If you’re planning to elope at all, but specifically in Alaska and more precisely in Juneau, you already know—weather is part of the adventure. Below you will find tips and suggestions to help you maximize your elopement days no matter what the weather holds.
You’re choosing wild coastline, mist-covered mountains, ancient forests, and a deep sense of place. But with that comes unpredictability. Juneau weather doesn’t care about your timeline—and honestly, that’s part of its charm. After all, we have everyday weather that would make the headlines in cities in the rest of the country.
This guide isn’t just about having a backup plan (though yes, that matters). It’s about how to prepare practically and emotionally so that no matter what the skies bring, your day stays anchored in joy, flexibility, and wonder.
Here are my favorite ways to weatherproof your elopement in Juneau and beyond, without just crossing your fingers for sun (trust me it doesn’t work).
1. Stay for a Full Week
Juneau isn’t a fly-in-Friday, get-married-Saturday, leave-Sunday kind of destination for SO many reasons. Weather systems here can shift dramatically day to day—so the best thing you can give yourself is margin.
What does Margin for weather during your elopement look like?
Plan for 5–7 days minimum.
That gives you and your photographer, guide, and vendors time to flex the schedule, pivot locations, and find the best window of weather during your stay. This isn’t always possible, but typically, when you work with a quality photographer they can at least pivot (because they’re not booked every single day). Allowing you to flex, and you might get to keep your tours even if the original day is not ideal weather.
A very popular option to getting to Juneau is via Cruise ship. If that is the route you’re choosing to travel, don’t worry! As you will read as you continue, as long as your arrive with a good attitude, clear intention, and sense of adventure a little rain wont stop us! I also believe in my entire being that the foggy, cloudy, slightly rainy days are the most beautiful and that no weather is destined to ruin your elopement.
Let’s chat about your elopement day and learn more about you and your partner! Let’s Chat!
2. Choose a Stay That’s Also a Sanctuary
Don’t just think about where you’ll sleep—think about where you’ll soak in the experience.
After hiking through mist or standing on a glacier in the rain, your body and soul will want comfort. Look for:
- Hot tubs, saunas, or deep bathtubs
- Fireplaces or big windows with views
- Cozy blankets and space to slow down
Let your Airbnb or hotel be part of the celebration. Not just functional—restorative.
A list of a few of my favorite Airbnb’s to stay at:
Studio w/ a Hot Tub
3 bed w/ Hot Tub and Views
3 bedroom house w/ hot tub
Studio / outside of town / incredible ocean view
2 Bed, Amazing views off the Deck
Super cute A-frame / Sauna / Fire Pit
3. Hire a Local Elopement Photographer who is familiar with the weather
The best decision you’ll make? Choosing someone who knows the land.
A local guide (or photographer who lives in Juneau, me!) can:
- Read the weather patterns and adjust your plans in real time during your elopement
- Lead you to pockets of cover or mist instead of downpours
- Choose trails with natural shelters, tree cover, or hidden overlooks or just find your a really great indoor space
- Help you emotionally regulate when it starts to feel overwhelming
This isn’t just logistics. It’s peace of mind.
4. Embrace Gear That Makes You Braver
Forget styling around the rain—plan for it.
Invest in high-quality rain jackets, waterproof boots, and cozy base layers. Don’t worry about the umbrellas, I will bring those, along with hand warmers, and extra layers too. Choose gear that makes you feel secure, not soggy—and confident, not clunky. I personally love the bright colors of most gear, if you love the color go for it! There’s no need to stick with Black or white.
🧥 Bonus tip: Bring a dry set of clothes to change into after the ceremony. Even if you don’t need them, knowing you have a warm option waiting brings ease.
5. Choose Activities That Can Flex with the weather on your elopement
When building your itinerary, avoid rigid timelines. Instead, choose excursions and activities with flexibility:
Ask each company ahead of time:
- “What’s your rescheduling policy for weather?”
- “Do you offer alternate activities or backup windows?”
The key here is agility, not perfection. I love working with my couples to help plan a timeline that flexes and flows, let’s chat about your dream day!
6. Book Vendors Who Get It
Vendors who are local or weather-adaptive will bring creativity, not just backup plans to your elopement. They’ve shot in sideways rain. They know where fog rolls through in the afternoon. They’ve hiked muddy trails with couples holding hands and soaked vows. Beyond that, they’ve been observing the weather in real time over the last week or so, that way they know that even if it’s pouring all day the last three days it’s been clear and beautiful in the evening.
Look for people who:
- Talk openly about weather
- Show images from real-weather elopement days, not just the sunny ones
- Offer emotional support, not just logistical fixes
You’re not hiring for perfection—you’re hiring for presence and experience. There is no weather that will scare me away!
7. Build in Buffer, Not Just Plans
Have a Plan A and B… but also:
- Build in downtime
- Leave room between adventures
- Don’t over-schedule every hour
You’re not just managing weather—you’re giving your soul breathing space. And honestly, the slower the pace, the more present you’ll feel. Building in buffer and being willing to roll with the day means seeing a window break in the weather and being able to jump at the opportunity, having a morning tour canceled but getting on an afternoon one. The timelines we build are more like wish lists, and adventure guides, and less hour by hour schedules.
Let’s make your elopement day plan!
8. Make Space for Warmth & Comfort Rituals that way, if you encounter weather you can still enjoy your elopement day
Rainy-day elopements can be deeply cozy. Build in tiny rituals that feel like home:
- A shared cup of coffee or tea before vows
- Wrapping in a blanket after (or during) the ceremony
- Reading letters from loved ones by fire light
- Slipping into a hot bath or sauna that night to let the day settle in your bones, this feels great even in the rain
These moments become just as sacred as the ceremony itself.
9. Pack an Adventurous Attitude
You can’t control the weather. But you can choose your posture toward it.
The couples who walk away with the richest stories aren’t the ones who had perfect skies—they’re the ones who let the rain in and danced in it.
They let the fog roll through their photos.
Laughing in wind.
Showing up for each other, not in spite of the weather—but because of it.
Honestly, what’s better than having to snuggle together close to stay warm? I can’t think of anything!
Final Thought: What If This Is the Magic?
What if you don’t need to “weatherproof” your day to keep it beautiful?
Even if the moody mist is your backdrop?
If the soft rain is part of your vows?
What if the shifting sky becomes a reminder that marriage isn’t about control—it’s about choosing each other, moment by unpredictable moment?
In Juneau, that’s where the beauty lives.
And that’s where your story begins.
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