Photo by Affinity Photography
Puget Sound wedding venues...there are so many to choose from, yet at the same time not enough. Peak season in the PNW runs June-September. If you don’t book your venue at least a year in advance you may find yourself scrambling to find something that fits your ideal date. There are so many to weed through. How do you know which ones are the best? First, you could narrow it down to ones that fit your ideal vision (that’s a whole ‘nother blog!) and go from there. However, today we’d like to share with you our top 12 favorite venues in the greater Seattle area. All three of our lead planners at It’s Your Day have chosen their top 4 (with a few honorable mentions) and we break it down on why said venues tickle our fancy and have made the cut.
Ashley’s Top 4:
Willows Lodge Woodinville
Located in Woodinville Wine Country, Willows Lodge has a charm that appeals to all types. It has a PNW lodge feel with lots of wood and a tiny hint of rustic charm. The gardens & grounds are absolutely beautiful, complete with a firepit, lawn games, and pet pigs. The venue is also an actual lodge/hotel complete with a spa, so you and your guests have a place to stay the night(s) of the wedding AND get pampered. The most notable thing about the venue however, is THE FOOD! Willows wedding meals are catered by the Barking Frog restaurant. Mmmm. This is a fabulous venue, and in fact, we will be there showcasing the venue January 27th, 2019 for the 10th annual Weddings in Woodinville.
The Golf Club at Newcastle Newcastle
Even if you absolutely loathe golf, this venue is worth it for the breathtaking view! Situated up on a hill near Cougar Mountain, the view expands from Downtown Seattle to Bellevue, to the Olympics, Cascades and beyond. You can choose from a few different locations for your ceremony & reception here, but our favorite is the tent on the Prestwick Terrace. Delicious food & incredible service round this venue out as a solid top choice.
Salty’s at Alki West Seattle
Located in the beautiful Alki area of West Seattle, Salty’s has arguably one of the most amazing views across the water of the Downtown Seattle skyline. Many people don’t know that this amazing restaurant has a full event space located downstairs. Depending on your guest count, you can utilize one to three of the adjoining rooms to fit up to 240 seated guests. They have two patios, right outside on the water, perfect for ceremonies and/or cocktail hour, and feeling that cool ocean breeze on your skin. On top of all that, the food is incredible. Did I mention this is where I got married!!?? :)
Ballard Bay Club Ballard
Another beautiful waterview venue, this gem is located in Ballard. This venue has a bit of everything; with 2 rooms to utilize, (seating up to 400) complimented by brick and a warm wood tones, as well as a patio and bit of lawn space for the ceremony or outdoor cocktail hour. Enjoy the palm trees, and the view of the Olympics, giving it that true beachy yet PNW feel. This venue is operated and catered by Jewel Hospitality Group which is a wonderful team of professionals who serve up some amazing food (they have a few other fun venues too).
Ashley’s Honorable Mentions: SODO Park, Hidden Meadows
Christina’s Top 4:
1. Edgewater Hotel Seattle
This venue is iconic Seattle—we’re talking the hotel where Led Zeppelin crazily trashed their room and the Beatles fished out their hotel window- it’s located right on the water with breathtaking views of the sound. The Edgewater offers an elegant refined feel, and one that has the essence of our great Emerald City all over it. Getting married here provides the convenience of being downtown along the water with easy access to plenty of fun things to explore for out of town guests. The Edgewater hotel also offers room blocks so you and your guests are able to stay up until the mic drop of the last song, and then either go out for the after party or walk down the hall to your comfy room! The venue coordinator Catrina is fabulous, and she along with your wedding coordinator will guide you through all that is the Edgewater, making sure your wedding day is just as you dreamed!
2. The Woodmark Kirkland
This is another waterfront hotel venue combo- it sits on Lake Washington in Kirkland. This hotel has a very refined nautical theme and there are various areas to get married at, all along the well-kept lakefront. There are many highlights about this venue option, from the hotel convenience to the amazing selection in food and service. This venue is less congested than a Seattle venue and offers easy parking for guests, as well as the cute little city of downtown Kirkland in almost walkable distance. There are sweeping stairs for stunning photo ops, and you even get a boat ride after you say your I-do’s! The attention to detail and service that is given to each couple that gets married here is truly genuine. They do require a day-of coordinator and that is to continue the ease of your wedding planning. Working with your planner and venue coordinator, this venue will bring you a well-rounded beautiful day with high end service from pre-ceremony to your last dance.
3. Skansonia Ferry Northlake-Seattle
Yes, another water view venue!! This venue is on a vintage moored Ferry Boat, and is chock-full of Seattle history. Located on North Lake Union; you have the panoramic skyline of Seattle as your backdrop, and meditative sounds of the water lapping at the sides of the boat as the boat traffic quietly passes by and sea planes land in the distance. This venue is pretty special as I got married there in 2011! They have made a lot of upgrades since then. The biggest compliment I received when having my wedding was that the food was amazing-- which it was! The buffet was lavish with plenty to choose from. The dance hall is already lit up with bistro lights, and ready for the party. This venue doesn’t host the same convenience as the hotels do, but is treat for those visiting from out of state, especially if you are having a summer wedding!
4. Treehouse Point Issaquah
We are now venturing out of Seattle, still King County, but somewhere a little bit more PNW, and hearty. Amongst the trees, if you please! Who doesn’t love tree houses? Not what your 10 year old self remembers, but designer treehouse; with plush beds and heaters inside. I can’t describe fully how beautiful these treehouses are, but they are designed by Nelson Treehouses...go take a peek at that website. The first time we did a wedding at this venue I felt totally blown away. There are trails, and a beautiful river that runs behind you. They have Yoga in the pond room which is also where the dancing happens after dinner on your wedding night, and much more. The Treehouses are for you and your guests to stay in, there are 6 Treehouses and the couple should certainly stay in a Treehouse on their wedding night, the rest is for your close family or bridal party. Food is provided by caterers off their preferred vendor list. This is a really dreamy spot to get hitched, and you really feel like you’re somewhere extremely special….because you are, and that is in nature.
Christina’s Honorable Mentions : Rainier Chapter House, Melrose Market Studios
Sara’s Top 4:
Maplehurst Farm Mount Vernon
Beautifully situated in the heart of the Skagit Valley in Mount Vernon Washington, this venue is my top pick (I love it so much, we got married there!!). It boasts views of Mount Baker, and is a well maintained 6 acre family farm. You can count on ample space for up to 225 guests, including plenty of parking and ceremony space options galore. If you have a smaller guest list, there is a tiny “Secret Garden” situated behind the mansion. Or go big on the main lawn, in the gardens, in the barn or under the impressive treeline that welcomes you to the venue. Get your vendors together & let the festivities begin!
2. Lairmont Manor Bellingham
This venue is pretty unique. Indoor or outdoor space is available for 100 to 250 guest respectively. The Manor is a century old Italian Renaissance-Style estate, with a BEAUTIFUL garden. I could spend all day in the garden you guys...I wonder if they would let me just sit there a while with a book, and a glass of wine!? Okay, back on track, the landscaping on the grounds is basically enough, so additional ceremony decor is pretty unnecessary. Not to mention the fountains! Meaning, you can focus your time and energy toward making the tent beautiful for your big day. If we had gotten married in the summer, this would’ve been a top choice for us. Winter wedding indoors anyone? The historic town of Fairhaven is close by, and is a place your guests would probably love to tool around for a long weekend. Take pictures by Bellingham Bay during cocktail hour, and dance the night away under the giant oak trees at the Lairmont Manor!
3. Semiahmoo Resort Blaine
This venue really has it all. Ocean views, city views, tasty food, great staff, and room for all your guests. It is close enough to town, that you can find anything you need, yet far enough out of town to feel like you are on a little vacation. Hey, lets just be honest and call it a wanna-be destination wedding, without the plane ticket! For the win! Your guests can make it a long weekend, come and golf or enjoy time out on the ocean. Nearby, Bellingham has something for everyone. Get married on the beach, the dock or snuggle up under the giant wedding tent, have a kids party during the reception in their mini movie theater, and a killer after party at the bar. Brunch the next day to say farewell to all your favorite people. I’m SOLD.
4. Swan Trail Farms Snohomish
This venue is just waiting for your vision to bring it to life. Get married on the grassy knoll, under the open, yet covered patio area, or under the pergola by the scenic pond. The staff there is friendly and hard working, and your 250 guests will have ample space to party! Go back each year and check out the pumpkin patch & corn maze that is on property and look back fondly on your big day! I say I DO!
Sara’s Honorable Mentions: Seattle Aquarium, Fremont Foundry
There you have it~ Our top 12 PNW area venues (make that 18 including our fabulous honorable mentions)! Check them out. Hopefully this helps in your search for your perfect venue. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions, we are always down to chat weddings!
Cheers!
Ashley, Christina & Sara (the lead planners at It’s Your Day Events).
Photo by Affinity Photography
