Wedding Venues in Alaska, Part 1

Written By Diana Rogers

In this article, I will provide some tips and insight on wedding venues: my honest opinion about them, what to consider, and tips on how to choose one. I've been to and photographed each one, usually more than once. Let's start.

Alyeska Resort (Girdwood)

It's a trendy venue for any season. It's right by the tram, so every couple goes up to the mountain to enjoy the beautiful view and take great pictures.

TIP: Please plan your timing. It will take more than 1 hour to wait for a tram, go up, take pictures, wait again, and go down. Some guests will likely be waiting for you, so it's better to take the images on top before the ceremony and schedule enough time for it.

An easy formula for a wedding day: More Planning = Less stress = You can enjoy each other and your Wedding Day!

The venue is right by the mountain, so it's a chance for an avalanche early in the season. When it happens, they move the ceremony to the indoor area. If you're out of state, staying at the resort and enjoying the local spa and the trails is nice. The whole resort is under new management now (in 2024); in the beginning, the switch was rugged, but now it is back to normal.

Drones: Because it's private property, signs say NO DRONES, but it's an FAA-legal area to fly. It is not right by the venue, but it is nearby or in Girdwood. Check exact spots with your photographer if they are drone-certified.

The picture on the top of the mountain shows the whole wedding party from Florida. They were fascinated by the snow in May!

Veil and Vine (Palmer) 4350 S Bodenburg Lp Rd, Palmer, AK

I love this venue. The people are amiable; it's gorgeous, there is lots of light and unbelievable views. It can accommodate up to 250 guests, and there is a lovely bridal suite where guests can get ready (and take pictures, of course). They are also planning on building a groom's suit. TIP: Pray it's now a windy day because it doesn't have walls; wind can be very annoying. As a wedding photographer, I love the thousands of opportunities to take pictures there. I can walk around spying on guests and capture emotions and moments, pull the couple out for a few shots, and the guests will be able to see them, so it's not as awkward as disappearing in the middle of dinner for an hour. (I always recommend to take couple's pictures BEFORE the ceremony)

Drones: No problems at all; they love my little Satoshi (my drone's name)

There is lots of space and a fantastic background. The venue has a few different themed decoration sets for the events. This arch is one of them.

Kincaid Chalet (Anchorage) 6998 Raspberry Rd

I love Kincaid Park and the Chalet for social events, a place to warm up after skiing, and a perfect area for sliding, but I prefer a different wedding venue. Props:

  • Lots of Moose
  • Affordable
  • Nice view of Sleeping Lady
  • Spacious
  • A few great spots for pictures close by

Cons:

  • It's a trendy park, and there are tons of people around, always. They will be walking inside for public restrooms. You will see them passing by the windows and looking in, wondering what's happening all the time. They will be in the pictures because they are looking in right by the vast windows.
  • They don't help with decoration, and if you're not a professional wedding organizer, you won't quickly make a vast building look stylish and lovely.
  • The light is highly challenging for photography. It's very yellow inside and cold outside, so I have to use my flash even if it looks like a lot of light. However, because of the warm-cold mix, it looks dirty, and I have to fight it constantly. And the last reason: m.

Drones: Absolutely NO drones. It's too close to the airport, so there's not a chance.

O'Malley's On the Green (Anchorage) 3651 O'Malley Rd

It's a cute restaurant with multiple rooms and areas. The ceremony room has a great view, an amazing bartender, and nothing to complain about. The people are friendly and professional. It's in a very convenient location, especially for me, as I live in South Anchorage. 🙂 The building is a bit old, but it has its charm.

Drones: Yes, it's flyable up here. You can get the Mountain View or the City View; both are great!

I hope you enjoyed my honest opinion, which will be helpful to you. Enjoy your special day, invite me to be your photographer, and live happily ever after!

Poka-poka (buy-buy in Russian)

Diana Rogers