Romantic Seattle Ferry Boat Wedding with DIY Shabby Chic Decor

Bride and groom embracing at their outdoor wedding

With the scenic Seattle skyline as their backdrop, Julia + Chris' ferry boat wedding couldn't have been more perfect! The thoughtful shabby chic decor and must-see DIY details created a romantic, laid-back atmosphere for their Lake Union nuptials.
If you're feeling inspired to get married on a boat in Seattle, then we have a boat-load of beautiful images from Melissa Ergo Photography to share with you! Set sail for the full gallery here.

Elegant wedding invitation suite on rustic surface

Bridal sandals arrow necklace and beaded belt detail

Ferry Boat Wedding

We were married in Seattle on a beautiful June Sunday. It was a magical, whirlwind of a day. Nine months of preparation gave us time to think of the details and DIY projects we wanted to include. The aim was to be intentional and thoughtful with the decor and flow of events for our guests. Our ceremony was on the bow of the MV Skansonia, a retired ferry boat that is moored on the north shore of Lake Union, with views aplenty of the iconic Seattle skyline.

Beautiful blonde bride with flower crown portrait

Bride with bridesmaids in boho woodland wedding style

Groomsmen toasting wedding in Seattle with Space Needle

Bride and groom at outdoor waterfront wedding ceremony

Bride and groom share a kiss at outdoor wedding ceremony

DIY Ideas

Chris and his groomsmen built the chuppah under which we were married. The seating chart was made using a homemade wooden backboard Chris built for playing darts and the names were hanging paint chips from a local store arranged to create an ombre effect. Table numbers were made by my parents using wood reclaimed from an old barn on our family’s dairy in Southern Idaho.

Wedding seating chart on rustic wood background

Nautical themed wedding reception with floral centerpieces

Rustic wedding table decor with favors and burlap runner

Rustic wedding centerpieces with flowers and vintage mirrors

Painted Glass and Peonies

The centerpieces were painted glass vases of varying sizes found at local thrift stores as well as painted vases reused from another friend’s wedding. I was excited to learn local peonies would be in season in June and bought our flowers fresh at Pike Place Market; which was a huge money saver! The bridesmaids and I stayed up the night before to make our bouquets and flower crowns.

Two tier wedding cake with peonies and I do Me too topper