Dog Mushing Elopement in Alaska || Divina + Victor

Divina and Victor shared a beautiful and intimate day dog mushing to their ceremony site with their daughter, and sister, a special experience enjoyable for the whole family and one they could never forget. As for myself, the most memorable part of the experience as the officiant and planner was not only the connection between Victor and Divina, but their relationship highlighted as a family during the vows. Surrounded by nothing, but fresh snow and the quiet magnitude of wild Alaska, we could not help but notice the contrast of lively energy brought by the sled-dogs, thrilled to run through unpaved trails, instilling an invigorating feeling of freedom and excitement.

The official Iditarod Race just kicked off for 2021, but the celebrations last far longer than the race itself. It’s a cultural celebration that beats softly in every Alaskan’s heart because it honors the hardship and solidarity we face as a community-a monumental act of heroism made by a team of settlers and natives that risked their own lives to save others. In Anchorage alone, the city livens up with the 10-day Fur Rendezvous Festival, full of food, stalls, auctions, and events including the Running of the Reindeer, a charity ball, the Mr. Fur Face beard contest, and ice sculpture competitions. Running with the Reindeer is especially unique to Alaska where the streets are closed off, the contestants dress up, and try to beat the reindeer to the finish line. The night before the race, all the competing mushing teams parade through the city as we cheer and prepare to send them off!

This highly rewarding lifestyle still lives on for many in Alaska including the team I like to partner with for these dog mushing expeditions. From their reputation of tours let by a 4-time Iditarod Champion and other well-known competitors to their dedication of the sled-dogs themselves, Divina and Victor eloped led by a team from Alaska Mushing School known for their professionalism, knowledge, and passion for the sport.

In the summertime, you can see the teams along the Iditarod route just north of Anchorage all the way to Nome getting their teams in shape and familiarizing themselves with the trail on 4 wheelers tethered to their team. The Iditarod itself is a turning point of seasons as it signifies the end of the long winter and the welcoming of Spring and finally, days with more sunlight.

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Every Alaskan has connected to dog mushing even before the Iditarod gave us a reason to celebrate. In the harshest winters, this was the only way to travel from one town to the next. It was and still is in some places, a life-saving resource taught by the natives to help our ancestral settlers survive. Still a way of life for some, we hold pride and applaud those that keep the culture alive.

If you’re interested in dog mushing for your elopement, I highly encourage you to use an experienced planner like myself who knows the vendors so you can reserve a place with a company that you can trust takes great care of their dogs. It truly is such a magical experience and this activity is usually available from November - April. There is an option in the summer months to fly via helicopter to a dog mushing location as well!