Planning a honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey. Choosing the right destination is crucial, as it sets the tone for your first adventure as a married couple. Alaska might be perfect for a honeymoon experience combining romance, adventure, and unparalleled natural beauty. The Last Frontier has breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. In this guide, we, along with Jordan, the owner of AKhappenings, will delve into all you need to know to plan a memorable honeymoon in Alaska.
MEET THE EXPERT
Jordan is the proud owner of AKhappenings, a comprehensive Alaska-based company dedicated to crafting and orchestrating dream weddings and elopements for deeply enamored couples. Known for her meticulous approach to narrating her clients’ love stories through flawless execution, Jordan has built a reputation for excellence in the world of destination wedding planning, boasting over seven years of valuable experience.
Her journey has enriched her perspective and ignited her creativity, which she wholeheartedly channels into every wedding she designs. Jordan’s remarkable ability to inspire others to embrace a life full of thrilling adventures is truly exceptional.
Pros and Cons of a Honeymoon in Alaska
Pros:
Stunning Natural Beauty: Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from majestic glaciers to pristine forests. The beauty of the wilderness is beyond compare.
Unique Adventure: For couples who love the outdoors, Alaska offers a wealth of activities, including hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and more.
Romantic Seclusion: Alaska’s vastness provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds and enjoy intimate moments together.
Cultural Experiences: Explore the rich culture of Alaska’s native communities and discover the state’s intriguing history.
Cons:
Variable Weather: Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and pack accordingly.
Distance: Some of Alaska’s top attractions are remote and require extensive travel.
Wildlife Encounters: While exciting, encounters with wildlife like bears should be approached with caution and knowledge.
When to Go: Finding Your Perfect Season
The best time of year to visit Alaska really depends on what you want to do while here. The local weather and conditions vary immensely.
Spring, from April to May, marks the return of migratory birds and the awakening of nature. It’s ideal for birdwatching and witnessing the transition from winter to spring.
During the summer months, with longer days and the sun shining, the snow gradually melts away, and Alaska’s landscape becomes considerably more accessible for weddings and elopements. Opting for a wedding or honeymoon between May and September means you will find beautiful wildflowers, lots of wildlife, incredible hiking, and endless outdoor recreational options – think fishing, hunting, kayaking, rafting, and many more. June through August marks the warmest season in Alaska. While temperatures can reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they generally stay a bit cooler.
Alaska’s winter – November to March – can be exceptionally cold due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. However, winter offers one of Alaska’s most spectacular displays: the Northern Lights. Witnessing the sky lit by vibrant green and yellow colors is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity unique to Alaska’s winter months. Winter in Alaska offers many sports, including skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, ice skating, and snowmachining.
Romantic Things To Do In Alaska
Your honeymoon in Alaska is a time for romance and adventure. The Land of the Midnight Sun offers a unique setting. Here are four romantic activities to make your Alaskan honeymoon an experience of a lifetime.
Witness the Northern Lights
Alaska’s pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places on Earth to witness the captivating Northern Lights. Imagine snuggling with your loved one under a sky illuminated by dancing colors. Head to Fairbanks or Denali during the winter months for the best chance to witness this natural wonder.
Photo: Thomas J. Story
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Embark on a scenic train journey through Alaska’s stunning landscapes. The Alaska Railroad offers luxurious dome cars to enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. Sip on champagne as you soak in the breathtaking vistas.
Explore Glaciers Together
Alaska is famous for its glaciers; experiencing them up close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Book a glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park or take a helicopter ride to land on a glacier. These ice giants’ sheer size and beauty will leave you in awe, and sharing this experience with your partner will create lasting memories.
Planner: AKhappenings, Photo: Sarah French
Enjoy a Private Wilderness Cabin
For the ultimate romantic getaway, consider booking a private wilderness cabin. These cozy, off-the-grid cabins are often equipped with everything you need, including a wood-burning stove and stunning views. Disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other as you relish the serenity of the Alaskan wilderness.
Best Honeymoon Destinations & Accommodations
Anchorage
As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage is an alluring blend of urban comforts and untamed wilderness. Here, you’ll experience the mesmerizing coexistence of city amenities and the rugged beauty of the wild. Anchorage’s numerous trails offer encounters with astonishing wildlife – bears, moose, and salmon. Within the city limits, you’ll find an array of attractions, from serene parks and captivating museums to a diverse culinary scene that ranges from quaint cafes to fine dining restaurants. You can visit several other popular cities and parks within a few hour’s drive or train ride. Perfect for couples who want both city comforts and outdoor adventures.
Where to stay:
Hotel Captain Cook : Nestled in the heart of downtown Anchorage, this hotel is an emblem of luxury and elegance. It provides guests with opulent accommodations and fine dining experiences. From this vantage point, you can relish stunning vistas of the city and the embracing mountains. It’s the perfect base for your Alaskan honeymoon adventure.
Photo: Hotel Captain Cook
Glacier View
Glacier View is a tranquil haven in the Matanuska Valley encircled by glaciers, rivers, and majestic mountains. For couples who cherish the tranquility of the great outdoors, this destination offers an idyllic escape into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.
Where to stay:
Sheep Mountain Lodge : Welcoming wanderers from around the globe for over 80 years, Sheep Mountain Lodge is an Alaskan gem just a two-hour drive from Anchorage. This cozy and charming mountain lodge is immersed in the heart of the state’s wildlife and presents breathtaking views every season. The lodge boasts a variety of recreational activities, including exhilarating ATV tours during the summer and snowmobile adventures in the winter. For those who love hiking and more, this is paradise. But the cherry on top is the transportation and helicopter tours to Matanuska Glacier from your cabin door. The lodge also boasts a delightful restaurant.
Photo: Sheep Mountain Lodge
Seward
Seward, known for its coastal allure and abundant pebble beaches, is a quaint town situated approximately 2.5 hours from Anchorage. As the primary settlement in Resurrection Bay, Seward is a dream come true for couples who relish their time by the water. The area boasts a thriving marine life, where encounters with orcas, sea otters, seals, and more are not uncommon. Renting a boat to explore the bay is a highly recommended adventure for couples.
Where to stay:
Salted Roots Cabins : This multifaceted boutique cabin-style inn is tailor-made for travelers seeking more than just a place to rest their heads. It caters to the preferences of the next generation of explorers. The property showcases interactive and versatile community spaces. Nestled between the Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park, this is the ideal setting to indulge in trophy sport fishing, exhilarating glacier and wildlife cruises, leisurely sailing, scenic hiking, serene kayaking, breathtaking flightseeing, summertime dog sled rides, a plethora of other adventures that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Photo: Salted Roots Cabins
Orca Island Cabins : Embark on an adventurous escape to a private island in the heart of Seward, where you’ll find unique yurt accommodations awaiting your arrival. The Orca Island Cabins experience is renowned in the adventure travel industry and is often referred to as the epitome of “glamping.” Here, you’ll find cozy lodgings harmoniously situated in a one-of-a-kind and captivating wilderness setting. These glamping accommodations in Alaska offer nature enthusiasts the privilege of immersing themselves in the beauty of unspoiled wilderness while basking in supreme comfort. Enjoy the best in Alaska whale watching, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, or unwind, relax, and take in the scenic vistas and wildlife from your private deck – this is an Alaska experience like no other.
Photo: Salted Roots Cabins
Shearwater Cove : Located between Fox Island and Humpy Cove, Shearwater Cove is an idyllic and secluded haven. Here, you’ll find an enchanting setting characterized by cascading waterfalls meandering through an ancient forest adorned with ferns and blueberries. As an extra delight, watch for distant humpback whales or majestic orcas. This wilderness ecolodge offers oceanfront yurt lodging, sea kayaking, and hiking in Resurrection Bay near Seward. It is only accessible by boat. All reservations include a roundtrip boat.
Photo: The Foxes Photography
Windsong Lodge : Experience the tranquil beauty of the Resurrection River Valley, where spruce trees, wildflowers, and towering mountains envelop you. Windsong Lodge is your peaceful retreat, thoughtfully designed to highlight Alaska’s incredible natural wonders and eco-adventures. You’ll rest in contemporary guest rooms and suites that capture the essence of Alaskan style. Dining here is a delight, with three options to choose from. Indulge in regional cuisine and local seafood to shareable plates, pizza, and relaxed breakfasts. And all of this is just minutes away from downtown.
Girdwood
Girdwood, a charming resort town in the Chugach Mountains, offers a peaceful and romantic sanctuary, a welcome escape from urban life. This charming destination provides a range of outdoor adventures, including hiking, skiing, and kayaking amidst a glacial valley. Accommodations here are what you’d anticipate at a high-end ski resort, and the dining experience features delectable fresh Alaskan seafood.
Where to stay:
Alyeska Resort : This luxurious mountain retreat offers refined lodgings and convenient access to many outdoor activities. Unwind at the spa or savor a meal at the renowned mountaintop restaurant.
Lots of Airbnb options.
Photo: Ken Graham Photography
Moose Pass, Kenai Peninsula
Nestled along the shores of Trail Lake in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, Moose Pass is a picturesque and serene mountain town. It’s a tranquil place surrounded by pristine lakes and forests, offering couples a remote and intimate experience. If you’re inclined towards outdoor activities, you can take hiking and canoeing. During the colder months, explore the nearby slopes with downhill skiing and snowboarding or engage in winter fun like ice skating and snow tubing.
Where to stay:
Inn At Tern Lake : An exceptional Alaskan experience awaits at this year-round Bed & Breakfast Inn nestled by Tern Lake in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. The Inn at Tern Lake offers a beautiful garden, shared lounge, and even a tennis court. With a shared kitchen and a lovely sun terrace, it’s a perfect choice. Guests can also enjoy captivating lake views and a barbecue grill.
Photo: Inn At Tern Lake
Homer, Kenai Peninsula
At the Kenai Peninsula’s southern tip, Homer is a scenic four-hour drive from Anchorage. It’s renowned for its vibrant artistic community, bountiful fishing opportunities, and awe-inspiring ocean and glacier vistas. To immerse yourself in local life, take a stroll along the Homer Spit, an elongated landform that extends into Kachemak Bay. You’ll discover seafood restaurants and a treasure trove of distinctive shops and galleries here. For those who crave more nature-centric experiences, explore the wonders of Kachemak Bay and discover fascinating marine life during low tide tidepooling along the shore.
Where to stay:
Homer Inn and Spa : This charming boutique hotel and spa, just steps from Bishops Beach, is an ideal choice for couples seeking a truly unique and laid-back experience. Every room provides captivating views of five glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, and the ever-changing tidal waters.
Land’s End Resort : Experience oceanfront accommodations, a private beach area, and breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay. Watch whales and sea otters from your window or observe shorebirds along the shoreline. Start your day with the sounds of the surf and the playful eagles. Enjoy sunrise views and the striking Kenai Mountains from your private deck. The resort provides gourmet locally-sourced dining, an indoor pool, a sauna, and an on-site charter fishing service.
Photo: Land’s End Resort
Westwind Cabins : This hotel provides guests with a distinctive and unforgettable retreat. By blending modern Scandinavian-inspired design with the rugged beauty of Homer, Alaska, these luxurious cabins offer an ideal backdrop for relaxation, adventure, and creating lasting memories.
Photo: Westwind Cabins
Across the Bay from Homer
These destinations are situated across Kachemak Bay from Homer and offer a secluded and intimate experience. Accessible by a picturesque boat or water taxi ride from Homer.
Where to stay:
Tutka Bay Lodge : An award-winning boutique lodge in a private cove within a rugged, ancient glacial fjord on the edge of Kachemak Bay State Park. The lodge features five distinctly unique private cabins. The main lodge is an intimate space where guests can savor pre-dinner appetizers, dine, play games, explore the National Geographic library, and embrace the natural surroundings. You can partake in yoga classes, unwind in the hot tub on the deck, and indulge in daily wine and beer tastings featuring Alaska’s micro-brewed beers and wines from the US and beyond. The chef and her team prepare meals in the kitchen with fresh local and Alaskan ingredients.
Between Beaches Alaska : It’s the ultimate escape, and your unforgettable honeymoon awaits. Each cabin is thoughtfully placed, providing breathtaking seaside and mountain vistas. Imagine watching wildlife drift by from your bed at high tide! Every cabin is nestled right along the beach and has private seating areas so that you can enjoy sunrise and breathtaking sunsets over the water. This exceptional destination also boasts a private beach area and convenient barbecue facilities. All rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and a private bathroom for your convenience.
Photo: Between Beaches Alaska
Stillpoint Lodge : This resort provides an authentic and enthralling experience, seamlessly combining the allure of Alaska’s pristine wilderness, thrilling adventures, and abundant wildlife with contemporary comforts. Revel in awe-inspiring lodgings, delectable cuisine, and unwavering hospitality in the heart of remote Alaska.
Photo: Stillpoint Lodge
Denali National Park
Embark on an adventurous journey through the untamed wilderness of Denali National Park, one of the nation’s largest national parks, situated approximately 4 hours away from Anchorage. It’s the perfect destination for couples who relish adventure and the notion of a remote and nature-centered honeymoon.
Where to stay:
While there are various lodging options within the park, Jordan recommends the charming town of Talkeetna, located at the base of Denali. In Talkeetna, you can trek the trails, arrange a helicopter ride, and indulge in myriad activities across this natural wonder’s vast millions of acres. Remember that you might require a special use permit for certain activities.
Planner: AKhappenings, Photo: Sarah French
Keep in mind, Alaska is not just a destination; it’s an experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to explore the city, immerse yourself in the coastal charm, or seek a more remote and tranquil escape. No matter which place you choose, Alaska’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a dream honeymoon destination for adventurous couples. Enjoy your romantic journey in the Last Frontier!
