Marc and Kayley’s Small Wedding at Salted Roots Cabins & a Heli Adventure

Marc and Kayley love hiking, rock climbing, and Alaska. Instead of deciding to plan an adventurous elopement or a traditional wedding, these two nurses decided to combine an adventure elopement and an intimate wedding to get the best of both worlds. Having their small wedding at Salted Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska was the perfect intimate wedding venue for their special day.

Are you ready to plan your wedding in Alaska? Explore our Alaska elopement packages.

About This Small Wedding

Photography by Emily Hary Photography

“Marc and Kayley wanted to have the adventure of an elopement and have a portion of their day with their friends and family. So they did both! Salted Roots Cabins provided the perfect home base for it all. The morning was relaxed as they each got ready for the day in their neighboring cabins. Kayley exchanged gifts and moments with her mother and then had a first look with her dad. After that Marc and Kayley met in the woods for a first look for themselves before setting off to the airport down the road.

Seward Helicopters always provides a top-notch flying experience. We flew to a secluded cove on Resurrection Bay. This place was heaven. It was drizzling and we could hear a waterfall across the way. They exchanged vows and we explored the area, taking in all the sights and smells. They even brought a thermos of hot cocoa to warm up. When we got back, they had a ceremony on the beach at Salted Roots. Everyone toasted afterward and then enjoyed appetizers (hello oysters) and drinks back at the cabins. They had their first dance up on the bluff overlooking the ocean with everyone gathered around. A cozy tent was set up for the reception space. Barrio Kitchen was grilling up salmon, among other delicious things. Live music was provided as we all enjoyed the day. Later they had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows.” [Emily, the photographer]

Check out these small wedding ideas you can steal!

Deciding to Plan a Small Wedding

“When we first started dreaming of our wedding, we envisioned it in the mountains. Together we have spent countless hours adventuring deep in the wilderness all over the country and the mountains would be a testament to our lifestyle. Eloping was our first plan and it excited us, dreaming of the remote places we could go and how we could get there. However, the more we thought about it the more we realized that the day would feel incomplete if we didn’t have our family and friends who have supported us at our side. With a little creativity, we were able to create the best of both worlds. Having a private mini elopement/vow exchange in the most scenic spot, followed by a more traditional, but intimate wedding on a mountain scape beach.

We knew right away we wanted to get married in Alaska because it has held a special place in our hearts. We lived there for a year while travel nursing and fell in love with the beauty and lifestyle. Once we decided to include family and friends in our big day, we wanted to choose somewhere that felt like quintessential Alaska. To us, there was no better place than Seward. It has such a dramatic landscape where both mountains and glaciers meet the sea, yet is surrounded by lush forests. Once we set our sites on it, there was no better place to get married than Salted Roots. With a private beach, gorgeous views, and adorable A-frames, it truly is one of a kind.” [The couple]

Permits and LNT For This Wedding Adventure

“The couple’s venue for the day was Salted Roots. Located just south of Seward, Alaska their property of cozy cabins are perfect home base for an intimate wedding or elopement. You can literally walk across the road to one of the most beautiful views of Resurrection Bay with snow-capped mountains in the background. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth.

Marc and Kayley took a helicopter flight with Seward Helicopters. Leaving no trace when doing this means that we don’t leave any trash scraps or waste behind. It also means that we planned ahead and packed as light as possible while still being prepared. The snow was too deep at the original location we wanted to go, so we had to pivot. We worked together with the incredible team at Seward Helicopters and found this gorgeous cove, complete with a waterfall coming down out of the mountains. The rain drizzled off and on and made for a really moody and serene time while out there.” [Emily, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your adventure. 

Planning Process For This Wedding

“What’s unique about Salted Roots was at this time they were still crafting their vision of what their business would look like for weddings. So we essentially had to turn a stunning property with four A-frames into a wedding venue -with a tent (this wedding had 30 guests).

Our family’s stayed on the grounds, and our friends stayed nearby. Because of the uniqueness of our venue Rebecca had to get creative in having multiple backup plans for not only the weather but also the tide tables for the beach. She utilized every corner of the property to create our day.

Emily, our photographer, knew the area like the back of her hand; from the sunset angles, lighting, shots in mind, etc. She helped us choose a spot for the helicopter to take us to exchange our private vows and rolled with the punches when the weather was rainy. Her knowledge of the area was essential.

Since Alaska is so remote, you’ll find that there aren’t as many vendors and venues as you’d find in the lower 48. Because of this, you’ll notice that every aspect is generally more expensive, so be prepared. Keep in mind travel fees for vendors the farther you go from Anchorage or another big city as you make your plans. To anyone considering having their big day in Alaska, you’ll have no regrets. There is truly no place like it.” [The couple]

Top Tips For Planning Your Wedding at Salted Roots Cabins

Salted Roots Cabins in Seward Alaska is such a unique and beautiful location. If you’re not from the area, it’s not the cheapest or easiest spot to get to, but WELL worth it. Flights, rental cars, and lodging add up. Keeping the guest list trim will alleviate some of the sting of getting to Alaska. If you’re willing, a shoulder season could also help alleviate the total cost. Read up on the pros and cons of each season to determine what you’re willing to put up with (cold, slushy/muddy, etc.).

If you’re wanting amazing landscapes, peace/quiet, and endless adventure opportunities Seward and Salted Roots is perfect for your elopement. Across the street is an easily accessible ceremony location (Salted Roots’ property) on the beach. If you’re not down for that type of scenery for your ceremony, you can team up with your photographer to find other options. A helicopter will provide the most variety and epic landscapes. From glacial lagoons to little alpine lakes, the Seward area is full of nearly untouched locations. [Emily, the photographer]

Explore these other awesome Alaska wedding venues!

Details We’re Loving

“I LOVE that this couple combined a helicopter elopement with an intimate wedding ceremony/celebration, to create a day that is completely unique to them. There’s nothing cookie cutter here. The details and thoughtfulness throughout the day was phenomenal. The blue-dyed fringe hanging to enter the ceremony area to the table number display that was made up of Alaska photos the couple took themselves. Everything was personal and thoughtful. The vendor team was incredible!” [Emily, the photographer]

Memorable Moments During This Wedding in Seward, AK

From the photographer:

“Seeing Marc and Kayley buzzing into the cove was exhilarating and special. Marc came around and opened the helicopter door for Kayley and they shared a kiss. It was such a cool adventure elopement moment that not many people get to experience. We were giddy about the beautiful landscapes and getting to witness all the joy as we explored the area. Another favorite moment was having the pilot of the helicopter do a couple maneuvers around them before pick-up. It was an exhilarating way to end that portion of the day.”

From the couple:

Marc: “The most memorable experience on our wedding day was seeing my bride for the first time. According to the photos we were in the lush forest, but in the moment I couldn’t take my eyes off the person I was about to marry.”

Kayley: “The look on Marc’s face when we first saw each other is an image that will forever live in my mind rent-free…

Our entire time at Thumb Cove where we wandered around and exchanged private vows in the drizzling rain. This memory is more visceral-wandering around with your best friend, snuggling up, holding hands. I’ve never felt more loved or more beautiful in these moments alone together. During our vow exchange, the rain picked up and started to smear Marc’s vows on his paper, making us giggle…”

Vendors 

Photographer | Emily Hary Photography
Videographer | Sorril Media
Planner | La Boum Events
Venue: |Salted Roots Alaska
Florist | La Boum Events
Rentals | J&M Alaska Wedding Design + La Boum Events
Hair and make-up | Mary Alice Beauty
Musician | @woodrowalaska
Catering | @barrio.cateringkitchen
Cake + desserts | @zudyscafe
Bridal gown | Casa Blanca Bridal

Photos From This Wedding Day