Tying the Knot with a Splash: Your Guide to a Seattle Boat Wedding

Photographs by Sea to Summit Photography

Are you dreaming of a unique and unforgettable wedding experience? Look no further than Seattle, with our beautiful coasts and the Puget Sound to be that stunning location for your wedding day.

As wedding venue costs begin to rise for weddings throughout Washington and the US, Seattle boat weddings are becoming more and more popular. Many couples are seeing ways to save on costs by renting a boat, or even getting married for free in our Seattle ferries. By having a boat wedding in Seattle, you’ll also have beautiful views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic mountains in the distance.

But planning a boat wedding comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Fear not, because I’ve got you covered. In this article, I'll share my ultimate guide for Seattle boat weddings. From choosing the perfect vessel to tips on how to personalize your experience, I'll help you navigate the waters to ensure your big day is smooth sailing. So, get ready to tie the knot with a splash and create memories that will last a lifetime in the captivating city of Seattle.

Benefits of Having a Boat Wedding in Seattle

Seattle is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from our beautiful Cascade mountains, to our stunning coastal beaches and rainforests. Choosing to have your wedding on a boat in the Pacific Northwest offers a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. One of the primary benefits of a Seattle boat wedding is the breathtaking backdrops it provides. As you exchange vows, you'll be surrounded by the city's iconic skyline, with the Space Needle, Olympic mountains, and beautiful Mt Rainier in the background. You might even find yourselves surrounded by all kinds of marine life, including orcas, porpoises, and seals!

Another significant advantage of a having your wedding on a boat is the ability to have a more intimate and exclusive wedding experience. By hosting your wedding on a private boat—whether its a pontoon boat, sailboat, private yacht—you can create a more intimate and personalized experience for you and your guests if you choose to include them.

Lastly, a Seattle boat wedding offers unparalleled flexibility and customization. Depending on the size and amenities of the boat, you can tailor the event to your specific needs and preferences. You can maybe have your own private chef or catering just for you. You can even bring your very own musician to play music as you sail around the Puget Sound. This is one of many reasons why having your wedding on a boat is an attractive option for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

Popular Boat Wedding Venues in Seattle

Seattle is home to a variety of boat wedding venues, each offering its own unique charm and amenities. Here are some options to choose from:

1.) One of the most popular options is the Argosy Cruises, which operates a fleet of luxury vessels that can accommodate weddings of all sizes. Their ships, such as the Spirit of Seattle and the Emerald Star, feature elegant interiors, panoramic windows, and outdoor decks that provide stunning views of the city skyline and Puget Sound. If you’d like to learn more about this company, click the link here.

2.) If you’re looking to have a sailboat wedding or elopement for your wedding, Sailing Seattle allows you to private charter the boat! This can be a great way to explore the Puget Sound and have a more intimate Seattle boat wedding experience. If you’d like to learn more about sailboat private charters and rentals, click the link here.

3.) If you’d like to explore some of Seattle’s famous locations including Gas Works Park along Lake Union, Lake Union Charters and Adventurers has got you covered. You can private charter a 1926 sailboat along the lake or an authentic stern wheeler to really feel like you are going back in time! If you’d like to learn more about this company, click the link here.

4.) For a free boat wedding option, consider having your wedding along one of Washington’s State Ferries! If you want to learn more about having a ferry boat wedding, check out my Seattle ferry boat wedding here!

Beyond these well-known venues, Seattle has a variety of independent boat companies that offer custom wedding packages. These smaller, boutique operators can provide a more personalized and tailored experience, allowing you to create a truly unique wedding. Whether you're looking for a classic yacht, a modern catamaran, or a historic steamboat, Seattle has a wealth of options to choose from to make your boat wedding dreams a reality.

Planning Your Seattle Boat Wedding

One of the first steps to planning a boat wedding in Seattle is to determine the size and type of vessel that best suits your guest count and vision for the event. This will involve researching and comparing the various boat wedding venues in the area, taking into account factors such as capacity, length of time, amenities, and package offerings.

Once you've selected the perfect boat, it's time to start planning the logistics of the event. This includes coordinating with the boat's event staff to ensure a smooth and seamless timeline, from the boarding process to the ceremony and reception. This would be a good time to consider hiring your wedding photographer to help with the planning process. One of the perks of hiring an elopement or intimate wedding photographer is that they will help you with planning and then capturing your vision for your wedding. If you’d like to learn more about my planning services for your wedding, check out my elopement and intimate wedding photography packages below!

Another crucial aspect of planning a Seattle boat wedding is the timing and scheduling. Considering the tides, weather patterns, and potential traffic on the water, it's essential to carefully plan the event's start and end times to ensure a stress-free experience for you and your guests. Additionally, you'll need to factor in transportation to and from the boat, as well as any pre-or post-event activities that may be included in your wedding package. Need ideas on how to create a full day elopement or intimate wedding experience? Ask away! I am here to help with planning and capturing your whole day.

Unique Ideas for a Memorable Boat Wedding in Seattle

Because your wedding venue isn’t stuck on land but can move, a unique idea is to take advantage of the boat's mobility and offer a "cruise" experience for your guests. This could involve a scenic tour of the Puget Sound, with the ceremony taking place as the boat glides past iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, the Great Wheel, or the Olympic Mountains. You could also stop at Blake Island, a state park only accessible by boat and have some time flying kites or having a sunset picnic there before hopping back on. Alternatively, you could plan a multi-stop wedding, with the ceremony on one boat and the reception on at your favorite restaurant by the water, allowing your guests to experience different aspects of the city's waterfront.

No matter your vision, the key to creating a truly memorable wedding is to think outside the box and embrace the unique opportunities that the water and the city's stunning natural setting provide. Whether it's a themed cocktail hour, a surprise performance, or jumping off the boat into the water with your wedding outfits, the possibilities are endless for making your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Tips For a Successful Boat Wedding in Seattle

As mentioned earlier, one of the most important tips is to prioritize weather and water conditions. Seattle's weather can be a bit unpredictable, so it's crucial to have a backup plan in place in case of inclement weather. This could involve having a covered or enclosed area on the boat, having your rain gear, windbreakers, and any other gear to keep you warm and happy.

When it comes to the day of your wedding, it's important to be mindful of the unique challenges that come with a boat wedding. This includes space constraints, bathroom accessibility, the movement of the boat, and the potential for seasickness among your guests (or yourselves!). To address these concerns, you may want to consider providing motion sickness remedies, offering a variety of seating options, and perhaps not inviting those guests that won’t be enjoying themselves and would be happier meeting you in land afterwards.

Legal Requirements For a Boat Wedding in Seattle

When planning a boat wedding in Seattle, it's important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations that may apply. One of the primary considerations is the need for a marriage license in Washington. It does not have to be in King County, you can get it from any county. If you’d like to learn more about applying for a marriage license in Washington, click the link here.

Another important legal consideration for a Seattle boat wedding is the need for liability insurance. Many boat rental companies will require you to purchase a policy that covers any potential accidents or injuries that may occur during the event. This can help protect you and your guests in the event of an unexpected incident, and it may also be a requirement for obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. As your wedding photographer, I will be helping you with permits!

Finally, it's important to be aware of any local noise ordinances or other regulations that may impact the timing or duration of your boat wedding. Some areas may have restrictions on the volume of music or the length of the event, so it's important to work closely with your venue and possible noise ordinances to ensure that your celebration is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Conclusion: Making your Seattle Boat Wedding a Dream Come True

As you can see, getting married on a boat in Seattle can be an incredibly rewarding and can offer a unique experience! Whether you envision a grand, multi-level yacht or a more intimate boating experience, the options for your Seattle boat wedding are truly endless. By working with experienced vendors who will help you with planning and logistics, you’ll be sure to have your wedding day sail smoothly.

Most importantly, remember to stay flexible, open-minded, and focused on the core of what truly matters: celebrating your love and commitment to one another!

Meet Your Seattle Intimate Wedding Photographer!

If you found this guide helpful, see what your boat wedding in Seattle would look like if it’s captured by me! Hi! I’m Doug, your intimate wedding and elopement photographer. As a born and raised Seattle-lite, my goal for all of my wedding couples is to have a wedding day that is authentically you and is an experience that is stress free. I firmly believe getting married should be an exciting thing, not a hassle or stressor to plan. Simply email me at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the form below. I cannot hear more about your wedding and plans so far!