What are the three most important elements that make the most impact on a wedding? Delicious food, great music…and the venue, of course! Luckily, we are experts when it comes to wedding venues. And we will help you find the perfect reception venue in Seattle! On our curated list, you will discover anything from glam banquet halls, charming restaurants, and funky bars, to sweeping rooftop venues, and laid-back function rooms. Which one will match your dream wedding style? Find out now by taking our smart engines for a spin!
Congratulations, you’re getting married! This also means that months of exciting planning and decision-making are ahead of you. Perhaps you’ve already taken some small steps to make your wedding happen? If not, don’t worry. You still have plenty of time to bring your dream wedding to life. Plus, we’ve got your back! With our help, you will find the ideal wedding venue in Seattle that will knock everyone’s socks off. Yes, including yours. Sounds promising? Then hop on our search engine and take a trip through our curated list!
We admit it — picking a wedding venue sounds a bit overwhelming. After all, it will have a huge impact on the overall wedding experience and its success! But what if we told you that with a bit of knowledge, you’ll be able to tackle this task without any stress? We’ve shared some expert tips below that will help you manage the whole process! You only need to skim through them to kick off your venue hunt like a true wedding planner!
Wedding style - Which style will match your personality the most? Perhaps bohemian or rustic? Or maybe you’re more into everything that boasts modernity? You’ve got plenty of options to choose from! Take some time to determine what elements you’d like to stand out. In case you’re not quite sure, browse the Internet for inspiration! Instagram, Pinterest, or even TikTok will give you the inspiration you need to create your ideal wedding setting. We suggest determining your style at the beginning of your wedding planning because in the long run, it will guide you through the venue selection process. You will exactly know whether a barn, a warehouse, or a classic Downtown restaurant will be the match you’re looking for.
Wedding budget - How much can you allocate to the venue rental? By determining your budget, you will immediately know the answer and start looking for places that fit your price range. A good rule of thumb states that the venue rental takes approximately 30% of your whole wedding expenses. So take some time to nail down the numbers and know your limits — that way you will avoid taking on-the-spot decisions, hence, overspending.
A guest list - A boisterous celebration with over 100 people or a simple, intimate dinner in the presence of your closest relatives and friends? In any case, making a guest list will help you determine how much space you'll need to make it the beautiful setting you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, the comfort of your guests can make or break your wedding. After all, you want everyone to be happy they are there for you on your Big Day, right? Take that into consideration when picking a space and choose one that is comfortable.
Location - Seattle has many exciting areas that can add some hype to your wedding! You can choose anything from historic Downtown, home to iconic hotels and restaurants, bohemian Fremont, or Capital Hill, where history meets modern. And that’s only a few out of dozens of options! You can easily pick one that will complement your wedding and create an unforgettable experience both for you and your guests. But to make it easier for your guests to reach it, make sure the area has good access to transport links. And in case you’re opting for more remote surroundings, consider hiring a coach or a minibus that will shuttle your guests to the destination.
Indoor or outdoor? - What do you prefer? An indoor or outdoor setting? Each has its perks and can add to the event’s charm. Just make sure you’ve considered all the pros and cons. We know that nothing beats the vibes of an outdoor wedding, but keep in mind that the weather in Seattle gets quite rainy and misty. So if you’re into the outdoors, the best time for hosting an outdoor wedding in Seattle is anytime between July and August, months when it’s mostly sunny and dry. Planning an outdoor wedding in September? Make sure you have a plan B! Discuss with the venue managers about your options in case of a sudden weather breakdown.
Catering - Make sure that your first-choice venue offers in-house catering. That way, you won’t have to look for and hire an external caterer on your own. Trust us, you don’t want to add some extra tasks to your already overbooked schedule. By hiring a venue with catering, you will only need to decide which food and beverages to serve. The rest will be taken care of by the venue and the staff, leaving you more time to focus on more pleasant wedding elements, such as picking the wedding attire or decorations.
Wedding venues in Seattle come with various rental rates. You should expect to pay anywhere from $2000 to $15000+ per event. Some of them offer all-inclusive wedding packages that cost as low as $109. Usually, these types of packages offer food and beverages, table settings, room rental, etc.
We recommend booking between one year and six months in advance. However, the time can vary depending on your wedding date and what type of venue you're looking for. Some venues are extremely popular among couples, so to have the best options available, you need to make your decision as soon as you’ve set the budget and guest list.
The average cost of a wedding in Seattle is $23000. This price tag may seem steep, but you can still have a beautiful event without breaking the bank! For example, you can opt for an off-season wedding that will lower your final costs by up to almost 20%.
Seattle is known for its gorgeous natural scenery and parks, so it's no surprise that you’re considering tying the knot outdoors! On our part, we can recommend checking out Alki Beach. It's right next to Downtown, so you can take advantage of all the amazing restaurants and bars on the waterfront while still enjoying views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. The beach itself isn't huge, but it's big enough that almost anyone could get married there without being too close to another group. Plus, it's free! So it’s worth checking out.