FAQs

Question

Are kids invited to the wedding?

Answer

Due to the size and location of the ceremony, we are keeping it adults only.

Question

I'm worried I might mess up someone's pronouns. What's the best way to ask?

Answer

Thank you for asking! Even for those of us who practice regularly, using pronouns in new ways can be squirrely. The goal isn't perfection! So please be patient with yourself and others. If you make a mistake, which we all do, it's okay! Just try your best, correct your mistakes where you can, and remember that we're all in the same boat learning how to do better together. When needed, here are a couple of helpful examples: Lead by sharing yours - "Hi, I'm So-and-so. I use X/X pronouns." Just ask - "Can you remind me your pronouns?" If you realize you've accidentally used the wrong pronoun for someone, go ahead and correct yourself and keep going. No need to make a big deal out of it. Simple self-correct, and keep recounting that hilarious, wonderful story of misadventure you were just wowing everybody with! You got this. If you have any lingering questions or worries, reach out to us directly and we'll help you out. Ask us anything, truly. We'll help you feel more confident where you might currently feel nervous about "getting it right". We got you.

Question

How long does it take to get to San Juan Island from Seattle?

Answer

Plan for the whole trip to take about 4.5+ hours. The drive from Seattle to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal is about a 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. It's important to arrive at the terminal NO LESS than 40 min before your ferry departs (even if you have a reservation). Then the ferry boat ride takes another 1-1.5 hours. If you arrive for your reservation less than 30 minutes before your boat's departure, you forfeit your reservation, and will be placed in the standby line and you may or may not get on your intended ferry. Theora once arrived 27 minutes before departure - just 3 minutes shy of the 30 min reservation cut off - and lost her reservation. Let her 3 hour mistake be a cautionary tale to all! NOTE: High traffic times for traveling to the San Juan Island ferries are Friday-Sunday (all day in the summer) and between 3:00-7:00pm on weekdays. Best practice is to plan for 1-2 hours of buffer on the commute and to check Google Maps for estimated commute timing.

Question

What if we want to come early or stay later?

Answer

Please do! San Juan Island is exquisite and is a favored destination spot even for Seattleites. There is whale watching, the Whale Museum, ample fishing and sailing charters, great nature hikes, historical sites (like British and American Camp of the notorious Pig War), state parks like Lime Kiln (which has a lovely lighthouse and where orcas can often be spotted from the cliff sides), the meadows of South Beach, historical Roche Harbor, as well as lots of cute bookshops, ice cream parlors, and dockside cafes. We would also love the opportunity to see you more and if you are here before or after the celebration, that might create an opportunity for us to spend some more intimate time together. That said, we may not know what we can commit to until closer to the date when the plan and all it's moving pieces are more solidified.

Question

Do I need reservations for the Ferry?

Answer

Short answer: Not if you are walking on. Long answer: If you are driving on, it is strongly advised to make a reservation. The route you'll need a ticket for is "Anacortes to Friday Harbor". If you don't have a reservation, you can still sometimes get on as one of the 10% of spots reserved for drive-up standbys. If you don't make it on your intended ferry, you may have to sit and wait for the next boat. Recently they lowered the amount of Standby spots from 20 to 10 %. We see it incredibly necessary to secure a reservation. Reservations are release in waves (2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days ahead of departure date). For more information or to make a reservation, visit this url: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations/vehicle/default.aspx?op=Make+reservations

Question

What happens if I miss the last ferry for the night?

Answer

First, stay calm - you planned extra time in just in case! Head over to the Ship Harbor Inn and grab a room for the night! If you have missed the ferry, plan to arrive in the standby line AT LEAST one hour early for the FIRST ferry of the day the following morning.

Question

Are there rideshare services on San Juan?

Answer

Unfortunately, no. There is no Uber or Lyft. However, there are taxi services, but wait times can be long: Salish Sea Island Cabs and EcoTaxi.

Question

Can I rent a car on San Juan Island?

Answer

Yes. In Friday Harbor, renting a car gives you the fullest flexibility to explore the island. The two rental companies are M&W Auto and Susie's Mopeds, which is just a short walk from the ferry landing. Susie's rents mopeds, cars, bikes, and e-bikes.

Question

Is camping an option for lodging?

Answer

Yes! We have a 1-acre, open field that is located about an 18 minute drive away from the wedding venue. This option is full rustic. The field does not have any amenities (think: bring a sunshower for bathing) and if there are more than 6 confirmed campers, we'll ask each family unit to pitch in $50 (or less) for the weekend to cover a portable loo to reduce impact on the land. If you have a camper, van, or want to pitch a tent to save on lodging, this could be a great option. Please contact Theora or Drew for more details, or to let us know if you are considering this option so that we can track a probable headcount.

Question

Where should I book lodging?

Answer

We have a courtesy room block hold with Earthbox Inn & Spa- Please reach out to them with the group name HALSEY to reserve your room. More information is available on the TRAVEL tab of the website. Please go ahead and make whatever reservations put your mind at ease. It's hard to go wrong on the island!