Driven by its flourishing economy and amazing tourism, Seattle today is an energetic, forward-looking city at the forefront of innovation. Over the past few years, Americans have moved to Seattle in hoards; its incredible transformation into the largest city in Washington State has also made it one of the best cities in the country. The city is rich in culture and easy-going lifestyles, and it’s no accident that Seattle is the “Coffee Capital” of the United States, with an espresso bar on almost every corner. One of the city’s most active sightseeing areas is the waterfront and piers, home to ferry docks, and fun attractions like the Great Ferris Wheel. In addition, the city boasts a magnificent mountain setting; to the east is the ice pyramid of Mount Rainier National Park, arising out of the Cascade Mountains, to the west, the partly snow-capped peaks of Olympic National Park. While there are zillions of wedding venues to choose from in Washington, we’ve made it easy for you with a list of the best spaces in the Emerald City.
Best Open-Air Venues
WithinSodo
Within minutes of West Seattle Bridge, this artsy, industrial-chic venue has everything the downtown couple could ask for — original brick walls, polished concrete floors, and space to add your own creative flair. The skyline views from the Roof Deck and Penthouse are fantastic, so the expansive outdoor space is perfect for an open-air ceremony with the city as a backdrop. Move to the enclosed bar and covered area with a fireplace for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The edgy Ballroom will blow your guests away, mixing artisan chandeliers with old barn doors. The Lounge has state-of-the-art AV with a large projection screen and an amazing sound system with no time restrictions. The downstairs VIP room/bridal suite is relaxing and beautiful, while the adjacent Gallery can be used for an indoor ceremony or for curating your own exhibit!
The Woodmark Hotel
Each venue at this luxury hotel boasts amazing lakefront views, situated waterside on Carillon Point. From the rehearsal dinner to the wedding to the honeymoon, the staff will help you do it all. You’ll get magnificent vistas of Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains while listening to the soft chimes of the bells in the marina; why not go big and arrive or depart from the hotel by boat? It’s going to be hard to choose between so many open-air or indoor options (or both!) for your celebration. The Olympic Terrace has a trifecta of incredible backdrops: water, mountains, and skyline! With its white canopy and glowing chandeliers, it’s no wonder this setting is so popular. The Marina Room, which has a private outdoor veranda, is perfect for hosting a sunset cocktail reception. Welcome your friends and family with an intimate gathering in the Great Room, then celebrate the gala event in the expansive Lake Washington Ballroom. Keep everyone around for the weekend, so you can relax and linger with a day at the spa, a bike ride along the lake or an afternoon of kayaking.
Best Intimate Venues
JM Cellars Winery
JM Cellars, a family-owned craft winery in Woodinville, Washington, has focused on producing handcrafted and exclusive wines since 1998. Tucked on seven lushly wooded acres (whimsically named “Bramble Bump”), this hidden oasis is just 15 minutes from Seattle and feels both natural and urban — sophisticated and casual. Outdoor celebrations will take place in the spacious courtyard, strung with market lights, and surrounded by bountiful native Northwest foliage. Indoor events can flow between the welcoming Barrel, Fireside, and Tasting Rooms. Either way, you’ll have the whole place to yourself, as the venue only hosts one event per day! The Bridal Room has plush furnishings, individual makeup stations, and huge windows overlooking the beautiful property. Your guests can also make use of the Game Room, where there’s a pool table, fireplace, and wraparound deck. Combine amazing wine with an intimate and warm atmosphere; what more could you want?
Kimpton Palladian Hotel
There’s so much more to tying the knot than just the ceremony. Featuring details like warm wood floors and brass fixtures to lush, colorful furnishings, the Kimpton Palladian Hotel offers a fashionable, relaxed ambiance coupled with Kimpton’s world-class hospitality. The hotel is also located in a superb spot: between downtown Seattle and Belltown. Start with hosting your pre-wedding parties: get your nails done as a group, then hit the town! Belltown and nearby Capitol Hill are prime places to stay out late or keep things relaxed by catching a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park. Get ready to walk down the aisle in the Palladian Suite, which has room for the whole wedding party to gather and make for a fantastic first night’s stay as newlyweds. Your seated dinner can accommodate up to 60 guests, with customizable catering menus in a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. Rehearsal dinners, morning-after brunches, bridal showers, and intimate after-parties can all be accommodated in their private dining spaces: a cocktail hour in The Hive or a buyout of Shaker + Spear provides just the kind of memories you’ll always remember. If the planning ever gets to be too much, you could always take advantage of their all-inclusive ‘Eff It, Let’s Elope!’ package.
Best Affordable Venues
MadArt Studio
An innovative art space and modern wedding venue, MadArt studio hosts large-scale installations and contemporary works of emerging artists to create an interactive atmosphere. Enhancing the nearly 100-year-old building with a series of unexpected exhibitions, the studio is a creative combination of industrial architecture and historic touches that captivates guests. Few venues can parallel the authentic, exploratory experience of MadArt Studio, making it ideal for the most special of wedding receptions. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glossed floors add a sleek touch to the expansive space, inviting your guests in to sample appetizers around low, candle-lit coffee tables. The wedding party will relish every moment as the studio crafts a one-of-a-kind creative experience for up to 275 guests (175 seated), or a celebratory meal with your closest friends and family. Feel good about choosing this venue: by hosting your event at MadArt Studio, you are in turn supporting emerging artists in creating new, immersive exhibitions and sharing them with the community.
Metropolist
Metropolist was built in 1919 and is housed in the historic Ederer Building on 1st Avenue South. The factory manufactured large-scale cranes for construction projects around the area, the remains of which are waiting to be discovered. Whether you want an open floor plan or a multidimensional space to create, the staff offers several space options to make your event outstanding. The spaces at Metropolist are fully customizable, making Metropolist an ideal location for an industrial and urban Seattle wedding. With 14 foot walls and vaulted 25-foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, exposed piping overhead, and bright wood floors, Metropolist evokes the dramatic effect of an urban industrial warehouse. Elegantly urban, yet gritty and authentic, Metropolist is perfect for your affordable and unforgettable event.
Best Big Guest List Venues
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
This historic and luxurious hotel surrounds your event in opulence. Host your reception in one of three elegant venues: the regal Spanish Ballroom, the cosmopolitan Metropole Room, or their lush indoor garden with gorgeous tall palladium windows. It will be accompanied by award-winning cuisine and impeccable service. The staff will take care of all the details to help make planning easy: From one waiter for every 10 guests and a complimentary menu tasting to personalized printed menus and white china and silver tableware, they provide the highest level amenities. Your wedding package also includes a romantic wedding night at the hotel with champagne, strawberries, and a personalized gift just for you!
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit in the Seattle Center showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. The project opened in May 2012 and features three primary components: the Garden, the Glasshouse, and the Interior Exhibits, with significant secondary spaces that are perfect for a grand celebration. Visually stunning, the centerpiece Glasshouse is a dramatic structure, housing an expansive 100-foot-long sculpture. The epic installation consists of individual elements of red, orange, yellow, and amber, and is one of Chihuly’s largest suspended works. Its ability to reflect light and display its most brilliant range of color will add incredible beauty and awe to your wedding. Designed with the help of architect Owen Richards, the facility was awarded LEED silver certification from the USGBC. Dine and dance with your loved ones in this extraordinary and unforgettable space, appreciating the glass sculptures that surround you. For a bonus view, look up and see the Space Needle towering above you!
Best Barn Venues
The Loft at Russells
A winding creek, old bridge, and graceful willow tree make this 1927 barn even more irresistible. With a cathedral ceiling, cedar planking, and original wood floors, The Loft beckons with country chic only 20 miles from Seattle. This 4,000-square-foot space allows you the blank-slate feel to transform, along with generous help from the staff including setup, cleanup, and cake-cutting. With two restaurants in addition to this new event venue, owner Russell Lowell has quite a reputation for fresh, inventive cuisine. And his strong ties to local wineries let him pair your perfect menu with some rare vintages. You’ll have a near endless scope of possibilities for your wedding in this spectacular and versatile Loft, which can accommodate up to 165 seated guests.
Pickering Barn
The idyllic countryside calls and Pickering Barn is the answer. The traditional red barn is a great backdrop for photos, sitting in a wide courtyard that’s perfect for an outdoor ceremony or sunset cocktails. The 12,000 sq foot spaces are fully customizable, so you can decorate according to your taste, whether you’re holding your wedding and reception at the outdoor courtyard and gazebo or inside the hay or dairy barns. The barns feature lofty ceilings, wood beams, and metal rafters that are perfect for hanging paper lanterns, draped tulle, or twinkle lights. It’s conveniently located in downtown Issaquah, where there’s plenty to do with your loved ones, like visit Cougar Mountain Zoo, go on a historic pub crawl, or catch a movie at the Triple X Drive-In restaurant. Make it a weekend getaway by heading to their Saturday farmers market for a fun pre- or post-wedding activity to share with your bridal party and family. All of Pickering Barn’s spaces and activities will fulfill your barn wedding dreams, and you can share it with up to 350 guests.
Best Quirky Venues
The Ruins
With its eclectic décor and desirable lower Queen Anne Hill location, this unique private dining club is like nothing else in Seattle (or the world, for that matter!). Don’t let the average warehouse exterior fool you; step through the lush covered courtyard to discover a fantastical collection of rooms and outdoor spaces filled with hand-painted frescoes, offbeat art collections, and fascinating antiques. The entire building is yours to use as you please. Take over one room for your bridal suite, host an intimate cocktail hour in the garden, and dance beneath enormous chandeliers in the jaw-dropping ballroom. There’s an enchanting surprise to discover around every corner… including a life-sized animatronic elephant from the 1962 World’s Fair — your guests won’t believe their eyes!
TreeHouse Point
A magical wonderland that will unleash your inner child, nature lover, and romantic all at once, and just 30 minutes from Seattle. This beautiful forest venue along the Raging River offers an abundance of picturesque ceremony sites with a backdrop of lush, towering trees, and the sound of rushing water. Your wedding at TreeHouse Point gives you the exclusive use of the entire four-acre fairytale forest for up to 22 hours. The warm, cedar-lined Pond Room is perfect for cocktails, dinner, and dancing with views of the pond and surrounding forest. An adjacent tent-able deck is seasonally available for al fresco dining. You and up to 18 loved ones absolutely must stay overnight. The unique treehouses are perched high in the limbs of a sturdy tree, each with their own balconies (one even wraps around the tree trunk!). Sleep in a hand-hewn bed, then wake to the sounds of birds chirping, a walk in the woods, and breakfast at the lodge.
