Our Favorite Weekend Getaway at the Resort at Port Ludlow

When you’re a wedding photo/video team who also happens to be married with four kids (yes, four—send coffee), the word “getaway” hits differently. We don’t get them as often as we’d like; in fact, date night is “Members only” most of the time (Aka: We go to Costco for the samples and groceries). So, when Jake and I met Kristin from The Resort at Port Ludlow during the Tacoma Wedding Show and she offered us a weekend away? You better believe we said yes faster than a couple getting engaged on Christmas morning.

Life tends to get busy for everyone, and it’s easy to forget the connection you had with your partner before the engagement, or the kids, or the dealings of everyday life. Which is why this weekend escape wasn’t just good for our souls, it was a powerful reminder of why reconnecting with your person matters at every stage of your relationship. Whether you’re newly engaged, five years into marriage, or deep in the trenches of parenthood with Goldfish crackers permanently embedded into your car seats, this one’s for you.

The Resort at Port Ludlow – A Room with a View

If you’re anything like my husband, Jake, a bed is a bed even when it’s a cot on the floor. But I love a good hotel room, one that’s cozy but with all the amenities. Bonus points for in-room coffee and fluffy towels. Our room at The Resort at Port Ludlow blew that mark out of the water. This wasn’t your standard boxy hotel room with a sad little desk and a coffee maker that makes you question your life choices. This was a romantic retreat.

As soon as we walked into our third-floor room, I was giddy with excitement. The ceilings felt like they were sky high (but I’d guess it was only 20 ft or so), with windows that took up most of the outer walls. They opened up to the yacht club, and watching the sun dip behind the hills and cast the last few rays of golden glow along the boats was magical.

A pretty fireplace and jetted soaking tub added to the romantic vibes of the room. Of course, what’s a jetted tub without some handcrafted bath salts and lotion bars? The Resort at Port Ludlow didn’t overlook ANY part of the experience. Plus, the tub opened into the main room, so you could still chat, flirt, and maybe even plan your next adventure while you soak. It was romantic, indulgent, and so needed.

There’s free WiFi and a TV if you need it, but let’s be honest, we only used them after our complimentary s’mores (yes, you read that right) when we were too full to move and just wanted to watch something brainless in bed. No shame. 10/10 would recommend.

A Slow Saturday Breakfast at the Fireside Restaurant

We kicked off the morning at the Fireside Restaurant, a cozy, upscale spot right inside the resort that delivers on both flavor and charm. I still think about locally sourced menu bursting with PNW flair. I may or may not have tried to duplicate the croissant I ordered that morning. The coffee came from Dancing Goats Coffee, a local roaster that lives up to its whimsical name. The mochas came packed with flavor and was just what we needed for a slow lingering breakfast (my favorite) before heading out to explore (Jake’s favorite). Life’s all about balance.

The staff at the Fireside were attentive and efficient. We definitely didn’t feel like we missed any part of the experience and even toyed with the idea of eating all our meals inside the cozy restaurant. Of course, we didn’t because we wanted to explore and maybe do a little hiking nearby.

Sunset Walks, Fireside S’mores & That Magical Cape Cod Feeling

One of the highlights of our trip? Strolling the property at sunset. The wind was a little unwelcome, but watching the wave crash against the private beach, and the grass sway in the breeze as we strolled the trails was something out of a romance novel. The light bounced off the windows of the resort in that warm, glowy, golden-hour kind of way that makes you want to bottle it up and use it on hard days. The whole area gave serious Cape Cod energy, charming, nautical, and blissfully far from the chaos of real life.

And then came the complimentary s’mores. In case you haven’t noticed, I love to eat. The resort has outdoor firepits where guests can gather to toast marshmallows and listen to the waves or swap stories. And here’s where they won me forever: they had a gluten-free option. But not just your basic “here’s a sad substitute” version. We’re talking gluten-free ginger snap cookies and vegan marshmallows. I’m officially never going back to gluten-free graham crackers again.

Why Every Couple Should Plan a Mini Escape in the midst of Whatever

Look, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, especially when you’re planning a wedding, raising kids, or running a business (hi, that’s us). But stepping away, even just for a weekend, can be the thing that helps you reconnect in a deeper, more intentional way.

So here are a few quick tips if you’re inspired to plan your own romantic weekend getaway:

1. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time

There will never be a perfect time. There will always be laundry, bills, and deadlines. Book it anyway. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Look for Local Gems

The Resort at Port Ludlow is only a few hours from us, but it felt like we’d been whisked away to the East Coast. Search your area for similar spots: waterfront lodges, boutique hotels, or cozy Airbnbs. You don’t need to board a plane to feel like you’ve traveled.

3. Prioritize Rest and Connection

This isn’t the trip to over-schedule. Sleep in. Order dessert. Walk without a destination. Ask deep questions. Make room for silence and belly laughs.

4. Capture the Memories (Even If It’s Just on Your Phone)

You don’t need a fancy camera to document your time. Snap a few photos, take a video, and relive it together later. Or better yet book a professional photographer to capture a maternity, anniversary, or just-because session during your trip (shameless plug, but also… call us. We do this and it’s magical).

Final Thoughts (And an Invitation)

Jake and I left The Resort at Port Ludlow feeling more connected, more grounded, and honestly, more in love than when we arrived. And while we’re back to the chaos of running a business and parenting our mini crew, we carry that weekend with us like a little pocket of peace.

Whether you’re planning your wedding, waiting on your honeymoon, or just needing an “us” weekend to reset, we highly recommend checking out this hidden gem. And if you’re looking for a stunning, peaceful, PNW-inspired wedding venue? This place should be on your shortlist.

And hey, if you do decide to elope or say “I do” there? Call us. We’re looking for ANY reason to go back to this small slice of PNW paradise.

Looking for a photographer or videographer who gets you and your love story?
Let’s chat! Check out our work at www.markiejonesweddings.com or say hi on Instagram @markiejonesphotographyllc and Facebook www.facebook.com/mjpllc. We’re here for your wedding day, your maternity photos, your cozy anniversary weekends, and all the love in between.