Transportation:

Miller Boat Line runs an 18-minute route from the Point of Catawba Island to the southern tip of South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). During the summer season Miller's runs every half hour, beginning as early as 6:30 a.m. and ending as late as 9 p.m. Miller's also runs a longer season than the Jet Express, beginning generally in mid-March and running into December when the weather is mild.

Miller's offers discounted rates for groups of 25 or more. Visit their website for Miller Boat Line's updated schedule and services by clicking on  Miller Boat Line or you may contact them directly by calling 800-500-2421.

The Miller ferries dock at the Lime Kiln Dock on South Bass Island. The dock is about 2.5 miles from downtown Put-in-Bay. Miller's is the only ferry service that carries vehicles to the island. A downtown bus (school bus) and taxi service transports people between the dock and downtown. There is also a bicycle and golf cart rental located at the top of the dock.

The Jet Express runs a 22-minute route from downtown Port Clinton, OH to downtown Put-in-Bay. The Jet travels a farther distance in a much faster ferry boat. The Jet docks at Fox's (also known as Duggan's) Dock downtown Put-in-Bay. The dock is located across from DeRivera Park where many weddings are held in the park gazebo.

The Jet runs about every 45 minutes during the season and they operate until midnight during peak season. The Jet also offers discounted rates for groups. A bicycle and golf cart rental is located on the dock. The Jet carries only passengers, but will also accommodate bicycles.

The Jet provides a luggage shuttle for transporting heavy luggage off the ferry and onto the dock. Visit their website for the Jet's current schedule and services by clicking on The Jet Express or you may contact them directly by calling 800-245-1538.

Island Transportation operates the Downtown Bus and the Island Tour Train. The Tour Train, a vehicle drawn tram, can be rented to transport your guests. We suggest you contact them early in the year, or even the year before your wedding if you will need their services. You can visit their website by clicking on Island Transportation, or you may contact them directly by calling 419-285-2016.

North Coast Cab Company is South Bass Island's only year round taxi service. North Coast provides group services for transporting guests and also provides a luggage handling service for those having reservations at island accommodations. North Coast has an entire fleet of large vans and the drivers are very helpful in assisting passengers.

North Coast also offers discounts to groups and operates 24 hours a day on the weekend during peak season. You can visit their website by clicking on North Coast Cab Company or you may contact them directly by calling 419-285-3585.

Accommodations:

Put-in-Bay offers a wide variety of accommodations, from island cottages to 100-room hotels. All of the accommodations are non-franchise lodging and owned by island residents. Depending on the size of your wedding party, you might also want to consider an island bed and breakfast. Many B&B's will rent their entire home at a discounted rate and offer lovely backdrops for a beauty island wedding ceremony.

The larger and newer hotels on the island include The Bay Lodging House, the Islander Inn & Grand Islander Inn and new in 2004, the BayShores Resort. Each of these facilities is clean and well maintained and has a swimming pool. All are located in or near downtown.

If you are planning a wedding for 2004, you might call now to see about accommodations for your guests. Some lodging owners do not accept reservations until after January 1, but others will book a year ahead. Summer accommodations are limited and the hotels book up quickly for weekends and peak summer weeks, so make inquiries well in advance of your wedding.

Bay Lodging House is located on Lakeview Avenue, directly behind St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and just two blocks from downtown. Bay Lodging has conference facilities and suites available. Visit their website at Bay Lodging House or call them directly at 419-285-2041.

The Island Inn is located on Erie Street, just a block from the heart of downtown. The Islander Inn has conference and theme rooms available and features a courtyard that has a children's pool, a swimming pool, a conversation pool and a large Jacuzzi. Visit their website by clicking Islander Inn, or contact them directly at 419-285-7829.

The Grand Islander Inn is located on Catawba Avenue and is the sister hotel of the Islander Inn. The Grand Islander, formerly Parker's Inn, is adjacent to the downtown area. The Grand Islander has a restaurant, banquet and conference facilities and a swimming pool. Visit their website by clicking Grand Islander Inn, or contact them directly by calling 419-285-5555.

Ground will be broken in August for the new BayShore Resorts hotel which will open in spring 2004. This new resort hotel will have 60 rooms -- all with a view of the lake -- a swimming pool and Tiki Bar. Located on one of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Erie with a view of Perry's Victory and Kelleys Island, the BayShore Resorts will be the island's only waterfront hotel. The Landings Motel currently occupies the site of the hotel. You can contact the current accommodations for more information about reservations in 2004 at 419-285-3931.

An island bed and breakfast is an ideal choice for a small wedding and several of these B&Bs offer beautiful settings for the wedding ceremony itself. We are including three island B&Bs that have hosted weddings and we personally recommend everyone of them.

Ashley's Island House is the island's largest B&B with 13 rooms. It is located on Catawba Avenue, just around the corner from downtown Put-in-Bay. Ashley's features a beautiful wrap-around porch and a large dining area. Ashley's serves a large breakfast and each of the 13 rooms has a different theme. You can visit their website by clicking on Ashley's Island House or call them directly at 419-285-2844.

Buck and Ollies Bed & Breakfast is located near downtown on a quiet side street, Loraine Avenue, and has four rooms and a beautiful English garden. Less than a block from Delaware Avenue and the downtown area, this B&B makes a beautiful setting for an intimate wedding ceremony. The front garden is colorful and the side yard  is shady and private. Buck and Ollie's serves a nice breakfast and has a large front porch to enjoy. You can visit their website at Buck & Ollie's, or contact them directly at 419-285-2529.

The Grape Leaf Inn at Vintner's Cove is the island's only waterfront bed and breakfast and is located off Langram Road, about a 10-minute walk from downtown. The Grape Leaf serves a hot breakfast that can be enjoyed on the screened in porch of this historic island home. Quiet and peaceful, this gracious Victorian bed and breakfast has an expansive lawn that, along with the front wrap around porch, overlooks the island's south passage and the mainland. You can visit their website at The Grape Leaf Inn, or call them directly at 419-285-2330.

Stagger Inn, is located on Concord Avenue and was the home of the first island settler, Phillip Vroman. Just two blocks from the heart of downtown, Stagger Inn has seven rooms and serves a full breakfast. The B&B sits well of the street and a grove of trees and shrubs gives the expansive front porch some seclusion. A perfect setting for a wedding ceremony, Stagger Inn has a cozy feel and a large outdoor space. You can visit their website by clicking on Stagger Inn, or contact them directly at 419-285-2521.

Wisteria Inn is located on Langram Road, about 1 miles from downtown. This classic brick Victorian has been lovingly restored down to its original front porch. It's name comes from the abundance of wisteria that covers a long backyard arbor. The bed and breakfast offers four rooms as well as a separate apartment and guests may also enjoy use of a large spa in the beautiful backyard. Wisteria Inn serves a deluxe continental breakfast. You can visit their website by clicking on Wisteria Inn, or contact them directly at 419-285-2828.