Updated October 2018
We’ll regularly feature budget venue recommendations across the country. Today, we’re focusing on affordable Seattle wedding venues, since that’s where we live. If you’re thinking about getting hitched in or near the Emerald City, don’t miss these highly recommended options for a Seattle wedding on a budget!
Photo credit: FremontAbbey.org
1. Fremont Abbey
As the name suggests, the Fremont Abbey is located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. But it isn’t a religious building – though it was originally a Lutheran Church, the 100-year-old building has served as a home to a non-profit arts organization since 2008. Not only is it a beautiful place to hold your wedding, especially if you’re going for a vintage theme, it’s also within walking distance of some of Fremont’s best food options, including Paseo, Uneeda Burger and Via Tribulani, so you are guaranteed some good pre-wedding eats.
Cost: Roughly $2,200-$3,100 during peak season (includes sound system and screen, access to commercial kitchen, facilities manager, chairs and tables, dressing room access, vintage furniture, rehearsal and more); inquire for details about daytime and off-season pricing
Capacity: 400 guests
Bonus: Since the Fremont Abbey is an arts organization, they require that you support local artists in at least two ways during your wedding and reception, and will help you find local artists to meet this requirement.
Photo via cwb.org
2. The Center for Wooden Boats
If you are planning an intimate affair, The Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union is a idyllic option. You can bring your own vendors to their Boathouse Deck and dine with a waterfront view.
Cost: Roughly $1,200 for six hours during peak season, plus tax
Capacity: 45 guests seated dining; 60 to 75 guests for standing events
Bonus: You can rent rowboats for guests who want to get out on the water, or to make a dramatic entrance or exit – just keep in mind, you might get wet.
Photo credit: rainierchapterhouse.com
3. Rainer Chapter House
The Rainer Chapter House is an Elegant 1925 historic house on Capitol Hill, perfect for weddings! Built in 1925 as a replica of George Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon home, this venue offers a historical elegance that can’t be beat. There are three floors and many different rooms to choose from, each decorated with in period details or you can even have the option to rent the entire venue out. Couple’s rave about how friendly and helpful the staff are, saying that they made the whole wedding planning process a breeze!
Cost: $1050- $2800 depending on day of the week and time of day
Capacity: 160-225 guests
Bonus: Rentals include the use of chair, tables, table cloths and more!
Photo credit: Flickr User Seattle City Council
4. Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is an absolutely beautiful place to get married. Not only is it affordable and flexible with letting you bring in your own vendors and alcohol, it comes with so many gorgeous flowers that you can go easy on flowers when you decorate. The Wisteria Hall is an amazing interior space, while the West and South Courtyards allow you to have a gorgeous outdoor event. And rentals of any event space at Washington Park Arboretum come with all the chairs and tables you will need!
Cost: Inquire for details
Capacity: 80 to 150 guests
Bonus: The Arboretum has their own wedding Pinterest Board, so you can easily see how other couples have made it match their style.
Photo credit: Flickr user Kenneth Lu
5. Seattle City Parks
Seattle is famously home to over 400 parks and public lands, and many of them are great for weddings of various sizes. When we asked Joy fans for their favorite affordable Seattle wedding venues, we had so many suggestions for different parks that we decided to make it a category by itself. Favorite parks for Seattle weddings include Kerry Park, the Bathhouse at Golden Gardens and the Kubota Garden.
Cost: Depends on location, but permits start at $120 per hour.
Capacity: Varies
Bonus: Since most Seattle parks are definitely dog-friendly, your wedding party can include man’s (and woman’s) best friend.
Tell us more!
Do you know of a budget-friendly Seattle wedding venue we missed? Or do you have strong feelings about what city we should explore next? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comment section below.
