Mountain Elopement in Anchorage | Rogan + Simiyah

Welcome to the adventure that was Rogan and Simiyah’s oceanside elopement in Anchorage! Anchored in their shared love for the outdoors, the couple took the offbeat path, literally and figuratively, for their wedding ceremony. It was a very intimate setting, focused just on the two of them and their love - exactly like they wanted.

The day kicked off on the rocks of beluga point, with mountains in the distance and a blizzard raging around us. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen more incredible winter wedding attire! They shared their vows using the evergreens for shelter from the wind, exchanged rings and made it official.

Rogan and Simiyah braved the elements for a few photos that practically shouted “WE ELOPED IN ALASKA IN A BLIZZARD” (absolutely worth it) before we retreated to a less blustery are of anchorage for some more magical snowy bride and groom portraits.

Following the ceremony, the couple returned to their hotel downtown Anchorage to continue the celebration. A cozy cake-cutting session followed by some champagne popping completed our time together but definitely was not the end of the warm fuzzy feelings!! I literally miss these two.

This unconventional elopement was a true testament to their love for each other and the outdoors. While far from traditional, Rogan and Simiyah’s mountain elopement in Anchorage was very much them.

Keep scrolling to see highlights from the gallery!

To see more of my work, click here. To book with me, click here!

Kind Words

“Rachel was wonderful to work with! She was the only professional vendor we booked and are so thrilled we did. Not only are the photos of our intimate elopement wedding in the Prince William Sound gorgeous, but she fit in seamlessly with our tiny 10-person wedding party. She was climbing ship stacks and into zodiacs in the rain without batting an eye. So happy we got to work with her!” -Mariah

Noah + Laurel’s Portraits In The Mountains

Capturing Noah and Laurel's relationship in the mountains of Alaska was such a special experience! Every moment spent with them gave me a beautiful peek into their fun, steady love.

We began the shoot against the backdrop of the Glen Alps, with the mountainside foliage starting the change to autumn colors. Their casual outfits added an inviting, relaxed feeling to the photos. We hiked around the mountains, playing card games, frolicking in the wildflowers, drinking beer, and sharing sticky notes with something they love about each other written on them. I absolutely loved crafting a session for them that felt just like their relationship; because your photos are about YOU.

Our day ended with the golden October sun setting behind the majestic Alaskan mountains, casting an magical glow that beautifully illuminated Noah and Laurel's beaming smiles. Seeing them be themselves — goofy, in love, and live in the moment — made every photo genuinely special. Your photos should reflect your personality and bond as a couple, and I loved helping Noah and Laurel create this experience!

Keep scrolling to see their magical session in the mountains!

To book your own personalized magical session with me, click here!

Kind Words

“Rachel is an absolutely amazing photographer!! She goes above and beyond to help make your day special and continues to make us feel special even after the wedding us over. She truly has a heart for the people she gets to work with. You will not be disappointed if you choose her to be your photographer!” -Kody

Cooper Landing Alaska Wedding Day | Elijah + Olivia

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Cooper Landing is a hidden gem that offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops for a wedding. When Elijah and Olivia decided to tie the knot, this pristine location was their number one choice. Cooper Landing, situated along the banks of the Kenai River, is a picturesque paradise surrounded by lush forests, glistening waters, and towering mountains. As their photographer, capturing their wedding was both an honor and an adventure. Here’s a peek into their sweet fall wedding day.

The day began with Olivia and her bridesmaids getting ready in a cozy A-frame cabin with large windows letting in soft, natural light. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement, real life moments. Olivia’s wedding dress, an ethereal lace gown with intricate detailing, hung perfectly against the backdrop of pine trees outside. Elijah and his groomsmen got ready in a rustic log cabin elsewhere on the property. The groom wore a navy blue suit, complemented by a boutonniere featuring native wildflowers!

Elijah and Olivia had their first look in front of the river and took the moment to read each other private vows. This is always one of my favorite things that couples do; taking a moment for themselves without an audience to soak in the day and their promises.

Friends and family watched with joy as Elijah and Olivia became husband and wife in front of the mountains and the river. We frolicked around the venue taking photos, swinging from a tree, walking out onto the dock on the river, and making the most of Cooper Landing, AK in the fall.

After the portrait session it was time for the party! The reception was full of personal touches, heartfelt speeches from loved ones, and really good cake.

Congratulations to Elijah and Olivia!

Cooper Landing Alaska Fall Wedding Photography by Rachel Struve

If you’re liking what you’re seeing and are looking for a photographer to capture your day in all its glory, click here!

Kind Words

“She’s amazing to work with, so talented, and a genuinely great human being. I’m so glad that I found her and had the opportunity to work with her. I can honestly say we found a friend through her and can’t wait until we get to visit Alaska again so we can catch up with her!” — Bao & Bianca

Downtown Anchorage Anniversary Session | Eric + Zoe

Capturing Eric and Zoe's Downtown Anchorage anniversary session this past September was a dream! Alaska can be hit or miss with weather, but we lucked out with a stunning evening. We were going for “old money, future CEO” vibes and the city setting + Eric and Zoe’s impeccable outfits were giving what we needed them to give, phew!

The fallen leaves scattered on the sidewalks were an added bonus to the aesthetic, and then we'd catch a glimpse of the sun peeking through the city buildings - I am LIVING for that sun flare hehe. We spent a good part of the evening just exploring and stopping whenever a spot caught our eye!

Eric and Zoe are one of my wedding couples from a few years back, and it’s always such a joy working with past clients again. There was plenty of laughter, sweet whispers, a sunset dance. Each shot truly felt like a genuine moment, not just a pose (because…it was. LOL). I couldn't be happier with how their story came to life in this session. Please make a big deal of the photo I got of them across traffic, because it is one of my favs of my career. ENJOY.

Kind Words

“If you want to love your wedding photos and have a bubbly, patient, brilliant photographer then you have to hire Rachel.”

— Zoe & Travis

Dreamy Alaskan Elopement | Connor + Alissa

Connor and Alissa chose Whittier Alaska, their 12ish favorite people and their pups to create the perfect elopement day adventure for the two of them. Everyone got ready in a big cabin in Girdwood before making the drive to the overlook of their dreams in Whittier.


We all hiked down to the most serene little beach spot; Alissa got dressed on the beach and hid in a cove while the groom skipped rocks and the rest of the crew set up their ceremony in front of a stream running into the ocean.

Their ceremony (performed by their dear friend) was sweet and emotional. I never want couples to feel any pressure to “force emotion” during wedding day moments, but I DO want them to feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe to have the space to be authentically themselves and in their feels on their big day.

We raced against the tide to take some one of a kind portraits by the ocean before hiking back up to a perfect snack spread on the picnic tables. We took photos with the crew, drank whisky, and frolicked around in a field.

Thank you to Connor and Alissa for choosing me to document this day that they did their way!

The shots of them out on the rocks in the ocean are maybe some of the most epic photos I’ve ever taken, enjoyyyyy

Planning your own epic but personal adventure elopement and need it photographed?! click here, let’s talk!

Kind Words

“She’s amazing to work with, so talented, and a genuinely great human being. I’m so glad that I found her and had the opportunity to work with her. I can honestly say we found a friend through her and can’t wait until we get to visit Alaska again so we can catch up with her!”

— Bao & Bianca

Oceanside Whittier, Alaska Couples Session // Alaska Portrait Photographer

This, my friend, is the kind of magic we can create together.

Liz and Anthony are one of my past intimate wedding couples and they snatched up this romantic oceanside themed session when I launched themed sessions last year. (themed sessions are stylized sessions with a certain aesthetic achieved through outfits, location and occasionally props and I LOVE how unique and artistic the resulting images always are).

They went thrift shopping for coordinating trench coats, packed up some wood in the car and headed for one of the moodiest places in Alaska - Whittier Beach. They warmed their hands up by the fire, ran along the rocky beach, Lizi beachcombed for ocean things (she’s a marine biologist). We talked about their first year of marriage (it was their first anniversary) and the next steps and exciting moves coming up for them in the future.

Thank you to these two for leaning into the romance, the rain, and their relationship on this evening.

Enjoy scrolling through the beauty!

If you’re interested in your own creative session - inquire HERE:

I can’t wait to make your own kind of photo magic for you!!

Emma + Caleb's Elegant Autumn Wedding // Alaska Wedding Photographer

When Emma and I talked on the phone before her wedding, she told me her inspo was “elegant autumn wedding” with shimmery blues and I was HOOKED. Aside from the fact that Emma is literally the sweetest human ever (Caleb is pretty great too 😉) - I was so honored to be their photographer and help them bring this vision to life.

Working with these two was extra special because we went on a little hiking adventure together out to South Fork for their engagement session, which just added to my excitement for their wedding day. They were relaxed and happy - excited about each other and surrounded by supportive people.

The weather turned out PERFECTLY - we got the best of alaskan September autumn colors, comfortable temps and it was perfect for their outdoor first look and sweet ceremony. They did a beautiful job decorating their venue - Government Peaks Chalet - for the reception, and danced away with their friends before having their own last dance before their exit.

I don’t photograph a lot of larger weddings these days, but these two were a perfect fit and it was amazing from start to finish.

Vendors:

Anderson’s Bride

Vintage Poppy

Love and Butter AK

Jalynne Scotti (HMUA)

I LOVED spending the day with these two. If you’re getting married and looking for a photographer to help capture your vision for your day, I’d love to talk and see if we’d be a good fit!! just reach out at the link below:

8 Airbnbs for Your Alaska Elopement

8* Airbnbs for Your Alaska Elopement

I love Alaska as much as (okay honestly, probably more than) the next person, but sometimes it’s difficult to find what you’re looking for when you want to have an intimate wedding or elopement here.

It’s no surprise that Airbnbs are becoming more and more popular for these intimate events. However, I know you can spend HOURS on Airbnb searching for locations that are going to be functional, pretty inside and out (I know this, because I have done it).

Hopefully, this list will save you some time and help inspire you not only with the local options for Airbnbs, but also locations to get married near them!**

SEWARD ALASKA AIRBNB

One of the most popular spots in Alaska for elopements and intimate weddings, for good reason! These modern cabins are cozy but sophisticated. The property is located right across from the beautiful Lowell Point beach. The owners have multiple cabin stay options ranging from cottages, to these 6 person cabins, to a newly converted bus! There is a wood fired sauna that is available with any stay, and most of the listings have fully functional kitchens. Check out all the options available on the Salted Roots Property at this link:


Salted Roots Cabins

EKLUTNA LAKE AIRBNB

This beautiful cabin is settled less than 20 minutes from the iconic Eklutna lake, in a “secluded” forest location. It is a dry cabin (+composting toilet and self contained sink), and there is no cell service in the area so it’s truly an alaskan experience, but the cabin itself does have wifi. The inside of the cabin is cozy and cute, and the views from the porch + out the front windows are exceptional. This would be SUCH a cute spot to get ready for your elopement at Eklutna Lake or even in the surrounding forests, and such a cute little honeymoon cabin!


Eklutna Lake Cabin


A FRAME AIRBNB IN WASILLA ALASKA

These gorgeous modern airbnb cabins are nestled in the backroads of Wasilla, AK. The interior is bright, clean, and cozy, and a spiral staircase. They both have hot tubs, kitchens, and wifi - and they’re not a far drive from Hatcher Pass, which is MUST see in Alaska and another popular elopement location, for a reason!
Wasilla A-Frame

 

CABIN IN HOPE AK

This cute little cabin is a perfect little stay in the quaint town of Hope, Alaska. If you want a chill, cozy elopement stay - there’s board games and a full kitchen, a fire pit in the yard, and you’re a walk away from “downtown” Hope. You could get married in the forests around the cabin or one of the scenic locations around Hope!

Cabin in Hope, AK

SUTTON / MATANUSKA GLACIER AIRBNB

Don’t underestimate this spot because of the photo - yes, it’s another cabin, but this guy is in Sutton OVERLOOKING MATANUSKA GLACIER! If you’re looking for a different kind of elopement, this airbnb is in perfect proximity to the Matanuska glacier. You can even see it from the front windows, and the cabin itself is simple and clean.

Cabin Overlooking Matanuska Glacier

WHIMSICAL CHALET IN KODIAK ALASKA

Okay okay, I know it’s a little out there but I couldn’t make myself take this off the list. If you wanted to take the whole fam or a group of your besties out to Kodiak, you could elope in this one of a kind location within walking distances of the ocean and beach. I’m partial to the library and that amazing staircase - you could take some really vibey photos there! Top it off with a gorgeous view of the bay from the deck and you’d have yourself a beautiful, unique elopement experience.


Whimsical Chalet in Kodiak, Alaska


LAKEFRONT CABIN AIRBNB IN WASILLA, AK

Cute little cabin with lake access, a fire pit, full kitchen, cozy queen sized bed in the bedroom. The indoors is lovely and updated. Get married in front of the lake and then sit back and enjoy the views from the window!

Lakefront Cabin Airbnb in Wasilla, AK

LULUS TENTS IN PALMER, AK

Okay - this photo doesn’t do this airbnb justice, but it would be such a beautiful and unique elopement experience! These clamping tents are comfy, stylish, and you’re welcome by beautiful views on the Knik River when you walk outside. Get married in front of the mountains by the river, hangout around the fireplace on the property, and then relax in your personal glamping tent. How cool!


Lulus Mountain View Tents in Palmer, Alaska

I hope this list gets you inspired by the Alaska Airbnb options for your intimate wedding or elopement!

**this list is barely scratching the surface, and I will be updating it with new listings every few months to update it as I find new locations!!

Jade + Nick in Hatcher Pass // Alaska Elopement Photographer

Jade + Nick’s Hatcher Pass Elopement // Alaska Elopement Photographer

This love story started with a heated conversation (argument?) about aliens, and other important things.

Jade and Nick recounted the details of their first long conversation in the vows they shared during an epic, windy ceremony in Hatcher Pass. After photographing these two for their engagement session and now their elopement, all I could think when I walked away was “They REALLY like each other.” 

From the way they teased each other to the way they kissed, their love and relationship was so strong and beautiful and I was so honored to be their elopement photographer.

Their day felt peaceful and relaxed from start to finish, and Hatcher Pass was of course stunning. Alaska brought all of her wild glory with the sun and wind, and the view from their ceremony felt like you were on top of the world. There’s a reason Hatcher Pass is such a popular elopement location in Alaska. I love photographing there because even though it’s always beautiful, the light and the atmosphere are always different, like much of Alaska - you never know what you’re going to get.

Here are just a few images (oh yes, there are so many more) from their elopement day - getting ready moments, first look feels, hanging out before the ceremony, windy vows, exploring around the mountains, and champagne toasts by the river later.

the ending

Best of 2023 Contest

hello friend!

as a way to celebrate and give back to all my wonderful clients in 2023,

I’m excited to announce RSP’s first annual

best of the year contest!

I’ve chosen my favorite image from each client I had the pleasure of working with last year (the most difficult thing I have ever done). You can vote for your favorite image through the form at the bottom of the page!

There will be two rounds! The first round is here on this blog post; the top 5 contenders from this round will move to the second round which I will announce on instagram on March 7th and will run till March 11th. The winner will be announced in the monthly March newsletter on March 12th and then on instagram that evening.

The WINNER will receive a free one half hour photo session with me AND a $100 gift card for a date night at Feather & Flour in Palmer, AK.*

*for my out of state clients, if you win, I will come up with a different gift of equal value + gift card to a restaurant local to you so don’t hesitate to have your friends and family vote!

*VOTING HAS MOVED TO INSTAGRAM! LINK IS BELOW:

VOTE ON ROUND 2 HERE

Intimate Adventure Boat Elopement in Valdez, Alaska // Alaska Elopement Photographer

When I tell couples to do what makes them happy, include their most supportive people, and be themselves on the day they get married, this is what I’m talking about.

Chris and Moriah (and their adventure pup, Rhubarb) gathered their 8 closest people in Valdez, Alaska for their elopement day and set out on a beautiful adventure together. Every detail of their day was intentional and meaningful and they savored it.

alaska adventure elopement photographer Valdez alaska

The day started getting ready at the Valdez Totem Hotel. The bride’s mother helped her get dressed and watched as she did final touches on her hair. On the drive over to the harbor, they played a song in the car that they used to listen to together in high school and I could barely hold it together - especially when she saw her dad at the bottom of the ramp to the harbor, holding a go pro and proud as can be.

Her groom was waiting at the end of the dock for their first look. Tears were shed and moms took photos on their iPhones.

We went up to the deck of her father’s boat to take some portraits before heading to the ceremony location. The bow was covered in peonies that her mother grew in her garden as they stood in their xtra tuffs in front of the fog in the harbor.

I found their wedding date scribbled on an unassuming notebook in the wheelhouse and had to get a shot of the rings there. The bride and groom snuggled their pup and we took a few more portraits as we set out to our destination, a private, remote ceremony location.

When we arrived at the ceremony location, the rain stopped and a RAINBOW graced the skies in front of the mountains right before the ceremony. It was breathtaking.

The bride’s brother performed their ceremony on the bow of the boat and there was not a dry eye in sight. They had each of their guests put a rock in a jar with their wishes for their marriage and then put their own vows into it - it was so special.