Small Wedding Venues in Seattle
I might be a little biased, but Seattle is the best. We’ve truly got everything here: mountains, greenery, waterfalls, lakes, and obviously all the excitement of a big city. It can be overwhelming to look at all of the amazing options you have available to you, so I’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of my 12 favorite small wedding venues in Seattle (and around!) to help you find the perfect place for you. Some I LOVE working at, and others are venues I dream about transforming with flowers (maybe for you?). But first, I’ll give ya a few tips to keep in mind when browsing through all of these incredible venues.
3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Small Wedding Venue in Seattle
When looking for a small wedding or event venue in Seattle, there are a few important things to consider:
1. When are you planning to have your wedding?
Summers in Seattle are really popular with our amazing weather, and spaces book up fast. Sometimes a spring or fall date can yield the best of both worlds if you’re willing to risk it a little (and indoor space with the option for an outdoor ceremony is ideal). Keep in mind as well that many venues have higher rental fees and package costs during peak booking season (aka summer), so if you opt for a spring, fall, or even winter wedding instead, you may be able to save some money—as long as you’re open to being flexible and adapt to whatever Mother Nature may bring.
2. What do you want to highlight?
Are you an urban girlie? A mountain adventure junkie? All about the water + mountain views? Dreaming of all the whimsical European garden party vibes? Before you even begin searching for venues, get clear on what your vision is + what you and your partner want to really highlight on your big day. Think through what you want the atmosphere to be like—and not just what you want it to look like, but what you want it to feel like. Often times couples get so caught up in the aesthetics that they don’t even consider how their venue will make them feel, and how they’ll be able to move through the space with their loved ones throughout the day.
3. What does “small” mean to you?
Sometimes couples come to me with their definition ranging from 10 guests to 75 guests. And while there’s not really a right or wrong answer, I’d say a guest count of 40 or less is considered “small” in the wedding industry. You’ll want to have an estimated guest count in mind when looking for venues to make sure you find a space that will fit your group comfortably!
When are you planning to have your wedding? Summers are really popular with our amazing weather and spaces book up fast. Sometimes a spring or fall date can yield the best of both worlds if you’re willing to risk it a little (an indoor space with the option for an outdoor ceremony?)
What do you want to highlight? Are you an urban girlie? Mountain adventure junkie? All about the water + mountain views? Garden vibes?
What does “small” mean to you? Sometimes couples come to me with their definition ranging from 10 guests to 75 guests. I’d say a guest count of 40 or less is small. You’ll want to have an estimated guest count when looking for venues!
Top 12 Small Wedding Venues in Seattle
Now, let’s dive right into the top 12 small wedding venues in Seattle that I think you’re going to fall in love with!
1. Cathedral | Ballard
One of the first things you’ll see when you visit Cathedral’s website is that they are the only Seattle wedding venue that donates 100% of their profit to charity. How incredible is that? While the venue is obviously fabulous, the biggest draw to Cathedral for me is their commitment to the community, and I think that a lot of my couples place just as much value on that for their wedding day as I do. They’ve got a list of preferred charities that they love to work with, most of which are based in the greater Seattle area. So if you get married at Cathedral, not only do you get a magnificent place to celebrate and create memories with your guests—you also get to be confident that your money is going toward great organizations who are doing important work.
Located in the heart of historic Ballard, Cathedral offers an urban feel while still being close to the water, which kind of gives you the best of both worlds: you can celebrate in this gorgeous industrial space, and easily walk to the water for photos with a view! The interiors of the venue feature two separate floors, both with bar areas and a variety of charming industrial vibes, beautiful exposed brick, and dark finishes throughout that are lightened by all the natural light. The 4,000 square feet of space has the capacity for up to 120 people seated, but a smaller wedding or evenet would work great in the space as well—you’d have plenty of room to move around with your guests and make use of everything the venue has to offer.
Cathedral wedding packages start at $5,500 for an all-day wedding in peak season (June-November), and include the following:
Complimentary candles
Built-in tables and bar stools
Round tables, banquet tables, bistro tables, folding tables, chairs, & stools
Glassware
Sound system
Onsite host during event for assistance
Industrial kitchen
This is an ideal venue for couples looking to celebrate in a modern industrial space, just far enough away from downtown Seattle that you’re not in the hustle & bustle of the city, but you still have easy access!
Photos: Vikki Chang
2. Almquist Family Winery | Queen Anne
Almquist Family Winery sits right on the canal in Queen Anne, with a gorgeous Greenhouse that’s by far the main highlight of the venue. I love that you’re able to see the water and the trees from inside, getting a really beautiful outdoor vibe without actually being vulnerable to the lovely Seattle weather that’s unpredictable 99% of the time! The Greenhouse at Almquist (pictured) is truly a blank canvas that can be decked out to the nines, or kept simple with the outdoors blanketing it; it’s truly so customizable for any kind of celebration you could be dreaming of.
In addition to the iconic and breathtaking Greenhouse, Almquist Family Winery also offers a charming outdoor wine garden space, a barrel room, and a chic restaurant space, all of which are equally lovely and offer so many possibilities to couples! The Greenhouse can seat up to 48 people, the restaurant can seat up to 60, and the Wine Barrel Room can seat up to 200. I think that one of the best ways to host your wedding day here at Almquist would be to have your ceremony on the grassy area outside the Greenhouse (weather-permitting, of course), and then head inside to the Greenhouse itself for a whimsical reception beneath the expansive glass windows and natural light coming from outside. Almquist also has a decent-sized parking lot (which is always a plus), as well as in-house catering through Table Catering Co., so they’ve really got you covered in all the most important areas!
Photos: Kaylin Pinkett Photography
3. The Corson Building | South Seattle
The Corson Building is an absolute dreaaammm! It feels like you’ve been transported to a little village somewhere in Europe. Located in a charming area of South Seattle, this venue was actually built as a home back in 1926, and has been transformed into a top-rated restaurant and event space since 2008. The owners of this venue really place an emphasis on creating a Pacific Northwest-inspired experience for every couple who gets married here, as well as every person who walks into the restaurant, using only thoughtfully-sourced ingredients from local farms, and creating menus inspired by the seasons. I just love how they honor the local environment in ever aspect of the venue, and the way their delicious dishes reflect the PNW; it’s a stunning venue and you get a unique dining experience with it!
This is an ideal venue for any time of year, as it offers a covered patio area with propane heaters, as well as an indoor dining room that can seat up to 20 guests. They have the capacity for up to 80 people using the patio seating areas, with a full buyout requirement for events of over 30 guests. Both the inside of this venue and the outdoor patio provide an intimate landscape for small weddings and events, with lush greenery galore and the most romantic secluded garden vibes!
Corson Building wedding rental fees begin at $2,500 for weekend weddings between May 15-September 30, and food & beverage minimums range from $8,000-$10,000 for weekend weddings. You’ll receive access to a variety of thoughtful amenities and services, including on-site support before and during your event, as well as rental coordination, space to get ready, dinnerware, and more.
4. Parsons Garden | Queen Anne
A quaint little garden nestled on Queen Anne’s south slope, Parsons Garden is like a fairytale brought to life, I swear. Gorgeous trees? Check. Manicured grassy areas? Check. Vibrant, blooming bushes? Check. I like that the park is kind of enclosed by trees and bushes; it feels like hidden magic in the middle of a big city! Parsons Garden is operated by Seattle Parks & Rec, so it’s ideal for couples who may be on a budget, or don’t necessarily want all the bells and whistles that a typical wedding venue has to offer. It’s the perfect place to have your ceremony, and then you could head to a small reception venue or restaurant for the evening afterward! Pretty much the only downside: it’s a porta potty situation.
Parsons Garden has the capacity for up to 75 guests, keeping in mind that the park can’t guarantee any parking for you, so carpooling would be a great idea. Remember also that this is a public park, and you’ll need to be mindful of respecting the environment; large decorations may not be allowed, and you can’t throw any confetti, seeds, or rice during your ceremony. To reserve your ceremony site at Parsons Garden, you can complete this online application through Seattle Parks & Rec. Once you’ve submitted that, you’ll receive a copy of your application and further instructions to follow!
5. Salish Lodge | Snoqualmie
Salish Lodge is a quintessential PNW wedding venue: warm and cozy vibes inside, and wild and grand nature outside. With a stunning location atop Snoqualmie Falls, you have such easy access to the beautiful landscapes and the great outdoors, while also being able to celebrate inside if the weather isn’t great, or if you want to tie the knot with a winter wedding. The lodge has a number of venues on site for weddings and events, with the largest being able to seat 165 people; you could have a small ceremony on the Hidden Terrace just a few steps from the top of Snoqualmie Falls, or have a larger celebration inside the elegant ballroom with a cocktail party lit by candles. The Cliffside, Hidden Terrace, and Wine Cellar are my favorites for a small wedding, though, each with a 35-40 person capacity—making them the perfect spots for an intimate gathering! Plus, with the rooms and spa offerings on site at the lodge, it’s a fabulous venue to have a weekend weekend or host out of town guests. Salish Lodge is perfect any time of year, but spring and summer are top notch.
I always get excited to do weddings at Salish Lodge. Their staff has always been incredibly kind and helpful to both wedding guests and vendors alike, and they even have a phenomenal chef on site. The focus on seasonal, local PNW ingredients ensures that all your dishes will be exquisite, whether you opt for a delicious build-your-own-dinner buffet, “nibble & nosh” stations, or plated dinners served with fresh bread and a wide array of amazing ingredients.
Salish Lodge wedding packages start at $350 per person for weddings of up to 24 guests between April-October. Included in their most popular wedding package is:
Six hours of event access, including 30 minutes of setup & teardown
Two-night stay in a Riverside Suite
A “Romantic Night In” with in-room spa amenities for the couple
Dedicated event space in the Hidden Terrace
Custom setup including tables, linens, chairs, chargers, flatware, & more
Champagne toast
Tableside beer, wine, cocktails, & non-alcoholic beverages
3-course plated dinner
One-tier cake
Personalized Salish printed menus
If you’d like to incorporate elements of the PNW in your wedding just like Salish Lodge does with its events and cuisine, take a look at my blog post about Incorporating Pacific Northwest Elements Into Your Wedding Florals.
Photos: Jenny GG Photography
6. The Pass Life | Snoqualmie
Situated just off of Snoqualmie Pass, The Pass Life looks out right at Denny Mountain; it’s a space truly created for mountain lovers. If you’re dreaming of a secluded mountain retreat where you and a group of your closest friends can escape into a breathtaking alpine wonderland, away from your lives and into the heart of the incredible nature that the PNW has to offer, then congratulations—you’ve found your venue! The Cathedral room is a dream come true for couples who want to host their loved ones in the mountains, located inside of the newly renovated historic Firehouse at Snoqualmie Pass. It’s a perfect spot for a stunning ceremony and reception, and yes, you can hit the slopes or go for a hike afterwards; after all, the views are literally right outside the front door. They even have a charming little cafe that can provide all your drinks and treats, a warm and friendly staff to help you with your special day, and lots of recreational opportunities for you and your guests to participate in! Getting married at the Pass Life is the ultimate PNW wedding experience.
Photos: Cascadian Exposure
7. Kingston House | Kingston
Their website says it all: the Kingston House is “a place many call ‘magical.’” This mid-century home and its surrounding grounds are the dream location to host a nature-focused, environmentally-conscious wedding, especially if you want to host guests for a destination celebration or a full weekend of any kind. The Kingston House is located on the Kistap Peninsula, just a ferry ride from Seattle and under an hour from Olympic National Park—so you’ve got access to so many amazing parts of Washington! One of my favorite things about this venue is their commitment to sustainability and softening their footprint through each and every event they host. They’ll prioritize environmentally-sound landscaping practices, and help couples design events with energy conservation & waste minimization in mind. Every person who stays at the Kingston House will feel so incredibly welcomed and appreciated with their amazing hospitality, and couples will receive support + guidance in making greener decisions for their wedding. Such an amazing place to get married!
Besides their amazing dedication to protecting the environment, the Kingston House is also just gorgeous! With 27 acres to explore, you’ll never run out of beautiful spots to celebrate with your loved ones and take photos, from the mid-century home to the indoor event hall to the multiple large event tents available. The property is a beautiful reflection of all the magic that the PNW has to offer, featuring expansive views, large lawns, a waterfall terrace, an enchanting lavender farm, a charming pond with a canoe, multiple romantic gazebos, walking paths galore, and even an outdoor hot tub. Sounds like the dream place to spend a weekend to me, does it not?
Kingston House wedding packages start at $11,000 for a weekend wedding of up to 100 guests during peak season (May-September), but you can save some cash by having a mid-week wedding of under 30 guests, instead, for $5,000. Both of these packages include 2 nights of lodging for up to 14 guests, so you and a small group of your closest loved ones can stay a couple nights and enjoy everything the property has to offer. Below is a list of amenities and facilities that are included with your wedding package, as well as a few optional amenities you can add on:
Use of the property’s 27 acres of land
Mid-century home that sleeps 14
Indoor event hall
Caterer prep kitchen
Large event tent in Sward area
Large cleartop event tent in Courtyard area
Tables & chairs
Setup & breakdown
Venue coordinator & event day staff
On-site parking with attendant
Edison string lights
2 site visits
Optional rehearsal dinner
Optional additional nights for guests
Optional golf cart & driver
Optional furniture & decor rental
8. MV Skansonia | North Lake Union
The MV Skansonia is probably one of the most unique venues on this list—it’s literally a boat wedding venue! It was built back in 1929 as a car and passenger ferry between Vashon Island & Point Defiance; now, it’s a wedding and event venue permanently docked on North Lake Union. So no, it unfortunately doesn’t move, but don’t worry, the beauty of the venue will make up for that! With space for up to 175 people seated and 200 standing, it’s got PLENTY of room to host a small wedding, giving you tons of space to explore and move throughout the boat during your day. Between the large outdoor deck, the picturesque views of the Seattle skyline, the shining wood floors, and the hand-carved wood bar, this ferry boasts all the rustic maritime charm you could ask for. And let me once again mention the views: you are literally right on the water, so you have the most incredible views of downtown Seattle and Lake Union!
You can get married at the MV Skansonia at any time of year, as they’ve got an expansive indoor space you can use if the weather is bad, but spring and summer are the prime times for a wedding on the water. In addition to everything the venue itself has to offer, you’ll also enjoy farm-to-fork catering provided by Herban Feast, every dish boasting a focus on farm fresh produce and herbs, and endless flavor + quality. Now possibly my favorite thing that the MV Skansonia has to offer: brunch weddings! That’s right—you can tie the knot aboard the MV Skansonia with up to 50 guests and enjoy a delicious brunch after your ceremony. What more could you ask for? This brunch wedding package at the MV Skansonia starts at $159 per person, with a $5,000 minimum spend—it’s the ideal package for intimate weddings if you don’t need a big reception or anything.
9. Bella Luna Farms | Snohomish
Named the “Best Intimate Venue” by Seattle Bride magazine in 2020, Bella Luna Farms is a dream venue for couples who want an intimate garden wedding in Seattle. It’s a wildly romantic escape into what feels like another world, away from the city and into a whimsical, luxurious garden brimming with greenery, and even a picturesque little pond. You have so many choices when it comes to spaces to host your wedding, including the extensive gardens, an apiary, the Grape Hohuse, and even a farmstead creamery! It’s a truly fairytale-esque setting perfect for a day + evening of romance, community, and connection, surrounded by massive evergreens and lush landscaping. You’ll also have the help of an experienced events team to support you in designing a completely unique day, as well as farm-fresh fare inspired by the seasons of the PNW. Whether you’re dreaming of a super rustic celebration or a more refined garden party, you’ll have the ability to customize Bella Luna Farms to fit your vision with the help of a collection of French & English antiques, seasonal flowers, candlelight lanterns, and more.
10. JM Cellars | Woodinville
JM Cellars is by far one of the best winery wedding venues in the Seattle area, located in Woodinville. It’s a family-owned venue that’s produced handcrafted wines since 1998, valuing and implementing environmentally-sound practices wiht everything they do. This classically Northwest venue can accommodate up to 100 people in its variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the JM Loft and the 7-acre arboretum, at any time of year—they’ve always got a rain plan in case Seattle decides to do its thing on your big day. The property has been nicknamed “Bramble Bump” and is so beautifully secluded, offering an escape from the busyness of the city; you’ll feel like you’re walking into some sort of gorgeous winery in the middle of the lush European countryside! With an abundance of native Northwest foliage and luscious gardens just 15 minutes from Seattle, JM Cellars is the perfect blend of outdoorsy and urban; a true hidden oasis in the heart of Woodinville.
Wedding packages at JM Cellars start at $8,450 for weddings from July-September, and include the following amenities and services:
Exclusive rental of the cellar venue & arboretum
All-day rental of the JM Loft for wedding party prep
Dinner furniture
Ceremony & reception furniture
Rustic decor
In-house sound
Fireplaces & firepits
Valet service
Wedding rehearsal
Wine tasting & menu pairing assistance
Onsite venue manager
11. Rock Creek Gardens | Puyallup
I swear Seattle is just too good—we have SO many dreamy, incredibly romantic venues that will make your wedding feel like its own little fairytale! Adding to this already amazing list is Rock Creek Gardens, a 20-acre private estate just south of Seattle. Everything about this venue is timeless, romantic, and absurdly beautiful, featuring Northwest and English garden landscapes, breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, cascading waterfalls, and charming stone pathways. And if it ends up raining on your wedding day, don’t fret: there’s a spacious white reception tent ready for you to eat + dance beneath, draped in fabric and highlighted by sparkling crystal chandeliers. Rock Creek Gardens has a two-story home where you and your wedding party can get married, and you’ll have completely exclusive access to the idyllic gardens all day. It’s been awarded one of the top garden wedding venues in Washington State for a reason!
Rock Creek Gardens technically has space to accommodate up to 300 guests, but my personal favorite wedding package they offer is the microwedding package—ideal for intimate celebrations of up to 30 guests, and available on Sundays in May and October only. Here’s what is included in the Rock Creek Gardens microwedding package:
Rehearsal space
Five hours of private venue access
Two-story wedding party house
Garden ceremony
Pergola drapery & chandelier
Reception tent
Tables & chairs
Sparklers for grand exit
Linens
The cost of this package isn’t currently listed on the venue’s website, but their Signature Wedding package for up to 300 guests starts at $10,000.
12. Chateau Lill | Redmond
Dreaming of tying the knot at a secluded estate in the French countryside, but don’t want to actually. . . pay to tie the knot at a secluded estate in the French countryside? Chateau Lill is the next best thing: a French-inspired destination wedding venue in Seattle. One of the reviews on the venue’s site says that “Chateau Lill is the absolute best kept wedding venue secret in the Puget Sound region”—and I’d have to agree! Chateau Lill brings all the European villa vibes to the greater Seattle area, providing couples with a variety of gorgeous indoor and outdoor settings for celebrations. You could have your ceremony in their romantic wine cellar, or exchange vows in private beneath the gazebo; host a reception upstairs in the grand room, or hve your ceremony one one of the lush, expansive lawns. With 10 acres of grounds to explore, you’ll never run out of room to stroll around with your guests, from the Barrel Room to the open-air terrace to the vineyard lawn, even the Chateau tower! The venue can accommodate up to 300 people outdoors for a cocktail-style celebration, or 100 for an indoor ceremony/reception. As soon as you step foot on the property you’ll forget you’re just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle!
Chateau Lill currently doesn’t have their pricing listed on their website, but I did find a few pricing estimates via Here Comes the Guide. Disclaimer that I can’t guarantee this pricing is up to date, so definitely reach out to the venue for accurate numbers. The rental fee for a wedding at Chateau Lill ranges between $6,500-$13,500 during peak season (June-August), and includes 10-hour venue access as well as 4 hours for setup. Off-season and shoulder-season fees are lower, and depend on the day of the week, time of the year, and the space(s) you reserve at the venue. Here’s what’s included in your rental besides the 10 hours of venue access:
Getting ready rooms
Terraced patio tent with chandeliers
Seasonal outdoor lighting and cornhole sets
1-hour ceremony rehearsal
Complimentary visit(s) for wine tasting
White folding chairs & table rounds
So what do you think—will one of these small Seattle wedding venues be the perfect one for you? I sure hope so, and I truly cannot wait to see which one you end up choosing to bring your vision to life (be it one of these or a totally different venue).
Hiring a Luxury Florist for Your Small Seattle Wedding
If you have yet to find a florist to transform your wedding venue into the setting of your dreams, I’d love to introduce myself! I’m Meghan, the owner and designer behind Twisted Bramble—a local luxury florist in Seattle, WA. I’m passionate about working with clients who prioritize seasonality and sustainability in their wedding planning process, which is why I included so many venues in this list that value environmentally conscious practices. You can learn more about me and my approach to floral design here, and get in touch here so we can connect. Feel free to also browse additional wedding resources from my Blog below!
