Top 10 Wedding Venues in Alaska for Luxury Destination Weddings
Imagine saying “I do” with snow-capped peaks or sprawling glaciers as your backdrop—or under the magical glow of the Northern Lights. Alaska has that rare, untouched beauty that turns a wedding into a story you’ll be telling forever. And lately, couples are choosing this epic state not just for destination weddings, but for the genuine connection with nature it offers. Think cozy mountain lodges, remote glacier overlooks, luxurious lodges, even winter wonderland train rides.
In this list, we’ve rounded up ten of the best wedding venues in Alaska—from all-inclusive resorts to rustic cabins—so you can find something that matches your vibe and budget. Whether you’re after adventure, simplicity, or pure luxury, you’ll see why each spot has its own “wow” factor. Let’s dive in!
1. Sheldon Chalet – Haines, Alaska
Overview
A luxe mountaintop chalet perched 3,400 feet above sea level—accessible only by helicopter.
Why It’s Unique
You and your guests land by helicopter and step straight into panoramic Alaskan wilderness. It’s the definition of “wedding with a view.”
Key Features
- Intimate capacity (couple + up to six guests)
- Sleek, modern lodge with hot tubs, radiant floors, and luxury finishes
- All-inclusive packages available
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unforgettable adventure; minimal distractions
Cons: Very small capacity; pricey helicopter add-ons
Pricing
Venue packages start around $30,000 (including meals and accommodation).
Location Details
Near Haines Airport (HNS). Accesses Chilkat Mountains.
Best Season
May through September (summer daylight is epic).
Ideal For
Intimate luxury elopement; adventurous couples.
2. Alyeska Resort – Girdwood, Alaska
Overview
A full-service mountain resort nestled at the base of snow-glacier–topped peaks.
Why It’s Popular
Offers upscale amenities with jaw-dropping scenery—perfect balance of glam and nature.
Key Features
- 200+ guest capacity
- In-house catering, spa, gondola access
- Variety of indoor ballrooms and outdoor decks
Pros & Cons
Pros: All-in-one planning; gorgeous year-round setting
Cons: Peak-season rates higher; alpine weather unpredictability
Pricing
Venue rentals start around $5,000; all-inclusive packages typically begin at $12,000.
Location Details
Girdwood—just 40 miles from Anchorage (ANC). Ideal for guests flying in.
Best Season
June to September (midnight sun weddings shine).
Ideal For
Medium–large luxury weddings; couples wanting convenience and wow factor.
3. Raven Glacier Lodge – Yakutat, Alaska
Overview
A secluded glacier-front retreat you and your guests reach by floatplane.
Why It’s Unique
Gorgeous, secluded—and you might spot wildlife like eagles and bears during your ceremony.
Key Features
- Lodge & cabin accommodation for up to 30
- Glacier and rainforest views, water taxi access
- Couples can add fishing, hiking, sightseeing
Pros & Cons
Pros: Intimate, immersive wilderness; mid-range packages
Cons: Remote logistics; weather-dependent travel
Pricing
Packages start around $15,000 (includes lodging and floatplane transport).
Location Details
Fly-in via Yakutat Airport (YAK) and float down to the lodge.
Best Season
June–August (best weather, longest days).
Ideal For
Nature lovers wanting rustic-chic weddings with modest budgets.
4. Knik River Lodge – Palmer, Alaska
Overview
A rustic-chic log cabin lodge sitting beside the glacier-fed Knik River.
Why It’s Popular
Gorgeous riverfront views, optional glacier tours, and real Alaska charm.
Key Features
- 60-person capacity indoors; lakeside tent setups
- On-site farmhouse kitchen, outdoor fire pits
- Optional heli-glacier excursions included in some packages
Pros & Cons
Pros: Flexible settings; photogenic landscape
Cons: Remote location; fewer hotel choices nearby
Pricing
Venue-only starts at $3,500; full wedding packages begin at $8,500.
Location Details
Located ~40 miles from Anchorage; land travel and optional helicopter rides.
Best Season
May through September.
Ideal For
Medium-sized rustic weddings with a dash of adventure.
5. Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks, Alaska
Overview
A remote hot springs resort known for northern lights and geothermal pools.
Why It’s Unique
Soak under the aurora at night—or host your ceremony on a frosty winter morning.
Key Features
- Indoor/outdoor venues, historic roadhouse, and ice museum
- Accommodation in cabins and lodge rooms
- Wellness amenities (saunas, spas)
Pros & Cons
Pros: Year-round appeal; aurora watchers’ dream
Cons: Very remote; winter travel planning needed
Pricing
Venue rentals start around $4,000; wedding packages begin at $10,000.
Location Details
Just over 60 miles from Fairbanks International (FAI).
Best Season
Year-round—summer midnight sun or winter aurora.
Ideal For
Quirky weddings, wellness retreats, aurora-chasers.
6. McKinley Chalet Resort – Denali National Park
Overview
An upscale lodge with sweeping views of Denali and the park entrance.
Why It’s Popular
Clean lines, warm wood decor, and epic mountain vistas make it unforgettable.
Key Features
- Multiple venues (ballrooms, patios)
- On-site catering, spa, cabins
- Easy access to park tours
Pros & Cons
Pros: Denali as your backdrop, all-inclusive ease
Cons: High demand; lodging costs for guests
Pricing
Starting around $8,000 for venue; full packages about $20,000+.
Location Details
In Denali Park—just over 200 miles north of Anchorage.
Best Season
May through September.
Ideal For
Luxury, convenience, and classic Alaskan vistas.
7. Seward Windsong Lodge – Seward, Alaska
Overview
A historic lodge on Exit Glacier’s edge—combining old-school charm with scenic beauty.
Why It’s Special
Mix of heritage and wilderness, built in 1916, with sweeping glacier views.
Key Features
- Indoor space adds rustic charm
- Grounds include garden, fire pit, grills
- Close to hiking trails and coastal excursions
Pros & Cons
Pros: Character-rich; cozy, manageable size
Cons: Glacier proximity means unpredictable weather
Pricing
Venue around $3,000–$5,000; packages begin at $9,000.
Location Details
Located 125 miles south of Anchorage; local Seward airport is close.
Best Season
June–September.
Ideal For
Medium-sized, nostalgic out-in-the-elements weddings.
8. Salted Roots Cabins – Seward, Alaska
Overview
A cozy-chic coastal venue nestled in the forest near Resurrection Bay—Salted Roots blends rustic charm with stylish, small-wedding vibes.
Why It’s Unique
Just steps from the beach and surrounded by spruce trees, this spot feels like a secluded retreat—but with Instagram-worthy design and boutique touches.
Key Features
- Private beachfront ceremony spots & forest views
- Handcrafted A-frame cabins with modern interiors
- Perfect for elopements or micro-weddings (up to 20 guests)
- Fire pits, hot tubs, and access to adventure activities nearby
Pros & Cons
Pros: Coastal meets cabin vibes; perfect for creative couples
Cons: Limited capacity; not ideal for large guest list.
Pricing
Elopement packages typically start around $8,000–$12,000, including cabin stays and venue use.
Location Details
Located in Seward, Alaska, about 2.5 hours south of Anchorage by scenic drive along the Seward Highway.
Best Season
May to September for beach access, clear skies, and forest greenery.
Ideal For
Boho couples, nature lovers, and those dreaming of a stylish yet laid-back coastal wedding.
9. Tenakee Springs Resort – Tenakee Springs, Chichagof Island
Overview
A tiny, rustic resort only reachable by boat or floatplane.
Why It’s Unique
Remote, off-grid, wild: no cell service, real Alaska solitude.
Key Features
- Waterfront cabins, natural hot springs
- Capacity for 20; meals cooked by resident chef
- Whale-watching & hiking local activities
Pros & Cons
Pros: Totally unplugged experience; small & cozy
Cons: Limited guest list, travel complexity
Pricing
Packages begin around $8,000 (includes lodging and food).
Location Details
Boat or floatplane to Chichagof; arrival via Juneau or Sitka.
Best Season
May–September.
Ideal For
Offbeat, adventurous couples wanting solitude.
10. Kenai Riverside Lodge – Soldotna, Alaska
Overview
A riverside lodge on the Kenai River—famous for salmon fishing.
Why It’s Popular
Relaxed river-chic vibe, fish-filled background and lodge comfort.
Key Features
- Spaces range from lodge decks to boathouse
- On-site fishing guides, catering options
- Fish-cleaning shacks double as quirky photo spots
Pros & Cons
Pros: Fun outdoorsy vibe; lots of hands-on activities
Cons: Busy salmon seasons; fishing odor not for everyone
Pricing
Venue rental from $2,500; all-inclusive packages start at $7,000.
Location Details
Soldotna, ~90 miles from Anchorage; drive easily accessible.
Best Season
June–August (salmon runs, long days).
Ideal For
Outdoor-loving couples, budget riverfront charm.
Conclusion
Alaska is wild, beautiful, and unforgettable—and its wedding venues reflect that raw romance. If you’re dreaming of a luxe, high-altitude celebration, Sheldon Chalet is your mountaintop soulmate. Want a full-service yet stunning resort? Go for Alyeska or McKinley Chalet. On a tighter budget but still want real wilderness. Raven Glacier Lodge or Kenai Riverside Lodge nail it. Craving off-grid vibes? Look into Tenakee Springs or Chena Hot Springs under the stars.
If you want adventure with ease, Aurora Winter Train is a one-of-a-kind ride. And for glacier lovers, Seward Windsong Lodge or Knik River Lodge give you a perfect blend of convenience and scenery.
Budget-smart tip: Alaska can surprise you—travel logistics and peak rates add up fast. Contact venues early and ask about off-season deals (shoulder seasons can be steals). Your wedding doesn’t have to break the bank to be epic—just thoughtfully planned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to get married in Alaska?
The most popular wedding season in Alaska is May through September when the weather is warmer, daylight lasts longer, and the landscapes are stunning. Winter weddings are magical too but require extra planning due to snow and travel delays.
Are Alaska wedding venues expensive?
Alaska offers a wide range of options—from $2,500 riverside rentals to $30,000 luxury chalets. While remote venues can be pricier due to logistics, many offer all-inclusive packages that help manage costs.
What makes Alaska a great wedding destination?
With epic mountain backdrops, northern lights, and a deep connection to nature, Alaska offers couples a once-in-a-lifetime setting. Whether you want a mountaintop ceremony, glacier elopement, or coastal forest wedding, the state delivers unforgettable experiences.
How accessible are wedding venues in Alaska?
Some venues—like Sheldon Chalet or Raven Glacier Lodge—are accessible only by helicopter or floatplane, making them more remote and intimate. Others, like Alyeska Resort or Salted Roots, are a scenic drive from Anchorage, offering easier logistics.
Can I plan a destination wedding in Alaska on a budget?
Yes! Look for venues with inclusive packages or plan during shoulder seasons (early May or late September). Options like Kenai Riverside Lodge or Knik River Lodge offer affordable charm with authentic Alaskan backdrops.
Do Alaska venues handle wedding planning and catering?
Most luxury and resort venues like Alyeska Resort, McKinley Chalet, or Chena Hot Springs offer on-site planning, catering, and lodging. More remote cabins may require outside vendors or DIY planning.