How to Get Married in Alaska: The Expert-Approved Guide

Between its majestic mountains, massive glaciers and miles of pristine coastline, there's no doubt about it: Alaska—also known as The Last Frontier for its vast wilderness—offers plenty of postcard-worthy scenery for any wedding. If you're one of many couples wondering how to get married in Alaska, you'll want to keep reading for top tips and expert insight from local vendors.

Joe Connolly, an Anchorage-based photographer and manager at Chugach Peaks Photography, tells The Knot, "Alaska is often a bucket-list trip for many people, and it has earned that reputation for good reason. Besides having an awesome wedding, there are so many activities to try and places to explore."

Additionally, Corinne Graves, an Anchorage-based destination wedding photographer and co-owner of Outland Events, an all-inclusive Alaska elopement planning company, describes the state as "adventurous yet surprisingly accessible." Plus, "There are incredible options if you take the time to hire local vendors who are deeply familiar with the area and explore places both on and off the beaten path."

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In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Alaska
• Notable Wedding Locations in Alaska
• How to Plan a Wedding in Alaska Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Alaska

While wedding planning can be stressful, retrieving your Alaska wedding license is pretty straightforward. Just take it from Graves, who went through the process herself. "You simply print out the application, fill it out, get it notarized and send it to the Vital Records Office." (There are locations in Juneau and Anchorage.) Alternatively, you can go to an Alaska court in person. "Once it's approved, there's a three-day waiting period." Additionally, "Couples can either have it mailed to them or pick it up when they arrive in town."

The fee for an Alaska marriage license is $60, and payments can be made via mail or in person. In a time crunch and can't pick up the license in person? Expect to pay an extra $10 for Priority Mail. Lastly, keep in mind that the marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Notable Wedding Locations in Alaska

Alaska is world-renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rugged terrain, including towering peaks, almost-otherworldy glaciers and fjords and tranquil forests. With all this in mind, narrowing down a specific location to tie the knot can be difficult, so we've taken the liberty of rounding up the best Alaska wedding venues to suit any style.

Anchorage

Connolly especially recommends saying "I do" in Anchorage because of its array of venue options and easy access. (The city has its own international airport, making it convenient for out-of-towners.) Favorites include the Alaska Aviation Museum, just half a mile from the airport, perfectly perched along the shores of Lake Hood; the Alaska Zoo, an ideal spot for animal lovers; and Alpenglow Lodge at Arctic Valley, which offers some of the best views in town.

Juneau

According to Connolly, Alaska's capital city provides the perfect backdrop for nuptials, "especially if you're passing through on a cruise of the Inside Passage." The destination is renowned for its natural beauty, native heritage, centuries-old history and vibrant arts and culture scene. For a timeless, elegant vibe, look no further than the Jorgenson House, an upscale bed-and-breakfast with equally stunning indoor and outdoor event spaces—plus lush gardens prime for photo ops.

Seward

Graves describes Seward as "a quaint town by the ocean with beautiful beachside lodging options perfect for both small and larger weddings." Plus, the pro is quick to note that "Seward is also where boat tours depart to see wildlife and glaciers, and there are remote lodges in the area, as well." The destination is also home to the famous Kenai Fjords National Park, known for its abundant glaciers, fjords and islands.

Homer

Situated along the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is an "artsy little town, offering water taxis to picturesque lodges and restaurants across the bay," Graves says. She tells The Knot, "This area constantly surprises us with new spots, and it's stunning!" It's also here where you'll find the Best of Weddings award-winning venue, AK Diamond J Ranch. Spanning 25 scenic acres, the venue offers idyllic views and a rustic-chic barn outfitted in warm woods and arched ceilings.

Denali National Park

"Denali National Park is a must-see during the summer months," Graves says. "We typically do one intimate wedding a year there and have even set up small weddings and receptions in remote locations within the park that guests can drive to. Additionally, "For the more adventurous couples, we've hosted elopements on the Denali Highway—an absolutely stunning, maintained dirt road that cuts across the state with charming little lodges scattered along the way."

How to Plan a Wedding in Alaska Step-by-Step

Planning a wedding in Alaska doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With these expert-approved tips, you can simplify the process and focus on creating a memorable—and stress-free—celebration.

1. Set a Budget

Before diving deep into planning and exploring Alaska wedding ideas, establish a budget with your future spouse. Not sure where to start? Look no further than The Knot Budget Advisor. This user-friendly tool offers personalized insights into wedding expenses tailored to your chosen location—in this case, Alaska—using data from real couples.

2. Secure Your Vendors Early

We can't stress enough the importance of booking your venue and securing key vendors—such as DJs, bands, florists and caterers—as soon as possible. For assistance finding the perfect options, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace. This platform lets you filter results by price, location and other key factors, and it also features reviews from real couples.

3. Use a Locally Based Planner

"One main tip I have for couples looking to get married in Alaska is to find a planner who is not only familiar with the state but ideally lives here," Grave says. "There are so many factors that only locals know to consider for both safety and comfort, as well as ensuring the overall success of your event." She adds, "From which areas will be buggy, to what is open during which season, and finding vendors who align in both quality and values, local knowledge makes all the difference."

4. Consider the Season

According to Graves, "The most popular time for weddings is from late May through early September." That said, she adds, "I've photographed weddings on top of glacial mountains in the dead of winter, and it's been absolutely magical—it's just a different experience!" With this in mind, be aware that winter temps here are often below freezing—and sometimes in the negatives.

5. Make Sure You—and Your Guests—Dress Appropriately

"We occasionally have people show up with high heels and super fancy dress shoes with no tread," Connolly says. While this may look nice in photos, it is "impractical for the majority of the places we go." It can also be a safety issue if you or your guests can't keep your grip on complicated terrain. Lastly, if you're getting married in Alaska during winter, bring essentials like a warm jacket, a hat and gloves.