Ferry Captains: Wedding Officiants In Washington State?

Washington State Ferries allow memorial services, weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations aboard some vessels. However, while weddings are allowed on Washington State Ferries, the captains of the ferries are not permitted to officiate weddings.

Washington State Ferries allow weddings on board

Couples can pre-purchase tickets for their wedding guests to speed up boarding, and there is also the option to buy 10-packs of tickets for a group. The captain of the ferry cannot officiate the wedding, but couples are allowed to get married by an officiant of their choice.

The Washington State Ferries website provides information on the different routes and vessels, which can help couples choose a suitable location for their wedding. The Seattle-Bainbridge route is a popular option for weddings, with incredible views of the skyline, but it is also a busy tourist route, especially during the summer. The Seattle-Bremerton route offers a longer ride and more time for the ceremony, while the Anacortes to the San Juans route offers rides between 1-2 hours in length, providing ample time for the ceremony and celebrations.

Couples should also be mindful of other traffic, especially during weekdays and weekends, and plan their wedding group's boarding in advance to ensure everyone boards together.

While the ferries are open to the public at all times, small wedding parties are recommended, especially during non-commuter sailings. Outside catering and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on board, but passengers can bring cake and prepared food.

You need to give them a heads-up, but there is no fee

If you're looking for a unique, intimate, and cost-effective wedding venue, look no further than Washington State Ferries! With 21 ferries to choose from, stunning views, and the option to end up on picturesque islands, it's a perfect location for your special day. The best part? It's free! All you need to do is give the ferry crew a heads-up in advance.

While there's no fee for the venue itself, keep in mind that you'll need to purchase tickets for your wedding party and guests. To speed up boarding, you can pre-purchase tickets or buy 10-packs, which allow 10 people to enter. If you're planning a summer wedding, take note that some ferries require car reservations in advance, sometimes up to 3-6 months, so it's essential to plan ahead.

When choosing a ferry route for your wedding, consider the time you want to spend on the ferry. The Downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry, for example, takes about 30 minutes, while any ferry ride leaving Anacortes is at least an hour. You should also think about what you want to do after the ceremony, as some destinations may require a car to reach those hidden gems.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Washington State Ferries are public transportation, so there might be some waiting involved. However, this can be a great opportunity to chat and interact with your guests! Just be sure to plan with your guests where and when you'll meet before boarding, as there are many boats and sailings, which can be confusing.

While the ferry captain cannot officiate your wedding, you are allowed to bring an officiant of your choice on board. Additionally, you'll need to hold your ceremony within the timeframe of one crossing and be ready to disembark on schedule when the ferry completes its sailing.

So, if you're looking for a beautiful, unique, and budget-friendly wedding venue, Washington State Ferries offer a fantastic option. With a little planning and coordination, you can have a memorable and intimate wedding on the water without breaking the bank!

You can't be married by the captain, but you can bring your own officiant

Getting Married on a Washington State Ferry

Washington State Ferries allow weddings on board some vessels. While this offers a unique, free venue with stunning views, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, the captain of the ferry cannot officiate your wedding. They are responsible for driving the boat and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Therefore, you will need to bring your own officiant. Washington State law requires one officiant and two witnesses for a wedding, so a total of five adults must be present at the ceremony.

Secondly, you must hold your ceremony within the timeframe of one crossing and be ready to disembark as usual when the ferry reaches its destination. You can pre-purchase tickets to speed up boarding, and there is also the option to buy 10-packs, which can be used on the same sailing.

When choosing a ferry route, consider the duration of the crossing and what you want to do after the ceremony. The Downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry, for example, takes about 30 minutes, while any ferry leaving Anacortes takes at least an hour. Some towns are within walking distance of the ferry terminal, but others may require a car.

If you are planning a summer wedding, keep in mind that some ferries are very popular and require car reservations in advance, sometimes up to 3-6 months in advance. However, if you are walking on or bikepacking, you only need to purchase a ticket about an hour before departure.

Finally, ferries are open to the public at all times, so small wedding parties during non-commuter sailings are recommended to minimise disruption.

You need to hold your ceremony within the timeframe of one crossing

Washington State Ferries are a unique and cost-effective way to hold a wedding ceremony. While the ferries are free to use as a wedding venue, you will need to hold your ceremony within the timeframe of a single crossing. This means that you need to be ready to disembark as soon as the ferry reaches its destination. The length of the crossing will depend on the route, with the Downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry taking around 30 minutes, and any ferry leaving Anacortes taking at least an hour.

To make the most of your time, you can pre-purchase tickets for your wedding party to speed up boarding. You can also purchase 10-packs of tickets, allowing 10 people to enter with one ticket. It's important to note that you will need to pay for a westbound trip within Puget Sound, but the return trip eastbound is free for walk-ons.

When planning your wedding on a Washington State Ferry, it's essential to consider the time needed for announcements and the volume of the ferry. For example, on the Seattle-Bainbridge route, it takes about 4 and a half minutes for all the announcements, and the volume outside is about 75 decibels. So, you'll need to be pretty loud during your ceremony!

Additionally, keep in mind that the ferry will be open to the public, so there may be some waiting around and potential disruptions from other passengers. It's a good idea to choose a less busy time for your wedding, avoiding commuter hours and sports events that may cause an increase in traffic.

Overall, holding your wedding ceremony on a Washington State Ferry offers a beautiful and unique setting, but it's important to be mindful of the time constraints and plan accordingly.

You can pre-purchase tickets to speed up boarding

If you're planning a wedding on a Washington State Ferry, you can pre-purchase tickets to speed up boarding. This is a great way to make your special day go more smoothly and avoid any last-minute delays. Washington State Ferries allow weddings, memorial services, birthdays, and other celebrations aboard some vessels. While the ferry captain cannot officiate your wedding, you can get married by an officiant of your choice.

Pre-purchasing tickets for your wedding party and guests is a convenient option to expedite the boarding process. You can buy tickets online or at the terminal before your sailing. By doing so, you can save time and ensure that your entire wedding group boards together. This is especially important if you want to hold your ceremony within the timeframe of a single crossing, as you'll need to be ready to disembark on schedule when the ferry reaches its destination.

Another option for streamlining the ticketing process is to purchase 10-packs of tickets. These can be used by multiple individuals for the same sailing, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to manage guest tickets. Keep in mind that within Puget Sound, you typically pay westbound, but walk-on rides eastbound are usually free.

In addition to pre-purchasing tickets, it's essential to plan and communicate with your guests beforehand. Let them know where and when to meet before boarding, as there can be multiple boats and sailings, which might be confusing. It's generally best if your entire wedding group can board together to ensure everyone is on the same ferry.

By taking advantage of the option to pre-purchase tickets, you can streamline the boarding process and create a more seamless experience for you and your guests on your wedding day. This will allow you to focus on enjoying your special day and celebrating with your loved ones.

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