Best Wedding Venues in Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world. That’s why it is one of the best places to find an amazing wedding venue.
Aside from a longish airplane ride, Alaska it is relatively easy to get to. Once here, the wilds of the Alaskan wilderness are at your fingertips.
Anchorage, our major city, is only a short drive from so many potential jaw-dropping Alaskan wedding venues and elopement locales.
Here I’d like to highlight two wedding venues in the cozy resort town of Girdwood, Alaska that get you worlds away from the hustle bustle and into the remote-feeling wilds of Alaska.
Weddings Venues in Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood is a very popular wedding destination for locals and out-of-towners. It is a 45-60 minute drive from Anchorage and is situated at the base of our largest downhill ski resort.
It’s a resort town so there are many Airbnb and hotel options for guests. That said, it is a small community, so booking early is always recommended.
Weddings at The Alyeska Resort
A fabulous location for a larger and more formal wedding would be the Alyeska Resort.
Folks often take a tram ride to the top with their guests and hold their ceremony on the mountaintop overlooking the Chugach Mountain range, Turnagain Arm and the cozy, woodsy town of Girdwood.
Receptions can be held inside the hotel at the base of the mountain in one of the banquet halls. It is formal, classy and absolutely gorgeous.
In-house catering is available, which makes that part of your planning a breeze.
A tram-ride makes the mountains completely accessible to guests that may have a harder time getting around.
Above left: bride at the top of Alyeska Resort. Above right: couple on the mountainside, a short tram ride from the Alyeska Hotel. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Corrine Graves. Alaskan Wedding Flowers by Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm
Above left: indoor elegance in the banquet rooms of Alyeska Hotel with bud vases from Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm. Above right: the grounds of Alyeska Hotel offer gorgeous photo opportunities. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Corrine Graves.
Weddings at Raven Glacier Lodge
If you’re planning a smaller wedding and want a cozier feel you must book the Raven Glacier Lodge. It is a classic Alaskan establishment.
You can host around 50 guests, outdoors, under their magical porch. Kathy, the owner, and her team cater your meal. All you have to do is bring the guests, flowers (book a call with me for that HERE), music and a planner if you desire.
I’ve created florals here on many occasions and I can say weddings here are pure magic.
Go here to view a magical and enchanting summer wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska: Magical Summer Wedding Raven Glacier Lodge
Above Left: Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm floral arch and altar flowers using all Alaskan Grown flowers. In front of the tranquil Raven Glacier Lodge Reflecting Pool. Above Right: Raven Glacier Lodge lit up at night. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Lauren Roberts
One of my favorite things about weddings in Girdwood is that the coast is a short distance away. You can definitely schedule time to grab some breathtaking photos on the rocky and rugged beach of Turnagain Arm.
Go here to view another fall wedding at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, Alaska: Rebekah & Chaz Fall Wedding
When thinking about your decor and flowers for Raven Glacier Lodge, think about adding bright pops to contrast the darker woods and dark, moody coastline.
I love how Danielle’s bright autumn bouquet stands out against the striking backdrop of rocks.
Above: couple getting some pre-ceremony photos on Turnagain Arm, just a 5 minute drive from Girdwood’s town center. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Lauren Roberts.
Above: couple getting some pre-ceremony photos by the banks of California Creek on the grounds of Raven Glacier Lodge. Wild and colorful garden-inspired Gardenwild Floral/Turnstone Farm bridal bouquet. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Joshua Veldstra Photography.
Above: The magical temperate rainforest surrounding Raven Glacier lodge makes for a stunning, romantic and magical wedding. Above right: reception area under the Raven Glacier Lodge porch. Alaskan wedding photography courtesy of Lauren Roberts.