Alaska

Head to the northerly paradise of Alaska for your honeymoon – where the mountains are twice as big, the skies twice as vast, the days twice as long and the best places are exponentially more secluded. Nature, at its most epic and glorious, is still king here, with the state accounting for more than half of the U.S.’ protected wilderness areas.

Travelers are drawn to the vast land of Alaska not because of its man-made monuments, but rather everything that Mother Nature has to offer. The state is a majestic work of nature in itself—from rain forests to snow-capped mountains, from glaciers to fjords. Begin your honeymoon amid the great restaurants, shops, and attractions of Anchorage. This vibrant city is worth a couple days; you can also make it your base while exploring surrounding areas, especially since Alaska’s lush wilderness lies just outside the city’s edge. Other cities to add to your list include Alaska’s capital, Juneau, or Sitka to experience the state’s Russian influence and Ketchikan to check out the native Alaskan totem collections.

Head north for Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak. You can also visit charming small towns like Talkeetna. Grab the keys for a short drive south to Kenai Peninsula, dubbed Alaska’s Playground for its trails, wildlife, small towns, and nonstop scenery. No matter where you travel, you will see rolling tundra, river valleys, ocean fjords, glacial lakes and rivers and outstanding wildlife.

It’s not the easiest place to get to, but those who make it to the Arctic Circle will be rewarded with rolling tundra, mountains, and coastal plains leading into arctic waters. Experience native culture in the towns of Nome and Barrow, and meet Alaskans who still practice ancient whaling customs. The Aleutian Islands sprinkle the watery area of Alaska and is only reachable by plane. Here, you will enjoy the state’s best bear viewing, in the national parks of Katmai and Lake Clark, but don’t let these overshadow the many active volcanoes and lush parklands. Salmon and the bears that fish for them make up most of the wildlife viewing here, along with walrus on the coastlines.

The great Alaskan outdoors is perfect for a romantic getaway with picturesque views serving as natural backdrops for photo shoots, the northern lights putting on a show while you share a cup of spiked hot cocoa and a night-in by the fire in your wilderness lodge.

In planning your romantic escape to the land of the midnight sun, there are some “Must-See’s” we recommend. Be sure to visit the Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a 3.3-million acre sanctuary resting along Alaska’s coast, where you can hop on a tiny prop plane or boat and be guided through the park’s natural splendor. While on your voyage, you’ll witness the immensity of 7 tidewater glaciers, icebergs and fjords framed by snow-crested mountains and countless wildlife – including our favorites, the tufted puffin!

Whether you are just staying overnight before embarking on a big Alaska adventure, or staying for a week or more, the options for lodging are endless. Accommodations range from affordable hostels, hotels and motels for travelers on a budget, to all-inclusive wilderness lodges and resorts for those looking for a bit of luxury in the Last Frontier. Honeymooners will find an variety of hotels to choose from in any major destination they visit, many of which allow guests to drop off luggage and bags before checking in, which is especially convenient when disembarking a cruise ship and allows time to explore town.

For many, an Alaska vacation is the trip of a lifetime. Celebrating your new life together in the grandeur and seclusion of Alaska will be an unforgettable experience! If you’re a couple looking for fresh air and wilderness after your big day, Alaska is it.