Planning your Juneau Alaska Elopement

Unveiling the Natural Beauty: Exploring Juneau, Alaska for Your Perfect Elopement

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Alaska lies a hidden gem waiting to unveil its natural beauty for your perfect elopement: Juneau. With its stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and sparkling glaciers, Juneau offers a breathtaking backdrop that will leave you and your partner in awe.

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace the tranquility and serenity that Juneau has to offer. From hiking through lush forests to exploring the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. And after a day of adventure, relax in one of the cozy bed and breakfasts or charming cabins, where you can rejuvenate and enjoy each other’s company.

This is a place you create life long, unforgettable memories on your wedding day.

Why choose Juneau for your elopement?

Choosing Juneau for your elopement is a decision rooted in the desire for an intimate experience surrounded by nature’s grandeur. This unique Alaskan city is not only the capital of the state but also stands as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. With its rugged coastline, towering mountains, and expansive glaciers, Juneau offers a dramatic and romantic setting that is perfect for couples looking to escape the ordinary. The combination of natural beauty and serene ambiance creates an enchanting atmosphere that is ideal for exchanging vows.

Moreover, Juneau’s accessibility is another compelling reason to consider this destination for your elopement. Despite being located in a remote part of Alaska, Juneau is serviced by regular flights and ferries, making it feasible for couples and their loved ones to visit. Once you arrive, the local community is warm and welcoming, ensuring that your elopement experience is both enjoyable and hassle-free.

Additionally, eloping in Juneau allows couples to immerse themselves in a plethora of outdoor activities, enhancing their overall experience. Whether you wish to hike through lush rainforests, kayak in tranquil waters looking for whales, or simply relax and take in the stunning vistas, Juneau provides ample opportunities to connect with nature. Every moment spent together in this idyllic setting can deepen your bond, making your elopement not just a ceremony but a true adventure in love.

Legally Getting Married in Juneau, Alaska

Getting legally married in Juneau, Alaska, is a straightforward process, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly. Couples need to apply for a marriage license through the Alaska Court System. You can begin the process online or in person at the Juneau Courthouse. To start online, fill out your application here.

If you are going in person, both applicants must appear in person to provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and pay the required fee. Alaska has no residency requirement, but there is a three-day waiting period between applying and receiving the license, so be sure to factor that into your timeline. Once issued, the license is valid for three months, giving you plenty of flexibility to coordinate your wedding plans. Juneau, is one of two places you can obtain your marriage paperwork in Alaska, making it again, a great place to elope within the State.

Planning your elopement in Juneau

Like planning any elopement the things you want to do to kick of planning, in the order we recommend doing them are:

1. Pick an ideal date/date range to elope in Juenau.
2. Hire an elopement photographer that can assist you in planning (hey! get in touch!).
3. Select Locations + book other vendors needed
4. Book Travel
5. Obtain marriage licensee

Planning during the off season in Juneau can be challenging as most of the town shuts down making it hard to communicate with vendors. However, overall, planning an elopement in Juneau is pretty simple and easy to navigate. Plus, we are here to help you each step of the way!!

Juneau Elopement Locations to Consider

Mendenhall Glacier

One of the top spots is the Mendenhall Glacier, where you can frame your love against the icy blue hues of the glacier and the stunning landscapes surrounding it. The area offers various viewpoints, allowing you to find the perfect angle to capture the beauty of the glacier while showcasing your love story. This is also one of the most accessible locations to consider.

Herbert Glacier

This glacier is so beautiful with ice so, so old. There are two helicopter companies that take tours to this area, which is the only way to access the glacier. The short flight from the airport to glacier is so beautiful, you get views of Mendenhall as well. This can be perfect for your ceremony and/or for simply visiting the glacier for portraits or a celebratory moment.

Douglas Island

This area just outside of town is a ski area during the Winter months, but outside of that it is an access point to several beautiful trials. The trails in this area range from rocky beaches, streams in the forest and to the top of the view point area.

Tongass National Forest

The National Forest surrounding the Juneau area has various trails and areas you can explore. Some of the hikes go to the top of the big beautiful mountains surrounding town. You can access the these various trails and locations via hiking, boating, seaplanes or helicopters.

Weather considerations for your Juneau elopement

Weather plays a crucial role in planning your elopement in Juneau, as the city’s climate can be unpredictable. Juneau experiences a maritime climate (similar to Olympic National Park), characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year.

We would recommend May or June as the best time to elope in Juneau Alaska. The photos you are seeing in this blog were captured in late August for reference.

Summer (June to August) is the warmest season, with daytime highs reaching the mid-60s to 70s, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies. However, even in summer, it’s wise to prepare for the occasional rain shower, so having a backup plan or providing umbrellas can ensure your day remains magical regardless of the weather.

Fall (September to November) brings a colorful transformation as the leaves change, but temperatures begin to drop, averaging between the mid-40s to low 60s. If you choose to elope during this season, consider layering your attire to stay warm while still looking stunning. The autumn scenery, with its vibrant hues, can create a picturesque setting for your ceremony, but it is important to be prepared for cooler weather and rain.

Winter (December to February) offers a completely different experience, with snow-covered landscapes and the chance to witness the northern lights, weather permitting. While temperatures can dip into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, the winter wonderland provides a magical atmosphere for your elopement. If you choose this season, consider warm clothing options and plan your ceremony for the early afternoon to take advantage of daylight.

Spring in Juneau, Alaska, is cool and often wet, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s in April to the low 60s by June. Rain and overcast skies are common, but sunny days become more frequent as the season progresses, while snow lingers in higher elevations. With nearly 16 hours of daylight by late spring, it’s a stunning time to enjoy blooming wildflowers, wildlife, and the area’s breathtaking scenery.

Regardless of when you decide to elope, staying informed about the weather forecast will help you prepare adequately and ensure a smooth experience.

Local vendors and services for your elopement

Juneau is home to a variety of local vendors and services that can help make your elopement a seamless and enjoyable experience. Alaska in general, but specifically, Juneau has many locations that require a private tour to be able to access, this also goes for elopement day activities. Below are some local vendors you may want to consider working with for your elopement day:

Seaplane pilot:

Seaplanes are a great way to access locations that very remote and lakeside or off of the bay. We personally really loved working with Wardair last time we were in Juneau for an elopement. Seaplanes are also a great option as you can fit more people than a helicopter and are typically more affordable.

Helicopter pilot:

Helicopter elopements are the main attraction typically for Alaska elopements, as they can get you to the glaciers and locations that would only be accessible via long, hard hikes that would require bush-wacking. Helicopter tours can range from 2 hours to the full day depending on landings, locations and budget. When we were in Juneau last we really enjoyed our experience with Coastal Helicopters.

Local liaison:

Juneau is very unique to other towns in Alaska when it comes to planning an elopement. Here most of the companies will not book with a couple directly, but you must coordinate bookings through a liaison who will handle the booking for you and tag a long. During the planning process, if you need to book a company that communicates through the local liasion will put you in direct contact with him.

Other Vendors:

When eloping, you may consider also booking a hair and make up artist, florist or private chef. Juneau has several options to choose from for local wedding vendors.

Juneau Elopement Packages

Adventure and Vow offers photo packages for Juneau, Alaska year round. We have experience working in Alaska and capturing elopements on the glaciers, via sea planes and more! We LOVE Alaska and truly believe if you are looking for an elopement that is an epic experience immersed in the outdoors, Alaska will offer it to you.

Our Juneau elopement packages include: assistance planning, drone planning, vendor recommendations, timeline, in person + online scouting, ordained photographer, same day sneaks and more! Our packages range from a mini elopement (6 hours) to multi-day packages.

Juneau Elopement Video

Video can be added onto your photo package. Having a video of your day can transport you anytime back to being in Juneau for your day, a chance to re-see it, but also rehear your vows to each other.

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Eloping while on an Alaska Cruise

Alaskan Cruises are quite popular and can be a great way to celebrate getting married – elope at one of the stops, mid honeymoon! However, planning an Alaska cruise elopement takes quite the experience in planning and timing. Imagine though, you wake up in the morning enjoy your coffee together while admiring Hubbarb Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and by lunch you’re dressed, ready to get married walking off the ship in Juneau, Alaska. That is exactly what Dallas + John did, the couple you see in the photos + video within this blog. After the elopement is over you can have a celebratory drink by a fire near your ship downtown before boarding, just in time for dinner on the ship.

During their 6 hours off of the boat, we were able to take a seaplane to a private cabin for their ceremony then take a helicopter to a glacier to celebrate. Juneau makes for the perfect stop of the Alaskan Cruises for your elopement day due to how close the airport is to the ship dock to be able to still experience a full, intentional, beautiful adventure elopement day in a shorter time frame. Having a secure plan and communicating with the ship is key to pulling off an epic elopement while docked in Juneau. The biggest must-do is make sure you can get off of the boat first.

There are several cruise ships that go to Juneau, Alaska giving you several options to choose from. The best time experience a cruise that travels up to Alaska is May through September. The best date, really depends on what activities and excursions you want to do while off of the ship.

Tips for a memorable elopement experience in Juneau

Do not by shy to prioritize your comfort. Juneau’s natural beauty is best experienced outdoors, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely during your ceremony and adventures. This is particularly important if you plan to hike or explore various locations after your elopement. Additionally, consider the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. Having layers and appropriate gear can help you stay comfortable and focused on the joy of the day. Juneau is a rain forest so temperatures can be chilly, with added rain. Glaciers can be particular cold.

Lastly, take the time to savor the moment. Eloping is a celebration of your love, and it can be easy to get caught up in the details. Schedule some downtime to simply enjoy each other’s company, whether it’s a quiet moment by the water or a cozy evening at a local café. These intimate moments of connection will be the highlights of your elopement experience, allowing you to reflect on the significance of your union in such a breathtaking setting.

Book the excursions, a lot of being in Alaska is about taking the tours. Alaska is remote, especially Juneau with very little roads – the only way in is boat or plane. So if you want to do a lot you need to be prepared to hike a lot or take the tours.

We Can’t Wait To Hear More About Your Alaska Elopement Plans!