Are you considering eloping in the San Juan Islands? You’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for allll the info you’ll need to know to plan a San Juan Islands wedding or elopement.

If you want to elope or have an intimate wedding, you can’t convince me we don’t live in the best place for it. Washington has got mountains, rivers, beaches, forests, islands, rooftops. . . it’s all at our fingertips. Oh PNW, what a magical place you are.

One of my absolute favorite places to suggest to couples for their Washington elopement: the San Juan Islands! These islands make up an archipelago in the PNW between Washington & Vancouver Island, and are chock-full of beautiful landscapes & wildlife. There are actually more than 172 islands in the area, but today I’m just going to be talking about three of the most frequently visited – plus one honorary island that’s not technically part of the island group!

To get to the San Juan Islands, you’ll need to take a Washington State Ferry to one of the main islands: San Juan Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, or Lopez Island, from Anacortes, WA. If you want to hit up a different island, you’ll arrange transportation from one of those four!

Now that you know where the islands are, here’s everything I’ll be going through in this San Juan Islands elopement guide:

• The Best Places to Elope in the San Juan Islands

• San Juan Islands Weather: Picking a Season

• Where to Stay in the San Juan Islands

• Yummiest Places to Eat in the San Juan Islands

• Fun Ideas for Your Wedding in the San Juan Islands

• Meet Your San Juan Islands Elopement Photographer!

• Elopement Timeline Examples

Keep readin’ for all the good stuff that you came here for!

The Best Places to Elope in the San Juan Islands

As I said, I’m going to cover the three most popular islands, as well as Whidbey Island since it’s so close to Seattle! I won’t be giving away any super specific spots though – since that knowledge is reserved for my booked couples 😉 If you want to start planning your San Juan Islands elopement & get all the inside scoop from me, reach out here!

1. San Juan Island (duh)

One of the prettiest ways to experience San Juan Island is to drive along the Scenic Byway to & from Roche Harbor! Here’s a great route you can follow to hit up a few lighthouses, driftwood beaches, and parks, all with gorgeous ocean views.

Lime Kiln Point State Park is a beautiful day-use park with an iconic lighthouse in the background that you might’ve seen in photos before. It’s a great spot for whale watching – who wouldn’t want to elope AND see super cool whales on the same day?!

Friday Harbor is a charming little seaport close to the ferry landing at San Juan Island. It’s the perfect place to tie the knot, then walk around & explore!

2. Orcas Island

I absolutely love Orcas Island. The island has cliffs, purple wildflowers in the summer, and mountains popping off in the background over the teal coastal water. It’s basically the ideal place for a Mamma Mia dream wedding but in the San Juan Islands 😉 

One of the must-see spots on Orcas Island is Mt. Constitution – or rather, the views from Mt. Constitution. It’s the highest point in the San Juan Islands, meaning it provides a stunning 360 view of the other islands, Mount Baker, and the North Cascades! 

It’s a wonderful spot to visit because you don’t have to hike if you don’t want to – you can simply drive all the way up to the top of the mountain to get the epic views. Or, if you’d rather challenge yourself with a hike up to the top, it’s a steep 7.9-mile loop trail.

Mt. Consitution is part of Moran State Park, a park that features tons of campsites, freshwater lakes, and hiking + biking opportunities galore!

3. Lopez Island 

If you’re visiting Lopez Island for your elopement, one beautiful spot to visit is Point Colville! You’ll take a walk through the forest and end up at an area of open bluffs with amazing ocean views – a perfect walk for all fitness levels. 

Another great, easily accessible outdoor area is the Watmough Bay Trail! It’s a 1.6-mile easy trail that’s good for all skill levels & takes you to a beautiful little beach area. This is an awesome option for any couples looking for a short hike to take them to a wonderful little spot!

4. Whidbey Island

Finally, let’s talk Whidbey Island – which actually isn’t a part of the SJI, but I wanted to include it since it’s so close to Seattle.

Deception Pass State Park is a must-visit on Whidbey Island; it features over 30 miles of hiking trails and offers stunning views of jagged cliffs and plenty of areas to explore.

And if you’d rather explore a forested location on the island, South Whidbey State Park is the place for you! Explore the classic PNW luscious green canopy and go bird-watching, have a picnic, or take a hike!

San Juan Islands Weather: Picking a Season

If you’re looking to visit the San Juan Islands while it’s as warm as possible, you’ll want to plan your elopement sometime between April & October. These are the months when it’s warmest, but also the busiest – so keep crowds & visitors in mind! 

But if you don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, the San Juans are absolutely stunning in the fall, with trees changing colors everywhere you look. Plus, the islands offer lots of fun fall activities such as farm tours, wine dinners, and beer festivals!

Where to Stay in the San Juan Islands

I’ve found you some cute AF Airbnb’s to stay in for your elopement in the San Juan Islands, whether you’ll be staying for one night or five! These Airbnb’s are the perfect places for you to cozy up with your partner and your guests if you’re inviting any. Surrounded by nature and beautiful ocean views or nestled within lush green forests, these places are hard to beat.

San Juan Island

1. Private Guesthouse Immersed in Nature

2. Secluded Waterfront Home

3. Waterfront Home with Hot Tub 

Orcas Island

1. Heron Cove Cottage

2. Northbeach Cabin

3. Romantic Gnome House Chalet

4. Waterfront Guest Cabin

Lopez Island

1. Cute Garden Cottage

2. The Cedar House

3. Island View Retreat

Whidbey Island

1. Cabin in the Woods

2. Peaceful Getaway Cottage

3. Escape to Nature Guesthouse

4. Sunset View Retreat

5. June Beach Cottage

Fun Ideas for Your Wedding in the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands have plenty of fun activity opportunities for you to do on the days surrounding your elopement! Whether you want to incorporate activities into the actual day of your elopement, or you’re looking for fun things to do on the rest of your trip, here are some of the best options on the islands:

Go Whale Watching

The San Juan Islands are an amazing place to go whale watching and spend some time enjoying the beautiful PNW waters! Peak whale watching season in the islands is mid-June through early September, so keep that in mind when planning the time of year for your elopement.

Visit the Whale Museum

On the topic of whales – if you’re super into marine life & whales, why not visit the Whale Museum on San Juan Island?! This would be such a fun little excursion to take your guests to (especially if there will be any kids along for the ride), and a cool way to learn more about the marine life in the area you’re visiting.

Check Out Some Lighthouses

I don’t know why visiting lighthouses is so fun – but it just is. Explore grassy fields when you visit either the Cattle Point Lighthouse or take in the blue ocean views at the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. It would be SO fun to not only take photos at these beautiful spots but also to bring a picnic along for lunch/dinner/an afternoon snack and eat by the water!

Go Kayaking

If you elope in the islands during the warmer summer season, head out on the water in a kayak with your best buds! Take a guided tour with your guests and spend time enjoying the water + getting a little active.

Rent Bicycles

If you want to get active but you’d rather stay on land, rent a bicycle and go cycling together! The islands have tons of beautiful roads and trails to offer to bikers.

Hike Mt. Young

This one’s for my hike-loving friends: hike the one-mile summit of Mount Young! This is a moderate hike one mile each way, with a fairly steep incline that takes you to incredible island views at the top. 

Visit the Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Who doesn’t love a good lavender field? Check out these beautiful fields full of 50 varieties of lavender, and enjoy freshly-made lavender lemonade, ice cream, & more!

Yummiest Places to Eat in the San Juan Islands

San Juan Island

Tops’l Seafood and Sushi

Seafood lovers, you’ve gotta go here ASAPPP. Tops’l offers super fresh & high-quality seafood sourced from local Friday Harbor & San Juan Island fishermen. So you’ll get nothing short of the best, all while supporting local agriculture & eating food from a master sushi chef!

Cask & Schooner Public House & Restaurant

For any couples who enjoy the atmosphere of a good public house & pick from a big menu of delicious food, this is the spot for you. From sandwiches to pub classics to salads and yummy seafood, you’ll be able to find a plate you love + get a good drink while you’re at it!

San Juan Brewing Company Dining

This independent craft brewery serves not only yummy brews (duh) such as traditional Ales and Lagers but also cooks up delicious woodstone-fired pizza, burgers, & more pub-style foods. A place full of classic options that’ll fit anyone’s tastes!

Orcas Island

Brown Bear Baking

Looking for yummy artisanal handcrafted pastries? Plus soups and sandwiches? In other words, the perfect cozy restaurant to fill your stomach? This is the place for you, my friend.

Doe Bay Café

The Doe Bay Café sits on the waterfront, making it perfect for anybody who wants to munch on some yummy brunch filled with organic ingredients from neighboring farms & orchards, all while looking out at the water.

Kingfish at West Sound Restaurant

This restaurant at the cute West Sound Inn features no shortage of delicious plates, from pasta to fancy bread (my fave) to plenty of mouthwatering dessert options. If you’re feelin’ a little fancy after tying the knot and want to go somewhere with a variety of high-quality options, this is your restaurant!

Lopez Island

Ursa Minor

Ursa Minor sits in the heart of Lopez Island, offering not only a beautiful atmosphere to eat in, but also delish northwest cuisine made from ingredients provided by local farmers, fishermen, and foragers. My mouth is already craving one of the fancy sandwiches they’ve got on their menu!

Holly’s Bakery

The daily menu of Holly’s Bakery includes croissants, bread, cinnamon rolls, and more. . . basically the way to any pastry-lover’s heart. Stop here for breakfast on the way to your elopement location, or for an afternoon snack!

Vita’s

VIta’s offers a variety of delicious plates, from blueberry tartlets to lasagna rolls to lamb skewers to smoked mac n’ cheese. The whole menu selection is to die for – and Vita’s caters, so you could totally have them cater your elopement!

Whidbey Island

Orchard Kitchen

Orchard Kitchen calls itself the “premier farm and table dining destination on Whidbey Island” – I’m already hooked. Whether you want to book a three-course meal in the restaurant’s large barn dining room, eat a variety of small a la carte plates, or book an all-out five-course tasting, you’ll enjoy fresh food & the finest drinks here.

Seabolt’s Smokehouse

You guessed it – this is another delicious seafood spot! The menu is full of seafood options alongside plenty of burgers, subs, and salads. And you can even bring in your own game for them to smoke for you – talk about fancyyyy stuff.

Village Pizzeria

Where my pizza lovers at? If you’d rather eat a yummy slice of hot, high-quality pizza than a fancy plate of seafood, this is the pizzeria for you. The menu is filled with sauce & topping options, plus you’re able to get pizza by the slice AND can opt for calzones, instead!

Meet Your San Juan Islands Elopement Photographer!

Oh hey – that’s me! 😉 I’m Emma, a Seattle-based elopement photographer for couples looking to elope in the great PNW. I live for helping my couples create elopement experiences that are completely, fully authentic to theme, whether that means tying the knot in private or celebrating with 10 guests.

I’m in love with the San Juan Islands and am fortunate to shoot there often, so I’m a pro at helping couples create their dream elopement in the San Juan Islands.

San Juan Islands Elopement Packages

Take a look at the Washington elopement packages I have to offer ya!

And if you’re feelin’ like we’re a match made in heaven, contact me here so we can start planning your perfect elopement in the SJI!

Elopement Timeline Examples

To end, let’s go through a few examples of what a San Juan Islands elopement timeline could potentially look like! Keep in mind these aren’t strict timelines you have to follow – but rather basic timelines to get your ideas flowin’.

Full-Day Elopement on Orcas Island

10:00 – Pick up breakfast pastries from Brown Bear Baking

11:00 – Get ready together in your cozy Airbnb (like this one)

12:30 – Drive to the top of Mt. Constituion

1:00 – Find the perfect ceremony spot

1:15 – Exchange vows in front of the epic backdrop

1:30 – Celebrate with a picnic at the top of the mountain

2:15 – Couples portraits on the mountain

3:00 – Head down the mountain

3:30 – Eat a late brunch/early dinner at Doe Bay

5:00 – Couples portraits near a lighthouse

6:00 – We say goodbye!

Multi-Day Elopement on San Juan Island & Orcas Island

DAY 1:

9:30 – Make coffee & eat breakfast at your nature-immersed Airbnb – a nice, slow morning

10:30 – Get ready together

12:00 – Get lunch at San Juan Island Brewing Co.

1:30 – Drive along the Scenic Byway & find a spot for your ceremony

2:30 – Vow exchange 

2:45 – Celebrate with champagne & a charcuterie board!

3:15 – Couples portraits at a spot nearby

4:30 – Eat yummy seafood at Tops’l Sushi & Seafood

5:30 – We say goodbye!

DAY 2:

Take ferry to Orcas Island

Cozy, intimate photos in your Airbnb

Go on a whale watching tour!

Then grab food at Kingfish at West Sound

Phew,  that’s all I’ve got for you! You’re now all set to go to start planning your dream San Juan Islands wedding or elopement, and I’d LOVE to tag along 😉