Alaska, the 49th state, is unlike any other destination in America. Its terrain more closely resembles an alien planet than Washington, the closest state next to its border. There is a reason why it is called the Last Frontier.
If you are looking for a unique wedding destination in North America, then there is no better place to be than Alaska. How would you like your event to take place amid towering icebergs as a backdrop and glaciers that dot the blue ocean? You also have a chance to experience a unique culture that only adds to the charm of the place.
Applying for a wedding license in Alaska will cost you $60, with a waiting period of only three days. However, as they say, the devil is in the details.
A wedding is meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. You can elevate the experience even more when you travel to Alaska to exchange your vows. Booking your wedding in Alaska can also allow you to scratch an Alaska trip off of your bucket list.
What to do while in Alaska?
As you know, traveling yields several benefits, which include really getting to know your partner. A trip also allows you to soak in knowledge from the people you meet and the cultures you experience.
Take advantage of your destination wedding to see the following sights:
- Mendenhall Ice Caves
- Tracy Arm Fjord
- Goose Creek Tower (Dr. Seuss House)
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kennicott Ghost Town
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
- Aurora Ice Museum
- Glacier Gardens
- Permafrost Tunnel
- Santa Claus House
Finally, you should see the northern lights. Time your wedding from mid-September to April so you can also watch the majestic, dancing lights in the sky. The spectacle peaks in March, which also means that there are lots of tourists at that time.
A Diamond in the Rough
One popular wedding destination is the AK Diamond J Ranch, a 20-acre property situated east of Homer, a small city located in Kachemak Bay. When you say ranch, we mean Ranch. At the center of the property is the rustic barn, which serves as the main wedding venue.
Exchange your vows at the ranch with two gigantic glaciers in the distance. The open pasture stretches as far as the eye can see as it melds with the sky on the horizon. To complete the romantic picture, there is also a small lake, along with a field of pastel peony flowers that serve as a natural backdrop for your magical wedding.
The ranch also has its own two-story home with about 2,000 square feet of available space. However, there are only two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Your guests can stay there temporarily during the event.
If you need extra accommodations, there are several options that you can choose from in Homer, Alaska. There are cottages like baycrestlodge.com, which is nestled 550 feet above sea level and offers an unobstructed view of the Kenai Mountains and Kachemak Bay.
Do not let the rustic design of the lodge fool you. The accommodations come with complete modern amenities to make your stay as convenient as possible. You have private hot tubs where you can soak to ward off the cold air. Each room comes with a flat-screen LED TV, full kitchen, and indoor heat.
When you travel to Alaska, the least of your worries is the airline but Alaskan Airlines consistently rates among the best airlines, which only enhances your trip to the Last Frontier. You should include the cost of airfare in your planning and your budget before packing your bags and heading to Alaska.