Intimate Wedding Venues in Alaska

And Unique Places to Stay!

Thinking about eloping in Alaska? Whether you are bringing along a few friends and/or family, a big crew, or eloping just the two of you read on to see where you can have your ceremony + some sweet accommodations in Alaska.

Why Elope in Alaska?

Alaska is such a beautiful state. There is something about the rawness of the landscape, the scale of the mountains, and uniqueness of the area that is incredibly inspiring. It will leave you breathless and have you planning your return trip, so eloping there is perfect because you have an excuse to come back for your anniversary! Getting to share it with family and friends can really be a special experience for everyone you choose to invite.

When to Elope in Alaska

Alaska can be great in any season depending on the adventure you are looking for!

Summer is hands down the nicest time to be in Alaska. I recommend coming in May to avoid crowds, or experiencing the summer from June-August. The sun pretty much never sets, you can do a lot with your time, and the weather is really nice. However, it can get cold so be sure to pack layers!

As Fall comes the weather turns to rain – this can start in August. Keep in mind that even come August temperatures can be mild – which is nice you never get too hot!

Winter can offer northern lights, excellent skiing, dog sledding, and snow adventures. February and March are great times to experience the winter and catch the northern lights!

Intimate Wedding Venues in Alaska

Here is a list of just some of the cool places you can both stay at and/or have a ceremony at. Use this list to get inspired for where you can stay!

Remember, your venue can double as a rad place to stay, a place to get ready, and a spot for adventure!

Not all vacation rentals can double as a ceremony location – you typically need to ask for permission first!

Outdoor Venues

There are a ton of epic venues in Alaska. Some are just spaces in nature you can hike to, while others you can adventure to whether it be by Jeep, horseback, or helicopter. These are best for smaller groups.

Hatcher’s Pass – elope among the mountains.

A glacier via helicopter – bring your guests on an epic adventure.

Beach front in Seward – have the ocean and mountains as your backdrop.

Hike to a glacier – like Exit or Matanuska depending on your guests abilities and your group size.

SOUNDS LIKE MY ADVENTURE

Adventurous Alaskan Lodges

These lodges are all perfect for two person elopements or small groups. Most locations could be used as a ceremony spot or a jumping off point for adventure. They are all mainly accessible by car (or included water taxi rides)

Miller’s Landing

Miller’s Landing in Seward offers many places to stay, venues, food, and adventure. It’s pretty perfect for any size group and there are multiple options to choose from. If sea kayaking, going deep sea fishing, or hiring a water taxi sounds right for you then Miller’s may be right for you. Downtown Seward is also adorable and there are a ton of cool places to explore in this seaside city!

Located in Seward.

Accessible by car or train then taxi.

Sheep Mountain Lodge

Sheep Mountain Lodge in Glacier View is the perfect place to stay if you wanna elope on the Matanuska Glacier or overlook the glacier from a nearby hike. Sheep Mountain Lodge is so much more than a place to stay. Mike can take you on a sweet heli tour of the glacier, you can have incredible food and a fancy dinner, you can grab drinks in the green house, and you can go hiking right outside your cabin door!

Located in Palmer.

Accessible by car.

Backcountry Cottages

Backcountry Cottages are best for if you have a helicopter adventure planned with Outbound Heli! They have 3 cabins in total so you have options, and if you have guests you may be able to stay together. These cute cottages are just outside Palmer so you have access to a bigger city with the solace of being away. You are also central to jet off to places to explore from Glacier View to Denali National Park!

Located in Palmer.

Accessible by car.

Kenai River Lodge

If being on the river is a high priority for you you’ll love Kenai River Lodge. There’s salmon fishing, rafting, wildlife tours, and flight tours right from the property. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature, have up to 25 guests come along, and then have your ceremony right on the river.

Located in Soldotna.

Accessible by car.

Orca Island Cabins

Looking for a unique off grid experience? Orca Island Cabins has some dope yurts where you can stay right on the water, get away from the city, go sea kayaking, paddleboard, fish, and just relax and unplug. This spot is more suitable for small ceremonies (think under 10 people if everyone wants to stay in the yurts) but guests could be taxied out to be part of your wedding day. While water is provided you will need to bring your own food and ice!

Located in Seward.

Accessible by car or train then water taxi.

Luxury Adventure Lodges

These lodges are great for wild experiences, more inclusive packages, and are more geared towards intimate groups. Most of these lodges take another flight to get to and offer a ton of adventures on site!

Alyeska Resort

Stay at Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s prime ski resort for your adventurous wedding day! Take the gondola up for 360 views of the mountains and surrounding glaciers at the resort. This venue is great for intimate weddings, and can still be explored for an elopement. Enjoy a luxury dinner at Seven Glaciers Restaurant after your adventure!

Located in Girdwood.

Accessible by car.

Ultima Thule Lodge

Ultima Thule is a wild place that can only be accessed by plane – don’t worry they help you charter a flight! Settled along a raging river, this lodge offers serenity and unique adventures. Go on a flightseeing tour, hike on a glacier, paddle in a lake, go fishing, or hike around! You can opt to have a true, wild experience and ceremony out in the backcountry and then celebrate back at the lodge with all the luxuries you deserve. Packages include 4 days/nights so you can really soak in all the lodge has to offer.

Located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Accessible by plane!

Sheldon Chalet

Just outside the Ruth Glacier near Denali, the Sheldon Chalet is one of the most exclusive places you can stay. You can expect insane views, fine dining, and the opportunity to learn about mountaineering. There are a ton of unique adventures to go on depending on the season. You can also opt to hang out on the deck and relax in the sauna. This all inclusive experience can accommodate up to 10 guests in any season.

Located in Denali National Park.

Accessible by helicopter (included in the package).

Kodiak Island Resort

Kodiak Island is a luxury fishing resort is the perfect getaway for those who wanna bring some fish home! It’s an all inclusive place where you get meals, fishing charters, gear, and access to other adventure excursions. You’ll be able to catch salmon, halibut, and trout. You will need to get a flight to Kodiak (probs from Anchorage).

Located in Kodiak.

Accessible by flight.

The Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge

Ridgewood is located on an island just outside of Homer. This lodge is serene, has great wildlife sightings, fishing, guided hikes, and is near local restaurants and art galleries. Some experiences are included in your stay, like wildlife tours or kayaking, and other experiences are available as an add on. Explore the Kenai Peninsula from the cutest eco lodge!

Located in Halibut Cove.

Accessible by car and then water taxi or floatplane.