Kind Words
“Booking Sierra as our elopement photographer was one of the best decisions we’ve made when we decided to elope to Alaska. In March, we decided to ditch all the wedding planning and elope to Alaska in April. After some quick browsing online, we found Wild Iris Studios. We fell in love with her portfolio. We loved her adventurous spirit and the way she could capture the breathtaking scenery while still having the couples as the center of attention. I debated reaching out because I wasn’t sure if anyone would be available and didn’t want to get my hopes up just to be let down. I cannot be more grateful of how quickly Sierra responded and how much she helped us through the entire process. First, we had no idea how to elope (a little ironic) but her website as well as her communication/advice really helped us feel prepared to make the most out of the day and of our trip to Alaska. Her recommendations for vendors were top notch. Second, when our bags got delayed, Sierra was so calm, reassuring, and helpful. Our bags had all our props for the photos + our clothes for our week long wilderness cruise. She was on top of things immediately. She was able to get us flowers last minute (which made a world of difference), lent us her jacket, and brought along extra props to make our day special. Third, my now-husband and I are not photogenic people. We rarely have our picture taken together and are awkward as soon as a camera comes out. We don’t know how Sierra did it but we look so comfortable in the photos! She walked us through some prompts and poses. Her instructions helped us loosen up and look like the best versions of ourselves, which is when we’re focused on each other and not on the camera. Not only was Sierra amazing through the whole process but the photos are absolutely stunning. We don’t even know how (besides teleportation) but she got the best angles on every part of our day. It speaks to her expertise in her craft and how dedicated she is to her clients. She truly captured our joy and excitement, and we cannot thank her enough for giving us a way to relive that day for the rest of our future together. Thank you Sierra for everything!” – Nick and Gigi
Thinking About a Juneau Elopement?
Let’s start planning →
Read the full guide: Where to Elope in Juneau, Alaska →
More about Eagle Beach: A Local Photographer’s Guide to Eloping at Eagle Beach →
Frequently Asked Questions
Eagle Beach State Recreation Area is a day-use park, and small elopement ceremonies are generally allowed without a special permit. Larger groups or anything involving a tent, arch, or added structure may need a permit through Alaska State Parks. If your plans are simple, a couple and an officiant standing on the sand, you’re usually fine to just show up, but it is better to contact Alaska State Parks to be sure.
There’s a parking lot right at the recreation area next to the picnic sites. There are also public outhouses.
May through July gives you the longest light and the driest conditions. I recommend avoiding beaches in Alaska in August and September when the salmon spawn and dead fish carcasses wash ashore. Eagle Beach closes in the winter. The Rainforest Trail is open year-round and photographs beautifully in every season, but the trail does not get shovelled when the snow falls so I do not recommend it for winter elopements.
Not usually! It’s a short and easy trail, with mostly flat boardwalk in sections. However, it can get muddy after rain, and is difficult to hike in snow.
