Located near Fremont in Seattle, the MV Skansonia, lends a unique destination to your nautical wedding. The beautifully restored and retired ferry offers incredible views from the front and upper deck; you can clearly see the space needle on almost any given day. The views from the front deck create a stunning backdrop for your outdoor ceremony in the summer. White or brown wooden chairs blend the nautical vibe with the city scape, while greenery offers a picturesque framing of you and your partner.

The interior of the ship has been painstakingly cared for over the years; with a gallery wall of gold framed mirrors, classic porthole windows and a nautical charm that is sure to steal the hearts of your guests. The wooden dance floor with Edison lights strung above it, offers both an incredible reception space as well as a more intimate indoor ceremony location. Upstairs you’ll find an intimate space for getting ready, or stealing away a few moments alone as newlyweds.

While this venue is entirely unique and offers many of it’s own stunning details, it’s the intimacy factor that really sold me. Wedding packages at the MV Skansonia are meant for no more than 100 guests. Any more than that and you’d have a really “tight ship”. (A little humor there right? LOL). The nice thing is, the small guest count allows for intimacy and you’ll actually get a chance to chat with the majority of your friends and family on your big day.

A truly unique venue, the MV Skansonia is permanently docked in Bell Harbor after being retired from service in 1976. Originally built in 1929, the Skansonia was to be the ferry for the run between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor. After being retired, she was sold and given a new life as the event venue we know today. The beautiful venue and rich history has made the MV Skansonia one of my favorite venues to photograph. The MV Skansonia is truly a gem on the water in Seattle’s Fremont district.