Where to Get Married in Western WA & Puget Sound, part 1

As a born and raised 3rd generation Pacific Northwesterner, and as someone that has traveled extensively in the region, I feel confident when making recommendations to clients and friends for places to get married. Coastal Washington is SUCH a vibe for weddings, especially during the peak summer months, and I have many favorites in my back pocket that are rich in views and experience. My husband and I have spent many, many hours in our early years together road tripping to the San Juan Islands to camp out, traveling to the Oly peninsula to surf, ambling around the cute towns peppering the region, and heading up into the mountains to hike. The following list is by no means cumulative. I have lots of places to recommend, as well as a caveat: this list doesn’t include a lot of urban choices, typical hotels, or fancy halls. Those venues are simply not in my wheelhouse nor are they my style, and are typically not the kinds of places my clients tend to want to celebrate at. I am an immersive experience kind of wedding planner, and I want your guests to be able to feel the summer sun on their skin, smell the PNW summer scents of wild rose hedgerows, dry grass, and the brine of the Puget Sound, enjoy the experience of late summer evening light, and tasting our height-of-the-season produce. Think: flower farms, small and quirky boutique inns, a state park, a generational family property, or a historic group of cabins. These are also NOT typical “only weddings” venues that have a full team + planner already in place that you have to use without any flexibility - which often comes with the oversize price tag to match. Some of these are scrappier locations for those wishing to curate their own vibe. That, of course, has pros and cons…but that’s a post for another day. Want to know the places I’d recommend to plan your wedding? Let’s take a look!

For Coastal and Puget Sound views/waterfront:

Vashon Field and Pond, Vashon Island - I found out about this one from my IG friend, Molly, who shot this image. She raved about this not-yet-on-the-radar spot for its unmatched Puget Sound and Rainier views, expansive multi-acre property, and different options throughout the site with price points for varying group sizes, and a variety of accommodations on the property itself (cabins, camping). Out of town wedding guests will love Vashon Island’s laid back atmosphere. (Photo by Molly Moormeier)

Guemes Island Resort, Anacortes - an eclectic group of updated waterfront cabins and rustic yurts with a huge common field (best tented) and a seemingly endless private beach. Entire property can be rented for a long wedding weekend (~70 guests) for your nuptials. Guemes is one of the mellowest of the San Juan Islands in the summer season, the ferry is cute and tiny, there’s a great cafe/bar next to the ferry line up on your departure, and it’s fun for bike rides for guests staying for the weekend. (Photo courtesy GIR)

Woodstock Farm *, Bellingham - may be ending their wedding/event options, check with the city about future plans and management. This is a one-of-a-kind historic farm property facing Chuckanut Bay with rolling meadows and water views. On site is a cute historic barn for small wedding receptions under 100. Fun fact! My 7th grade science teacher’s family donated this incredible property to the city for historic preservation. (Photo by Caylie Mash)

Deception Pass State Park, Whidbey Island - We have spent countless hours on Whidbey (my family used to own a home at the Pass, and this was the closest place to surf from Bellingham for my wave-hound spouse). Whidbey has a lot of beautiful open meadows and special headlands. Micro weddings on the north end of Deception at Rosario Beach are unmatched for water views, and the historic CCC shelters (rustic but charming) are a unique place to have a picnic or small reception afterward. I’d have my ceremony on one of the bluffs. May have limits for guest count. (Photo: Works by Sarah Jane)

Captain Whidbey, Coupeville - this one’s a little more curated, and has in-house (excellent) food/bev as well as restrictions with room buy-out, but is second to none for vintage, quirky charm. Situated on Penn Cove near Coupeville (cutest town) with gorgeous waterfront views and endless madrona trees. (Photo courtesy the Captain Whidbey)

Tokeland Hotel, Tokeland WA (on the Pacific Coast) - the oldest hotel in the state with a charming restaurant (The Wandering Goose) that began in Seattle. Similar vibes to the Captain Whidbey in terms of dark wood, quirky antique decor, and ‘is-it-haunted?’ energy - which, for certain couples, is a big draw. Tokeland sits on the edge of Willapa Bay, known for its oysters and tidelands, and the endless marsh fringing the edge of the property makes for a beautiful natural backdrop for your ceremony site. (Photo: Justine Montigny)

Hope Island Beach Club, La Conner - A great value for this lesser-known waterfront venue (around $4k). The west-facing views of Deception Pass and inside passage islands will wow your guests, with epic sunsets to boot! Photo courtesy venue.

Nettles Farm, Lummi Island - Owner Riley Stark is locally famous for founding the Willows Inn, which ended up being sold and eventually grew into an internationally-renowned Michelin starred restaurant before it’s closure. Riley continues to grow, farm, fish, and harvest local food (including reefnet salmon, a hyper-local fishing method) on Lummi, and is a terrific guy to boot. His downhome classic wood-shingled B&B allows for overnight guest stays, an intimate dinner on the beach (we’d recommend catering with a private chef, just ask us for recs!) and continued reception on site. We’d book guest lodging with the kind sisters at Stay and Sea Lummi. Bonus - Lummi Island is amazing for bike riding! (Photo by Ebb & Co of a shoreline dinner)

Christianson’s Nursery - set among Skagit Valley farmland with mountain and valley views, Christianson’s has an enduring charm and is run by the BEST family. The little schoolhouse on the property (from the 1880s) is the perfect spot for a charming micro wedding of around 50-75 guests, surrounded by the lush flower-filled landscaping of the nursery. Bonus: newer building on site, The Vinery, can also be rented for reception/dancing. (Photo by Alyson Hall)

Crockett Farm, Whidbey Island - original historic barn and south-facing water, lagoon, meadow, and Mt. Rainier views. Very close to Fort Casey State Park, which has endless views for photos and camping/RV accommodations for more adventurous guests. (Photo courtesy venue)

Saltbox Barn, Mt. Vernon/Conway - VALUE ALERT! This generational family property has been curated into a delightful venue with lots of special details and photo opportunities. In the heart of the Skagit Valley amongst working farmland and lush fields. The Airstream and “bridal cottage” are perfect for photo ops. The owners are thoughtful and intentional, and the decor is authentic/historic without being “too dusty”. Given the level of curation, we think this one is a great value (at or under $4k for up to 150 guests). Photo courtesy venue.

Next up, boutique inn wedding locations throughout the PNW (Gorge and Portland, Coastal Oregon included) as well as our favorite budget venue options, including down-home granges, community centers, and boathouses.

What are your favorite Western Washington venues? Let me know in the comments!