One of the coolest parts of working as a wedding photographer in Seattle is returning to the same venue again and again and seeing it transform through different couples’ eyes. Over the past wedding season, between myself and my associate team, we documented four completely different weddings aboard MV Skansonia on Lake Union. Each one felt personal, intentional, and reflective of the people getting married there.
This is exactly why MV Skansonia has become one of my favorite wedding venues in Seattle. It is not a one-note space. It does not demand that your wedding look or feel a certain way. Instead, it offers a flexible wedding venue that invites couples to design an experience that feels true to them. Seeing four weddings at the same venue in one season was the perfect reminder that there is no single right way to plan your celebration.
Why MV Skansonia Is a Standout Wedding Venue in Seattle
MV Skansonia is a historic wooden boat permanently docked on Lake Union, offering one of the most unique wedding venues in Seattle. Surrounded by water, houseboats, seaplanes, and skyline views, the venue feels distinctly Pacific Northwest. The boat itself provides multiple spaces for gathering, including an indoor dining area and an open deck that is incredible during golden hour.
One of the things I appreciate most about MV Skansonia is how naturally it supports different guest experiences. The venue can feel cozy and intimate or lively and expansive depending on how the day is structured. The movement of the water, the changing light, and the energy of Lake Union all become part of the celebration without ever feeling distracting.
For couples who love the idea of a Seattle wedding but want something that feels less traditional, MV Skansonia is a perfect option for that.
Not All Weddings Are Created Equal and That Is the Point
Photographing four weddings at MV Skansonia in a single season highlighted something I say often to couples. Your wedding does not need to follow a template. Even when the venue stays the same, everything else can change.
Some couples chose to do almost everything on site, from getting ready to portraits to dancing on the deck. Others treated MV Skansonia as the heart of the celebration while weaving in off-site locations that mattered to them. Each approach was equally valid and equally beautiful.
What made each wedding feel successful was not the structure, but the intention behind it. When couples allow themselves to design a day around what excites them, the result always feels more grounded and more meaningful.
Getting Ready Locations for an MV Skansonia Wedding
One of the first decisions couples make is where to get ready, and MV Skansonia weddings offer several great options.
Some couples choose nearby hotels in Seattle, allowing for a calm, private start to the day with easy access to the venue. Others opt for Airbnbs, especially if they are hosting family or wedding party members in one shared space. This can create a relaxed, communal energy that carries into the rest of the day.
We also photographed couples who got ready directly on MV Skansonia. This option works especially well for those wanting a slower, more contained timeline. Getting ready on site minimizes travel and allows the day to unfold naturally without feeling rushed.
First Look and Portrait Locations Near MV Skansonia
One of the benefits of an MV Skansonia wedding is its proximity to incredible portrait locations around Seattle.
Some couples chose Gas Works Park for their first look or portraits, embracing the iconic skyline and open green space. Others opted for Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, which offers a quieter, more lush environment with beautiful light and intentional landscaping.
Of course, portraits on MV Skansonia itself are always a favorite. The lower deck, the upper deck, and the surrounding water provide a variety of backdrops without leaving the venue. So many great options!
Designing a Guest Experience That Feels Like You
Guest experience looked wildly different across the four weddings we photographed, and that variety is exactly what made them memorable.
One couple surprised their guests by hopping into kayaks and paddling around the boat during dinner hour, turning Lake Union into part of the entertainment. Another leaned into live music, choosing a band that filled the deck with energy and movement. Others opted for a DJ and kept the dance floor indoors, creating a cozy, high-energy space that felt intimate and joyful.
We saw couples host dinners inside, dance under the stars, and transition fluidly between spaces depending on the vibe they wanted to create. Some celebrations felt like elegant dinner parties, while others turned into full-blown dance nights. MV Skansonia supported all of it.
Dancing on the Deck vs Dancing Inside
One of the most impactful choices couples made was deciding where dancing would happen.
Dancing on the deck offers an open-air experience with the city as your backdrop. It feels celebratory and expansive, especially during summer evenings when the light sticks around for a while. Dancing inside, on the other hand, creates a more enclosed environment that can feel energetic and immersive.
Neither option is better. The right choice depends on how you want your guests to feel and how you want the night to unfold. What matters most is that the decision feels aligned with your priorities, not dictated by expectations.
There Is No Wrong Way to Plan Your MV Skansonia Wedding
Between myself and my associate photographers, we saw couples approach MV Skansonia weddings in completely different ways, and every single one worked. Some prioritized portraits and quiet moments. Others centered the guest experience above all else. Some stayed on site all day, while others explored the city before returning to the boat.
That flexibility is what makes MV Skansonia such a powerful venue choice. It meets you where you are and allows your celebration to reflect who you are.
If you are planning an MV Skansonia wedding and wondering how to make it feel uniquely yours: there is no wrong way to do it. The best weddings we photographed there were the ones where couples trusted themselves, trusted their team, and allowed the day to unfold naturally.
If you’re looking for an experienced MV Skansonia wedding photographer, let’s chat!