how to get married on the san juan islands
if you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels like a true escape with ferry rides, salty air, rocky coastlines, and maybe even a glimpse of orcas, then the san juan islands are it. tucked between washington state and canada, this chain of islands is one of my absolute favorite places in the entire pacific northwest. you can only get here by ferry or plane, which makes the adventure part of the fun!
whether you’re planning a micro wedding with family, an intimate elopement for just the two of you, this is one of the most stunning spots to get married in pnw. this is everything you need to know to get married on the san juan islands.
why choose the san juan islands for your wedding or elopement
destination vibes without leaving washington: you and your guests will arrive by ferry or plane, and the trip itself feels like part of the celebration.
epic landscapes everywhere: lighthouses, cliffs, rocky coastlines, old-growth forests, hidden beaches, wildflower meadows. there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops.
intimate by nature: because it takes a little effort to get here, weddings on the islands tend to stay smaller, more intentional, and way more meaningful.
slower pace: the islands have a laid-back vibe. no rushing, no city traffic. just space to breathe and enjoy time with your people.
an amazing guest experience: you and your people can whale watch, kayak, hike, bike, explore friday harbor, or just slow down and enjoy island life.
How to get to san juan islands?
whether you’re driving your car onto the ferry or flying in by seaplane, the trip sets the tone for the whole experience.
by ferry: the washington state ferry runs out of anacortes, and if you’re bringing a car, reservations are an absolute must, especially during the summer season. they open in waves about two months, two weeks, and two days out, and they fill fast. walk-on passengers don’t need reservations, which makes it super simple for guests traveling without cars. the ferry ride itself is gorgeous, winding through island channels with endless water views and the occasional orca sighting.
by plane: if you really want to wow your guests, seaplanes like kenmore air fly directly into friday harbor, orcas island, and even lopez.
best san juan islands wedding venues
saltwater farm
this venue is an absolute dream! it’s set on 162 acres of wild beauty, with sweeping views of the water and rolling meadows that glow at golden hour. there’s a restored barn-turned-event space that feels airy and refined, and the whole place balances elegance with the laid-back spirit of the islands. they can host intimate weddings and larger weddings of up to 250 people.
if you want farm-to-table vibes, incredible food, and stunning scenery, this venue has it all.
tucker house inn
tucker house inn is one of those hidden gems right in friday harbor. it’s a bed-and-breakfast with cozy rooms, so your guests can actually stay on-site (super helpful for small weddings). the garden out back has a shaded ceremony/reception area under a willow tree, which looks magical strung with lights at night. it’s intimate and low-key, but still has all the charm you’d want for a micro wedding. they can accommodate groups of 35 for indoor weddings, and up to 65 guests for outdoor events.
lime kiln point state park
this park is an iconic location of the islands. the lighthouse perched above rocky cliffs makes it one of the most dramatic ceremony backdrops in the pnw. it’s also world-famous for orca sightings. it’s public land, so summer weekends can get busy with tourists, but there are quieter corners and trails nearby that work beautifully for portraits. you can book the lighthouse for private events, but the outdoor grounds will remain open for people.
want to see what a san juan islands micro wedding actually looks like? head over to imashi + gianarro’s lime kiln + tucker house wedding day for all the island vibes + inspiration.
orcas island wedding venues
rosario resort + spa
rosario is the closest thing the san juans have to a luxury resort. it’s a historic waterfront property with big coastal charm — think classic architecture, lush lawns rolling down to the bay, and elegant indoor halls for receptions. guests can stay at the resort and enjoy the spa, pool, and marina, which makes it feel like a true wedding weekend getaway.
mount constitution
inside moran state park, mount constitution is the highest point in the san juans, which means the views are next level. from the stone observation tower you can see mt. baker, the North cascades and the other islands. it’s an adventurous choice for couples who want epic portraits and don’t mind a little hiking or a winding drive to get there.
lopez island wedding at iceberg point
lopez has a slower, even more relaxed vibe compared to san juan and orcas, and iceberg point is its crown jewel. jagged cliffs, wildflower meadows, and waves crashing below create this raw, untamed backdrop that feels cinematic. it’s part of the san juan islands national monument, so it’s wild and rugged, not polished — but that’s the beauty of it. summer + sujay’s elopement here was so stunning it was featured in the new york times, and it’s still one of the most breathtaking elopement spots in the islands.
logistics to know before planning your san juan islands wedding
getting married on the islands is amazing, but it does take a little extra planning.
getting here: washington state ferries run from anacortes, and they book up fast (especially in summer). reservations open two months in advance, so make one right away! flights + seaplanes (kenmore air) are another option and seriously the most scenic entrance you could make.
lodging: book early. hotels, inns, and airbnbs sell out quickly in peak season. if your venue has accommodations (like tucker house or rosario resort), reserve those blocks for family + friends asap.
vendors: there are talented locals, but many vendors travel from seattle or bellingham. factor in travel costs + time when you’re building your budget.
seasons: summer brings blue skies + long golden hours, but also more tourists. spring and fall are quieter, with softer light and fewer crowds, and both are beautiful options.
ferries run on their own schedule: build buffer time into your plans. ferries can be delayed, and you don’t want to be stressed on your wedding day.
backup plans: public spaces can get busy. pairing a public ceremony (like lime kiln) with a private venue (like tucker house inn) gives you the best of both worlds
consider your guest experience: help your guests with ferry schedules, lodging recs, and maybe even a list of favorite island activities (whale watching, kayaking, farmers markets). it’ll make their trip part of the celebration.
ready to plan your san juan islands wedding or elopement day?
getting married on the san juan islands is a whole vibe. ferry rides, lighthouse vows, garden dinners under twinkle lights, and that slow island pace that makes you want to savor every second. i’ve photographed weddings and elopements on san juan, orcas, and lopez island, and i know the ins and outs of ferry timing, hidden portrait spots, and how to make the day flow smoothly.
if you’re planning a san juan islands wedding, micro wedding, or elopement — let’s make it happen. reach out here! i’d love to tell your story.
