Karley & Bryan’s San Juan Island wedding day!

From the moment Karley and Bryan inquired, I knew their San Juan Island wedding was going to be something special. With a love story that started on social media and bloomed into something inseparable, they brought so much warmth and personality into their wedding weekend. Their venue of choice, Saltwater Farm, set the tone with its natural beauty, elegant spaces, and sweeping views of the Salish Sea. This celebration was heartfelt, joyful, and full of unforgettable details.

A Romantic Island Wedding Weekend at Saltwater Farm

Saltwater Farm was more than just a beautiful coastal wedding venue. It was the perfect setting for an intentional and immersive celebration. Located just outside Friday Harbor, this unique property offers stunning views, beautiful spaces, and multiple ceremony sites. It also features on-site lodging, which allowed Karley and Bryan’s friends and family to turn the event into a wedding weekend.

Guests stayed on the property in thoughtfully designed guesthouses with access to meadows, trails, and ocean views. Additionally, the event barn served as the ideal space for their evening reception. This elegant wedding venue really reflected Karley and Bryan’s personalities — modern and stylish, yet also relaxed and welcoming.

Planning a San Juan Island Wedding

Although Saltwater Farm makes you feel like you’re in your own little world, getting there does take some planning. If you’re considering your own San Juan Island wedding, be sure to book your ferry reservation as far in advance as possible. Washington State releases ferry spots in tiers, and they fill up fast, especially in peak season. You can also fly into Friday Harbor if you prefer. Either way, the journey to the island becomes part of the adventure.

Romantic Ceremony in a Natural Setting

Karley and Bryan chose to hold their outdoor ceremony in one of the beautiful spots overlooking Saltwater Farm’s meadows and the Salish Sea. The bright, mid-afternoon light gave the ceremony a golden glow. Their ceremony was full of emotion, laughter, and a true sense of connection. All in all, these are exactly the kind of authentic moments I love to document.

A Laid-Back Reception with Elegant Details

Then, after the ceremony, we transitioned to the event barn for a relaxed, stylish reception. Warm string lights illuminated long banquet tables draped in white linens and dotted with white florals arranged by Countryside Floral and the bride’s mother. The room glowed with love and energy. It was easy to see that Karley and Bryan had put so much thought into every aspect of their wedding day without overcomplicating things.

Overall, they kept the focus on fun and food. Paellas San Juan served colorful seafood dishes that added a vibrant touch — and looked just as good as they tasted. After dinner, guests were treated to a build-your-own cookie and ice cream bar. Then, the party started in full force, with a packed dance floor and a fun photo booth.

Stylish Bridal Party and Candid Celebrations

Karley and Bryan’s style came through effortlessly. Karley stunned in a sparkly, embellished gown with a flowing veil, while Bryan kept it classic in a black tux. The bridal party wore black dresses with white bouquets, standing out beautifully against the modern black barn exterior. During bridal party portraits, the energy was contagious. We got everything from editorial poses to the groomsmen attempting to shotgun beers without ruining their suits.

A funny behind-the-scenes moment: Karley’s dress broke mid-photo session, but I grabbed a mini sewing kit from my camera bag and stitched it back up. Moments like that are a reminder of why I love this job. Being a wedding photographer means more than taking pretty photos — it means being there for your couples, whatever they need.

A San Juan Island Wedding Weekend to Remember

All in all, everything about this San Juan Island wedding felt like an intentional reflection of who Karley and Bryan are. From the setting to the food to the personal touches, every little detail was thoughtfully selected. They wanted to create something special for their guests, and they absolutely delivered. Though their story first began years ago with social media DMs, it finally led them to this dream celebration. Now, they’re husband and wife, and I’m so grateful I got to document their love.

If you’re planning your own destination wedding venue experience in Washington State, San Juan Island and Saltwater Farm offer the perfect wedding accommodations for your friends and family. Between the stunning backdrop, natural landscapes, and variety of event spaces, it’s a coastal wedding venue like no other. Truly, it’s a place where you can bring your dream wedding photos to life with intention and ease.

Your San Juan Island Wedding Photographer

Dreaming of your own island wedding or elopement? I’d love to connect and help bring your vision to life. You can inquire here to reserve your date. To learn more about my photography style, film and digital options, and pricing, click here. And if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding beyond the islands, don’t forget to check out my travel schedule and blog for more inspiration.

Vendors for this San Juan Island Wedding

Venue: Saltwater Farm at Friday Harbor
Florist: Countryside Floral and Garden & the bride’s mom
Hair & Makeup: Savy Colour by Savannah Dunn
Catering: Paellas San Juan
Bar: Bewitched Bar and Events
Photobooth: City Social Photobooth Company
DJ: Magnolia Rhapsody