There’s something deeply romantic about the idea of running away together—just the two of you (and maybe your closest few). That’s the magic of a non-traditional micro wedding in the Pacific Northwest, where the backdrop can be the Seattle skyline and maybe a surprise rainbow over the Puget sound. Like, what!? If mother nature was ever giving a sign that love is love, this was it.
I’ve always dreamed of documenting an elopement on a ferry in Seattle, so when this couple reached out about their idea to elope on the Bainbridge Ferry, I was immediately in. Their wedding wasn’t just unconventional—it was intentional. In the face of major changes to federal protections and rights for LGBTQ+ couples, they made the courageous decision to marry on their own terms, in their own way, before the start of 2025.
Eloping on a Washington State Ferry
This was a true PNW elopement: moody skies, water, and the hum of the ferry. The couple had found me through a list of queer-friendly wedding vendors and mentioned in their inquiry, “We are hoping to get some great photos despite the darkness of this moment and the literal darkness of PNW winter…and Dec 21 the literal darkest day of the year…so we’d like someone who is great with flash photography and low lighting.”
I was out of town that week, but my associate Ashley—who’s not only wildly talented but also experienced with ferry weddings—was available and thrilled to step in. (Fun fact: my associate photographer team works as an extension of my brand, so I can essentially be in two places at once. You can meet them here.)
Moody Skies, A Double Rainbow, and Ferry Magic
It was a classic December day in Seattle: gray, drizzly, and a little dramatic. But just before the ferry pulled away from the dock, a double rainbow appeared over the skyline—as if the entire city paused to say, “This love matters.”
Once the ferry arrived in Bainbridge, the couple and their guests walked to the nearby marina for some intimate formal portraits before heading to a waterfront restaurant for their reception. The vibes were emotional, intentional, joyful. Champagne was poured. Tears were shed. Laughter ensued.
Why We Love Micro Weddings
This elopement reminded us that weddings don’t have to follow the rules. They can be small, meaningful, and completely tailored to your story. You don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel like the two of you. Skip the ballroom and the big crowds of people. Choose a resturant that means something to you, an initmate space where you can talk to your people.
Here are a few reasons non-traditional weddings are having such a moment: they’re more personal and intimate, and if we’ve learned anything since covid, this is the best part of a wedding. These type of weddings are also more budget and conscious. You can plan them quickly, invite guests seemingly last-minute and they’re just not as expensive. They also allow you to focus on what and who really matters to you. Intentionality! We love it! They also create space for creativity, emotion, and connection in a way that some big weddings don’t allow.
And if you’re thinking of eloping in Washington on a ferry? You don’t need a special permit (as long as you don’t interfere with the operations). All you need is your partner, an officiant, two witnesses, and your love. Oh, and maybe someone to hold your bouquet while you pose on the breezeway. Don’t worry—we’ve got that covered.
Client Words That Make It All Worth It
Upon receiving their same-night sneak peek photos, they immediately emailed me and said
“We are OBSESSED with the sneak peek photos. We had so much fun with Ashley doing silly shots and romantic ones, and they came out so beautifully. I wish you could’ve been in our hotel room on Sunday morning and heard us screaming at every single one! We wanted to say the biggest of thank yous for helping to make this something we can look back on with so much joy for the rest of our lives!”
That right there? That’s why we do this.
Planning a non-traditional micro wedding or something else on a Seattle ferry? Let’s chat!