Alaska Wedding Week

Tlingit Park Long House Pavilion

Sea-of-Plaid Square Dance

Chilkat Inlet Retreat

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Pictures from along the way!

Pictures

Key Dates

Sat, May 23 Group arrivals begin - Juneau Group activities (visit our Alaska Wedding Week Events tab!) - Juneau and Haines Tuesday, May 26 Group ferry to Haines (7:00 AM)Juneau → HainesBook here: <a href="https://bookamhs.alaska.gov/book/sailing-search/chooseJourney/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bookamhs.alaska.gov/book/sailing-search/chooseJourney/</a> Fri, May 29 Rehearsal dinner + Sea of Plaid Square Dance - Haines Sat, May 30 Wedding &amp; Reception - Haines Sun/Mon, May 31–Jun 1 Departures - Haines → Juneau

Calendar Overview

How to Get There:

The easiest way to travel with the group will be to fly into Juneau (JNU) on May 23 and ferry to Haines with us TUESDAY, MAY 26. There are also a few other scenic (and very Alaskan!) routes if you’d like to make a bigger trip out of it. Here are four options we recommend to get to our wedding:

Option 1: The Group Route (Recommended)Fly into Juneau on Saturday, May 23.From Saturday through Tuesday, join us for daily activities that share some of our favorite parts of life in Juneau. For more info, visit our Alaska Wedding Week Events tab!On TUESDAY, MAY 26 we’ll take the 7:00 AM ferry together up the Inside Passage to Haines. The trip takes about 4.5 hours, with plenty of comfy seating and tables to relax at. We’ll bring card games for the ride - feel free to pack a favorite to share!The back deck has heaters and reclining lawn-chairs- it’s common for Alaskans to curl up in a sleeping bag and nap as the ferry glides along the channel.We recommend staying through Sunday, May 31 (or Monday, June 1) to enjoy the full celebration weekend. Please note, there is no ferry to Juneau scheduled for Monday, June 1.

Option 2: Short Trip for the Wedding WeekendIf you can’t make the whole week, fly into Juneau by Thursday, May 28Then take the ferry to Haines 7 AM on Friday morning, May 29. Note that there is no ferry running on Saturday morning, the day of the ceremony. or Book a quick Alaska Seaplanes flight directly to Haines (about 45 minutes).Note: The ferry takes about 4.5 hours, while the seaplane is much faster. However, it’s a small-plane ride that can be bumpy and is on the pricier side.Either way, you’ll arrive in time for the Friday night “Sea of Plaid” square dance and the wedding on Saturday!

Option 3: Scenic Road Trip from Anchorage or FairbanksFor the adventurous traveler!Anchorage → Haines: ~14-hour driveFairbanks → Haines: ~12-hour driveThis route takes you through some of the most stunning mountain passes and lakes in Alaska, and a detour to Denali National Park is possible before you set off toward Haines.Note: You will need a passport to drive either of these routes- you have to cross through Canada to get from interior Alaska to Haines.If you choose to drive, plan to leave no later than Tuesday morning (May 26) to arrive in Haines by Thursday evening (May 28). If you're planning to also visit Denali, leave no later than Monday (May 25) morning!

Option 4: Ferry from Bellingham, WashingtonIf you’d like to sail the Inside Passage the long way, you can take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Bellingham, WA, either to Juneau first or all the way to Haines. It’s about a 3-day trip, so you’ll need to depart Bellingham by Tuesday, May 26 to arrive in Haines by Friday, May 29, in time for our Sea of Plaid square dance that evening.

How to Get There

Flying into Juneau

The only direct flights to Juneau are from Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC).Flights are offered year-round by Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines operates seasonally in summer.We recommend booking roundtrip through Juneau Airport (JNU) — ferry back from Haines on Sunday, May 31 (4:45 PM-9:30 PM), then fly out Monday, June 1 morning. If you need to fly out Sunday, May 31, you'll probably have to fly through Alaska Seaplanes to get from Haines to Juneau in time! If connecting through Seattle or Anchorage on a different airline, allow extra time to collect and recheck any checked bags with Alaska Airlines for your final flight to Juneau.

Ferrying to Haines

Ferry from Juneau to HainesGroup Sailing Date: TUESDAY, MAY 26 at 7:00 AM (be at the ferry terminal at 6:00 AM, closer to 5:30 AM if ferrying a car). Book here: <a href="https://bookamhs.alaska.gov/book/sailing-search/chooseJourney/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bookamhs.alaska.gov/book/sailing-search/chooseJourney/</a> If you can't make the ferry on Tuesday, the only other option to ferry up that week is on Friday, which will have you in town for the Sea-of-Plaid Square Dance, Friday night! For more flexibility in travel date/time, consider booking a flight through Alaska Seaplanes! See more info under "Flying Into Haines (Alternative to Ferry)" Route: Juneau (Auke Bay) → HainesTickets are currently available!Book here: <a href="https://bookamhs.alaska.gov/book/sailing-search/chooseJourney/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alaska Marine Highway</a>Fare: ~$58 (discounts for seniors &amp; children)Note that there will be an additional fee for bringing your rental car on the ferry. We recommend letting the car rental company know if you're planning on ferrying your rental car! IMPORTANT RENTAL CAR NOTE: Ferries can only accommodate 2 electric vehicles per ferry - if you're planning on ferrying your rental car, we recommend steering clear of EV's or hybrid cars. Onboard amenities: food service (snacks to full meals) and Wi-Fi.Ferry info &amp; policies: <a href="https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/policies.shtml" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AMHS Policies</a>

Flying into Haines (alternative to ferry)

Flying to Haines (Alternative to Ferry)Alaska Seaplanes flies from Juneau International Airport → Haines Airport. The flight is about 45 minutes, and usually costs ~$200 one way, or ~$400 roundtrip. Book here:<a href="https://alaskaseaplanes.tflite.com/Public/ASP/Booking/Search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://alaskaseaplanes.tflite.com/Public/ASP/Booking/Search</a> FAQs: <a href="https://www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com/flight-info/faqs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alaska Seaplanes Info</a>

Departures

When it's time to leave, here are some details to keep in mind: The only Alaska Marine Highway System ferry for Haines to Juneau on Sunday, May 31st leaves at 4:45 PM and arrives in Juneau ~9:30 PM. That arrival is into the Auke Bay ferry terminal, rideshare (Uber/Lyft/taxi) services should still be operational at that time of day! PLEASE NOTE: There is no Haines➝Juneau ferry on Monday, June 1st! If you need to get back sooner to make a flight, you might need to book Alaska Seaplanes. There are a few different time options for Seaplane flights, some leaving as early as 8:35 AM! Alaska Seaplanes land at the airport, so you're right there for your flight connection! AK Seaplane flights are weather dependent and there are baggage weight limits to look into. See the Alaska Seaplanes section of this page for more info! Summary: Ferry (4:45 PM departure)- Most affordable- Smooth sailing- Arrives ~9:30 PM Alaska Seaplane (multiple departure times available)- 35-minute flight- Multiple departure times (arrival in Juneau can be early as ~9:10 AM)- More expensive- Bumpier ride- Weather dependent

Packing

Packing &amp; WeatherExpect 40–60°F, humid air, and frequent drizzle - it can feel cooler than it reads!Bring high-quality rain gear (rain jacket, boots, rain pants). If you're looking to invest in some new raingear, we recommend anything made with Gore-Tex material! Hiking gear and walking sticks recommended - local trails are beautiful but steep! We recommend packing lots of layers - it's good to have options! Bring plaid for the Sea-of-Plaid Squaredance! Bring outdoor formalwear for the wedding ceremony and reception - be sure what you're wearing is warm enough! There's a chance it could be windy and a bit chilly on the channel. We will have tents for the outdoor area at the venue, but the ground could be muddy if we get rain.

Getting around

Getting AroundJuneau: limited rental cars available; also Uber, Lyft, and taxis. We do have a public transportation bus as well that runs reliably but not frequently, with multiple stops all throughout town!Most hotels in Juneau offer a shuttle service to the ferry terminal. Haines: rideshare options are very limited. More details TBD!

Where to Stay

JUNEAU

Downtown: close to restaurants, bars, and museums.Hotels: Ramada, Four Seasons, Baranof, Juneau HotelMendenhall Valley: quieter, nature-focused, near the glacier (and our home!).Hotels: Aspen Suites, Travelodge, Best Western, Grandma's Feather Bed Everything is within 10–20 minutes driving; the city is fairly small and easy to get around.

HAINES

Airbnbs widely available; pretty much everything’s within a 5-minute drive.Great options:Hotel Halsingland – historic, located in old Fort Seward.Captain’s Choice Motel – comfortable with harbor views.Aspen Suites

Be Bear-Aware!

Please note: both black bears and brown (grizzly) bears are common in Juneau and Haines, Alaska. Southeast Alaska is home to approximately 17,000 black bears and 4,000 brown bears. Black bears are generally smaller with a smoother frame. Brown/grizzly bears are much larger and have a distinct hump on their shoulders. Despite their names, color is not a reliable way to tell them apart - black bears can appear light, and brown bears can look quite dark. Bears should always be viewed from a safe distance. Please do not approach or encroach on their space.We strongly recommend hiking in groups. Bears will usually avoid people if they can hear them coming, so make noise while hiking: talk, sing, or whistle, especially if you’re alone. Many people in Alaska carry bear spray (a very strong pepper spray) while hiking. If you’d like to borrow some instead of purchasing it, feel free to reach out to Ben &amp; Lena - we’re happy to lend some out. Bear spray cannot be flown with or shipped home after your trip. Costco sells it in two-packs if you still would like to buy your own. If you do encounter a bear, do not run. Running can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. Neither Ben nor Lena have had any truly dangerous bear encounters, though we do see bears regularly while adventuring in the wilderness. For more information, visit here: <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry</a>

Important Travel Details

All activities are optional! We'd love to have you join us if interested, but understand if there's something else you have your heart set on doing! Feel free to join us for as much or as little as you'd like! A quick Southeast Alaska note: Late May can bring sunshine, misty rain, wind, or all three in one afternoon. We recommend packing layers, a rain jacket, and comfortable shoes for uneven terrain on all hikes. We promise it will all be beautiful, even if it’s a little dramatic. If weather is too gnarly, we will notify all participants if anything is canceled!

Sunday, 5/24 - Juneau

Hike up Eaglecrest Ski Area with Ben &amp; Lena Time: 2PM Meet us at Eaglecrest Ski Lodge - 3000 Fish Creek Rd, Juneau, AK 4.6 miles roundtrip | 1,469 ft elevation gain If you bring your ski/snowboard gear, you can ski down whatever snow is left on the ground with Ben! We've had a heavy snowyear, and there's a good chance there will be some snow still. Unfortunately, ski/snowboard rentals will not be available at that time, you will have to bring your own gear.

Evening Beach Bonfire at Sandy Beach (6:00-10:00 PM) Meet us at Sandy Beach (Savikko Park) - 101 Savikko Rd, Douglas, AK Hotdogs, nonmeat options, drinks, and beautiful views. Casual and cozy! We have a park shelter reserved in case of nasty weather! Bring a swimsuit if you're brave.

Monday, 5/25 – Juneau

Hike East Glacier Trail with Ben &amp; Lena! 3.3-mile loop | 700 ft elevation gain Meet time: 9 AM Meet us at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Shelter - 6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK Beautiful views of Mendenhall Glacier! If you've got the stamina for another hike, it's easy access to Nugget Falls trail (1.6 miles, mostly flat) as well, which puts you up close and personal with Mendenhall Glacier.

Evening Cookout &amp; Music Party at Our House Time: 5 PM Join us for a relaxed night of food, drinks, and music before we ferry to Haines in the morning.We’ll have a keyboard, guitar, and mic set up, anyone who wants to play or sing is welcome! Karaoke is possible, too, performers of all talents and abilities welcome!

TUESDAY, 5/26 - Travel day, ride the ferry from Juneau to Haines

Wednesday, May 27

Chilkat River Float Trip with Ben! ~$225 per person Let Ben know if you’re interested so we can coordinate based on group size.

Thursday, 5/28 – Haines

Day Trip to Skagway with Ben and Lena! Take the 9 AM fast ferry to Skagway and the 4 PM ferry back to Haines. Tickets are approximately $120 roundtrip. <a href="https://www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com/</a>

Friday, May 29 - Sea-of-Plaid Squaredance!

Saturday, May 30 - Wedding day!

Alaska Wedding Week Events

Lena's Recommendations!

To explore:In Juneau:- Alaska State Museum <a href="(https://museums.alaska.gov/asm/)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museums.alaska.gov/asm/</a>- The Shrine of St Therese of Lisieux <a href="(https://www.shrineofsainttherese.org/)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.shrineofsainttherese.org/</a>- Sandy Beach/Treadwell Mine Historic Trail <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/treadwell-mine-ruins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/treadwell-mine-ruins</a>- Herbert Glacier Trail <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/herbert-glacier-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/herbert-glacier-trail</a>*note: This hike could make for a long day!- Dupont Beach Trail<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/point-bishop-dupont-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/point-bishop-dupont-trail</a>In Haines:- ATV ride up Takshanuk Mountain trail!<a href="https://www.takshanuktrail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.takshanuktrail.com/</a>(note: Lena won't join on this one, but has heard it's very cool!) To eat:In Juneau:- Deckhand Daves Fish Tacos <a href="https://www.deckhanddaves.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.deckhanddaves.com/</a>*note: Lena recommends rockfish tacos!- Pel'meni Russian Dumplings*note: Two options: beef or potato!- Zerelda's Bistro<a href="https://www.zereldasbistro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.zereldasbistro.com/</a>- Chilkat Cove Ice Cream <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/chilkat-cove-juneau" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.yelp.com/biz/chilkat-cove-juneau</a>*note: go early! They close up shop as soon as they sell out of ice cream, which happens early on sunny days!- Cerealsly Milky Ice Cream <a href="https://cerealslymilky.toast.site/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cerealslymilky.toast.site/</a>

Ben's Recommendations!

Explore Juneau's rich gold mining history-Last Chance Mining Museum <a href="https://www.alaska.org/detail/last-chance-mining-museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.alaska.org/detail/last-chance-mining-museum</a>-AJ Mine Tours<a href="https://ajgastineauminetour.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ajgastineauminetour.com/</a> -Whale Watch! <a href="https://www.juneauwhalewatch.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.juneauwhalewatch.com/</a>-Fishing Charter! <a href="https://49thfathom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://49thfathom.com/</a>Halibut and other deep sea To eat and drink:Island Pub - Artisanal Pizza and BarThe Rookery - Coffee and BreakfastDevil's Club BrewingForbidden Peak Brewing (forsaken mountain)Alaska Brewing

Things to Do

Registry

We know that traveling to Alaska can be a significant expense, and your presence truly means the world to us. We don’t have a registry, and gifts are not expected. If you'd still like to give, we’d be grateful for a contribution towards our honeymoon. Honeymoon Fund: Venmo: @B-H-2

Ben & Lena