Seasonal Flowers for a July Wedding in Alaska
Get ideas for what seasonal wedding flowers are available for a July wedding in Alaska.
July is a fantastic time to take advantage of the many seasonal Alaskan flowers available for your wedding.
Here’s an idea of what you can expect if you’re planning a wedding in Alaska in July and are requesting Alaskan flowers for your wedding.
Here are a few examples from past July weddings:
Top left photos are from an early-July wedding with seasonal flowers at the Alyeska Resort.
In Alaska, early July offers plenty of spring blooms like ranunculus, peonies and stock. I was also able to pop some lavender campanula into this bright and cheery bridal bouquet.
Alyeska Resort offers so much for a top notch Alaskan wedding. It offers ease of planning due to all the in-house amenities like catering and lodging. And it offers amazing photo opportunities from the deep and cool temperate rainforest to the wild mountainside just a short tram ride away.
Photo courtesy of Corrine Graves.
Bottom row is from a late-July wedding with seasonal flowers in Seward, Alaska.
Alaskan flowers in this bridal bouquet, floral arch and table arrangements include dahlias, China asters, phlox, strawflowers, campanula, and orlaya.
This wedding was held at the picturesque Salted Roots Cabins just outside Seward, Alaska. GO HERE to see all the photos from this wedding.
This Alaskan wedding venue has a cozy and upscale fell while being incredibly intimate. Beach access allows for a small ceremony with stunning backdrops of Resurrection Bay.
Photos courtesy of Kristian Irey
By late July, the flower fields are bursting with blooms. If you are looking for local flowers for your wedding planning for a late-July through early-September wedding is the absolute best.
Mid-July Alaskan wildflower bouquet.
By mid-July, you can see all the variety that is available in this Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet. The Alaskan flower fields are just about to start their peak production of seasonal flowers.
In this “wildflower bouquet” you can see peonies, monarda, cloth of gold yarrow, cress, campanula, fireweed, forget-me-not and more.
This couple got married at the Forget-me-not Nursery in Indian, Alaska. It is a garden-scape of beauty that has a greenhouse for your reception and gorgeously landscaped grounds for your guests to roam.
Photos courtesy of Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm and Chugach Peaks Photography.
Micro-wedding at The Salted Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska
Nicole and Garrett were wed at the beach adjacent to Salted Roots Cabins in Seward, Alaska.
I had the great pleasure to create florals for their special day.
Nicole wanted a lush, partial arch with a white to rust ombre tone. The end of July is the perfect time for Alaskan flowers. Peonies are still fresh and beautiful. And dahlias are just beginning to bloom.
Look closely and you will see the lovely “Dreamcatcher” dahlia, along with a very cool carnation. I know carnations have a bad reputation, but some of the more modern colors are truly amazing.
Floral Details by Kristian Irey
Eucalyptus and magnolia greenery, although not from Alaska, is beautiful, sturdy and versatile. I love how the rust undersides shade perfectly with the orange-peach dahlias.
And look how rain, or ocean mist, can make your wedding flowers even more gorgeous.
There is a silver lining to everything.
Kristian Irey did an expert job on photographing this wedding.
A Signature Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm Bouquet
Nicole’s bouquet was loaded with different floral varieties in the true Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm style. Campanula, orlaya, cosmos, peonies, dahlias, phlox, strawflower, carnations and magnolia made for a stunning bouquet.
The Salted Roots Cabins
The Salted Roots Cabins is a picturesque location just outside Seward, Alaska. They have beautiful modern cabins to rent out for the bridal party and guests.
The front area can be covered in a tent and set up for a reception and ceremony.
Across the road from the cabins, is the beach. This is another lovely locale for a ceremony. Nicole and Garrett chose to have their ceremony there.
Weddings here are small (around 50 guests) and intimate.
Inside The Salted Roots Cabins
The inside of the Salted Roots Cabins is clean and modern and filled with light.
It is the perfect place to get ready for a wedding, alongside your most beloved attendants.
Going the extra mile for your wedding guests
Nicole and Garrett wanted to do something a little extra special for their guests.
At my step brother’s wedding, the couple hand wrote letters to each guest expressing their gratitude to each person and how much they meant to them.
I shared this idea with them and they loved.
Here you can see the son of the groom reading his handwritten and personal note. This is so touching.
I know each guest always wants more time and more connection with the couple. This is a fabulous way to give your guests that extra care and attention.
Read our full blog on going the extra mile for your wedding guests HERE.
Evening Campfire at The Salted Roots Cabins
The grounds of The Salted Roots Cabins is cozy, intimate, gorgeous and truly Alaskan.
They have a fire pit and a sauna all nestled under a towering temperate rainforest canopy.
Alaskan Beach Wedding Photos
Alaskan beach wedding photos are my absolute favorite. A white dress always looks so dramatic and stunning.
Even on a cloudy day the pictures are gorgeous.
Kristian Irey Photographer
All photos courtesy of Kristian Irey.
Best Wedding Venues in Girdwood, Alaska
Here are two of my favorite Alaskan wedding venues, Raven Glacier Lodge and The Alyeska Hotel. Both are nestled in the picturesque ski town of Girdwood, Alaska.
Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world. That’s why it is one of the best places to find an amazing wedding venue.
Aside from a longish airplane ride, Alaska it is relatively easy to get to. Once here, the wilds of the Alaskan wilderness are at your fingertips.
Anchorage, our major city, is only a short drive from so many potential jaw-dropping Alaskan wedding venues and elopement locales.
Here I’d like to highlight two wedding venues in the cozy resort town of Girdwood, Alaska that get you worlds away from the hustle bustle and into the remote-feeling wilds of Alaska.
Weddings Venues in Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood is a very popular wedding destination for locals and out-of-towners. It is a 45-60 minute drive from Anchorage and is situated at the base of our largest downhill ski resort.
It’s a resort town so there are many Airbnb and hotel options for guests. That said, it is a small community, so booking early is always recommended.
Weddings at The Alyeska Resort
A fabulous location for a larger and more formal wedding would be the Alyeska Resort.
Folks often take a tram ride to the top with their guests and hold their ceremony on the mountaintop overlooking the Chugach Mountain range, Turnagain Arm and the cozy, woodsy town of Girdwood.
Receptions can be held inside the hotel at the base of the mountain in one of the banquet halls. It is formal, classy and absolutely gorgeous.
In-house catering is available, which makes that part of your planning a breeze.
A tram-ride makes the mountains completely accessible to guests that may have a harder time getting around.
Above left: bride at the top of Alyeska Resort. Above right: couple on the mountainside, a short tram ride from the Alyeska Hotel. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Corrine Graves. Alaskan Wedding Flowers by Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm
Above left: indoor elegance in the banquet rooms of Alyeska Hotel with bud vases from Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm. Above right: the grounds of Alyeska Hotel offer gorgeous photo opportunities. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Corrine Graves.
Weddings at Raven Glacier Lodge
If you’re planning a smaller wedding and want a cozier feel you must book the Raven Glacier Lodge. It is a classic Alaskan establishment.
You can host around 50 guests, outdoors, under their magical porch. Kathy, the owner, and her team cater your meal. All you have to do is bring the guests, flowers (book a call with me for that HERE), music and a planner if you desire.
I’ve created florals here on many occasions and I can say weddings here are pure magic.
Go here to view a magical and enchanting summer wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska: Magical Summer Wedding Raven Glacier Lodge
Above Left: Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm floral arch and altar flowers using all Alaskan Grown flowers. In front of the tranquil Raven Glacier Lodge Reflecting Pool. Above Right: Raven Glacier Lodge lit up at night. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Lauren Roberts
One of my favorite things about weddings in Girdwood is that the coast is a short distance away. You can definitely schedule time to grab some breathtaking photos on the rocky and rugged beach of Turnagain Arm.
Go here to view another fall wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska: Rebekah & Chaz Fall Wedding
When thinking about your decor and flowers for Raven Glacier Lodge, think about adding bright pops to contrast the darker woods and dark, moody coastline.
I love how Danielle’s bright autumn bouquet stands out against the striking backdrop of rocks.
Above: couple getting some pre-ceremony photos on Turnagain Arm, just a 5 minute drive from Girdwood’s town center. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Lauren Roberts.
Above: couple getting some pre-ceremony photos by the banks of California Creek on the grounds of Raven Glacier Lodge. Wild and colorful garden-inspired Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bridal bouquet. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Joshua Veldstra Photography.
Above: The magical temperate rainforest surrounding Raven Glacier lodge makes for a stunning, romantic and magical wedding. Above right: reception area under the Raven Glacier Lodge porch. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Lauren Roberts.
Wondering what your wedding flowers may cost? Go here to read my blog all about it: What Do Wedding Flowers Cost?
Fall Wedding In Girdwood, Alaska at Raven Glacier Lodge
Warm autumn toned Alaskan flowers help set the stage at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska.
A fall wedding is always pure magic.
It is one of the best times to get married in Alaska if you are wanting an abundant supply of Alaskan grown flowers.
Danielle and Paul got married at Raven Glacier Lodge, which is one of my absolute favorite venues in Alaska.
Raven Glacier Lodge is a short drive from Anchorage, Alaska, where all your guests will fly into, yet it feels so remote and quiet.
Any wedding along the Turnagain Arm gets the added benefit of gorgeous, rugged and stunning photo ops.
Here a Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bridal bouquet in warm autumn tones makes the whole picture pop.
Detail shots like this will be part of your wedding heirloom.
For Danielle and Paul, I cut one of the largest and most stunning dahlias in my garden. I am always amazed at how one flower can create so much abundance.
I love the detail of the soft and exquisite dahlia petals next to the personal wedding details.
I loaded Danielle’s warm-autumn-toned bridal bouquet with amazing varieties from the Turnstone Farm garden including dahlias, rudbeckia, dara, stock, snapdragons, hibiscus, nigella pods, amaranth and so many others.
To see another fall wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge go here: Rebekah & Chaz’s Fall Wedding in Girdwood, Alaska
I loved the arch I made for Danielle and Paul’s ceremony right next to the Raven Glacier Lodge reflecting pool.
When I create wedding florals I get to pull all sorts of unique flowers and foliage from the garden.
A few extra-special ones in the arch were trailing nasturtiums, nigella pods and spruce boughs.
An early-September Alaskan wedding always gets lots of dahlias.
On the left above is the beautiful Cafe au Lait in an altar arrangement. On the right (a close up of the arch) includes the deep red “Cornel” and the bright and sunny “Dreamcatcher”.
Alaskan grown flowers adorned this fall wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge.
Warm, autumn tones fill out this lush and one-of-a-kind bridesmaids bouquet.
Special thanks to Alaskan wedding photographer, Lauren Roberts for these stunning photos.
Read an interview I did with here here where you’ll get some great advice on your wedding photography sessions: Interview with Alaskan Wedding Photographer, Lauren Roberts.
Find more of Lauren Robert’s work here:
@thatlaurengurl // Instagram
facebook.com/laurenrobertsphotofilm // Facebook
laurenroberts.com // website
Wondering what wedding flowers cost? Go here to read more about it on my blog: What do Wedding Flowers Cost?
Salted Roots: A Favorite Micro-wedding Venue in Seward, AK
I was thrilled to speak with Kelly Ann, co-owner of Salted Roots Cabins recently.
If you’re not familiar with Salted Roots, it is a collection of cabins just outside Seward. Kelly Ann says it feels truly remote without actually being remote - it is easily accessed by road from the town of Seward, AK.
They opened their doors in 2020 right when COVID was starting to shut things down. What a wild time to open a business! Yes, Kelly Ann said, “bad luck to say the least”.
But whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger, right?! Thankfully, they were able to count on lots of local Alaskan visitors to keep their lights on.
A view of the 4 cabins that make up Salted Roots property.
I know for me, 2020 was a very busy year of booking local cabins and camping out.
In late July of this year I drove down to Salted Roots to set up for a micro-wedding. Micro-weddings are perfect for this venue as the cabins sleep a total of 20 people and a guest count of up to 50 is allowed.
It felt cozy, intimate, and magical. Having access to the beach was enchanting and completely romantic.
Booking at Salted Roots.
Couples wanting to reserve this space for weddings need to be booking ahead by about a year and a half.
They require booking out all 4 cabins, plus an event fee. This guarantees you’ll have the place just for you and your guests on your wedding day (or days).
If you are looking for additional accommodations for your guests, Kelly Ann can give you a list of neighboring properties that have lodging. There are many!
Booking out all the cabins gives you the entire property to use including a gravel beach-front ceremony space, parking, space for 20x20 event tents and a sauna.
When booking, 50% of the total is due at time of booking. On Jan 1st of the event year, you will owe the remainder of your booking fee.
Highlights that Kelly Ann wants you to know about? Their over-the-top European-style wet-room-bathroom and kitchen. Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it?
The couple brings inspiration to their cabin designs from extensive travels they’ve done across the US.
After seeing these cabins in person I cannot wait to book a personal winter retreat here!
European-style wet-room bathroom inside a Salted Roots cabin.
Future Plans for Salted Roots.
Looking to the future Kelly Ann and her co-owner husband Matt have lots of plans. They’re converting an old German bus into another fun and beautiful sleeping space.
In addition, they are developing an indoor event space (because you never know with Alaska weather!) and a commercial kitchen.
After taking over the Flamingo Lounge in downtown Seward, they hope to offer catering for their guests' weddings. They are super excited to blend the two businesses.
Until then, they highly recommend getting food trucks for fun wedding food.
I love this idea. For my stepbrother’s wedding they hosted a night-before-dinner (sort of like a groom’s dinner) with a local food truck. It was super fun, delicious and memorable!
The interior space in a Salted Roots cabin.
What wedding couples absolutely love Salted Roots?
Kelly Ann thinks it’s the creative couple who wants more of a DIY experience.
That said, if you don’t want to plan each and every detail she highly recommends going with a local planner or day-of coordinator. True North Events and Wild Hearts Events are two that Kelly Ann would recommend.
I wanted to know from Kelly Ann what was one thing she wanted guests to know most about her venue.
She said, “It’s a work in progress. We’re on phase one right now. Phase two and three will bring a commercial kitchen with an indoor event space. The space is best for DIY couples. Salted Root provides the canvas for couples to make it what they want. It is personal, dynamic, unique, and flexible.”
Looking for Other Alaskan Wedding Vendors?
For couples still looking to book out additional services, like a photographer, for their wedding I’m here for you. I’ve worked with many other wedding professionals and have excellent suggestions.
There are so many fabulous wedding photographers in Alaska.
Two of my all time favorites are Lauren Roberts Photography and Joshua Veldstra Photography.
Kelly Ann highly recommends Bare Bones Creative, The Adams Co and Emily Jordan Photography.
Check them all out - looking at their galleries will give you a really good idea about their individual styles. I’m sure one will resonate with you.
Advice from a Wedding Pro.
Now that I’m in the wedding industry I love thinking back to my own wedding.
It was lovely and there are a lot of things I would probably do differently today. After all I am a slightly different person than I was back in 2012.
I was curious what Kelly Ann had to say about this.
Did she have one big mistake she would re-do to make her past wedding even better?
Yes, there was one thing. While she said her wedding was “pretty much 5-stars”, she does wish she had booked an extra night at her lodging venue post-wedding. She says having one more night just for the newlyweds would have been amazing, rejuvenating and much appreciated.
She wants couples to know that there can be a bit of a come-down after all the build up and excitement of the wedding day. Having an extra day of self-care can transform the transition into your new marriage.
In addition, here’s something we both have come to realize: while a wedding feels like it’s just for the couple, it is really an event you are putting on for all your most beloved.
You are the host and planner. Keep in mind that you are creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you are bringing all your favorite people together to celebrate.
How many opportunities do we really get to bring all these people together? What a blessing!
Next Steps!
Book Salted Roots here: https://www.saltedrootsalaska.com/specialevents
The A-framed at Salted Roots in Seward, Alaska.