Special occasions

Memorial services

We offer memorial services for families who want to honor their loved ones in a special way. Before submitting a memorial request, please read the guidelines below to understand our requirements and plan ahead. The request form is linked at the bottom of this page.

Memorials are scheduled on sailings during non-peak travel times to minimize delays. On weekdays (Monday through Friday), they are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), they take place on sailings 10 a.m. or earlier. Visit our schedule by route webpage to view and pick a sailing within these times. 

Memorials are available on these routes:

• Anacortes/Friday Harbor
• Anacortes/Orcas Island
• Edmonds/Kingston
• Mukilteo/Clinton
• Port Townsend/Coupeville
• Seattle/Bainbridge Island
• Seattle/Bremerton

Ashes must be placed in a certified biodegradable container, sometimes called a “journey urn,” which dissolves quickly in water. The container must stay intact when released from the ferry. A floral tribute may also be released, but it cannot have plastic, wire, ribbons or other non-biodegradable materials. If ashes are not in a biodegradable container, the memorial will be canceled and must be rescheduled.

The vessel's captain has the final say on whether a memorial can take place. It may be canceled due to bad weather or other operational issues. If this happens, the memorial may be moved to another vessel, rescheduled or refunded. 

Once aboard, a member of the memorial group must check in with the first crew member they see and show their confirmation email. The crew will check with the captain to ensure the memorial can proceed. When approved, the group will be taken to the car deck on the back side of the vessel. A crew member will accompany one person beyond the restricted area to release the ashes and/or flowers into the water.

Memorials typically take place halfway through the sailing. The captain will make an announcement to notify passengers that the vessel is slowing down for a memorial. The entire process must take no longer than five minutes to minimize disruption to regular service and operations. The captain will decide whether to sound the vessel's whistle.

Only one memorial is scheduled per day, per route. We recommend filling out our memorial request form up to a month in advance, especially in the spring and summer seasons. There is a $150 fee to reserve a memorial, collected at the time of confirmation. This covers administrative costs and helps keep the service accessible to the community. Ticket fares are still required for passengers and vehicles in memorial groups. Memorial groups with vehicles must make vehicle reservations for routes that require them. 

For help with the form or questions about the process, call 206-515-3464.

Weddings

Our captains are not allowed to legally perform weddings, however couples are allowed to get married by an officiant of their choice.

Ferries are open to the public at all times: We do not offer private changing rooms or separate event space on the ferry. For this reason, small wedding parties during non-commuter sailings are recommended.

Outside catering and alcohol policy: All alcohol must be purchased and consumed in the galley. Wedding parties may not bring outside caterers or alcoholic beverages on board.

Birthdays and celebrations

Passengers are welcome to bring cake and prepared food aboard, but outside catering is not permitted. Due to fire safety regulations, open flames, including birthday candles, also are not allowed.

Advance arrangements are required for memorial services only. Call 206-464-6400 (1-888-808-7977 toll-free, in state) for any other questions about your event.