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May 12, 2025

The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Alaska: Season-by-Season Guide

Planning an Alaska Wedding? Here’s What to Know About Each Season

If you’re dreaming of getting married surrounded by epic landscapes, wild beauty, and wide-open skies, Alaska offers some of the most incredible wedding experiences in the world. But one of the first decisions couples make is when to tie the knot.

Each season in Alaska brings its own unique magic—and a few trade-offs. From sun-soaked glacier elopements to cozy lodge weddings in the snow, here’s everything you need to know about the best time of year to get married in Alaska.

Summer (June–August)

Vibe: Lush, vibrant, and full of life

Summer is the most popular season for Alaska weddings. With long daylight hours, warm(ish) temperatures, and full access to mountains, trails, and glaciers, it’s ideal for couples who want the freedom to explore.

Pros:

•Up to 20+ hours of daylight for celebrating and portraits

•Perfect for glacier elopements and scenic outdoor venues

•Accessible trails, roads, and backcountry lodges

•Wildflowers in bloom and incredible golden-hour lighting

Cons:

•High demand = venues and vendors book quickly

•Peak travel season means more tourists and higher lodging rates

Planning Tip: If you’re eyeing a summer wedding in Alaska, reach out to vendors as early as possible. June and July dates especially fill up fast—some over a year in advance.

Perfect For: Couples dreaming of a glacier landing, oceanview ceremony, or summer adventure with family and friends

Related Read: The Best Alaska Wedding Venues

A couple exchanging rings while surrounded by mountains as they get married in Homer, Alaska.A couple holding hands and running through a field of dandelions during their spring wedding in Alaska.

A bride walking toward a groom during a sunny summer wedding.

Fall (September–early October)

Vibe: Cozy, colorful, and peaceful

Fall in Alaska is short but stunning. By early September, the tundra lights up in reds, oranges, and golds. Cooler temps and fewer tourists make it ideal for intimate, romantic weddings.

Pros:

•Beautiful autumn colors in the mountains and forests

•Quieter travel season = better availability

•Soft light and cozy lodge vibes

Cons:

•Unpredictable weather, especially in October

•Some seasonal roads and activities begin to shut down

Perfect For: Couples wanting a mix of color, calm, and connection

A man kissing a woman's hand while eloping in Seward, Alaska. The two are surrounded by fall foliage.

Bride and groom feeding one another blueberries on top of Hatchers pass during their fall elopement.

A couple holding a colorful bouquet of florals while surrounded by lush fall foliage near a waterfall in Alaska.

Winter (November–March)

Vibe: Snowy, intimate, and magical

Winter weddings in Alaska are incredibly unique—think snow-covered landscapes, northern lights, and warm indoor spaces with roaring fires. If you’re up for colder temps, the reward is pure magic.

Pros:

•Winter wonderland photos and stunning scenery

•Off-season pricing on travel

•Cozy indoor ceremonies + potential for aurora views

Cons:

•Very limited daylight (especially December–January)

•Cold temps (teens to 30s)

•Some areas harder to access

Perfect For: Couples wanting a quiet, romantic celebration with dramatic snowy backdrops

Couple holding one another while standing on a mountainside field covered in snow in Girdwood, Alaska

Bride and groom eloping in late winter in Alaska on a frozen lake with mountains all around them.
Spring (April–May)

Vibe: Fresh, quiet, and full of possibility

Spring arrives slowly in Alaska, but it’s a beautiful time for couples looking to beat the crowds. May in particular offers long days, dry weather, and the first signs of greenery.

Pros:

•Shoulder season = better availability and pricing

•Great light and mild temps in May

•Quieter venues and photo spots

Cons:

•April can be muddy or still snowy in some areas

•Some scenic roads and glacier access may still be closed

Perfect For: Couples who want privacy, peace, and early-season adventure

Bride and groom holding hands and running through a field of grass during springtime in Alaska. A couple holding hands for their wedding ceremony while eloping in Alaska during spring time.

So, When Should You Get Married in Alaska?

There’s no single “best” time—it all depends on the experience you’re dreaming of. If you want wildflowers, mountains, and glacier flights, summer is for you (just don’t wait to book!). If cozy, colorful, or snow-dusted vibes are more your thing, spring, fall, or winter might be perfect.

Still deciding? I’ve helped couples plan weddings and elopements in every season across Alaska. I’d love to help you figure out the best time and place for your celebration.

Check out my top picks for the best Alaska wedding venues to match your dream date with the perfect location.

Contact me here to start planning your adventure wedding in the season that fits your vision best.

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A wedding photographer in Alaska. Letting you live in the moment and sharing a wholehearted gallery that makes you feel seen. Based in Anchorage Alaska.

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