Alaska is known as “America’s Last Frontier”; which makes it a perfect place to have a wedding if you love the outdoors and wilderness! When planning a destination wedding in Alaska, it’s a good idea to strike a balance between the cost of travel and the price of renting out your venue. That way, you can stay within your wedding budget. Sadly, the cost of travel is much higher here than other states for destination weddings. Below, you will find some of the most popular places to have your destination wedding in Alaska. Additionally, I’ll cover some places that are completely unique to the state’s wilderness.
Best Places to Get Married in Alaska
There are many great places to consider when planning a destination wedding in Alaska. However, there are 3 that I’ve heard discussed several times. Obviously, there are hundreds of great options from which to choose. Nevertheless, here are my top 3 picks for your consideration.
Cordova Rose Lodge
The Cordova Rose Lodge is a classic outdoors venue located in Cordova, Alaska. Placed perfectly along the Orca inlet, this beautiful venue is the perfect place to get married if you are looking for the best of what the Alaskan wilderness has to offer. View stunning wildlife such as moose and elk as you say your vows in front of the some of the finest views in all of Alaska. For accommodations, there is an onsite bed and breakfast with its very own lighthouse; or another bed and breakfast nearby with more of a nautical theme. There’s plenty of fishing, hiking, kayaking, and other great activities to do onsite, too. This makes the Cordova Rose Lodge an ideal choice when planning a destination wedding in Alaska!
Alyeska Resort
Some people are more interested in a traditional style of wedding venue with all the charm and beauty that Alaska has to offer. If so, the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood might be right up your alley! With its exceptional indoor reception hall, you can dine with your guests in all the comforts one may expect on their special day, and still be only a few steps away from the thrill and excitement of the great outdoors.
Also, this resort boasts exceptional views of mountains and glaciers, which are some of the best landscape features you will find in Alaska. Also, the Alyeska Resort offers onsite lodging for all of your wedding guests, as well as a full service restaurant and nightclub. The all-in-one design of this resort definitely makes it a spectacular choice for an Alaskan destination wedding.
Galley Gourmet
Perhaps you are more interested in seeing Alaska from the water rather than land. Luckily, the Galley Gourmet on Kodiak Island offers all the nautical adventure you can dream of! Their flagship vessel, the Sea Breeze, is available for your “nautical nuptials” performed by a real life Alaskan sea captain. It’s perfect for smaller and more intimate weddings! You and your guests can dine on award winning dishes as you tour the Alaskan coastline in all of its glory. There is also an abundance of wildlife to be seen when cruising with the Galley Gourmet. Most notably, there are killer whales and other unforgettable sea creatures.
When the party is over, everyone will be looking for a place to rest their “sea legs”. Fortunately, your hosts from the Galley Gourmet have lodging available back at the port; which makes it an all-inclusive wedding package. They are so much more than great views, food, and the unimaginable beauty of the coastline! The Galley Gourmet is a great choice when planning your destination wedding in Alaska.
Other Things to Consider About Alaska
One of the most important things to remember is that Alaska is incredibly remote. That means supplies and other items we all take for granted are harder to come by. So, you need to make sure you take everything with you when you travel. Most importantly, wedding sparklers are almost impossible to find. Additionally, shipping to Alaska is very similar to shipping internationally; meaning it is almost impossible. Make sure you have a good plan in place for sparklers if you plan to use them at your wedding. Otherwise, you may find yourself completely out of luck.
Overall, a destination wedding in Alaska is sure to be something you’ll never forget. Whether you choose one of the venues I mentioned or somewhere completely different, there really isn’t a wrong choice. Just remember that you will be removed from society and will only have what you take with you. However, that might be the very best aspect of saying your vows in this state.
