This State Park here in Washington is an absolutely stunning spot - with cliffs over the ocean, moody beaches, and incredible backdrops for a wedding! Channica and Niko’s Deception Pass Micro Wedding, surrounded by a few loved ones, was intimate, meaningful, and perfect for them!

Getting Ready

For a wedding at Deception Pass, you’ll want to find a spot to get ready close by - there are plenty of adorable Airbnbs in Anacortes, which is just a 15 minute drive away.

When you’re looking, make sure you find a spot with good lighting! Natural light is the best, as it ensures you can see your makeup, and that your photos look amazing.

Channica got ready at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge before we went to Deception Pass for their first look!

smiling bride gets ready with friends and family at Deception Pass Micro Wedding

First Look at Rosario Beach

Channica and Niko chose a gorgeous clifftop spot for their first look, surrounded by greenery and the moody fog that Washington is known for. The two of them exchanged vows in private, enjoying this moment to themselves before meeting up with their guests! I love when my couples take a few private moments just for themselves before the festivities of the day begin!

couple embrace and almost kiss in front of large trees captured by Camille Docena

woman in white dress tearfully shares with man at Deception Pass Micro Wedding

If you’re considering a first look for your wedding, check out this guide! As a Seattle Wedding Photographer, I always try and provide amazing resources for my clients, and I would love to work with you!

Micro Wedding Ceremony at Rosario Beach in Deception Pass

pink and white floral decorations with palm fronds with ocean view captured by Camille Docena

Their ceremony took place at an overlook, decorated with gorgeous florals and a rug to stand on. Everyone walked down the “aisle” on the path to the overlook, where the couple exchanged rings and made things official, surrounded by the people they love most! I loved how casual it was with everyone standing around them vs sitting.

family and friends walk down the aisle in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

bride walks down the aisle with her father captured by Seattle Wedding Photographer

friends and family gather to support the happy couple captured by Camille Docena

couple exchange vows with ocean views in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

couple says their vows during ceremony with friends and family present captured by Seattle Wedding Photographer

man and woman exchange vows and rings captured by Camille Docena

bride has a tearful moment as groom puts ring on her finger in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

woman smiles with joy and embraces man after ceremony captured by Seattle Wedding Photographer

newly married husband and wife look lovingly into each other’s eyes captured by Camille Docena

After the ceremony, they took some photos with the family, before we took off for some photos of just the couple!

Newlywed couple shares their joy with friends and family and their beloved dog in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

Rosario Beach at Deception Pass is such a stunning place for a micro wedding, with a dock, scenic overlooks, views of the ocean, and a wild landscape perfect for anyone who loves nature! Everything was pretty close together and walkable, so if you’re not much of a “hiker”, this is perfect. It was so nice running around and exploring before returning to the family for the reception.

man tenderly kisses woman’s forehead on the pier in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

man and woman look back over their shoulder as they hold hands captured by Seattle Wedding Photographer

man in suit and woman in white dress walk through a field together captured by Camille Docena

individual photos of the bride and groom in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

man and woman walk along the path toward the horizon captured by Seattle Wedding Photographer

bride and groom embrace under a flowing veil captured by Camille Docena

couple walk down the beach holding hands in Deception Pass Micro Wedding

groom carries bride on the beach as they share a loving embrace captured by Seattle Wedding Photographer

couple look lovingly into each other’s eyes at the beach captured by Camille Docena

Micro Wedding Reception

Channica and Nico had a small reception at the park, with an adorable cake and some sweet treats! Nico’s mom actually made those yummy goodies! The talent!! We love it!! They set it up in one of the picnic areas, and hung out with their family to end off the afternoon.

detail of beautiful desserts and forest cake at deception pass micro wedding

guests embrace bride during reception captured by Seattle wedding photographer

bride and groom cut the cake together during the reception captured by Camille Docena

Deception Pass Wedding Permits

If you’re planning a Deception Pass Micro Wedding, you’ll need a permit!

The permit costs $45, and you’ll need to send it in as soon as possible to give the park enough time to process your application. You can find the application online and fill it out, then find the most up to date contact information for this particular State Park here! You’ll include the payment when you send in the application, and once the park approves, your ceremony is all set.

Your photographer may also need a permit to photograph your micro wedding at Deception Pass - so make sure your photographer is in the loop, and that they know how to get the right permits!

As a Seattle Wedding Photographer, my job is to make sure your experience is stress free, and that you get to be fully present, enjoying every moment. I’ll be by your side the whole way, and when you get your photos, you’ll be able to relive every incredible (maybe tearful) moment.

Let's chat if you’re ready to start planning your wedding at a local State Park!