Lily & Carter’s destination Orcas Island wedding is one of my favorite weddings I’ve photographed. The Outlook Inn is truly a one-of-a-kind wedding venue with so much value. Their newly built waterfront suites are the perfect getting-ready spot and have a beautiful view of the bay at Eastsound.

This centrally located venue is in the heart of Orcas Island. Right on the main drag near bookstores, restaurants, and shops of local artisans. I even picked up a few flower books from Darvill’s when I was in town.

Consider Outlook Inn for a weekend wedding package if you’re looking for where to get married in the San Juan Islands. Your guests can stay on-site and have a lovely experience at the New Leaf Cafe. I highly recommend the crab benedict!

Outlook Inn is exceptional because of the outdoor garden area for your reception and ceremony. The A-frame former chapel is also a unique backdrop for the ceremony and acts as the bar area during the reception.

While you’re planning your Orcas wedding, consider the logistics of getting your guests there and also the vendors you’ll hire. You will need to hire most vendors from the mainland (given island shortages) but there are several reliable companies on the island for wedding services.

I love shooting on the island and have experience with the ferry schedules. Make sure you set a calendar reminder for two months in advance to book your ferry tickets. You’ll need to be online by 6 am PST to secure an ideal booking. By and large, if you’re having a weekend celebration, tickets will go fast. Alert your guests as well!

HOW TO GET MARRIED ON ORCAS ISLAND

2. Hire your photographer and videographer

Lionlady Photography does both photography and videography on Orcas Island and the greater San Juan Islands. I book up quickly and can only shoot one island wedding a weekend, so reach out soon! Especially, if you’re tying the knot over a weekend.

3. Hire a wedding planner

Do this especially for island weddings. They can help immensely with the logistics as well as booking hard-to-secure vendors. Some wedding planners I love to work with are:

A. Renee Weddings
Tapestry Event Co.
Pacific Engagements
Perfectly Posh Events
Holly-Kate & Co.

5. Get excited because you’re going to have the most amazing Orcas experience!

1. Choose your date and pick your venue. Other venues to consider are:

Doe Bay Resort
The Inn at Ship Bay
Rosario Resort & Spa
Moran State Park
The Episcopal Church
Orcas Hotel
Pebble Cove Farm
Turtlehead Farm
The Victorian Valley Chapel
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
The Oddfellows Hall
Orcas Farm
The Loft at Madrona

4. Book florals, rentals, and caterers

I recommend booking these folks on-island since they’ll have quite a bit of supply. Check below for the vendors from this wedding!

VENDOR CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHY: Lionlady Photography PLANNING: A. Renee Weddings VENUE: Outlook Inn on Orcas FLORALS: Dogwood Flower Design RENTALS: Orcas Events DRESS: A & Bé Bridal CATERING: Shooby Doo HAIR/MAKEUP: Iris & Gold