A Mid-Summer Alaskan Wedding
In mid-July, I flew out to Alaska to photograph a wedding at the Inn at Tern Lake. As soon as I landed, the crisp air, mountain vistas, and quiet wilderness set the tone for a wedding that felt both exciting and intimate.
Documenting Gabbi + Colten’s wedding at Inn at Tern Lake was more than shooting a ceremony. It was a journey into place, emotion, and connection. It’s where Colten grew up and where they plan to return year after year
So, if you’re contemplating a destination wedding in Alaska, I’d love to chat! I’ll help you imagine how your story would unfold out in the wild.
Why Inn at Tern Lake is the Best Wedding Venue in Alaska
Perched on nine private acres in Moose Pass, The Inn at Tern Lake is a family-owned lodge that offers panoramic views of the Kenai Mountains and the Chugach National Forest. Dense forests, beautiful lakes and towering snow capped mountains surround you. It’s the kind of venue where nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s part of the storytelling.
Here are some standout features:
- Scenic backdrop for vows: The lodge is surrounded by snowcapped peaks, meadows, ponds, and a salmon stream, lending a dramatic and romantic setting.
- Indoor/outdoor flexibility: They offer both outdoor ceremony space and indoor reception in the Great Room — giving couples flexibility depending on Alaska’s unpredictable weather.
- On-site accommodations & amenities: Guests can stay on the property, enjoying breakfast in the lodge, which deepens the experience of an immersive wedding weekend.
- Creative, local catering: The in-house catering is a huge plus and their locally inspired menus have wowed guests.
How to Get Married in Alaska
If you’re dreaming of an Alaska wedding or elopement, the process is refreshingly simple. Even for couples traveling from out of state. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Apply for a marriage license:
You can apply in person at any Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics office or request an application online ($60-$70). There’s a short three-day waiting period for application processing, so plan accordingly if flying in for an in-person license. Also, once you receive your license, the ceremony must be performed within 3 months.
2. No residency requirement:
You don’t need to be an Alaska resident to get married there — couples from all over the world travel to Alaska to tie the knot amid glaciers, mountains, and wildflower meadows.
3. Choose your officiant:
You can have a traditional officiant, a friend or family member who’s temporarily commissioned (which is easy to do in Alaska), or even a judge perform your ceremony.
4. Two witnesses required:
Every marriage ceremony must have at least two witnesses present — a fun reason to invite your closest friends or even your photographer to sign!
5. Consider the season:
Summer brings endless daylight and mild weather, while winter weddings can feature snow-dusted peaks and northern lights. Each season offers something distinct — just make sure your location and travel plans fit the time of year.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Alaska, venues and planners (like A Touch of Saige) can help with logistics. From permits to local vendors they’ll make the experience seamless and stress-free.
For a full list of requirements on How to Get Married in Alaska, visit the state’s website here.
Things to Do Around the Kenai River Region
If you’re planning a wedding or trip in that area (or hoping to stay longer to explore), here are some must-do experiences and highlights:
1. Kenai River Adventures
The Kenai River is legendary for sport fishing — salmon, trout, you name it. Charter a full- or half-day fishing trip with local guides. Float trips, drift fishing, or casting from riverbanks — all are options depending on the season.
2. Hiking & Scenic Trails
The Kenai Peninsula offers a rich network of trails through alpine tundra, forests, and along glacial lakes. Skilak Lake is one favorite — with clear waters, trails, and glacial access. Guided glacier hikes, floatplane landings, or hikes along the coast are within reach too.
3. Wildlife & Glacier Tours
Take a boat cruise or kayaking tour in Kenai Fjords National Park — spotting whales, glaciers, and sea life. Flightseeing (small aircraft or helicopter) is a stunning way to see remote glaciers, mountain ranges, or drop onto ice fields. Bear viewing, birding, and general wildlife spotting are accessible via local outfitters.
4. Scenic Drives & Relaxing Days
Drive along the Seward Highway, which is itself an adventure — towering peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastal glimpses. Devote time for quiet moments: sitting by the river, reading in a meadow, or simply watching light shift across peaks and lakes.
Getting There & Where to Stay
One of the best things about the Inn at Tern Lake is that it feels wonderfully tucked away in the mountains — yet it’s still easy to reach.
Getting There:
The Inn sits in Moose Pass, about 90 minutes south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. The road winds through fjords, forests, and glacier-capped peaks — it’s the kind of journey where you’ll want to build in extra time to stop for photos.
If you’re flying in, Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the main hub, with plenty of car rental options for the drive down. For those continuing farther south, Seward is just 30 minutes beyond the venue — perfect for exploring the coast or hopping on a glacier cruise after the wedding.
Where to Stay:
The Inn at Tern Lake itself offers a handful of cozy guest rooms and a family-style lodge that feels warm and welcoming. Many couples choose to have their wedding party or close family stay on-site to enjoy breakfasts together and quiet mornings by the lake.
Nearby towns like Cooper Landing and Seward also offer charming cabin rentals, small inns, and lodges. Whether you want something rustic with mountain views or more luxurious lodging with a spa, there’s no shortage of beautiful stays across the Kenai Peninsula.
For guests flying in from out of state, spending a few extra days exploring Alaska after the wedding — from glacier tours to river floats — makes the whole trip an unforgettable experience.
So…Should You Get Married in Alaska?
If you’re drawn to wild beauty, wide-open spaces, and the feeling of adventure woven into every moment — then yes, Alaska might be the perfect place for you. Weddings here are more than celebrations; they’re experiences surrounded by glacier-fed lakes, mountain peaks, and endless skies. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a weekend with loved ones, Alaska offers a backdrop that’s as breathtaking and unforgettable as the love you’re celebrating.
VENDOR TEAM:
- Venue: Inn at Tern Lake
- Planner: A Touch of Saige
- Catering: Inn at Tern Lake
- Florist: Bloomsbury Blooms
- Hair + Makeup: Lipstick and Bobby Pins
- Photographer: Kate Seymour Photography
