OLESON PHOTOGRAPHY
A Guide to planning a wedding in soldotna-Kenai
Justin and I were born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska. We've not only attended lots of weddings in the area as guests but also photographed countless more. After photographing so many incredible weddings in the area, we wanted to share what we've learned. We've sat down and created this wedding guide to help couples planning a Soldotna-Kenai wedding feel more confident, informed, and a little less overwhelmed throughout the process.
We are NOT wedding planners by any means. We've just been a part of a lot of weddings, and we've seen what makes for the best and most stress-free day!
WHO ARE WE?
Justin & Shania
We’re Justin and Shania, a husband-and-wife photography team who began photographing together in 2023. What started as a creative hobby and a way to spend more time together quickly turned into something we truly love. We began by photographing seniors, families, and couples, but before long, we found ourselves drawn to weddings and the incredible stories they tell.
Long before we officially became Oleson Photography, Justin had been photographing weddings for nearly a decade. Whether it was for friends, family members, or complete strangers he admired being able to document one of the most meaningful days in a couple’s life. His passion for candid photography shines through in every gallery, capturing the in-between moments that often become the memories couples' treasure most.
Today, we have the privilege of working side by side. There’s nothing we enjoy more than helping couples feel comfortable, present, and fully able to enjoy their wedding day while we preserve the moments, they never want to forget.
Wedding Planning
Pick a season and time frame. Be open to a few different dates, if possible, this will save you a LOT of stress. Are you wanting to get married in 3 months? 6 months? 2 years? Knowing this greatly impacts the availability of vendors. It's not impossible to get married in 3 months. It's completely doable! But expectations will need to change as you might not get the exact venue you want for your specific date or have your exact vision come to life. You'll need to be more flexible with a fast-approaching date. That's just one example. Vendors are usually booked out 6 months to 1 year in advance (or more) as a general rule.
Winter
Winter weddings are gorgeous in Alaska! Justin & I got married in February! But they do require more planning then other seasons. Keep in mind the sun sets around 3:30/4pm depending on the winter month. This makes having an evening wedding more difficult. We encourage to plan for photos at least 2 hours before the sun starts to set.
SPRING
Alaskans like to call March, April, and May "break up season." If you are looking to avoid snow in your wedding photos setting your date later in May is the best call. If you have seasonal allergies keep that in mind and have some Claritin on you. Depending on the year, springtime in Alaska can be beautiful!
SUMMER
Summer is the most popular time for weddings especially in Alaska! We are blessed with endless sunlight which creates more opportunity for portraits. Be prepared for Justin and I to possibly pull you during dinner or after dancing to get some portrait shots when the sunlight is much softer, creating dreamy images!
FALL
Fall weddings are beautiful in Alaska. Our fall colors typically happen quicker than other states so the best time to try to capture those vibrant colors are within a 2-week period (September 8-22nd). These are typically the best dates to have a Soldotna/Kenai Fall wedding if you want to capture those colors BEFORE the leaves fall.
The Best Wedding Venues in the Soldotna-Kenai Area
Here are some of our favorite venues where we've had the opportunity to photograph and film weddings. They are in no particular order.
Cusack's on the Kenai
This venue is a Kenai Peninsula classic for a reason. Located on private property along the beautiful Kenai River, it can accommodate up to 250 guests and offers an unforgettable Alaska wedding experience. I love this venue because it has options for both an indoor and outdoor ceremony! If it's raining, use the tent as your back up for the ceremony, and then reconfigure chairs as needed for the reception. Venues in Soldotna/Kenai often lack having any type of indoor ceremony space as a backup for weather. Couples especially love this venue because the Kenai Fishing Lodge provides luxury accommodations for more than 25 guests, a fully decorated event tent, multiple arbor options, and even complimentary fishing rods for guests who want to cast a line right from the property. One of the biggest perks is its convenient location in the heart of Soldotna, with grocery stores, restaurants, and other essentials just five minutes away. A unique feature that sets this venue apart is its "free wedding décor" program. Over the years, past brides have donated decorations from their weddings, creating an extensive collection of modern décor items that future couples can use at no additional cost. It's a thoughtful way to save money while adding beautiful touches to your wedding day.
Lakeside falls
Lakeside Falls is one of those venues that instantly makes an impression. Tucked away on a private property in Sterling, just 15 minutes from Soldotna, it offers a peaceful setting that feels secluded while still being conveniently close to town. What makes this venue so special is its natural beauty. Between the waterfall, lake, pond, and expansive lawn, Justin & I love that there are countless beautiful spots for ceremonies, portraits, and gatherings with loved ones. It's a venue that truly showcases the beauty of Alaska. Lakeside Falls can accommodate up to 100 guests and has plenty of parking, making it a great option for both intimate weddings and larger celebrations. The property also includes a stage and sound system for live music, a gazebo, fire pit, yard games, and on-site restrooms. Personally, if dancing and good sound equipment is a priority for you look into this venue! Another feature couple especially appreciate is the dedicated getting-ready spaces—a charming she-shed and man cave—so everyone can relax and get ready right on site.
Check out our Wedding video highlight above at Lake Side Falls
Alternate Wedding Venues
Just because it's not a traditional wedding venue, doesn't mean it can't be used as one. Here are some other options that Justin & I like for a variety of reasons.
- Nikiski Senior Center
- Lodge at Lone Moose
- The Cannery Lodge
- Wildmere Haven through Kozy Rentals
Why should we do a first look?
To have a "first look" or to not have one. It's really up to you. Our requirements as photographers is 20 min with family, 20 min. with bridal party, and at LEAST 30 min with bride and groom for portraits. This can be done during cocktail hour if you choose to do the traditional route and opt out of a first look.
Benefits of first look
- You invest a lot of money into wedding photography and with a first look you get 40% more portraits and those are the images you decorate your home with.
- First look allows you two to be together alone on your wedding day. When Justin and I did our first look, not only was it intimate it was our ONLY time alone all day.
- You get rid of the nerves. Couples who were hesitant to do a first look admitted they felt so much more relaxed and ready for the ceremony!
- If you want to be with your guests during cocktail hour or you plan to do photos off site, generally a first look gets the majority of the pictures out of the way in the beginning making the day a little more stress free!
Wedding Timeline
This might not be the most exciting part of the wedding day but this is the one thing that can make or break your photography! The example below will outline and ideal wedding day working off of a summer Alaska wedding with a 6pm ceremony timeframe. This timeline includes a first look. A lot of our couples do choose to have a first look but all wedding days are different, and your timeline may differ due to travel times and unique situations.
Details
(11-11:45AM)
Once Justin & I arrive we will ask for the details you have gathered (rings, ring boxes, shoes, invitation, jewelry, perfume/cologne, vow books, veil, etc.) and take time to photograph these. In addition, we will grab some shots of your wedding dress.
Getting ready
(12pm-1pm)
After the details have been photographed it’s time for the bride to get into her dress! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids to be dressed prior to the bride getting in her dress. After the bride puts on her dress she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc. and I will shoot some additional bridal portraits!
Ties and boutonnieres will also be photographed being placed on Groomsmen.
First look(S)
(1:15pm-1:30pm)
We will help coordinate the first look(s) finding the location and best lighting. We will help make this moment as private as possible. After these shots we will go straight into wedding party, bridal portraits, and couples' portraits.
portraits
(1:30-2:50pm)
Plan for at least 30 min in your timeline for couple portraits, 30 minutes for wedding party, bridal and groom solos, and an additional 20 minutes for any family pictures that we are able to take BEFORE the ceremony. This is often the immediate family. This might seem like a lot of time planned for pictures but its better to have more time than to feel rushed!
ceremony
(3:30pm-4:00pm)
Ceremony length will vary based on the couple. Don't be afraid to practice a dip down the aisle when you share a kiss after being pronounced husband and wife! At the very end of the aisle, we may ask you to share another kiss so watch for our cues.
Family portraits
(4:10-4:30pm)
Filling out the pre-wedding questionnaire includes filling out the family section. Please include both first and last names going from largest to smallest group. This will help things run much smoother! Plan for at least 20 min for family portraits (the time will vary based on how small or large your family is). Another tip, ask your officiant to announce for all family members to NOT go to cocktail hour yet to get family photos done first.
Reception
(4:30pm-7:30pm)
Entrance, first dances, food, cake cutting, speeches, bouquet tossing, etc. this is where all the candid pictures take place! Please grab Justin or Shania for any additional picture requests you want with other guests. If lighting is softer and weather is nice, Justin and I might pull you and your groom aside to capture some additional portraits when the light is softer and dreamier
The "exit"
(8:00pm)
We include 8 hours of coverage to capture all the main events of your wedding day! if your “exit” is planned after 8 hours and you would like your exit photographed we can plan a faux exit with your bridal party. We have GREAT success with this and the party continues right after.
Wedding planner & Day of coordinator
From our experience, wedding planners and day of coordinators make the whole day run much smoother. We've worked with a lot of different wedding planners/coordinators, and a few stand out as being top tier. Here are a couple we love and recommend that are based in Soldotna/Kenai OR who travel to the Kenai peninsula.
- Luxx planning
- Wedding Creative & Design
- Anna Wise with Wise Weddings
- Sarah Alborn with Alborn events
Flowers
Investing in your bouquet is an easy way to elevate your wedding pictures. Vendors mentioned above like cusaks on the Kenai, lone moose lodge, and Nikiski senior center have decor potions to choose from as part of their package.
- Tundra Rose
Hair & Makeup
Is it essential to hire someone for hair & makeup? No, but there are many brides who choose to because 1. it helps the bride to relax on her wedding day and not have to worry about doing her own hair & makeup. 2. Professional hair and makeup can make a big difference in how you look and feel in addition to amplifying your wedding photos.
- Jenna with Vanity makeup aesthetics
- Courtney Barlow (Hair)
Caterers/bars
A few of our favorites include
- Nikiski Catering (husband and wife owned)
- Mixology Mobile Bar 907
Novak WEDDING
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Gabossi wedding
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cole wedding
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Gifford WEDDING
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FREDRICKSON wedding
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SMITH wedding
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Testimonials
Working with Justin and Shania was magical! They did an amazing job photographing my wedding this year and I couldn’t be happier with the process and results! Throughout the time leading up to the wedding we video chat quite a few times to ensure they knew what we were wanting. During the wedding they were a wonder to work with! So many detail shots and creative poses. I genuinely could not be happier with my experience working with them! Thank you Shania and Justin for the amazing experience!
dakota & jonathan
Testimonials
The greatest planning decision I made for my wedding was going with Oleson Photography! Justin and Shania were INCREDIBLE every step of the way. They were so attentive to every detail of my wedding and captured everything I could have wanted. My pictures are stunning and showed the magic of the best day of my life 🥰 100% recommend and cannot thank them enough!
ELESHEVA & JAKE
Testimonials
"My husband and I booked Shania and Justin to shoot our wedding day and they are absolutely the most kind and patient photographers that you will ever meet! Justin and Shania are very knowledgeable at taking photos. They helped us posed, and never once leaving us confused of what to do next for a photo or never once feeling awkward. They gave us very clear directions and always made my husband and I feel like we were on top of the world! They were only supposed to shoot our wedding for up to 8 hours but ended up staying for 9-9.5 hours because they wanted to stay and take more photos, never pushed to leave earlier once. They made everything run by so smoothly and I thank them so much!"
MICHAELA & Lucas
Testimonials
"Justin and Shania photographed our wedding in Soldotna in August 2025. Such a personable and kind couple! They so smoothly coordinated the portraits, made it all so much fun, and the pictures are so natural in editing and timeless! Exactly what we were looking for!"
ERIN & KODY
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