4 minute read
Valley venues
YEAR-ROUND VARIETY BECKONS THE BETROTHED
There’s a reason the Methow Valley is a top wedding destination in Washington — the options are abundant and every one of them comes with Methow Valley views. Here are some of the area’s top choices.
LODGES
• Sun Mountain Lodge, www. SunMountainLodge.com
Sun Mountain Lodge offers several visually stunning outdoor wedding sites, such as the bluff overlooking snow-capped Mt. Gardner and the valley, or the cool and tranquil shores of Patterson Lake, or the intimate wine cellar space. It also includes indoor facilities such as a main lobby with massive stone fireplaces. Lodge rooms and lakeside cabins accommodate overnight guests, and the on-site gear rental shop provides bike, ski, and snowshoe rentals for visitors to explore the Sun Mountain trail system in any season.
• Freestone Inn, www.FreeStoneInn.com
Located on the historic Wilson Ranch, Freestone Inn sits along a private lake below the towering spires of the majestic North Cascades. A stone fireplace greets guests underneath the timbers of the main lodge. Onsite catering is available but not required. Lodge rooms, cabins, and lakeside lodges provide a variety of accommodations for overnight guests
• The Inn at Mazama www. innmazama.com
The Inn at Mazama offers yearround wedding planning, gorgeous scenery, and several different indoor/outdoor venues. Several local caterers work out of the inn’s kitchen. The lodge has 18 rooms and 45 private rentals for guests who enjoy a little more space.
Private Retreats
• Skalitude Retreat, www.Skalitude.com
The rolling meadows of secluded Skalitude eco-retreat are embraced by peaceful mountaintops. The basic wedding package includes outdoor kitchen use, tables, chairs, and the 2,000-square-foot Sky Lodge, which seats up to 150 people and is a breezy shaded option for rain or shine. Up to 100 guests can camp on the grounds for an additional fee. Perfect for intimate or large gatherings. Both proprietors are ordained ministers and can perform wedding ceremonies.
• Goat Wall View, (509) 846-5035
Goat Wall View near Mazama is located in a secluded meadow surrounded by woods and bordered by gardens that change with the seasons. On-site restrooms, a full kitchen, gas grill, covered porches and plenty of parking make this scenic location very guest friendly for an intimate weekend gathering. On-site lodging includes a roomy three-level home and separate studio apartment. Additional lodging is just minutes away.
• Spring Creek Ranch, www. SpringCreekWinthrop.com
Spring Creek Ranch, near Winthrop, offers a stunning setting in a convenient yet secluded location. The hosts embrace all unions and welcome LGBTQ weddings. In the summer, a serene pond provides a scenic backdrop. Wintertime guests can ski out the front door onto the groomed cross-country ski trails of the scenic Methow Trails system. Wedding packages include a twonight stay for up to 13 people. Seven additional lodging options are within walking distance.
• Pipestone Canyon Ranch, www.PipestoneCanyonRanch. com
Pipestone Canyon Ranch, located near the historic Pipestone Canyon, is a secluded paradise for any event. Backdrop options are varied, with wide ranging choices of rocky cliffs, lush pasture, meadows, and a cottonwood-lined creek.
The Pipestone Canyon ranch is a working ranch, with alfalfa meadows and a rustic barn. The modern renovated barn is a warm and welcoming event center. Event bookings include the use of the kitchen and prep area, table settings and plenty of seating options. The barn can accommodate indoor seating for up to 200 guests, and the doors open to an expansive outdoor area with incredible views of the surrounding hills and farmlands.
• Twisp Terrace Lodge at Rockchuck Ranch, www.TwispTerrace.com
The Twisp Terrace Lodge is ideal for small, intimate weddings of 18 or fewer people. The 300-acre ranch offers multiple outdoor and indoor choices, all with awe-inspiring views of the North Cascades and the Methow Valley. The lodge offers guestrooms and suites for overnight accommodations, and an exquisite menu. Your guests will be sure to enjoy the 18th Century pub located just past the entryway.
• Methow Valley Inn, www. MethowValleyInn.com
The Methow Valley Inn in Twisp is available as a group vacation rental. The spacious indoors open up to a beautifully landscaped courtyard and gardens. Conveniently located on a quiet street just blocks from Twisp’s downtown, the venue is perfect for those who want to integrate wedding activities with exploring Twisp’s art and shopping options.
• Brown’s Farm, methownet. com/brownsfarm/
Brown’s Farm, on Wolf Creek
Road just off of Highway 20 west of Winthrop, has individual cabins, a barn for events, and a gracious setting with compelling Methow Valley views. Guests can ski, bike, or walk right out the cabin doors and immerse themselves in the upper Methow Valley’s majestic scenery.
• Base Camp 49, www.basecamp 49.com.
Base Camp 49, which offers four luxury cabins within a short walk of the Mazama Store and recreational trails, is available for individual or group rentals. For events including weddings, the “casitas” can accommodate up to 24 people. Amenities include an outdoor reception area, covered pavilion and outdoor sound system.
Public Venues
• The Winthrop Barn, www.WinthropBarn.com
The Winthrop Barn is a popular wedding venue with a spacious hall, full kitchen, ample parking, and a town park just outside its doors.
• The Barnyard Cinema, www. TheBarnyardCinema.com
The Barnyard Cinema in
Winthrop offers theater seating, with a majestic backdrop view of the mountains via the floor-to-ceiling picture window. Theater seating can be cleared to make a stage and dance floor. The theater opens up to a full-service bar.
• The Winthrop Rink, www. WinthropRink.org
The Winthrop Rink has a spacious and beautiful room with a view of the rink and is available yearround. Party packages for either winter ice skating or summer time roller skating are available.
• Bear Creek Golf Course, www. BearCreekGolfCourse.com
The Eagles Nest at Bear Creek Golf Course is an indoor/outdoor facility overlooking the Sawtooth Mountains, and the scenic golf course.
• Methow Valley Community Center, www.MethowCommunity.org
The historic Methow Valley Community Center features a large gathering hall, and smaller intimate rooms. A unique setting in the heart of Twisp.
• Mazama Community Club
The lovingly maintained
102-year-old Mazama schoolhouse now serves as an event venue for up to 50 people. An outdoor picnic shelter offers outdoor eating options and stunning meadow and cliff views provide photo backdrops.
• Twisp Valley Grange, www. TwispGrange.com
An intimate setting with a stage and a kitchen. Perfect for those on a budget seeking the cozy atmosphere of a community hall.
• Confluence Gallery, www. ConfluenceGallery.com
The Confluence Gallery in Twisp offers an artful backdrop to any gathering. Rental includes tables and chairs. Additional services and features available upon request.
• The Plaza at TwispWorks, www.TwispWorks.org
Located in the heart of Twisp, on the historic ranger station campus. A 14,000-square-foot lawn is encircled by concrete bench seating, native plants and art, and a splashpad offers fun for the kids. Artist studios, shops, and tasting rooms on the TwispWorks campus provide abundant entertainment for before or after your wedding.