Local Vendors
Updated March 2020
Wedding Planner
Dance Lessons
Photographer
Officiant
Entertainment
Guest Transportation
Flowers
Locations
Caterers
Vashon Weather
The Island is a beautiful place for your Vashon Wedding, however there are some things you should be aware of before you commit to the Island for your important day. The weather is very much in-line with typical Seattle weather with the added wetness that you will find on a coastal town. Storms, rain, and unpredictable overcast is a very common occurrence during our Fall and Winter months. As a result, most of the outdoor venues you see listed on our site will only offer their space from June through September. While the weather is not always guaranteed, when we experience clear skies and warm, the Island is the most beautiful location you will ever experience. The best weeks of weather will generally fall the last two weeks of July through the first two weeks of August. While the weather still is hit or miss during that time, you have a better chance of enjoying a nice day. Early July is almost always in cloud cover, and rain (yes, even the Fourth of July). The last few weeks of June will often grace you with perfect days on occasion, with temperatures a but more tolerable than they are in late July and early August. September will give you a bit f a chill, and if we’re having a wet summer you’re almost guaranteed rain, however there has been known to be a nice day or two.
Everything You Need
No matter what time of year you plan your big day, be sure to have a backup for that chance of rain or clouds. Your wedding planner, or venue coordinator will help you with backup plans as there is almost a guarantee that they have experience with the unpredictable weather.
You can find almost all of what you need from a planner, officiant, florist, photographer, caterer, linen and tableware rentals on the Island. Vashon has become a popular destination for weddings, and therefore individuals and businesses have found ways to accommodate those looking to hold their wedding on the Island. In addition to our comprehensive list you can always ask around either on our Vashonites Facebook Group, or just pop in for a drink at May’s Kitchen and Bar, The Hardware Store Restaurant, Gravy or any other location and ask around. You’re almost guaranteed that you’ll either meet someone that has bee married on the Island, or at least knows someone that has.
Planing Your Perfect Wedding
Weddings can be the most special day for most people, and holding your wedding on Vashon can make it even more special. It can also be a wake up call with how much money is needed, so we created this simple timeline guide to help with your wedding planning.
10-12 Months Before
Budget This is the most important thing of all weddings. Communicate and decide what you’re willing to scrimp and save. Weddings that are on a tight budget can be easily done on Vashon. From a simple gathering at a park (be sure to coordinate with the parks department by email or phone 206-463-9602) to booking a beautiful destination wedding at the Lodges.
Preliminary Guest List Start getting a number in mind so that you understand what size of a venue you will need to accommodate everyone.
Wedding Party Start picking your groomsmen and maids of honor. Your parents and those closest are going to be notified. They can all certainly help you make your plans.
The Dress and Tux Get the idea of look for the wedding party, start looking through magazines for a dress style you might want.
Wedding Planner Option If planning a wedding seems too stressful and time-consuming, hire a wedding planner who will take care of all the details! Local event planner Silver Platter Vashon is a great resource.
Dance Lessons It has become a tradition for the bride and groom to take dancing lessons before the wedding. Not only does it alow them to show off their talents, but it brings them closer together as a couple as a sort of therapy. Jacqui Lown is a local dance instructor that can get couples a few lessons in.
6 to 9 Months Before
Create a Gift Registry You can set up a list and share it on Amazon.com, or speak with local businesses and gather a list of your own to share with your guests.
Photographer If a friend hasn’t offered to photograph your wedding by this time, you can choose from a local photographer including Clara Perez.
Officiant The person who will perform your ceremony is extremely important and has a lot to say about who you are as a couple. If you don’t choose your church, there are a few non-traditional officiants on Vashon to choose from including Pattie Hanmer, Lisa Devereau, Mela Bredouw at Vashon Cohousing (a great venue as well), Barbara Doepke, Gator Lanphear, and Susan Lynch.
Entertainment Hire a DJ or entertainer for the reception. Local Vashonites Michael Golen-Johnson, Michael Witmore, and Allison Shirk are all excellent choices.
Hotel Block For those guests and wedding party coming from off-island you will need a reliable location for them to stay. We have a comprehensive list with details and ratings for all the available properties on the Island. The Lodges is the Island’s only true hotel, however, if you’re looking to rent a complete home there are many to choose from including the Marjesira inn.
Transportation Any type of vehicle that needs to be used for wedding, such as limo or shuttles, those will need to be reserved. First Student provides shuttle service for your guests.
3 to 5 Months Before
Rehearsal Dinner Plan and invite.
Wedding Favors Order guest wedding favors. The Vashon Pharmacy has items you can choose from, and can coordinate orders ahead of time.
Flowers Your flowers and the decor are extremely important to a successful wedding and you can find many florists on Vashon from the Vashon Island Thriftway to the popular Herban Bloom located just in town. There are also Calico Gardens, and Delinda Mccann (the beautiful flower stand you see in Burton).
6 to 8 Weeks Before
Invitations Mail out invitations. You can mail them from the Post Office on Vashon, however, you might have better luck if they are mailed from off-Island.
Marriage License King County Marriage License fees are $64 (last we checked). You can obtain your license on Island at the Vashon Cmty. Service Center
10011 SW Bank Rd.
Vashon, WA 98070
Ph: 206.477.6659
They are open between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays.
3 to 5 Weeks Before
Confirmation Confirm with all vendors the details of the ceremony and reception. Pay any deposits that have’t been covered yet, and talk details with them including arrival time and any special requests you might have.
1 to 2 Weeks Before
Guest Count Have the final guest count for caterer.
Confirm Times Confirm all times, one last time, with vendors and bridal party.
1 Day Before
Night Before Make sure everything is laid out and ready to go. This includes, license, rings, dress, make up and a bridal emergency kit.
