How to Choose the Right Alaska Wedding Venue
When you’re planning a wedding in Alaska, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. From glaciers to forests, oceanside cliffs to cozy lodges, Alaska has it all. But your venue should do more than just look good—it should feel like you.So how do you choose the perfect Alaska wedding venue? Let’s break it down by vibe, vision, and experience.
1. Start with Your Vision: Elopement or Celebration?
Do you picture exchanging vows alone on a glacier… or dancing with 100 guests under twinkling lodge lights?
•Elopement: Think glacier landings, national parks, mountaintop overlooks, or private cabins.
•Small wedding: Look for venues with intimate indoor/outdoor space
•Full celebration: Consider event-ready venues with space for dining, dancing, and views
2. Match the Vibe to Your Personality
Ask yourselves: are we more…
•Adventurous and wild → Helicopter-accessed glaciers, hiking elopements, remote eco-lodges
•Relaxed and cozy → Forest cabins, lakeside lodges, gardens
•Elegant and modern → Upscale hotels, indoor venues with scenic windows
•Fun and quirky → Breweries or venues with personality
3. Consider the Season and Scenery
•Summer: Ideal for mountain views, glacier tours, wildflowers, and longer hours of daylight
•Fall: Crisp air, autumn colors, and cozy vibes
•Winter: Snowy landscapes, northern lights, and lodge fires
•Spring: Fresh growth and quiet venues before tourist season
Each season brings its own challenges (and magic!), so your ideal Alaska wedding venue may depend on the time of year you love most.
4. Think About Logistics
Some venues are only accessible by:
•Helicopter or boat
•Unpaved or seasonal roads
•Downtown access with modern comforts
Ask yourself: How far do we want guests to travel? Will it be easy to get there in the season we want to marry?
5. Look for Photo Potential
Choose a venue that offers tons of beautiful scenery. This makes the most of your photography investment! I always guide couples toward locations with variety—mountains, trees, water, and open skies.
Want help scouting your dream venue? I’m not just your photographer—I’m your local expert and planning partner, too.
Get in touch here and let’s start dreaming up your wedding day together.