Celebrating a wedding in Alaska offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rustic charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. The breathtaking landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to glacier-filled panoramas, create a stunning backdrop for any ceremony. Whether it’s the allure of the Halibut fishing capital of the world or the awe-inspiring views of Kachemak Bay and the Spit, Alaska provides an unforgettable setting that adds an adventurous touch to any couple’s special day. Our expert, Ayla from Events by Ayla, is here to assist you in discovering the ideal venue for your Alaskan wedding.
MEET THE EXPERT
Events by Ayla, LLC is a full-service wedding design and planning Company based in Alaska. They aim to make your cherished time as an engaged couple as extraordinary and memorable as your wedding day.
Ayla is the owner, founder, and lead planner behind the scenes on your big day. She was born and raised in Homer, Alaska, and lives in the Mat Su Valley with her family. She loves this region with all her heart and adores to help her couples explore it and make it the best backdrop for their head-turning weddings.
Before opting for your venue and booking it, read introductory information from Ayla for getting married in Alaska, such as the optimal wedding season and acquiring the marriage license.
When to Host an Alaska Wedding
Alaska’s peak wedding season is summer–from the second half of May through August, occasionally extending into the early weeks of September. During other times of the year, Ayla strongly advises considering indoor venues such as The Hilton, Alyeska, 49th State Brewing, and similar options. She emphasizes the unpredictable nature of Alaskan weather: “In 2022, basically the whole month of June, it was 70-85* the entire month. Then, this year, it averaged about 55-60* and it rained every other day. That’s why we always have a rain plan and a plan B, C, D, etc.”
Photo: Rachel Tweggs
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Identification & Age Requirements:
Both residents and nonresidents can apply for a marriage license. Each person must appear in person and present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, or Tribal/BIA card. Both parties must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent and a court order. Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, might be necessary. Anyone under 16 years old cannot marry in Alaska.
Waiting Period:
Upon receipt of a mailed or faxed application with payment, there is a mandatory three (3) business day waiting period. After this period, you can collect the license, allowing the marriage ceremony to be performed.
Expedited Services:
If you need to receive your marriage license quickly and can’t pick it up in person, please include $9.00 for Priority Mail with tracking. Regular mail can take up to 4 weeks or longer and cannot be tracked.
Fees:
The marriage license fee in Alaska is $60. If you opt for priority shipping, the total application fee is $69.
Tests:
No blood test or physical exam is required.
Validation Period:
The marriage license remains valid for three (3) months from the date of issuance. The marriage ceremony must occur within this period; otherwise, the license becomes invalid. Extensions or refunds are not possible.
Please find the marriage license application here.
Photo: Donna Marie
Now, read on for five of the best locations for a Alaska destination wedding.
Best Wedding Venues
AK Diamond J Ranch, a family-owned venue near Homer on their ranch and peony farm, is a haven for weddings and events. Ayla shares”: “This ranch holds a special place in my heart—I’m a Homer native, and I’ve known Stephanie and Billy, the owners, for over 15 years”. The Homer area, renowned for its stunning views of Kachemak Bay, the Spit, and majestic glaciers, may have limited vendor options, but the ones available are stellar.
At AK Diamond J, couples have versatile ceremony spaces, including mountain-view lawns, barn backdrops, or the Pavilion. Rainy day contingencies are built in, ensuring a smooth transition. Post-ceremony, guests gather in the barn for cocktails, followed by dinner and toasts in the Pavilion. Traditional dances take center stage in the barn, with bartending services if needed.
The venue offers appealing perks: a spacious “getting ready house” for both bridal parties, a stocked kitchen for caterers, and ample accommodation options. Couples benefit from the venue’s tables and chairs, customizable setups, and a treasure trove of decor items left by past weddings, saving on additional expenses.
“With six seasons of stellar service, AK Diamond J Ranch is among the top wedding spots in the Kenai Peninsula, and its intimate setting and amenities make it one of my favorites.”
Photo: 1-2, 6: Emelia K, 3-5: Rachel Tweggs
Amidst the breathtaking Chugach Mountains and nature’s picturesque canvas, Alyeska Resort is the great destination for your wedding in Alaska. It provides guests luxurious stays and easy access to the region’s mesmerizing wilderness.
This all-inclusive wedding venue offers on-site catering, bartending services, drinks, tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, glassware – you name it! One of Ayla’s favorite elements there is that they have on-site lodging, making it ideal for the wedding couple (and their guests) to walk right up to their room when the wedding concludes. Don’t have to worry about transportation or anyone drinking and driving.
Alyeska has several options for their ceremony location–on the top of the mountain or by The Pond. Since this year, Alyeska has put a concrete slab instead of a gazebo, which makes the ceremony space so much more versatile and the possibilities endless for what you want your altar to look like when you say I Do. In 2016, Ayla chose this venue for her wedding.
Photo: Chugach Peaks
Photo: 1,2,4 – Theresa McDonald, 3 – Donna Marie
Photo: Chugach Peaks
At The Barn is a 60-acre homestead located between Palmer and Wasilla. It’s owned and operated by the Davidson family. Many years ago, they purchased this property with a dream to grow their family. They built a home, raised their boys, and recently added a gorgeous barn for fun family gatherings and to fulfill a long-time dream of having horses. They have had some family weddings and events at their barn and have recently opened to allow others to host special events on their property.
The wooden beams inside make At The Barn the perfect rustic for couples looking for a rustic Alaskan wedding. They have an apartment on site for the girls to get ready and a loft upstairs for the guys. The large kitchen makes it convenient for any caterer to prep food on-site. The outdoor ceremony area views beautiful pastures with cows wandering around and mountains in the back, off in the distance.
Photo: Theresa McDonald
This venue boasts a rustic barn, a delightful pavilion, cozy bridal cottages, and a vintage pickup truck, all nestled along the Knik Goose Bay Inlet in Wasilla. Couples often choose Gloryview Farm for outdoor ceremonies, set against lush greenery and trees.
Similar to AK Diamond J in Homer, guests move to the barn for cocktail hour after the ceremony, then under the pavilion. A log pavilion becomes the perfect setting for a delightful dinner, with guests seated at the charming harvest-style tables amidst a picturesque atmosphere. After toasts, the DJ will announce for guests to return to the barn for all the special dances.
From Ayla: “I love that the bride and groom can get ready on-site. Also, one of my favorite things about this venue is the mismatched chairs that go perfectly with the rustic vibes. They also have a large Connex filled with previous couple’s décor that current couples are welcome to utilize for their wedding day.”
Photo: Emelia K
Nestled among snowcapped mountains and bordered by the Chugach National Forest, the Inn at Tern Lake provides stunning settings for ceremonies and intimate receptions. With delectable in-house catering and over 15 years of expertise, it’s an unforgettable venue for an extraordinary Alaskan wedding. “When I say they have the BEST food here, I mean it. The halibut they make at this venue is out of this world,” said Ayla.
If you are hosting a small wedding, they offer the inside of their home as your reception location. If you have a larger guest list, tents, tables, chairs, and linens must be brought in from an outsourced vendor. The owner and her daughter make such a magnificent team working together – helping you set up all the plates and glassware, along with the friendliest smiles when serving food during dinner.
The Inn at Tern Lake has a getting ready house for the bride and groom’s morning of their wedding – and conveniently sleeps the night of their wedding, too. You genuinely feel like you are in the middle of nowhere – getting married at the bottom of a bowl surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Photo: Chugach Peaks
