Alaska Destination Weddings

A large percentage of my wedding clients are planning an Alaskan destination wedding.

Often the couple has a family tie to Alaska or it’s been on their traveling wish list and they are using their wedding as a reason to travel here.

As a lifelong Alaskan I cannot express in words the beauty of this landscape. You will be creating lifetime memories. Every penny you spend will with well worth the adventure for you and your guests.

Alaska is a wedding destination that offers unique and stunning wedding venues for adventurous couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque setting. The rugged wilderness, sparkling glaciers, and dramatic landscapes make it a perfect location for a dreamy wedding.

Alaska destination wedding on the Knik Glacier with Turnstone Farm elopement flowers. Photo courtesy of Lily of the Wild. GO HERE to see more of this wedding.

In this blog, I’ll explore why Alaska is the premier choice for destination weddings and what makes it stand out from other wedding destinations.

First, let's talk about the stunning scenery. Alaska is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, including the towering mountains of Denali National Park, the vast expanse of glaciers, and the deep blue waters of the Inside Passage.

The breathtaking vistas create the perfect backdrop for wedding photos that will be cherished for your lifetime and beyond.

Please know that you don’t have to travel far from Anchorage to get breathtaking views and stunning, unforgettable wedding photos.

Here are some wedding and elopement options just an hour or two from Anchorage: Hatcher’s Pass, Sheep Mountain Lodge, Girdwood, Indian, Portage, Whittier, Seward and our literal backyard: the Chugach Mountains.

You don’t need a sunny day for gorgeous Alaskan Wedding Photos. This couple eloped in Hatcher’s Pass, which is a short drive from Anchorage and offers stunning mountain vistas. Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm elopement bouquet. GO HERE to see the full blog from this wedding Photo courtesy of Echo Photo.

One of the most popular locations for destination weddings in Alaska is the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. It is known for its fjords, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect place for couples to exchange vows and wow your guests.

You can have your ceremony on a boat while surrounded by whales, sea lions, and other wildlife, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone.

Another option for couples is to get married on the beach in Homer or Seward, where the mountains meet the sea, offering a picturesque setting for your wedding. Couples can opt for a relaxed and casual ceremony or an upscale and luxurious event.

Read more about a real wedding in Seward, Alaska here: https://www.gardenwildfloral.com/wedding-blog/micro-wedding-at-salted-roots-cabins-in-seward-alaska

Caitlin and Nate got married on the beach at Miller’s Landing in Seward, AK. Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm wedding bouquet. Photo courtesy of Erica Rose.

You can also choose to get married at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, where you can incorporate traditional Native Alaskan culture into your wedding ceremony all very close to the heart of our biggest city.

Another factor that sets Alaska apart from other wedding destinations is the range of outdoor activities available for couples and guests.

If you and your partner love adventure, you can plan activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and even dog sledding for your guests.

The opportunity to explore the great outdoors will keep your guests entertained and create unforgettable memories.

If you want to make your wedding an intimate and romantic affair, you can opt for a cozy cabin in the woods for your venue. The serene and peaceful environment will allow you to have a private and intimate ceremony surrounded by nature. This option is perfect for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.

One of my favorite intimate Alaska destination wedding venues is the Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska.

Stunning rainforest background near California Creek at the intimate Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska. Turnstone Farm bridal bouquet. Photo courtesy of Joshua Veldstra. CLICK HERE to see more from this wedding.

This venue is perfect for micro-wedding with a real old time Alaska lodge feel.

See a fall wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge with Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm flowers here: https://www.gardenwildfloral.com/wedding-blog/wedding-at-raven-glacier-lodge-with-danielle-and-paul

Another thing that makes Alaska a perfect wedding destination is the variety of seasonal options.

The long summer days offer plenty of sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor ceremonies, while the winter months offer the chance to experience the stunning Northern Lights, creating a unique and magical experience for couples and guests alike.

Finally, let's talk about the people. Alaskans are known for their friendly, welcoming and adventurous nature, making them ideal hosts for your wedding.

You can expect a warm and hospitable welcome from locals who will go out of their way to ensure your wedding is a success.

In conclusion, Alaska is a destination that offers unique and unforgettable wedding experiences for adventurous couples.

From the stunning natural scenery to the range of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Alaska.

So if you're looking for a wedding destination that is both romantic and adventurous, Alaska should be at the top of your list.

June Wedding in Alaska: What to expect

What Local, Alaskan flowers are available for your June wedding?

It is my absolute joy to work with local Alaskan flowers both from my urban farm right here in Anchorage, and from other farmers in the Matanuska Valley and the Kenai Peninsula.

Here is a brief list of what may be available for your June wedding: tulips (early), peonies (late), ranunculus, columbine and stock.

June is still considered spring in Alaska, so please know that depending on our winter snowpack and spring weather we may have more or less than what’s listed above.

Honestly, flower variety is limited in June. But your wedding can still be amazing floral-wise. If there is not enough variety locally, I can order from other farmers in Washington, Oregon and California.

Below are all examples of flowers that may be available for your June wedding.

What’s the weather like in June in Alaska?

While we all hope your wedding day is the most magical day possible, weather can be unpredictable.

The last few summers have been warm and dry in the early part of our summer. But be prepared for hot sun or cool rain. If we are to get thunderstorms, they usually occur in the month of June.

If you or your guests are traveling, please pack layers for warmth. Can you find a shawl to wear over your dress? Can guests pack a light jacket if your event is outdoors?

What are the best wedding venues in Alaska?

While there is no best wedding venue, there are so many amazing ones.

I’d pick a location that best represents the feeling you most desire. Mountain resort, seaside cottage, river lodge, city hotel or forest hideaway. Alaska has them all!

A mountain elopement is doable in July, just be prepared for hiking through snow. Seaside or sailboat elopements could be perfect this time of year.

See our full blog on the best Alaska Destination Wedding Venues HERE.

Below is a sailboat elopement at the end of June 2022. Bride has a Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet. Photo courtesy of Megan Rai Freeman, planning by Alaska Wild Hearts and sailboat charter by Rez Bay Sailing.

Read the full blog on this sailboat elopement HERE.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst:

The most majestic locations in Alaska can be made challenging by relentless mosquitos. Don’t overlook this when planning your wedding. Offer screened-in areas and natural bug repellents if you’re getting married during mosquito season ( roughly late-May through mid-August).

Here are a couple of natural bug repellents I love: All Terrain Herbal Armor, Murphy’s Naturals, Natrapel, Off Botanicals and Greenways Organic to name a few. You could order a few of these and have them handy for your guests to use.

In June, be prepared for unrelenting sun. The sun in Alaska can feel extra intense due to its lower angle in the sky.

I recommend that folks have adequate shade just in case there is a hot spell, especially for those that are more sensitive to heat. Don’t forget your sun bock if you’re outdoors.

Keep your flowers out of the sun, unless you’re actively taking photos. If your arch flowers or other floral installations are sitting in the sun, have a spray bottle and mist them periodically with water.

The couple below lucked out with their weather on the top of Mt. Alyeska. When I delivered flowers for this couple at the Alyeska Hotel the wind and rain was intense.

The clouds lifted and the rain thankfully let up for their ceremony. Just to cover their bases, they had a back up plan in place for their ceremony and umbrellas for the guests.

Photo courtesy of Corrine Graves. Bright and cheery Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bouquet with yellow ranunculus, stock and campanula.

Wildfire smoke can be a bummer. Wildfires can happen any time during the summer.

Most of our state is covered in dense forests and smoke can travel hundreds of miles in any direction. Every handful of years we will get a major smoke event in the area. Be aware that this could occur. Have a back up plan for individuals that are sensitive or elderly.

If there’s smoke near your venue, have masks on hand for those that are more sensitive and/or be prepared to move your event indoors.

By the off chance that there is a wildfire near your venue, be alert to local weather and travel information. Occasionally traffic can be stalled or blocked if a wildfire is in the area.

This is not meant to scare you! I just want you to be aware so you are not surprised or caught off guard. If you prepare your mind ahead of time, nothing will ruffle you.

Now that you know what to expect, you can prepare for and envision your perfect day. Because no matter what happens, your day will be perfect. You got this!

Want to find out what your wedding flowers may cost? Go here to read all about it: What Do Wedding Flowers Cost?

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.