Best Seattle Wedding Venues
I have been lucky enough to photograph at many of the best wedding venues in Seattle. I want to highlight just a few I love and share why I recommend them as a photographer. Each of these venues has a great atmosphere, wonderful staff, and is centrally located. I've included wedding photos from real weddings I've photographed at each spot, and at the bottom are some additional great Seattle wedding venues outside the heart of downtown.
Olympic Sculpture Garden
This is the best summer Seattle wedding venue I know of. The glass walls let in so much beautiful light and offer a picture-perfect view and sunset vistas. It's great for a large wedding, and the park is excellent for photos. Taz and Mariam didn't have their ceremony outside, but I know that many often do. Since the Olympic Sculpture Garden is near the waterfront, it was fun to start the day near Pike Place Market for a first look.
Sodo Park
Because Hurban Feast runs Sodo Park, the food here is AMAZING. The space is both lovely and eclectic at the same time. The venue can hold small to large weddings and everything in between. Annie and Nick's wedding had some of the most beautiful florals on the chandelier and tables. I loved how quickly and skillfully the staff members flipped the room from ceremony to reception during cocktail hour and how helpful they were at every turn. Annie told me that she chose this venue because they could get everything they needed from one place.
Fremont Foundry
Located in the eclectic neighborhood on the northside of the city, the Fremont Foundry is both elegant and industrial. I love the rooftop ceremony and reception site and the indoor space, and the courtyard is perfect for group photos. I have pictures to share from two different weddings at this venue. Claire and Tristan did an all-outdoor event on the roof, and Sarah and Clayton brought the reception indoors. Both events were dressed up with great florals, which really complemented the industrial building.
WAC - Washington Athletics Club
The third-floor Crystal Ballroom at the WAC is a sight to behold. Classically beautiful, the ballroom can expand to hold groups large and small. Best of all, the food is delish! The library is a great photo spot for both group and individual portraits. The lobby has several great photo opportunities, and on a rainy night, you can create some magic outside the main entrance.
Blessed Sacrament
For those planning a Catholic ceremony, this is a stellar choice. Blessed Sacrament has great details: the stained glass, choir loft, and lovely gardens around the priory provide beautiful backdrops. While this venue doesn't do receptions, it's a perfect choice for large wedding ceremonies, and there are many hotels close by that would offer great reception venues. Victoria and Evan were married here while the rhododendrons were in full bloom, making for fantastic family portraits. After their wedding, they exited the church to cheers from all of their friends and family. The scene was like something out of a movie!
Axis Pioneer Square
Just a block away from Occidental Park is the awesome space of Axis Pioneer Square. I heard once that this space used to be a textile shop or factory, to and there are still marks in the original wood floor for measuring out fabric. Today, the venue has been transformed into a mix of modern and urban chic designs to create a unique event space. I love the brick archways, the loft, the alley access, and the ease at which couples can sneak away for photos in some of the best parts of Seattle's oldest neighborhood. Additionally, there is room for a large wedding and separate spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. This space is also easy to dress up or down to a couple's individual style aesthetic. Jen and Devin had some fun candid moments during their toasts, first dance, and cake cutting.
The Canal
I'm fond of the Canal because of its versatility and industrial/modern design. There is a lovely outdoor area where guests can relax in the shade while boats lazily pass under the drawbridge. The cool breeze from the water feels amazing in the summer! The indoor area has multiple spaces that can easily be used for weddings of many sizes. The open ceiling adds to the industrial look, and the sculptured bar is a fun representation of Seattle and its history. Dustin and Cisco chose an outdoor ceremony and portraits at the Ballard Locks, which is conveniently located next door.
Pan Pacific Hotel
For couples who love modern elegance and hate the hassle of the wedding plan, check out the Pan Pacific Hotel. This full-service venue takes care of everything and has beautiful decor around every corner. I am particularly fond of the lobby area and spiral staircase for portraits. With a variety of rooms to choose from, couples can have designated ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces, which means the event flows smoothly with no waiting for rooms to be redecorated. Best of all, it's close to great spots around downtown if you want to get photos at Kerry Park, Pike Place, or the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Hotel Ballard
The Hotel Ballard's Olympic Rooftop Pavilion is excellent if you love a beautiful view matched with the convenience of a full-service hotel wedding and turn-of-the-century decor (and let's be honest, who doesn't?). It's perfect for both a ceremony and a reception in any season. Guests can enjoy the patio in the warm weather or take in the view from behind the wall of windows during the colder months. Best of all, the block around the hotel has tons of great photo opportunities, so you can get those urban-inspired wedding photos you've always wanted.
Belle Harbor
Belle Harbor has space for weddings of any size and both day and night access to Pier 60 for breathtaking views and portraits. This is by far the best spot in the city to get a skyline pic with your whole wedding party. It's located exactly between the Olympic Sculpture Park and Pike Place Market. For couples who love Seattle, this one is a no brainer!