WEDDING BLOG

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends epic natural landscapes with personal, off-the-beaten-path moments, Faith and Zach’s Seward, Alaska elopement will speak straight to your adventurous heart. The couple, both locals to Anchorage, knew from the beginning that they wanted to escape to Seward—one of their favorite places to visit with their dogs—for a celebration that felt relaxed, remote, and fully immersed in nature. What followed was a wedding day filled with custom touches, lush forested ceremony views, and a private boat cruise through Resurrection Inlet, complete with a waterfall stop and a champagne toast.

Photographer Rose of Matlai Photography, who also helped guide the couple through the planning process, described them as “definitely down for an adventure.” The entire day was designed to be easygoing and organic, with little stress and plenty of space to enjoy Alaska’s beauty. This is the kind of wedding that proves elopements can be both adventurous and stylish—especially when paired with an embroidered velvet suit and a just-for-fun stop at a mid-century modern bar.

Featured Vendor:
Matlai Photography

Why We Love This Seward, Alaska Elopement

• A remote ceremony site that felt like a hidden rainforest retreat
• A personalized boat cruise with a private charter and waterfall visit
• Two beloved dogs included throughout the day
• The perfect post-ceremony picnic for two
• A low-key but high-impact post-ceremony cocktail stop in Seward

A Celebration Designed Around the Wild Alaskan Landscape

From the start, Seward was the obvious choice. “They knew they wanted to get out on the peninsula somehow to celebrate their wedding,” Rose explained. “We ended up booking Miller’s Landing for a half-day boat cruise, which just amped up the level of excitement.”

Planning the day came naturally, thanks to Rose’s familiarity with the area. “I’ve worked there for several years, so I have lots of recommendations on where to go, what to see, and the inside scoop,” she said. One of those ideas included a forest picnic—a cozy and delicious interlude before boarding the boat for an epic cruise through the fjords.

The boat itself became a highlight of the day. “We hired a private charter for the return trip, and it was so cool to stop at a waterfall and have the whole boat to ourselves in Resurrection Inlet. It’s just incredible to be out there on the water with these massive mountains all around you!”

Thoughtful Styling Meets Alaskan Adventure

Just because the couple eloped didn’t mean they held back on style. “Zach rocked an incredible green velvet suit with embroidered inside pockets. It was stunning!” Rose shared. He even added a braided hair detail thanks to Girdwood-based stylist Lana Anderson, who helped complete the look.

Faith opted for a vintage-inspired wedding dress that brought a soft, classic elegance to the rugged landscape. “The contrast was fantastic,” Rose said. “It was also a reminder that when you elope, you really can wear whatever you want!”

A First Look by the Water, and a Ceremony in the Forest

The day started with a sweet first look on the water’s edge in front of a wooden cabin. “Faith walked down the steps, their two dogs circling Zach below, and he turned around to see her. So cute!”

The ceremony itself felt like something out of a fairytale. “It looked like we were deep in the rainforest somewhere,” Rose said. “Despite being on the Alaskan coastline, it felt immense, private, super green, and very peaceful.” That sense of stillness—surrounded by trees and softened by mossy ground—created a deeply intimate atmosphere that perfectly reflected the couple’s love.

From Waterfalls to Cocktails

After saying “I do” and exploring the inlet by boat, Faith and Zach headed to The Flamingo, a newly revamped cocktail bar in downtown Seward. “Despite looking like a mid-mod dive bar on the outside, it has a tremendous menu and brings a total flair to the area,” said Rose. It was a fun, unfussy way to cap off a day full of meaning, movement, and joy.

Eloping Means Doing It Your Way

If Faith and Zach’s Seward, Alaska elopement proves anything, it’s that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting married. You don’t need a sea of florals, an officiant, or even an aisle unless that’s what you want. An intimate forest ceremony, a boat tour with your dogs, and a final stop at a cool local bar? That’s just as meaningful—and wildly romantic—as any traditional celebration.

Eloping is your chance to strip away everything unnecessary and focus on what matters most: the two of you, your love, and the new adventure you’re creating together.