As you seek out your perfect ceremony site, keep in mind the following before and during your phone calls:
- How far in advance is booking required?
- What is your budget for the ceremony?
- How many people will be attending your ceremony?
- How close is the site to your reception site, guest lodging and local attractions?
- What kind of transportation will be available?
- Are there activities nearby for children?
- What kind of decoration services are available for the site?
- Is there a dedicated event-planning person for the location?
- Is music provided for the ceremony?
- Is an officiant available, or do you need to find one?
When looking at sites for your Alaska wedding ceremony, don't be surprised by the number of options! From churches and museums to the tops of glaciers, there are many outstanding sites to consider for your Alaskan wedding site.
Note: If you plan on having a private ceremony with a dozen people or just the two of you, do a preliminary search online for "Alaska destination weddings" for amazing and unique ways to exchange vows around the state of Alaska.
Alaska National Park Weddings
If you choose to get married at or near one of Alaska's pristine national parks, be sure to look at how accessible the area is from airports or seaports. If you have out-of-Alaska guests coming, or even guests from another part of the large state, ease of travel is an important consideration. The parks in Alaska are all gorgeous, but not all will be right for your ideal wedding! The park director will give you necessary information regarding event services and limitations, so be sure to call during Alaska business hours to reach a live person who will answer your questions.Outdoor Alaska Wedding Sites
During the spring and summer months, Alaska has gorgeous weather, long daylight hours and stunning views of glaciers, fjords, mountains, local wildlife, the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Strait. Planning a wedding ceremony outdoors in Alaska begs for wonderful weather, so ask about local weather conditions before deciding on an area. Even in the bitter cold, an outdoor wedding is possible with enough heat-lamps and an event tent. Here are just a few popular spots for an Alaska wedding ceremony:Juneau's Glacier Gardens -- The glacier park is a 50-acre forest with dazzling ponds, beautiful trees and an ambient atmosphere. Under a canopy, your guests will be amazed at the wildlife diversity in Alaska. There are restrooms available, and the park is handicap-accessible.
Alaska Native Heritage Center: In Anchorage, ANHC has both indoor and outdoor options for your wedding ceremony. A culturally rich place with incredible lakeside views, ANHC will provide you with wonderful, lasting memories of your wedding day. This unique place can accommodate all of your wedding needs, from your rehearsal dinner to your reception.
Sunset View Bed and Breakfast Resort: Located in Big Lake, Alaska. Provides truly decadent lakeside ceremonies and guest accommodations.
Alyeska Resort: In Anchorage, the Alyeska offers incredible accommodations for you and your guests. Perfect for couples who love skiing and other winter sport activities.
Also consider how "outdoors" you want your ceremony to be. For some, a balcony overlooking a crystal clear lake is outdoors enough. Others may wish to be married in the thick of a deciduous Alaskan rainforest, or underneath a local waterfall. Potted plants work well for outdoor weddings of either kind. If you've decided on a wilderness wedding, however you may simply wish to rely on the state's natural splendor for decoration.
Church Weddings in Alaska
If you plan to marry in a church, search online for "[Your Denomination] Church, Anchorage" for a list of local possibilities. (Substitute "Juneau" or even "Alaska" for more results.) With many beautiful churches to choose from, make a list and pick up the phone. Be sure to ask about guest capacity, nearby lodging, and decoration services in the area. Each church will have a unique layout, size and location for you to consider.Alaska Cruise Weddings
Many couples today are choosing to bring their wedding guests on cruises around Alaska as they exchange vows, celebrate, and take in the enchanting beauty of Alaska's inner passage. Small cruise ships are available to tour the glaciers and wildlife as you tie the knot in blissful radiance. Do a search online for "wedding cruise Alaska" to see current sites and packages. This is an unforgettable way to spend your wedding day!While this is just a sample of the possibilities for your Alaska wedding ceremony location, it is a sneak peek into the offerings of this wonderful state's history, beauty, and wildlife. Here is a great resource for direct Alaska information!