seattle's last wooden ferry
Capacity: Seated Reception | 175
Standing Reception | 200
Location: North Lake Union
205 NE Northlake Way #6855, Seattle, WA 98105
Style: Waterfront & Historic
Features: Views of downtown Seattle, hand carved wood bar, rustic ferry boat charm
The MV Skansonia is Seattle’s premier waterfront venue. Constructed in 1929 by the Skansie Brothers, the Skansonia ferried cars and passengers between Vashon Island and Point Defiance for decades, before finding its permanent docking place on Lake Union and beginning its new career in event hosting.
With its signature center bar, polished wood floors, a large outdoor deck, and a postcard view of the Seattle skyline, the Skansonia is the embodiment of iconic Seattle.
Venue Manager | Ruby Sainsbury
Let's Talk About MV Skansonia
explore the MV SKANSONIA
“The MV Skansonia is a beautiful and unique venue. I’ve photographed weddings and events here and am always happy with the lightning and ambiance. It’s dreamy. The staff are kind and helpful and the layout of the space works really well for large groups. All that and I haven’t even mentioned the stunning views of downtown Seattle and Lake Union… unbeatable.”
– Melissa, Google Reviews
your nautical dream come true
Even though The Skansonia hasn’t sailed in some time, it has stayed true to its nautical roots, offering the perfect backdrop for weddings, corporate parties, golden hour happy hours, and other celebrations on the Seattle Waterfront. Take a look at our gallery for inspiration!
farm-to-fork CATERING
PROVIDED BY HERBAN FEAST
Catering by Herban Feast focuses on bringing flavor and quality to the forefront. We start with our farm fresh produce and herbs, grown in our very own gardens at Fox Hollow Farm. This allows our executive chef to prepare enticing appetizers, savory dinner courses, and late-night bites that will rival the best restaurants in Seattle. From intimate gatherings to elaborate weddings, our kitchen prides itself on fresh, seasonal ingredients for every occasion, big or small.
Frequently asked questions
- 150 seated outside for the ceremony (25 on the balcony “Cheering Section”)
- 150 indoor ceremony seating
- 175 seated (200 seated if you utilize both sides of the boat).
- 220 standing reception.
The boat is ADA accessible on the first floor, we have a wide ramp leading onto the boat and an ADA accessible bathroom located on the first floor. Upstairs is not ADA accessible but the main wedding action is on the first floor.
We provide a comprehensive range of equipment to ensure your event runs smoothly. This includes everything from tables and chairs to catering equipment. For a detailed list of the equipment we offer, please click here to view our full inventory.
We have two “Skansonia” marked spots available to use anytime for tours, meetings and rehearsals. We are lucky enough to have access to the private lot from Waterfront Construction, this is only available for customers and guests to use during the evenings and weekends. The lot has up to 17 spots and there is plenty of street parking in the area as well.
Unfortunately we do not currently have AC but we do have a total of 6 ceiling fans that keep the air flowing and being right on the water generally keeps it cooler! For those colder months we have heating inside the boat and we have 3 propane outdoor heaters available to rent if you would like to utilize the outside area.
We have an inhouse sound system available to use for background music and you are welcome to plug in a phone/tablet/laptop and use our AUX cable however you would need to provide the adapter (if needed). We also have 1 in house corded microphone available for general announcements or use during the ceremony if not provided by DJ/Band.
We do not have projectors or screens available on site, this would need to be provided, please ask your venue manager/coordinator for our partner AV vendor contacts. projectors and screens will not be operated by any Landmark Event Co. staff.
We do have a rain back up plan (it is Seattle after all!) Incase of rain we can move the ceremony inside on the cocktail hour/dance floor side of the boat. We can usually make this call 3 hours prior to guest arrival so we have enough time to set up the chairs.
We have 1 ADA bathroom and 4 stalls upstairs
Unfortunately we have a strict no open flame policy so only flameless candles are allowed. We have an LED tea light package available to rent in house!
She does not move unfortunately, The MV Skansonia stays permanently docked on Lake Union. She has been out of commission for many years and enjoys her retirement permanently docked on Lake Union enjoying the beautiful Seattle skyline!
Absolutely! We love the doggies at the MV Skansonia and they are welcome to join for photos and the ceremony but we do ask that someone takes them home during cocktail hour before food is served.
Yes and it is complimentary! Ask your venue representative for the network and password!
