Dreaming of a wedding draped in the magic of the islands? San Juan Island, just a short (and breathtaking) ferry or seaplane ride from Seattle or BC, is the place to begin your forever. Our island’s stunning natural beauty and relaxed island vibe make it the perfect place to celebrate your love with friends and family.
Plus, since you’re most likely planning a destination wedding, as it were, there are a ton of ways to entertain your guests before and after the big day. We can talk more about that later because you’re probably wondering: With the Pacific Northwest’s ever-changing weather, how do you plan an unforgettable outdoor wedding in the San Juans? And, when is the best time to host an outdoor wedding on San Juan Island?
Settle in because we’re about to answer all of your burning San Juan Island outdoor wedding questions—and more.
There Are More Sunny Days in The San Juans—Here’s Why
One of the main factors couples (and their mothers) worry about during the wedding planning process is the somewhat unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather. But, worry not! While the summer months (July through September specifically) offer the most predictable sunshine, San Juan Island—and the whole archipelago, really—has more sunny days than either Seattle or Vancouver does.
Why, you ask?
It’s called the rain shadow effect. Here’s what it is and how it works:
- As moist air from the Pacific Ocean moves toward the mainland, it encounters the Olympic Mountains.
- The Olympic Mountains act as a barrier, blocking moisture-laden air from the ocean.
- The air’s movement forces it to rise, cool, and condense, leading to heavy precipitation on the western slopes of the Olympics.
- By the time the air reaches the San Juan Islands, much of the moisture has already been released on the western side of the mountains. This creates a “rain shadow” effect, resulting in drier conditions and more sunshine on the islands. Cool, huh?
Said simply, imagine the Olympic Mountains as a giant wall. Rain clouds crash against the wall, dumping most of their rain on its western side. By the time the clouds reach the islands, they’ve already released much of their moisture, leaving the islands with more sunshine.
This phenomenon contributes to the San Juan Islands’ famously mild and sunny climate, making them a popular destination for couples who are hoping for a bit more sunshine on their wedding day than their mainland counterparts might get. Bet that added a new layer—and possibly some relief—to your planning efforts, didn’t it?
What Season Should You Choose for Your San Juan Island Outdoor Wedding?
Just like with any big life decision, there are a bunch of variables at play (Where does grandma live? How mobile is she? When does the ring bearer have a school break?) and we can’t control the weather, not even with our rain shadow, but what we can tell you is that spring and fall—in addition to summer, naturally—are super-popular times for weddings at Lakedale. Not only are there fewer crowds joining you on the resort’s grounds in the non-summer months, but each season offers some special pleasures to enjoy:
- In spring, linger over blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures.
- In summer, luxuriate in the sunshine and soak up the vibrant island energy.
- In fall, breathe in the breathtaking beauty of autumn foliage and the clean, crisp air.
- In winter, soak up sweet solitude and all the opportunities to wrap yourself in cozy layers.
Here’s another detail to consider: If you want to bring your pups with you, Lakedale is off-leash from October to May.
Dressing for the Occasion and Keeping Your Guests Happy
One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is shopping for your dress and his suit. Ladies, choose pieces that align with the season and your style. Consider a flowing gown for a summer wedding or a long-sleeved lace dress with a shrug for a fall celebration. Men, a classic suit is always in style. For a more relaxed look, consider a linen jacket, which can complement our island’s innately laid-back vibe.
As for your guests, encourage comfortable footwear for navigating our grounds and layers to adjust to changing temperatures. It’s the Pacific Northwest, after all. We’ll suggest layers regardless of the season! Remember: comfort is key. Provide blankets (we have a basket of Lakedale-embroidered blankets made out of sweatshirt material in the Lodge and can always get you more), umbrellas, and fans to keep your guests comfortable throughout the day. And don’t be surprised if you see a few different kinds of weather patterns come through! We’ve seen rain showers turn into bright sunshine like a flash in a pan.
So, Are Outdoor Weddings Risky?
If our financial planner were reading this, he would probably say something like, “That depends on your risk tolerance,” but he’s not here right now, so what we’ll tell you is with careful planning and attention to detail, outdoor weddings are incredibly rewarding, especially in the San Juans.
Surrender to what Mother Nature wants you to remember from your wedding day and embrace the unexpected. When the tents are packed up (your insurance policy is in renting at least one tent to quell any lingering anxieties, even if it’s coming from your future mother-in-law) and the guests have gone off on their post-nuptial wildlife tours, you’ll be left with sweet memories of the unique beauty of celebrating your love in one of the most magical places on earth: San Juan Island.
Starting your next chapter with a healthy dose of magic sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it?
Let Lakedale Host Your San Juan Island Outdoor Wedding
If you’re ready to start planning your dream San Juan Island wedding, we’d love to host you! We’d also be extremely honored to help you on every step toward the aisle. Spend some time on our Weddings 101 page, check out our FAQs, read reviews from previous couples, and fill out our form to start the conversation.
The only limit to your San Juan Island outdoor wedding is your imagination!
