Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions to be made when bringing a wedding together. The location of your celebration largely determines the overall atmosphere and feel that you and your guests will remember for years to come. A venue, particularly when defined by having a show-stopping view, can act as the ultimate piece of décor and serve as the inspiration for the rest of your wedding’s design.
There is an art to perfectly highlighting a picturesque locale, and we’ve consulted with the experts on not only the best venues but tricks to make them look straight out of your dreams.
LET NATURE POP
“If you've got a gorgeous backdrop, don't block it with an arch! Consider arrangements on either side of you to frame you and your future spouse to capture the focal element while still remaining true to the nature you're surrounded by,” says Genevieve de la Cruz, founder of Infinity Weddings and Events by Gen.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LOCAL LANDSCAPES
“It's no surprise that the Pacific Northwest offers some amazing views to choose from when selecting your dream ceremony location,” says Ari Busch, operations manager of Bridal Bliss Events Planning. “Whether you are drawn to the sea, mountains, vineyards, or city-scape, we have you covered! Some of our favorite sea-side venues include Alderbrook Resort & Spa, or Karma Vineyards in Lake Chelan. More of a land lover? Check out the views at the Columbia Gorge Hotel or Swiftwater Cellars in Roslyn. We have no doubt your guests will be blown away. And for the more urban couple, we love at the Fremont Foundry or Olympic Rooftop Pavilion. The biggest question of course being - which breathtaking view is for you?”
WILLOWS LODGE
“Say ‘I do' in one of the most picturesque settings in the Pacific Northwest,” says Janene Varden of Willows Lodge. “The gardens at Willows Lodge provide a lovely backdrop for your special day. You and your guests will enjoy being surrounded by nature, beautiful gardens, and the soothing sound of water fountains as you celebrate your special day.”
MUSEUM WORTHY
“Celebrate your special day at an iconic Seattle wedding venue surrounded by panoramic scenes of coastal mountains, waterfront views and monumental artworks that will wow you and your guests,” says Christine Meile, communications coordinator at the Seattle Art Museum.
“The Olympic Sculpture Park is a spectacular location that looks out at Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain range and features sweeping views of the Pacific Northwest’s most romantic sunsets. The scenic backdrop of the Olympic Sculpture Park creates a stunning venue for you and your wedding right in the heart of Seattle.”
THE EDGEWATER HOTEL
“The Edgewater Hotel is Seattle’s only over-water venue, offering amazing views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic mountains,” says Payton Jolly, catering sales manager at the Edgewater. “Couples can still have an incredible ‘outdoor’ view from our Olympic ballroom without having to worry about the Seattle rain on their wedding day. The panoramic windows ensure you’ll have a jaw-dropping backdrop!”
WOODMARK HOTEL AND STILL SPA
Looking for a stunning view in Seattle? The Woodmark Hotel has it in spades, sitting right upon Lake Washington with the Olympic Mountains not far behind. They also offer many different venue options, so you can have your ceremony lakeside in the Olympic Terrace Tent and then move the reception into the Lake Washington Ballroom or one of three smaller event spaces. And past couples who have tied the knot at The Woodmark rave about the team of coordinators the hotel offers, so you can be sure that everything is done to make the beautiful vista stand out and provide an inimitable backdrop to your "I dos."
SAFETY WITH A VIEW
"A local bride approached us for a COVID-safe, private residence wedding and reception," says the design team at Grand Event Rentals. "The event was hosted at a private beach waterfront view property near Juanita Beach. The view from the reception and ceremony tent is stunning! The design and rentals we provided completed the elegant look: pairing white linens with gold accents and chairs, soft pink florals and greenery created elegant centerpieces and bride/groom chair details that complemented the beautiful event space.”
Event credits:
Bride: @coutureandtravel
Photography: @muqu_j and @massanphotography
Rentals: @grandeventrentals
Location: Private waterfront home near Juanita Beach, Kirkland
