Alaska is an incredibly scenic place to elope but logistics can be challenging. Planning an elopement in Seward, Alaska can be a challenge and with some help it’s not impossible. Knowing what there is to do, local vendors, where and when things happen, seasons and logistics — this is where I can help! Keep reading to see how Caitlin & Brian opted out of a traditional wedding in Oregon to, instead, plan an elopement in Seward, Alaska.

Why elope in Seward, Alaska?

When thinking of beautiful places around the world, Seward, located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska should be at the top of the list. The Kenai Peninsula is fondly nicknamed “Alaska’s Playground” and Seward is the embodiment of that description!

Adventure runs rampant through the streets of Seward. The possibilities are truly endless and there is an activity…ahem, activitiessss… for all skill levels and age groups. A few options for fun include:

• Deep sea fishing for world-famous halibut or salmon (I recommend Pro-Fish-N-Sea Charters)
• Sea kayaking along the coastal rainforest and sheer cliffs
• Jet-skiing up to the face of a million-year-old glacier
• Helicoptering around the Bay to the tops of mountains and inaccessible bits of Alaska.

Those options are available and accessible for everyone, but for those of us who like a little slower pace, check out the Fjords Tours who scope out the local wildlife and educate patrons along the ride. If keeping feet on solid ground is preferred, the Seward Sealife Center is a great way to see local and ongoing rehabilitation efforts of local wildlife including birds, fish, sea life, and sea mammals.

Things to Consider When Planning an Elopement in Seward

When first beginning to plan an elopement in Seward, especially if unfamiliar with this little fishing town, it may be a little overwhelming. Here are the most important things to consider when planning an elopement, as well as some local vendor recommendations for Seward specifically. All the photos below are from Caitlin & Brian’s beautiful elopement in Seward.

Ceremony Locations for an Elopement in Seward

Seward is nestled in Resurrection Bay and has one road leading into town from the mountain pass. Seward is a very small town known for its world-class fishing and for being one of the cruise ship ports of Alaska.

Since Seward is a small seasonal tourist town, there could be some logistical challenges when it comes to vendors. Seward has the most scenic locations from every side of the bay. There are several local beaches around Seward that are backed by mountains or a views of Resurrection Bay. Caitlin & Brian hosted their first looks, private vows, and beach elopement at Lowell Point, which is close to Seward. Lowell Point has beautiful, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and bay and is only accessible via a dirt road.

As a local, I’ve scoured the edges of the surrounding Bay to log some secret, private but stunning locations that would be perfect locations for when you plan an elopement in Seward.

Time of Year & The Best Seasons for an Elopement in Alaska

Despite it’s beauty, Alaska is harsh. Weather swings from one end of the spectrum to the other; Winter is long and summer is full of endless daylight and road construction; Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off to summer, followed rapidly by the peak tourism months from June to September. Seward averages 2-4 cruise ships into port every other day, seven days a week during peak summer “tourist” months.

Seward’s climate is a considered coastal rainforest and, as you can probably deduce, it rains here. A lot. I recommend umbrellas or let’s just dance in the rain and embrace it! If this sounds like your vibe, check out my written piece on an elopement at Granite Point Mountain Lodge.

Temperatures during summer months fluctuate anywhere from 50-70 degrees on average, but generally will be high 50’s and low 60’s. Because of nearly 24-hours of daylight, the sun’s heat feels hotter because Alaska never gets a chance to cool down. During summer months, the tilt of the earth is closer to the sun, making the UV rays very strong.

Brian & Caitlin’s wedding day was mostly cloudy with a soft breeze. The air was humid and we had some sprinkles throughout the day, but ended with a glorious sunset.

When starting to plan an elopement in Seward, consider time of year (specifically month) as well as the actual location or type of scenery you see when envisioning your dream elopement in Alaska!

Tide Schedule

I realize that this *should* be common sense but Seward is a coastal town which means beach access will be affected by high and low tides. Go ahead and laugh, but Caitlin & Brian’s arbor nearly washed away during their ceremony. Pick up a tide book or google the tide schedule for your elopement day – the tide shifts in 12 hour cycles, but definitely a big thing to consider when planning a beach elopement in Seward (or any coastal Alaskan town, really).

Elopement Vendors

I know I’ve said it already, but Seward is a SMALL. FISHING. TOWN. Since it primarily thrives around the FISHING industry, you could see how finding local vendors for hair, makeup, formal cakes, and florals is a challenge even for someone from Alaska who plans an elopement in Seward.

Restaurants and Catering

• There are lots of cute little local restaurants that offer catering. Depending on the vibe you’re going for, you can probably find a local vendor to meet your needs.
  
  • Zudie’s – Local fresh cuisine. Does cater weddings, but the owner may be retiring within the next year (by 2026).
  • Fire Brand BBQ – Delicious Texas-style BBQ in the Last Frontier. Does cater weddings, but is open seasonally (May-Sept).
  • Flamingo Lounge – An homage to it’s original name from the 1950’s, the Flamingo Lounge is an eat-in establishment with it’s own special flair. Thousands of unique alcohol bottles line every edge of the entire establishment. Best known for their “Bucket of ‘But.” Reservations recommended for any party size.

Hair and Make-up Artists (HMUA)

For hair and make-up services, you will most likely be hiring an artist from the Kenai Peninsula or Anchorage. Alaskan vendors are no strangers to roadtrips to meet our amazing clients. Luckily, the scenery never gets old.

• Glam By Cathy – An incredibly talented hair and make-up artist who will travel. She is a phenomenal person and artist. You will not regret hiring Cathy!
• Dollhouse.Ak – Savanna is also an incredibly talented make-up artist. She does not offer hair services.
• Veronica Hoxie is a personal friend and former beauty queen who has years of experience with makeup and hair styling. I am happy to share her info if you’re looking to inquire while planning an elopement in Seward.

DJ’s or Audio options

Like finding a HMUA, you will most likely be hiring a DJ from one of the surrounding towns. Depending on the size of your wedding overall, you could always supply your own speakers or rent a small sound system and pair it with a favorite or specially curated playlist from Spotify.

Florists

• There are no local florists in Seward, so you’d be looking to hire someone to drive to Seward or making your own bouquet (or at very least picking up your bouquet).
  • The Teal Door – Kasara is one of the most talented florists in Alaska. Kasara has delivered florals for several weddings and elopements I’ve photographed, all which were stunning.
  • Fairytale Blooms Alaska – Brooke is one of the few people who can hear a very specific aesthetic and make it a living floral installment. She is a gem of a human and would deliver lovely florals for a beach wedding at Lowell Point.
• If you are more of a DIY person, then check out:
  • Alaska Flower Market – Located in Anchorage, but frequently hosts classes on building bouquets and has a wide variety of florals.
  • Safeway, the local grocery store, also carries grab-and-go bouquets in varying sizes.

Caitline opted for a DIY approach and assembled her own florals using wooden flowers from Amazon. Best part of wooden flowers is they won’t wilt in the rain or cold of an elopement in Seward’s unpredictable weather.

Officiants

In the state of Alaska, anyone can perform a wedding ceremony. Have your friend or family member perform the ceremony. They just would need to get ordained online ahead of the wedding, which takes literally minutes! If you’d rather have someone perform a ceremony for you, here are some recommended vendors I work with regularly:

• Say Yes Alaska has multiple officiants working for them and all I have worked with have been amazing.
• Star of Starvia’s Events is also able to oversee weddings. She is so kind and more than willing to help with logistics. She also is a great vendor for decor and day-of coordination services. I have worked with her for both weddings and elopements.

The [Best] Elopement Photographer

The day of your elopement you want to have a photographer by your side that you trust. You want a friend that will hype you up, block and tackle if guests get wild, and a creative partner that will deliver mind-blowing photos.

The photos from your wedding day are the ONE THING (besides your husband) that you’ll have for the rest of your life. These photos are the start of your family history, the legacy you’ll build together, even into future generations of your family! Do your research and meet with your photographer.

Actually, let me make a formal recommendation:
Hi, My name is Kyla and I’m the Alaska elopement photographer you want AND need.

As a locally-raised and life-long Alaskan, I can help you prepare for what to expect. Let’s address the sticky points and plan an elopement in Seward that is guaranteed to be the best day of your life. Check out my portfolio on my website or my instagram. I’d love the opportunity to earn your business, make your elopement planning seamless, and celebrate your love every step of the way.