Choosing the perfect venue is one of the first and most important decisions when planning your wedding. With so many types to consider, the options can feel overwhelming. From grand ballrooms to rustic barns, this guide explores 19 wedding venue types, unique perks, and how to find the perfect one for your big day.
Hotels
What They Offer: Hotels provide convenience with everything you need in one place: ceremony and reception spaces, catering, and accommodations for your guests.
Ideal For: Couples hosting a large wedding or a destination wedding.
Perks:
Style: Classic, modern, or luxury, depending on the hotel.
Top Hotel Venues in WA
Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle: Elegance meets history in this iconic downtown hotel.
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park: A serene blend of natural beauty and luxury.
Barns
What They Offer: Barns exude rustic charm, offering wide-open spaces and a blank canvas for creativity.
Ideal For: Couples dreaming of a countryside or laid-back wedding experience.
Perks:
Style: Rustic, vintage, or boho.
Top Barn Venues in WA
Woodinville Lavender Farm, Woodinville: A barn surrounded by fragrant lavender fields.
Twin Willow Gardens, Snohomish: A charming barn venue with lush greenery.
Are you curious about why barn venues have become such a popular choice?
Check out our detailed guide on why barn wedding venues are so popular to learn more about their charm, versatility, and timeless appeal.
Wineries/Vineyards
What They Offer: Vineyards and wineries provide stunning outdoor spaces with lush greenery and rows of vines.
Ideal For: Couples who want a romantic and scenic wedding with plenty of charm.
Perks:
Style: Elegant, romantic, or natural.
Top Wineries/Vineyards Venues in WA
Novelty Hill-Januik Winery, Woodinville: A perfect blend of modern design and vineyard charm.
Basel Cellars Estate Winery, Walla Walla: A stunning property with expansive vineyard views.
Beaches
What They Offer: Beaches provide a relaxed and scenic setting for your wedding, with the soothing sound of waves and stunning ocean views. They create a natural, tranquil atmosphere perfect for a laid-back celebration.
Ideal For: Couples seeking a tropical, laid-back, destination wedding vibe.
Perks:
Style: Boho, tropical, or coastal.
Top Beaches Venues in WA
Golden Gardens Park, Seattle: A beautiful park with sandy shores and Puget Sound views.
Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine: Luxurious beachfront property with unmatched scenery.
Gardens
What They Offer: Garden venues feature blooming flowers, manicured lawns, and a serene atmosphere perfect for outdoor weddings.
Ideal For: Nature-loving couples looking for a whimsical or fairytale-like setting.
Perks:
Style: Whimsical, romantic, or vintage.
Top Garden Wedding Venues in WA
Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue: A picturesque garden full of seasonal blooms.
The Kelley Farm, Bonney Lake: A hybrid garden-barn venue offering rustic elegance.
Ballrooms
What They Offer: Ballrooms offer grand spaces with elegant interiors and plenty of room for dancing and dining.
Ideal For: Large weddings or black-tie events.
Perks:
Style: Classic, glamorous, or modern.
Top Ballroom Wedding Venues in WA
Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle: Luxurious ballroom with stunning waterfront views.
The Davenport Grand Hotel, Spokane: An opulent space with timeless elegance.
Historic Mansions or Estates
What They Offer: Historic mansions and estates are rich in architectural beauty and timeless elegance, providing a grand setting for your wedding day.
Ideal For: Couples who want a luxurious, unique venue steeped in history and charm.
Perks:
Style: Vintage, formal, or eclectic.
Top Historic Mansions or Estates Wedding Venues in WA
Thornewood Castle, Lakewood: A historic English Tudor mansion perfect for fairytale weddings.
Lairmont Manor, Bellingham: Built in 1914, this Italian Renaissance-style mansion boasts stunning architecture and beautifully maintained gardens, providing an enchanting wedding setting.
Lofts/Industrial Spaces
What They Offer: Lofts and industrial venues feature open layouts with exposed brick, high ceilings, and modern urban vibes.
Ideal For: Couples seeking a contemporary, minimalist, or trendy wedding atmosphere.
Perks:
Style: Modern, industrial, or artistic.
Top Lofts/Industrial Spaces Wedding Venues in WA
The 101, Seattle: A chic, urban loft in the heart of Pioneer Square.
Axis Pioneer Square, Seattle: A historic brick venue with industrial charm and plenty of character.
Castles
What They Offer: Castles provide a royal setting, perfect for couples who want a fairytale wedding experience.
Ideal For: Those dreaming of a regal, storybook celebration.
Perks:
Style: Formal, romantic, or fantasy-inspired.
Top Castles Wedding Venues in WA
Thornewood Castle, Lakewood: A 500-year-old Tudor Gothic estate known as “The Castle by the Lake.”
Parks/Nature Reserves
What They Offer: Parks and nature reserves offer serene, scenic locations surrounded by natural beauty.
Ideal For: Couples who love the outdoors want a casual, rustic ceremony.
Perks:
Style: Rustic, boho, or casual.
Top Parks/Nature Reserves Wedding Venues in WA
Discovery Park, Seattle: A sprawling park with stunning water views and forested trails.
Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle: A tranquil garden setting with vibrant greenery.
Museums/Art Galleries
What They Offer: Museums and art galleries offer unique settings with artistic or cultural flair.
Ideal For: Couples who want a modern or unconventional wedding venue.
Perks:
Style: Chic, contemporary, or artistic.
Top Museums/Art Galleries Wedding Venues in WA
Seattle Art Museum, Seattle: A stunning venue for art and culture lovers.
MOHAI (Museum of History & Industry), Seattle: A waterfront venue blending history and elegance.
Boats/Yachts
What They Offer: Boats and yachts deliver unforgettable weddings on the water, offering a floating venue with stunning views.
Ideal For: Intimate weddings or destination celebrations.
Perks:
Style: Nautical, luxurious, or romantic.
Top Boats/Yachts Wedding Venues in WA
Waterways Cruises, Seattle: Elegant yacht options with customizable packages.
The MV Skansonia, Seattle: A vintage ferry with incredible skyline views.
Community Halls/Event Centers
What They Offer: Community halls are versatile spaces that can be customized to fit your wedding vision.
Ideal For: Budget-conscious couples who want flexibility with décor and vendors.
Perks:
Style: Casual, rustic, or customizable.
Top Community Halls/Event Centers Wedding Venues in WA
Fremont Abbey Arts Center, Seattle: A charming hall with a historical touch.
Lake Wilderness Lodge, Maple Valley: A lakeside event center with rustic charm.
Churches/Chapels Centers
What They Offer: Churches and chapels offer traditional and sacred spaces for faith-based ceremonies.
Ideal For: Couples who value religious or spiritual traditions in their wedding.
Perks:
Style: Classic, traditional, or spiritual.
Top Churches/Chapels Wedding Venues in WA
St. James Cathedral, Seattle: A stunning cathedral with awe-inspiring architecture.
Trinity Tree Farm Chapel, Issaquah: A quaint chapel surrounded by scenic views.
Resorts
What They Offer: Resorts are luxurious venues that combine stunning backdrops with all-inclusive services.
Ideal For: Destination weddings or couples looking for stress-free planning.
Perks:
Style: Glamorous, tropical, or formal.
Top Resorts Wedding Venues in WA
Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum: A scenic resort with mountain views and luxurious amenities.
Willows Lodge, Woodinville: A romantic wine country retreat.
Farmhouses
What They Offer: Farmhouses provide a cozy countryside setting that blends rustic charm with a homey atmosphere.
Ideal For: Couples who want an intimate, laid-back wedding focusing on nature and family.
Perks:
Style: Rustic, vintage, or charming.
Top Farmhouses Wedding Venues in WA
The Barn at Trinity Tree Farm, Issaquah: A rustic farmhouse with stunning views.
The Red Barn Farm, Chehalis: A peaceful venue with open fields and classic barn architecture.
Rooftops
What They Offer: Rooftop venues offer a trendy urban atmosphere with breathtaking skyline views.
Ideal For: Couples looking for a modern, stylish celebration in the city’s heart.
Perks:
Style: Modern, chic, or romantic.
Top Rooftops Wedding Venues in WA
The Nest at Thompson Seattle, Seattle: A rooftop venue with spectacular Puget Sound views.
Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, Seattle: A vibrant rooftop space with city lights as the backdrop.
Libraries
What They Offer: Libraries offer a unique, intellectual atmosphere with stunning architecture and intimate spaces.
Ideal For: Book-loving couples who want a quiet, romantic, unconventional venue.
Perks:
Style: Vintage, eclectic, or classic.
Top Libraries Wedding Venues in WA
Seattle Central Library, Seattle: A modern architectural masterpiece.
Tacoma Public Library, Tacoma: A historic library with timeless charm
Zoos and Aquariums
What They Offer: Zoos and aquariums provide playful and exotic settings that make weddings unique.
Ideal For: Couples who want a fun, whimsical venue that’s also interactive for guests.
Perks:
Style: Unique, playful, or modern.
Top Zoos and Aquariums Wedding Venues in WA
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle: Host your wedding surrounded by lush greenery and exotic animals.
Seattle Aquarium, Seattle: Celebrate under the sea with stunning marine exhibits.
Key Questions to Ask Before Booking a Venue
For more detailed tips and advice on selecting the perfect venue, check out this helpful guide on How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue. It covers everything from narrowing down your options to making a confident final decision.
FAQs about Wedding Venues
Choosing the right wedding venue type is the first step in creating the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a historic mansion, the rustic charm of a barn, or the modern vibes of a rooftop, each venue type offers unique features that can bring your vision to life. By understanding the perks and style of each venue type, you can confidently narrow down your options and find the perfect setting for your big day.
Remember, the venue sets the tone for your celebration and becomes the backdrop for some of your most cherished memories. Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a space that feels authentic to your love story.
Ready to find your dream wedding venue?
Ready to find your dream venue? Whether you’re drawn to barns, ballrooms, or something in between, we can help you capture every moment beautifully. Check out our portfolio to see how we’ve photographed weddings at various venues, or contact us today for personalized recommendations and expert photography tips tailored to your chosen venue!
