Tucked into the spectacular San Juan Islands just a few hours from Seattle lives an incredible historic property that has been reimagined as a luxury resort. Sitting on the edge of a breathtaking marina, the charming Roche Harbor Resort is an iconic venue for a wedding that exudes the magic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Voted Seattle Bride Magazine’s Best NW Destination and a proud member of The Knot Magazine’s Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, the resort has become an iconic place for breathtaking events. So keep reading to find out what makes a Roche Harbor Resort wedding unforgettable!
About The Roche Harbor Resort Wedding Venue
Roche Harbor’s story begins in 1787 when Spanish explorers became the first Europeans to sail the San Juan Islands. Years later, a German arbitrator awarded possession of the Islands to the United States, and it officially became a part of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The 20-room hotel was the first development in the area, built by a Tacoma lawyer in 1886. Shortly thereafter, a town built up around the resort, and it’s been a quaint coastal destination ever since.
Roche Harbor Resort wedding venue is known not just for its history and beauty but also for its incredible whale-watching experiences! You can time your wedding to coincide with the annual whale migration and give your guests an experience they’ll truly never forget!
Details of the Grounds
Before your wedding day arrives, you can welcome your guests onto the property with a laid-back welcome barbecue on Shipwreck Beach. Looking out over the water, you’ll be able to take advantage of the outdoor display kitchen, fire pit, and stunning views of the marina.
After everyone has settled in, it’s time to focus on your wedding! Host your outdoor ceremony in the Sunken Garden, surrounded by lush flowers, vibrant colors, and aromatic scents. You won’t need to bring in much additional decor, considering how gorgeous the space is. Plus, you can accommodate a guest list of up to 300 people! If you prefer a more intimate indoor ceremony (up to 120 guests), the historic Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel is a beautiful option. Sitting on the hillside overlooking the harbor, it has been a part of the resort property for over a century and is an elegant space to say “I do.”
The Pavilion and Courtyard are perfect for an outdoor cocktail hour, followed by a cozy indoor reception. In the Pavilion, you’ll find an oversized wood-burning fireplace to lend a cozy touch. There’s also a gorgeous indoor bar, elegant wood floors, and retractable glass doors to bring in more natural light and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. It’s perfect for hosting a Roche Harbor Resort Wedding of up to 250 guests.
If you need even more space, you can comfortably accommodate over 250 guests on the Seaside Lawn, a grassy space next to the shoreline that has incredible sunset views and a truly unique waterfront aesthetic. It’s only available for July and August dates, however, to make sure you have the best weather possible!
Photography Opportunities
Roche Harbor Resort’s property is perfect for lush garden photos and whimsical portraits with the marina as a backdrop. The resort itself has big, beautiful balconies and porches that are great for pictures with a rustic, historic vibe. There’s also a nearby ornate gazebo that is ideal for portraits amongst beautiful pines and greenery for a more forested look. It’s the best of all worlds – seaside, garden, and shady forests!
Wedding Details
There are plenty of perks to a Roche Harbor Resort wedding, including historic, luxury onsite accommodations for your guests! They’ll love the convenience and the excuse to enjoy a destination vacay!
Their wedding packages include an experienced planning team, all setup and breakdown, fireplaces and heaters for maximum comfort, and a courtesy 2-night room block for your guests. One of the best perks is their culinary team, who will cater your event using local ingredients (often grown organically on their property!) Their menus also feature local seafood and produce and the approach of “dining as entertainment,” so your guests will be able to watch the culinary team preparing and serving food directly in front of them.
Roche Harbor Resort Wedding
Above all, a Roche Harbor Resort wedding is full of beauty, romance, whimsy, and history. Capture all of those elements, plus your epic love story, through gorgeous photos with an experienced Seattle-area wedding photographer – me!! If you’re ready to start talking photos and wedding planning, then I’m here for it. So let’s chat!
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