Brian and I both enjoy the beauty and wonder that exemplifies Alaska.  For our wedding ceremony, we'd like our friends and family to join together with us and participate in a group bridal proceesional that will start at the Independence Mine parking lot and end at Gold Cord Lake.  We'll meet you in the Independence Mine parking lot at 1pm on July 13th. 

Gold Cord Lake is nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains next to Independence Mine. From the Independence Mine parking lot at Mile 17 of the Hatcher Pass Road, there's everything from extreme jaunts into the backcountry to paved stroller-friendly switchbacks up and down the old mine face.
 
A sturdy pair of shoes and a bottle of water is all you need for the 1.7 mile round-trip trek that can easily be done in under an hour. Brian and I will be carrying fancier wedding shoes with us to change into at the top. 

The trailhead starts just west of the Independence Mine parking lot near the park's visitor center. It's hard to miss, since a little footbridge over a small creek marks the start of the trail.  From there, the trail gently meanders through alpine meadows and traverses through moderate, narrow switchbacks that bring you 600 feet up to the lake bowl. It requires some attention to the footing – especially in inclement weather – but boulders have been stacked nicely along portions of the trail to create natural steps.

We plan to get married outside at the edge of Gold Cord Lake.  Please bring an umbrella.  The ceremony will take place at this location rain or shine.  There won't be a canopy or chairs for the ceremony, but you are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on.  We wecome all of you to take this journey with us.  If you are unable to make the climb or are unavailable during the day on Friday, we completely understand and will be thrilled to see you at the reception.