winter coat. Look for a stylish, neutral-colored coat that complements your dress or suit. For Monty’s elopement, her long-sleeved, sparkly dress added a wintery elegance, while a big puffy jacket and beanie kept her warm between shots. She also had a gorgeous white cape with pockets and a hood that was a great layer for during the day.

5. Hand and Foot Warmers
Tuck disposable hand and foot warmers into your gloves and boots for extra warmth. They’re discreet and can make a big difference when you’re standing outside for extended periods. They’ll be your best friend during an outdoor winter ceremony!

6. Embrace the Winter Vibe
Finally, lean into the winter aesthetic! From fur-trimmed boots to cozy wraps, adding cold-weather accessories can elevate the overall look and feel of your elopement. Embrace the snowy wonderland while staying warm and comfortable.

borealis basecamp elopement 73 | Adventure Elopement Photographers
A white wedding cape and a sparkly dress hang outside on a door, the sunlight casting soft shadows on the silver metallic walls. The snowy scene adds a serene, wintery feel to the image.
borealis basecamp elopement 8 | Adventure Elopement Photographers
A couple is lying in the snow at Borealis Basecamp during their elopement, creating snow angels under the vast Alaskan sky, surrounded by snow-covered trees and a peaceful winter landscape

Borealis Basecamp Elopement Photographers

At Scenic Vows, we know Alaska like the back of our hand. With tons of experience photographing at spots like Borealis Basecamp, we’re here to make sure your day is as smooth and fun as possible. We help with everything—location scouting, planning the timeline, and handling all the little details so you can just focus on enjoying the adventure. If you’re dreaming of a Borealis Basecamp elopement, we’ve got the know-how to bring it to life! And if winter weather isn’t your vibe, check out our Alaska elopement guide to help figure out when you should elope in Alaska!

Want to start planning your Borealis Basecamp Elopement?

Imagine exchanging your vows under the glowing Northern Lights or cozying up by a mountaintop campfire in Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate winter getaway or a unique adventure, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

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