POSTED: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008
Adjusting to facts of Northwest life can help you avert wedding woes
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closeGetting hitched in the Pacific Northwest may involve a few details that Martha Stewart never took into account … like tides, border backups and ferry lines.
Here’s a timeline to help you head off matrimonial mayhem, factoring in the special circumstances that make the Fourth Corner such a heavenly place to get married.
WAAAAAAY AHEAD
Only a few venues in Whatcom County have room to host large gatherings. Plus, venues that offer sought-after water views are soon snapped up. So book early if you are hosting a crowd or want the beauty of Puget Sound in the background of your nuptials.
Semiahmoo Resort takes reservations up to 1˝ years in advance. For popular summer dates, couples need to book at least 10 months in advance; every summer weekend sells out.
A YEAR AHEAD
Reservations for facilities run by Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department may be made up to one year in advance. Port of Bellingham facilities including the popular Bellingham Cruise Terminal and Squalicum Boathouse can be reserved up to one year in advance.
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department opens bookings for the year on the first Monday of December, so you might want to rethink planning a February wedding at Hovander Homestead Park.
BEWARE OF BIG NIGHTS
Avoid crunch times for overnight accommodations when hosting many out-of-town guests. Watch out for Western Washington University parent weekends, homecoming and graduation dates; high school graduation dates; and Ski to Sea weekend.
Keep in mind the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia from Feb. 12-28. We can’t predict the impact on local hotels, but there will likely be border delays during this time that could blindside your guests’ travel plans.
FERRY-TALE WEDDINGS
There are major wait times for ferry crossings all summer long, particularly to the San Juans and especially on weekends. The annual Stommish Festival in June will make travel out to Lummi Island a bit busier than usual.
Warn friends and family who are new to the Northwest about summer ferry lines. If you have a big enough group, you might book a plane or water taxi. Or suggest carpooling.
To avoid a potential ferry schedule catastrophe, guests should plan to arrive the day before the ceremony and book a two-night stay.
ISLAND TIME
If you are planning a romantic island wedding in the San Juans you’ll need to book as far as one year in advance.
Most venues that also offer lodging will hold a block of rooms for your guests, available for reservations up to one month prior to the wedding. If guests want to choose alternate accommodations they need to make reservations long before summer peak time when weekends are booked solid.
Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island books more than one year out; they are already receiving bookings for popular summer weekends in 2009.
BLUE SKIES AND SUNSHINE, NOT
Hope for sun, plan for rain, say all the wedding planners. No matter if your wedding is set for the height of August, you need a Plan B in the event of rain. Either rent a tent or book a venue that provides an indoor alternative.
LUNAR LINEUP
If your dream is to get married barefoot on the beach, check a tide table for dates and times of low tides or you might be wading during your ceremony.
BORDER BROUHAHAS
In 2009, the requirements for crossing the U.S. border from Canada will change.
The documents that will be allowed after this date are a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card or a trusted traveler card, such as NEXUS. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice. Go to www.travel.state.gov for updates.
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