San Juan Island Ferry Engagement Session

For Celena and Jovany, the Washington State Ferries and the Washington State Islands have played a really special part in their love story over the years. They knew for their anniversary this year, they needed to do their engagement photos on San Juan Island and on a sunset ferry ride home from Friday Harbor to Anacortes, WA and it was such a magical experience.

Wanting to plan your own Pacific Northwest engagement session on the Anacortes ferry? Here are tips for planning your San Juan Island Ferry Session to make sure your session with your lover feels carefree, romantic and like a true adventure.

Dress for the weather. Coastal Washington weather can change quickly, and the breeze on the ferry can be chilly! Bring a cute sweater, jacket, oversized scarf, or even a cozy neutral blanket as an extra accessory to stay cozy.

Think about the lighting. You'll want to book the ferry to account for Golden Hour happening in the middle of your ferry ride. Golden hour creates beautiful, soft light for coastal engagement portraits. But playing with the lighting before and after the sunset is perfect!

Leave room for spontaneity. Think of your session like a true date night. How would you experience a ferry ride for the first time, with your favorite person? Some of the best moments happen when you aren't following a strict schedule. Enjoy the journey, explore together, and let the experience unfold naturally. Take in the views, cozy up on indoor or outdoor seating, or grab a ferry snack... and don't forget to snuggle up for some kisses every now and then hehe.

Plan your ferry reservation. The Anacortes-to-San Juan Islands route is popular, so if you're bringing a vehicle, check Washington State Ferries for reservation availability.

Give yourself plenty of time. Account for terminal arrival, ferry boarding, the crossing, and travel around the island.

Book a San Juan Island Photographer who is also equally down for the adventure and the slower pace that a session like this calls for! Call me...no seriously call me hehe