Anna and Josh’s Roche Harbor Resort Wedding was a day that felt timeless and wrapped in the natural beauty of the Salish Sea. They had previously eloped intimately, and their celebration was intended to bring family and friends together in one of PNW’s most magical treasures: the San Juan Islands.

I have always loved how Roche Harbor blends historic charm, waterfront views, and that slow, peaceful island energy that instantly makes you breathe a little deeper.

As a Seattle wedding photographer who loves capturing celebrations that feel meaningful and grounded, but also ones that have some exciting quirks, I can honestly say that Roche Harbor is one of those places where every corner feels like a photo moment waiting to happen. It’s not just a wedding venue, it’s an entire experience.

But WHY Roche Harbor?

• Green forests, but also waterfront views: Peaceful marina views, quiet forests, and golden sunsets that make the whole day feel like a getaway for you and your guests.
  
• It's HAUNTED!
  Visitors describe feeling watched, hearing faint footsteps on the circular steps, or catching a chill even on warm summer evenings.
  
• Multiple ceremony and reception locations
  The chapel, the sunken garden, the field, and the waterfront are all options for your day.
  
• Plenty of on island accommodations for all budgets
  From Hotel de Haro to the little cottages to all the amazing AirBNBs within walking distance, there are plenty of places for you and your guests to stay no matter how intimate or large your wedding is.
  
• Beautiful Photo Locations Everywhere
  Docks with the chapel behind, gardens, forest trails, sunset overlooks, and best of all.. The spooky mausoleum, which makes for a killer drone photo if your photographer has one. It’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo at Roche Harbor.

John S. McMillin Memorial Mausoleum

The "Afterglow" Mausoleum, tucked back in the quiet woods above the village, has long carried whispers of being haunted. Built by the McMillin family with layers of symbolism woven into its stone and stairways, the space already feels otherworldly, but locals often talk about an eerie stillness that settles there at dusk.

Whether it’s the architecture, the history, or something else entirely, the mausoleum holds a kind of quiet, lingering presence that makes it one of the most hauntingly beautiful spots on San Juan Island.

You can read all about its haunted history here.

If you can get past all the spooky stuff, also happens to be an AWESOME place to take wedding photos!

Let's talk about the ferry...

Getting to San Juan Island is part of the adventure! But the ferry system requires planning. Here’s what you and your guests need to know:

• Reserve early. The Anacortes → Friday Harbor route books up fast, especially in summer. Reservations open 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days before each sailing, and they disappear quickly. You can make your reservations here.
  
• Arrive early. Even with a reservation, plan to arrive 45–60 minutes early (and up to 90 minutes in peak season). Ferry lines can get long without warning regardless of your reservation. Even if you arrive within 30 minutes, they may stick you in the late line anyway.
  
• Don’t travel the day of the wedding. Trust me. Ferries run late, fill up, and are occasionally canceled. To avoid missed ceremonies (it happens!), everyone should plan to arrive the day before your Roche Harbor Resort Wedding.
  
• Walk-on passengers still need extra time. They don’t need reservations, but walk-on lines also get long during busy weekends.
  

In short: the ferry is beautiful, memorable, and very “PNW”… but you’ll want to treat it like a non-negotiable part of your timeline.

Why I Love Photographing Roche Harbor Resort Weddings

There’s a quiet magic to weddings here. The island slows everyone down in a way that creates space for moments that feel genuine and unhurried.

And if you’re someone who doesn’t love being the center of attention or overly posed, this place is a dream. The beauty of the environment naturally supports a candid, relaxed style of photography  which aligns perfectly with how I approach weddings.

Planning a Roche Harbor Resort Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.

If you’re having a Roche Harbor Resort Wedding, I’d love to ferry on over there and help you bring your epic day to life (and get some iconic drone photos in that mausoleum in the process, if you want!)

Feel free to reach out with questions about timelines, ferry schedules, the best portrait spots, or anything else you’re navigating. I’m always happy to help you make this experience feel light, easy, and meaningful  from the first email to the final sunset portrait.