Small Wedding Venues for Rent in Seattle, WA

Your Guide to Renting Small Wedding Venues in Seattle, WA

Are you getting married? Congratulations! It’s a special occasion, so we understand if you’d like to throw a lavish celebration. But if that’s not your cup of tea, you can throw an intimate wedding on which you won’t need to spend your life savings. Every couple has a different vision for their big day, so your celebration should be exactly what you wish for. Some even say that an intimate wedding was the best decision of their lives! If you’re thinking of throwing a small party, you’re in for a treat, as Seattle is filled with unique spots you can rent for small ceremonies, receptions, and even elopements. Of course, the location is incredibly important when it comes to planning a wedding, but that’s not all! We’ve jotted down a few tips that might help you plan your special day, so give our guide a read and get ready to throw a wedding that your guests will keep talking about for weeks afterwards!

Guide to a small wedding

• Quality over quantity - A small wedding can be called one only when the guest list is kept to a minimum. That’s why we suggest you think carefully about who you want to be by your side on your wedding day - reflect with whom you’ve been in regular contact over the last few years and who doesn’t play a huge role in your life. Don’t waste the opportunity for great memories with every guest and invite only those who matter most.  

• Set your budget - Shrinking the event down to something more intimate can guarantee you’ll be able to include all things you love. Once you’ve calculated how much money you have for the whole enterprise - especially the venue - you’ll be able to start planning your big day. Hire the band you’d like to entertain your guests, sort out a bartender to mix fantastic cocktails, and put up unique decorations that match your style. You don’t have to go over the top - simply choose the things you’ve always wanted to be part of your wedding. 

• Consider a nontraditional venue - Fewer people on the guest list means you’ll have plenty of choices. This means you’ll be able to pick a nontraditional venue, such as an art gallery, a rooftop bar, or a restaurant. These are unique spaces that can be transformed according to your vision and the wedding’s theme. When booking a venue, make sure you and your partner love everything about it, from the style and the decor to the ambiance. But remember: some of these venues might have decoration restrictions, so make sure you find out all of the details before making the final decision. 

• Get creative with seating arrangements - If you’re throwing an intimate celebration, we assume that there will be fewer people attending your wedding. If we’re right, you’ll be able to get creative with both the ceremony and the reception seating arrangements. Have you managed to score a large venue for a great price, and you have trouble with making the space feel cozy? Don’t worry - it can be a challenge and also lots of fun. You’ll have an opportunity to let your imagination go wild and experiment with table and seating layouts. Plenty of room also allows for extra things, such as adding a relaxation area, a food station, and a dedicated dance floor.

• Hire a live band - If you and your guests love dancing, we couldn’t recommend you to splurge on a live band more! Just imagine having your first dance to a live piano! But that’s not all! We strongly believe there isn’t anything better than showing off your signature dance moves to the tunes played by a live band. And what’s even better, you’ll have a chance to talk through the playlist for the evening and request your favorite songs! But remember one thing: there shouldn’t be more players in the band than the guests attending the celebration since it might feel very overpowering and overwhelming. Instead, hire a small group of musicians and share the dance floor with your nearest and dearest! 

• Have a professional photographer - A wedding only happens once in your life, so we’re sure you’d like every little moment of that day to be captured forever. And we’ve got great news for you: a smaller guest list may mean a lot of opportunities to capture intimate moments. Sounds great, doesn’t it? That’s why we recommend hiring a photographer who’ll make sure that there are pics of every special moment that occurred throughout the event, whether its your grandma’s tears, or everyone’s laughter, and clinking glasses. 

• Decorate the space - You can go all-out on the details when throwing a smaller wedding. Whatever setting you’ve always dreamt of is now at your fingertips! So don’t limit yourself to just the tables and decorate the whole space. Remember fairy lights, floral arrangements, candles, table linens, and anything else that could help you create a unique ambiance in the place you’ve booked. We suggest you prepare place cards that tie into your event’s theme to bring a more personalized touch.

FAQs about Small Wedding Venues in Seattle, WA

How far in advance should I book a venue for my wedding?

Start your search as soon as possible! We suggest you book the place of your choice at least 9 months in advance as it will give you enough time to sort out all the details and book the venue that steals your heart. 

How much does it cost to rent a small wedding venue in Seattle?

Prices of small wedding venues in Seattle vary greatly, depending on their location and offers. Most of the places charge minimum spend with rates ranging from $2000 to $8000 minimum spend. It is also possible to find a Seattle venue that offers a special package. Prices for these packages will range between $105 and $150 per person. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

Where in Seattle can I find the best wedding venues?

Seattle is home to many diverse neighborhoods that offer something for everyone, no matter their preferences and style. Downtown, the heart of the city boasts great spaces for weddings of all sizes. We also suggest you check out Belltown, a perfect area for a cozy, laid-back celebration in one of its trendy restaurants, or Columbia City, where you’ll find plenty of art galleries and performing arts venues. All in all, you’ll find plenty of spaces where you’ll be able to enjoy a unique event.  

What is the capacity of a small wedding venue?

Small wedding venues can usually accommodate up to 50 guests. So if you’re planning an event for less than 50 people, you’ll be able to find plenty of exceptional venues for your reception with Tagvenue’s help. Use our smart filters and browse only those places that match your requirements.