Seattle venues.....help!

carriewhite · April 2010

I am just beginning the planning process and am overwhelmed already. I am starting to look for venues but can't seem to find what I want. My ideal ceremony/reception would have an outdoor space by water. There will be between 100-130 guests. Any ideas??

niq24601 · April 2010

When I was looking for venues I put together this map, which may be handy. If you are looking in the city of Seattle proper there are several city parks that work well.

kinmir30 · April 2010

When is your wedding? And what is your budget? And where are you looking? Seattle? More North? South? Open? Onsite or off-site catering?

carriewhite · April 2010

trying to keep total wedding budget at about $10,000. We would want it to be within an hour drive of Seattle - any direction. We're looking at July 2011 - just trying to get ideas of possibilities. On site catering is great if the food is good - the one place I've liked so far is Ray's in Ballard

jennuinne · April 2010

I was looking for indoor/outdoor near water and trying to keep budget around $10,000 also. We decided on Golden Gardens. I like Ray's but I don't think you can keep your budget at $10,000. Shilshole is also right by Rays, but too expensive for a $10,000 budget. MV Skansonia is a ferry docked on lake union, which might fit into your budget. And there are several restaurants on lake union, I was considering BluWater, but that might be too small for your guest count. Also, someone (dawn?) just got married at Blue Ribbon Cooking on Lake Union. There's also a building on Alki, but its probably too small.

The venue/date/budget is the most stressful part of the planning. Once you decide on that, it gets much easier. Good luck!

jennyann28 · April 2010

I was also going to suggest Golden Gardens. I think that there's a building you can rent at Discovery Park too.

Tygirljojo · April 2010

Also look into Lake Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley - it's right on Lake Wilderness. You can bring in any caterer which actually will help you control the costs and save money. Try to find one that is all inclusive like Chef Bert (www.chefbert.com) or Barry's Catering (www.barryscatering.com) - both should fit in your budget. Bonus for a caterer like the two listed is you provide your own alcohol which also keeps the cost down.

Sweet_Adeline · April 2010

A friend of mine is getting married on the Skansonia, and their budget is in line woth yours. They recently updated the interior... definitely worth checking out!

KST_ · April 2010

Also look at Heritage Hall in Kirkland. It's next to a big outdoor covered area (I don't know what you call it, not a gazebo exactly) that's right on the water.

teastarr · April 2010

I'm getting married at the Hall at Fauntleroy its not right on the water though. But the discovery part building is great, I was just there yesterday and it was gorgeous with all the sail boats out there and Rays does off site catering. Tuxedos and tennis shoes is who I'm using and they are also good and affordable. It really depends though on how many people you will be having at your wedding.

Tygirljojo · April 2010

I can tell you now that Heirtage Hall would be too small - they say it fits 70, but from what I've heard and seen of the inside, I would say 50 max. But it is gorgeous!

jennlin · April 2010

i looked into heritage hall back when i had a small guestlist....and when i was in contact with them 70 is the absolute max...i.e. including bride & groom, caterers, photogs, etc...