Marvelous Matrimony

Whether you’re looking for a picturesque gathering or a bustling city ceremony, Seattle venues will add that special something to your big day.

Woodinville Lavender TheGaneys.com, Styling by Gather Design Company

Plan your dream wedding in the Pacific Northwest. With gorgeous outdoor venues, sleek urban spaces, and everything in between, there are plenty of reasons to fall for Seattle.

Nature lovers can’t go wrong at Salish Lodge (6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie), which hosts an array of stunning locations for your special day just 30 miles east of downtown. Twin Peaks fans will recognize Snoqualmie Falls from the cult classic TV show, but this dramatic 268-foot waterfall will enthrall all of your guests. Venue options range from the outdoor Centennial Green, a spectacular forest just steps away from the lodge, to the one-of-a-kind Hidden Terrace, an indoor space with an unbeatable view of the falls and sliding glass panes to protect from the weather. Another great pick: Woodinville Lavender (14223 Woodinville Redmond Rd NE, Redmond), located thirty minutes from downtown Seattle, boasts award-winning grounds and lavender fields in bloom June through August.

If the fast-paced city is more your speed, look no further than Court in the Square (401 Second Ave S, Ste 103). Centrally located in southern Pioneer Square, this unique metropolitan venue occupies the empty space between two buildings. The glass-encased courtyard provides all the magic of an outdoor, urban wedding without sacrificing the comfort of being indoors and protected from the elements. Plus, these large glass windows create an open, airy oasis in the middle of Seattle’s oldest neighborhood (think soft, natural light and warm brick walls draped in greenery). Another great pick: The Olympic Sculpture Park (2901 Western Ave), a waterfront destination known for iconic structures such as Alexander Calder’s Eagle and Jaume Plensa’s Echo, provides both indoor and outdoor venues and affords breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

Court in the Square GH Kim Photography

At Olympic Rooftop Pavilion at Stoneburner (5214 Ballard Ave NW), you can strike the perfect balance between an urban setting and a nature-inspired ambience. The nearly 1,400-square-foot venue is located in the heart of Ballard—one of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods—and features sweeping views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains as well as extraordinary prospects of Puget Sound and downtown Seattle. In the summer, guests can celebrate in the open-air pavilion or sip cocktails on the outdoor patio, while those saying “I do” in the winter can stay warm while enjoying uninhibited views thanks to west-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and a 20-foot-high skylight. Another great pick: The Fremont Foundry (154 N. 35th St) was built in 1981 as a hub for Fremont’s eclectic artist community. The versatile space features a skylit atrium, outdoor courtyard, and rooftop terrace—distinct areas to mix and match, creating the day you have always imagined.

For those looking to make a splash, consider Seattle Aquarium (1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59) for your special day. Sweeping views of the waterfront and Puget Sound set the stage for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hour, while a breathtaking 20 x 40-foot viewing window creates a mesmerizing backdrop of colorful Pacific Northwest marine life for indoor festivities. Another great pick: Chihuly Garden and Glass (305 Harrison St) is home to an extensive exhibition of one of Seattle’s most famous glass artists, Dale Chihuly. With eight galleries and a garden showcasing visually stunning glass art, couples can exchange their vows in the Glasshouse, the centerpiece of the exhibition, under a spectacular 100-foot-long glass installation suspended above.

And, of course, there’s room in Seattle for more traditional venues. The St. Anne Chapel at Villa Academy (5001 NE 50th St) showcases classic elegance with its high arched ceilings, large stained-glass windows, and ornate stonework—all built in the 1920s. Though this vintage chapel’s atmosphere is intimate, the space is quite large, fitting up to 200 guests in its old oak pews. The chapel itself is nestled on a lush, 30-plus-acre campus on the edge of Lake Washington, affording gorgeous photo opportunities inside the building as well as on the grounds. Though the chapel is rooted in the Catholic tradition, weddings of all denominations are welcomed and celebrated. Another great pick: West Seattle’s Fauntleroy Church UCC (9140 California Ave SW), filled with modernist touches in its original 1950s sanctuary, features a peaked wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and welcomes all cultures, genders, and sexual orientations.

Canlis Jean-Marcus Strole