Thinking about a wedding location that is the perfect balance between sea and forest? Consider a wedding on the San Juan Islands!
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the Puget Sound of Washington State, north of Seattle and south of Vancouver. They are just west of the Skagit Valley. There are over 400 islands and rocks in the archipelago. The four largest islands, San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw, are accessible to the mainland via the Washington State Ferry System.
The islands offer a rich tapestry of forests, farmlands, and beaches. Plus there are spectacular views of the water and mountains. You’ll find several wineries and organic farms dotting the islands. The islands are rural and pastoral in flavor. But you’ll find urban services in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Lopez Village on Lopez Island, and Eastsound on Orcas Island.
Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island. From their website.
Here are some ideas for wedding venues in the San Juan Islands.
San Juan Island
- Brickworks Event Center
- Friday Harbor House
- Tucker House
- Pelindaba Lavender Farm
- Roche Harbor Resort
Lopez Island
Orcas Island
- Victorian Valley Chapel
- Outlook Inn on Orcas Island
- Turtleback Farm Inn
- Inn at Ship Bay
- Pebble Cove Farm
- Cabins on the Point
- Rosario Resort and Spa
- Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
Fidalgo Island/Anacortes
Anacortes lies on Fidalgo Island, the gateway to the San Juan Islands. The area gives a similar vibe to the San Juans without the ferry logistics.
A note about transportation
Since we’re talking about islands, transportation logistics is a very important thing to consider!
The Washington State Ferry Service (WSF) is the primary transportation to the islands, connecting the San Juans to Anacortes and then the mainland*. Plan on bringing your car on the Washington State Ferries on weekends or during the summer months? Advance reservations are strongly recommended! However, you’ll always get on the next ferry if you are on foot or bicycle, no reservation needed. Long term paid parking is available at the Anacortes terminal.
Not driving? You can take Amtrak to Mount Vernon Station, then Skagit Transit buses will bring you all the way to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. You can find taxi service on San Juan, Orcas, and Shaw Islands. There is also bike rental available on the islands, including dockside rental at the Lopez terminal.
The Victoria Clipper runs a passenger-only ferry from downtown Seattle to Friday Harbor. There is also privately chartered boat and plane transportation available.
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The San Juan Islands are a beautiful place that feel removed from the rest of the world. Yet, they are close enough to major destinations like Seattle and Vancouver BC. So consider having a wedding in the San Juan Islands!
*Anacortes is on Fidalgo Island, which is connected to the mainland via two bridges.