Fifteen miles out along Glacier Highway, tucked on the northern shoreline of Auke Bay, is Auke Village Recreation Area, known to locals as Auke Rec. Auke Rec (pronounced like ‘rock’ or ‘sock’) does in one stop what you’d need multiple stops for elsewhere. As an Auke Rec elopement photographer working right here in Juneau, this is one of the first spots I bring up when a couple wants variety without a long drive.
A long pathway runs the length of the beach, connecting a string of picnic shelters along the way. The shoreline is rocky and bowl-shaped, with large driftwood logs tipped on their sides, ribbons of seaweed, and views of the mountains across the water. This stretch of coast was once a village site for the Áak’w Kwáan Tlingit people known as Aanchg̱altsóow (the town that moved). There is a culturally rich history here worth learning about (speaking as a Tlingit woman myself).
Just past Auke Rec, a walkable peninsula called Point Louisa opens up more of the same coastline with even more privacy and double the views. You can drive through the neighboring Auke Village Campground gate to reach it, or skip the drive and walk from Auke Rec through the forest, or along the beach at low tide. It’s about a ten-minute walk either direction.
Between the two, you’re getting mountains, beach, and forest without the hike or ever repacking the car. Point Louisa is perfect for an elopement or intimate ceremony, but if your day grows into a larger ceremony or reception, there’s room for that at Auke Rec. If you’re bringing loved ones along, kids love exploring the beach and forest, and the area is very dog-friendly. A covered shelter with a fireplace can be rented in advance, so if the weather turns, rain doesn’t have to mean rescheduling. It feels wild out here, but you’re still close enough to civilization for a quick store run if you forgot something.
Photos from Auke Rec
Photos from Point Louisa
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Chelsea and Dan’s elopement portraits at Point Louisa
Read the full guide: Where to Elope in Juneau, Alaska →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially if you want more than one backdrop without extra driving. It runs beach to forest with mountain views in almost every direction. It’s also great if you want a sheltered area with a firepit for warming up and drying off.
About 15 miles, roughly a 35-minute drive along Glacier Highway.
Honestly, any time of year! Summer is the best season overall to elope in Juneau, but Auke Rec is even beautiful in the winter.
Auke Rec is the more accessible, well-loved local recreation spot. People gather here for birthdays, field trips, paddleboarding, and other casual gatherings. Point Louisa is a short walk or drive away and considerably quieter. It’s a popular place for a dog walk, date night, or photoshoots because of how scenic and easy it is to get to.
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