getting married on a washington state ferry?? 10/10 recommend. lydia and dharsan’s day was full of joy, windblown hair, and one of the best dang city views seattle has to offer. it was short, sweet, and so full of love!

they booked a quick 3-hour elopement package with me and we made every second count. we rode the bainbridge – seattle ferry back and forth, had the ceremony right there on deck (yes, complete with happy strangers clapping when i loudly announced they were officially married!!!), and then popped over to bainbridge island for portraits, coffee, and some ice cream.

they kept it simple, intimate, and so fun—just their parents, a couple best friends (including past clients of mine, which made it extra special!), and a whole lotta joy.

why go for a ferry elopement?

because it’s totally iconic pacific northwest. and also, because it is super affordable, being just the cost of your fare. you get the full maritime magic of puget sound, the seattle skyline, salty air, and possibly even wildlife sightings! we didn’t spot orcas this time, but it is definitely possible.

lydia and dharsan didn’t want a big fuss. they wanted a celebration that reflected their love for the city, their love for each other, and their love for doing things a little differently. they also happen to love coffee (and ice cream), so bainbridge island was a perfect landing point for post-ceremony portraits and a treat.

and if you’re also considering a ferry elopement, remember you will likely have some audience and it will likely be windy! but it’s all part of the charm. :)

how to get married on a washington state ferry

if you're dreaming of a ferry elopement in washington like this one, here’s what you need to know:

you don’t need a venue permit, but you do need to follow ferry rules and give them a heads up! here’s the official page: wsdot special occasions info
keep it small and low-key: ceremonies have to be simple and non-disruptive, and you can’t block other passengers.
choose your route wisely: the seattle–bainbridge island route is one of the best for photos, with views of the city skyline, open water, and (maybe!) even orcas if you’re lucky. but it is rather short being only about 30 minutes each way! so make sure you pick a route that fits your vision, and, if you haven’t already taken it, it can be good to go on a test ride beforehand.
plan your ceremony mid-sailing to avoid boarding/disembarking chaos
plan for a non-peak time: a lot of people use ferries to commute to work, so try to avoid the times people are likely heading out for their 9-5s. keep in mind that they may also add or reduce the number of boats seasonally, so you should always check their schedules!
plan extra time: i always recommend building in a buffer for boarding delays and making time on either side for portraits.
you have to get your own officiant. if it is just a symbolic ceremony, you can do without one. you can even get married at the courthouse beforehand, and just enjoy an adventure on the ferry.
and as always with seattle & the pnw - be prepared for the weather. luckily, you can go inside and hide under a roof in most cases.

bride and groom first kiss during their ferry elopement ceremony in seattle

their unique seattle ferry elopement day

we met at the ferry terminal and hopped on the boat to bainbridge island. halfway across the sound, lydia and dharsan had their ceremony on the deck—officiated by one of lydia’s closest friends and set against the most dreamy backdrop of the seattle skyline. they had already shared private vows earlier in the day, just the two of them.

after landing on bainbridge, we skipped one ferry and wandered around for portraits at waterfront park, the pegasus coffee shop (so charming), and grabbed some ice cream at island cool. meanwhile their family got pizzas for the way back home, so they could celebrate on board!

ready to plan your own unique elopement in seattle?

this is your reminder that you don’t have to do things the traditional way. you can say your vows on a boat, eat pizza in your wedding dress, and laugh with your people in the middle of puget sound.

if you’re also thinking about a unique elopement in seattle, a ferry ride might be the perfect setting for your story. yes, you’ll need to embrace the wind and the occasional curious stranger, but in return, you get a front-row seat to some of the best views in the state, and a celebration that feels exactly right for the two of you.

thinking about planning your own seattle elopement? i’ve got you. check out my full guide to planning a seattle elopement or micro wedding for all the tips, locations, and inspiration you need to start dreaming big.

and when you book me for your seattle elopement or micro wedding, you’re getting more than just a photographer. i help with:

planning your timeline around the best light
scouting and suggesting locations that fit your vibe
navigating permit info and vendor recs
building in backup plans for weather
making sure your portraits feel fun, candid, and true to you — not stiff or awkward

photo coverage for elopements and micro weddings typically ranges from 2-6 hours. some couples want the whole story — getting ready through sunset portraits — and others want something more minimal. we’ll figure out what fits your vision best.

learn more about our seattle elopement & micro wedding packages here!