An Elegant Navy Roche Harbor Wedding

Devon and Colin’s Roche Harbor wedding was one of those days that felt like it was pulled straight out of a summertime daydream on the water. I had already fallen in love with these two during their Oak Harbor engagement session, so getting to see their story come full circle with a destination Roche Harbor wedding on San Juan Island felt incredibly special.

Roche Harbor is one of my all-time favorite places to photograph. Tucked on the north end of San Juan Island, Roche Harbor Resort is a historic seaside property with a bustling marina, formal gardens, and the iconic white Hotel de Haro, the oldest continually operating hotel in Washington. Everywhere you turn there’s another postcard-worthy view—boats bobbing in the harbor, forested islands in the distance, brick walkways, and little nooks of greenery that feel like your own private escape. A Roche Harbor wedding really does feel like its own little world.

Devon and Colin’s day was deeply personal and full of meaning from the very beginning. With Colin in the Navy, they chose to weave in subtle Navy traditions throughout their Roche Harbor wedding day—crisp dress blues, proud friends in uniform, and small nods to the life they’ve built together around service and the sea. Paired with Devon’s soft, romantic bridal style and the charm of the resort, it created such a beautiful contrast: a timeless, elegant celebration with just the right amount of nautical edge.

They spent the morning getting ready on the property, with views of the harbor right outside their windows. I loved watching Devon surrounded by her closest people—hair and makeup happening near windows flooded with natural light, dresses hanging from old-fashioned hooks, and the soft hum of excitement in the room. Down the way, Colin was getting ready with his guys, swapping stories, fixing ties, and sharing that quiet, nervous laughter that always shows up right before a groom sees his bride.

One of my favorite things about a Roche Harbor wedding is how seamlessly the day can flow. The resort is designed so that ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions are all just a short walk from one another, whether you’re using the lush Sunken Garden for an outdoor ceremony, the historic Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel on the hillside, or the pavilion for your reception. Guests never have to worry about driving, and you always have the water, gardens, and historic buildings as your backdrop.

Devon and Colin chose to say their vows surrounded by flowers and greenery, with the harbor just a short stroll away. Their ceremony was heartfelt and full of emotion—happy tears, big smiles, and that look couples get when they realize this is really happening. Their friends and family are such a fun, loving group, and you could feel how much everyone had been looking forward to this Roche Harbor wedding weekend. Every reading, every vow, every squeeze of a hand from the front row felt meaningful.

After the ceremony, we wandered around the resort for portraits, and Roche Harbor did what it always does: showed off. The manicured gardens, brick paths, and historic white buildings created a classic, almost European feel, while the marina and distant islands kept everything grounded firmly in the Pacific Northwest. Devon’s gown moved beautifully in the breeze, and Colin never stopped looking at her like she was the only person in the world. We slipped down toward the docks for a few photos with the boats and water, letting them soak in a few quiet moments together before heading back to the party.

Their reception was just steps away, which is another reason I love a Roche Harbor wedding—the transitions are easy and guests can simply wander between spaces, drink in hand, without missing a moment. Inside their reception space, the tables were set with thoughtful details that felt perfectly “Devon and Colin”: elegant, relaxed, and welcoming. There was so much laughter during toasts—stories from childhood, Navy memories, and sweet words about how these two bring out the best in each other.

Once the formalities wrapped up, the dance floor turned into the best kind of chaos. Their friends and family know how to celebrate, and the music pulled everyone in—parents, grandparents, old friends, and new ones, all dancing under twinkle lights as the sky outside shifted into that soft San Juan Island twilight. During a Roche Harbor wedding, the evening always feels a little extra magical: the harbor lights start to glow, the air cools off just enough, and the whole resort seems to hum with this cozy, vacation-meets-celebration energy.

We slipped out for a few last portraits as the sun dropped behind the islands—Devon and Colin tucked close together, the marina behind them, the sky fading into dusky blues and pinks. Those images, taken after the big moments have passed and the nerves are gone, are often my favorites. There’s a different kind of joy in them—a steady, settled happiness that says, “We did it. This is our Roche Harbor wedding, and this is the start of everything that comes next.”

Looking back on Devon and Colin’s Roche Harbor wedding, what stands out to me most isn’t just how beautiful everything looked (though it truly was stunning). It’s how it felt. It felt like summer on the water, like family and chosen family coming together, like the perfect blend of Navy pride and island ease. It felt like a weekend where everyone could slow down, breathe in the salt air, and really be present for this incredible moment in their lives.

If you’re dreaming of your own Roche Harbor wedding, it’s easy to see why this place has become one of the premier destination venues in the Pacific Northwest. With its historic hotel, formal gardens, chapel, marina, and pavilion spaces—all wrapped up in rich history that spans from Coast Salish communities and lime kilns to a full-service resort today—Roche Harbor offers a setting that’s both timeless and full of character. And if your day ends up feeling anything like Devon and Colin’s, you’re in for something truly unforgettable.