Valley Vows 2025 by Methow Valley News

2025

Valle y Vows a guide to

ge ing married in the Methow

o, you’ve decided. And set a

Now the real planning begins. It’s complicated, but be assured that there are many people out there able and ready to help make your special day a unique event, right here in the Methow Valley. Look for our advertisers in “Valley Vows 2025” as a terri c resource. They are poised to provide what you need

for a day to remember. They o er many options that encompass both traditional and personal approaches to staging your wedding day.

The setting is compelling all by itself, in every season. The valley is a year-round destination for those looking to tie the knot in a distinctly memorable way. And as long as you’re here, why not think about the Methow as your honeymoon destination? It’s a memorable way to launch a lifetime together.

Find your own special place

From elegant to eclectic, the valley o ers a range of sites for the ceremony

Hair and makeup:

For just the right look, consult a pro Honeymooners'

Just hitched in the Methow? Stick around and get to know the place

Photo by Saleina Marie

Methow Valley News

Photo by Emily Moller Photography

Find your own special place

From elegant to eclectic, the valley offers a range of sites for the ceremony

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

There’s a wedding venue for everyone in the Methow Valley, where options range from luxe to affordable and traditional to offbeat. Whether you’re seeking a single site for your ceremony, photos, and reception, planning to be married in the mountains and host associated festivities in the valley, or have another once-in-a-lifetime

dream in mind, your choices are many and varied. Here’s a guide to what the valley has to o er.

Lodges and inns

• Casia Lodge & Ranch, https:// casialodge.com/. On 300 acres near Twisp, Casia Lodge & Ranch o ers indoor and outdoor settings for celebrations of all sizes. With wide-open views of the Sawtooth Range and a mix of unique amenities, it’s a luxury venue with ties to the valley’s history and the

great outdoors. The Cascade Room can seat up to 80 people; outside, there’s room for as many as 500 guests.

Eleven guest rooms provide accommodation on site. The lodge provides full-service planning and day-of support. Casia’s award-winning chef focuses on seasonal and local ingredients and can tailor menus to suit dietary and beverage preferences.

• Freestone Inn, www.FreeStoneInn.com. On 100-plus acres

at the base of the North Cascades, the Freestone Inn o ers multiple sites for both ceremonies and receptions, and plenty of beautiful settings for photos. Indoor and outdoor sites are available May-October; the inn can host indoor-only gatherings year-round. Many couples choose a ceremony in the mountains followed by a reception at the inn.

The Freestone o ers catering for small weddings and rehearsal dinners for up to 50 — or rent the

Photo courtesy of Casia Lodge and Ranch

kitchen for your own or your caterer’s use. The Freestone can provide on-site planning and coordination, sound system rentals, and bar services, servers, and assistance on the day of your wedding.

• Methow Valley Inn, www. MethowValleyInn.com. The vintage 1912 Methow Valley Inn operates as a group vacation rental. Occupying half a block in the heart of Twisp, it’s a quiet oasis with the feel of a country house set in a bountiful garden. With living and dining rooms, sunroom, courtyard, and more, the inn o ers plenty of choices for ceremony, reception, and photos. Your caterer will have the use of a fully equipped farm kitchen. Seven bedrooms can accommodate up to 18 people.

• Sun Mountain Lodge, www. SunMountainLodge.com. Sun Mountain Lodge is all about “luxury at the edge of the wilderness,” with plenty of indoor and outdoor sites so you can cra the experience you most want for your wedding party and your guests. Whether you prefer a grand view of Mt. Gardner, a serene spot overlooking Patterson Lake, or the intimacy of the wine cellar, you’ll

nd it at Sun Mountain. Sta can help you plan and coordinate your ceremony, reception, and lodging and recreation. Catering is provided by the lodge.

• The Inn at Mazama (www. innmazama.com) and Base Camp 49 (https://www.basecamp49. com/). The Inn at Mazama o ers a spectacular wooded setting in Mazama, with indoor and outdoor wedding options. Book the inn and work with your own caterer and vendors; sta will work with you to plan based on your preferences and wedding size. The inn has indoor dining space for up to 40 and works with Cascade Event Rentals to accommodate larger parties in outdoor tents. There are 18 rooms at the inn, and more than 50 private rentals can accommodate additional guests.

Situated on ve riverfront acres, Base Camp 49 features modern architecture surrounded by the bold natural landscape of the upper Methow Valley. The community courtyard and outdoor pavilion provide a comfortable setting for ceremonies and receptions for up to 75 people — larger groups may adjourn to the Inn at Mazama

rene retreat located minutes from Twisp in the scenic hills above Upper Beaver Creek. A spacious event barn boasts sweeping views of lush green lawns, hay elds, and the majestic North Cascades. Wedding parties enjoy exclusive access to the entire ranch, with versatile options for ceremonies and photos. Packages include tables, chairs, and place settings for up to 200 guests. Bring your preferred caterer or use the full kitchen to cra your own refreshments. While there’s no on-site lodging, six convenient RV hook-ups are available.

following the ceremony. 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. Five luxury casitas can accommodate 28; the main lodge will house another seven.

Private retreats

• Brown’s Farm, https://winthropwashington.com/business-directory/browns-farm-inn/.

At Brown’s Farm you’ll nd all the beauty of a country farm, with easy access to Highway 20 and the Methow Valley’s trail system. Wedding packages include use of the whole farm, with three cabins and a barn as well as a garden and both forested and open lawns.

Matt’s Cabin has a full kitchen and the barn has grills and a cement slab perfect for outdoor dining. Your caterer is welcome. The hosts will provide resources for catering, decorating, photography, and other needs, as well as tables, chairs, and support on the day of.

• Pipestone Canyon Ranch, www.PipestoneCanyonRanch.com. Pipestone Canyon Ranch is a se-

• Skalitude Retreat, www. facebook.com/Skalitude/. A refuge in the wild, Skalitude is a pollinator sanctuary and eco-retreat. It’s a very private getaway with a wide-open meadow surrounded by woods and hills at the end of a long dirt road. Access is reasonably easy, but there are no other facilities nearby. Indoor lodging is no longer available; contact the owners to inquire about outdoor weddings and the possibility of camping and using the 2,000-square-foot Sky Lodge and other amenities.

• Spring Creek Ranch, www. SpringCreekWinthrop.com. Spring Creek Ranch is dedicated to providing “a safe sanctuary for all couples,” warmly welcoming the queer community and non-traditional unions. Nestled on 65 scenic acres, this working ranch features breathtaking mountain views with the Methow River running alongside. Conveniently located near Winthrop, the ranch o ers a serene yet accessible setting for your celebration. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each year, Spring Creek Ranch provides an intimate experience with plenty of picturesque spots for festivities and photos. Wedding packages include accommodations for up to 13 guests in the Ranch House and Ranch Cabin. Additional lodging is within walking distance.

Public venues

• Bear Creek Golf Course, www. BearCreekGolfCourse.com. Nestled among the foothills south of Winthrop, Bear Creek Golf Course is a

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Mazama

serene tree-shaded site overlooking Mt. Gardner and the rugged mountains of the Sawtooth range and Pasayten Wilderness. The Eagle’s Nest can accommodate 80 people and o ers a kitchen and tables and chairs; outside caterers are welcome. Plans are underway for new event packages; details will be on the web site early in 2025.

• Loup Loup Ski Bowl, www.skitheloup.com. High above the valley oor, the Loup Loup Ski Bowl sits at the foot of Little Buck Mountain in a setting both tranquil and upli ing. Enjoy the lodge and meadow at the base or ride the chair li to the peak for a top-of-the-world experience and territorial views. The hill is available year-round, with catering on o er and winter activities available in season.

• Mazama Community Club, https://mazamacommunityclub.org/. Mazama’s historic schoolhouse has become a beloved center for community gatherings, with a full kitchen, an outdoor picnic shelter, and views across the Chechaquo Ranch meadow to rugged pine-studded slopes rising above the valley oor. The hall accommodates up to 50 people inside, with tables and chairs available. There are also tables outside in the picnic shelter. Fronting Goat Creek Road, the club is easily accessible and close to Mazama lodging and other amenities.

“We

- T. Wetzler

• Methow Valley Community Center, www. MethowCommunity.org. Just a block from the heart of Twisp, the Methow Valley Community Center occupies the historic Twisp high school and o ers an accessible gym with windows facing a tree-clad slope, full kitchen, plenty of ta-

bles and chairs, a plug-and-play sound system, and easily accessible parking. Right next door, the Commons Park o ers options for outdoor ceremonies. Bring your own caterer, cooking equipment, serving pieces, place settings, and linens.

Photo courtesy of Brown's Farm

• The Con uence: Art in Twisp, www.con uencegallery.org/. The Con uence: Art in Twisp occupies a spacious gallery on Twisp’s main street. Paintings, drawings, photos, and sculpture beautify the light, airy space and stimulate conversation. Rental includes tables and chairs. Additional services and features available upon request.

• The Winthrop Barn Auditorium, www.WinthropBarn. com. A popular gathering place that echoes Winthrop’s Old West theme, the Barn boasts a spacious hall, full kitchen, plenty of tables and chairs, a good sound system, stage, and easily accessible parking. A local landmark on the outskirts of Winthrop, it’s an easy walk from downtown and right next to Mack Lloyd Park and the Methow River. The building is climate controlled for year-round comfort, and the river provides a tranquil backdrop for couples who’d like to exchange vows outdoors. The Barn’s stage will accommodate your band, and there’s plenty of room for dancing.

• The Winthrop Rink, https:// winthroprink.org/. Close to Winthrop with plenty of parking, the rink is a unique year-round venue, o ering the option of ice skating in the winter and pickleball, ball hockey, and other activities in the summer. An upstairs viewing room overlooks the rink and the mountains beyond, and can accommodate up to 100 people. Lodging is available within walking distance.

• Twisp Valley Grange Hall, www.twispvalleygrange.org/. A classic community hall with a stage and an excellent dance oor upstairs and a fully equipped kitchen and dining room downstairs. Banquet tables can be set up upstairs as well. The upper level is wheelchair-accessible and has an accessible restroom. A few blocks from downtown Twisp, the grange is air conditioned and easy to reach, parking is ample, and lodging is close by. An a ordable site; wedding package allows day-before access for set-up. Dishes, linens, stemware, and PA system included on request.

Finding the perfect venue

BY GREENSHOOT MEDIA

The wedding venue is the backdrop for your dream day. It should re ect who you are as a couple and it should be able to comfortably host the wedding of your dreams. No matter where you’re getting married, the perfect venue is out there. When to book it

Ideally, you should book the wedding venue 12-18 months out. It’s one of the rst steps you should take a er getting engaged because the venue controls so much else about your ceremony. Online research is great, but you should also visit the venue in person. If you are using a wedding planner, have them come with you and look over the contract to make sure the venue can really accommodate the type of wedding you have in mind.

Budget

The venue will take up a sizable portion of your budget. Know

your bottom line before you sign anything. Nothing is more disappointing than finding the venue of your dreams and then learning you can’t afford it. If you’re finding the budget a hardship, consider looking at locations in the off-season when there’s less demand and prices may be lower.

Capacity

Have a rough idea of your guest list before you start visiting venues. Each venue will have a maximum capacity and it’s up to you to make sure you don’t surpass that. Finalize that list before you secure a venue.

Have a backup

Just in case, pick a venue and a backup venue, especially if you’re planning on an outdoor wedding that is subject to Mother Nature. When booking a venue, ask whether they have an alternate space and make sure you can visualize your ceremony there, too.

Hair and makeup: It’s a matter of style

For just the right look, consult a pro

BY SHELLEY SMITH JONES

The spectrum of wedding preparation is wide and varied depending on how the perfect day is visualized in the eyes of the bride and groom. One piece of the puzzle that has the potential for last minute stress is the day-of preparation of the bride and

her court by a professional hair stylist and/or makeup artist.

A bride who chooses to have professional help to create the hair style and makeup look that she desires to enhance her other choices will most likely search for the right person months in advance of wedding day.

Methow Valley professional Hillary Roseland usually books wedding parties 9-12 months in advance. She has booked a wedding three years in advance and, if she can “pull it o ,” will do a last-minute

booking.

Since “wedding season” is generally considered to be the period from late spring through early fall — peak months typically May, June, September, and October — Roseland nds she has more exibility during the o season, late fall or winter. Weekdays are also more available.

“I love a Tuesday wedding,” she said.

Be prepared

Preparation is the key to the successful creation of the “look” a

bride desires. Roseland describes the process that she utilizes to prevent wedding day disappointment. Initially, she requests photos of the bride’s hairstyle inspiration and of her current hairstyle so she can make sure that the expectations are realistic. In other words, hair texture, length, color, and current cut need to t with the expected nished style.

“I will guide them if they need to purchase some clip-in hair extensions or maybe do a bit of a color change or cut,” Roseland said. Choosing makeup is a similar

Photo by Haley Christine

process. Roseland asks questions about the bride’s current makeup routine so she can prepare the makeup kit that she brings to the session. She asks the bride to bring her own choice of lipstick so she can carry it with her for touch ups, if needed throughout the day and night.

According to Michelle Schultz, New York City specialist in wedding day beauty, several factors determine the breakdown for

wedding day hair and makeup timeline. These include how many bridesmaids, moms, ower girls, and aunties will be included in the preparation and what time all are expected to arrive at the ceremony venue.

Roseland budgets time based on wedding party size and leaves extra room in case someone takes longer than expected. She has done a wedding party of 10 for hair and makeup — a total of 20

appointments — with the help of a makeup artist friend from Spokane.

“I nd if I take charge and make sure to have my next client ready and waiting for her turn, we can stay on time. Because I am known for being surprisingly fast at everything I do, people always comment that it was quicker than expected,” Roseland explained.

“I encourage brides to be ready a little earlier than they think they need to be, so they can grab a bite to eat or drink, brush teeth, touch up lipstick, or just to have a moment to chill before the long and exciting day.”

Different settings

Since the Methow Valley is a popular place for weddings for outdoor enthusiasts, the venue might be at one of the many lodges that are used for wedding sites, but it also might be in a backyard, at a camping site, or even a mountain top. “I was once asked if I could do hair and makeup a er climbing up to a

mountain top wedding site,” Roseland described. “I had to decline that as way past my pay grade and skill set! I also had a 3 a.m. arrival to get a bride ready for sunrise photos. It was gorgeous!”

The range of hairstyles and makeup desired by brides is as varied as the type of wedding itself. Some women are minimalists as far as their makeup routine. Others are hoping to create a look that is more heavily makeup laden.

Schultz describes a range from a “traditional bridal look to a fullglam appearance.” Roseland also says that “trends and expectations are evolving and nowadays, you can pretty much do whatever brings you joy.”

The term “bridezilla” became popular a er a TV series of the same name in the early 2000s. Bridezillas were described as women who get so wrapped up in their weddings that they tick o friends, insult family, and abuse orists, photographers, and caterers, according to Mirriam-Webster Dictionary.

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Photo courtesy of Hillary Roseland

Roseland said, “I have very rarely come across anyone tting the description of a ‘bridezilla.’ One bride did demand all her bridesmaids wear way more makeup than they were comfortable with, and I felt bad that I had to do that to them. I have come across a ‘groomzilla,’ which I found quite funny with the requests that he made.”

The experience

A well-planned, realistic wedding day session with a hair stylist and/ or makeup artist can provide a fun prelude prior to the ceremony and a er party to the women involved in the bride’s big day.

“Hanging out with these groups of women is always a fun experience. Some are very zen, listening to calming music and chatting with their friends and family. Others are very loud with music blasting and everyone talking over each other with funny stories about the bachelorette party or college adventures,” Roseland described.

A successful hair stylist/makeup artist also has the added job of controlling the timeline, absorbing as much stress from the bride, mother of the bride, little sister, or whoever may need a little reassurance or help, according to Roseland.

“I have helped make bouquets and ower crowns at the last minute. I have even sewn a bridesmaid into her dress, Anything I can do to help, if I have the skills. I know how to make a girl feel pretty on her wedding day while still making her feel like herself and not overdone,” Roseland concluded.

It cannot be overemphasized that the key to a positive, stress-free wedding preparation is having realistic expectations and planning a timeline in advance. Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist can be valuable, not just for the experience and talent, but also for the knowledge and ability to build a practical itinerary so that arrival at the ceremony is as timely and calm as possible.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Roseland

Honeymooners’ heaven

Just hitched in the Methow? Stick around and get to know the place

BY ASHLEY LODATO

So you’ve decided to buck tradition and spend your honeymoon in the Methow Valley. No tropical vacation or tours of medieval European castles for you; you’re looking to celebrate your new status as a legally bound entity in a place that you either already know and love, or you’re looking forward to getting familiar with. Consider three different themes to shape your time here.

First stop: the Methow Valley News. Pick up a copy of the most recent seasonal guide, either “Methow Valley Summer” or “Methow Valley Winter,” depending on your honeymoon dates. The guides include food and lodging information, entertainment suggestions, and many other resources that will help you plan your Methow Valley vacation.

The art of matrimony Navigating a long marriage is an art form, so what better way to start your married life together than by experiencing art in the Methow Valley?

Galleries abound in both Winthrop and Twisp; simply by walking down Riverside Avenue in Winthrop’s “Wild West” downtown and by strolling Glover Street in Twisp, you’ll encounter numerous galleries with permanent and rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists.

Artist studios and maker spaces located on the TwispWorks campus o er another way to see the work of local artisans and to interact with the artists and makers during their open studio hours.

The Twisp Creative District des-

ignation honors the existing art scene in Twisp, as well as o ering opportunities for creative enhancements, such as the many new murals gracing the sides of buildings throughout town. Other murals and mosaics can be found at places like the Winthrop Post O ce, the Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead, and at the four-way stop sign in Winthrop.

Homestream Park in Winthrop is

home to an astonishing number of sculptures by the late Virgil “Smoker” Marchand, a member of the Arrow Lakes Band of the Colville Confederated Tribes and a self-taught artist whose practice was based on bronze and steel works.

Other outdoor sculpture installations by Rich Beyer, Cordelia Bradburn, Dan Brown, Bernie Hosey, Steve Love, Bruce Morrison,

and Barry Stromberger are located at Chickadee Trailhead, Twisp Ponds, TwispWorks, and the Twisp Commons.

If you love the literary arts, you’ll want to explore the Methow River Poems. Located in six spots overlooking the Methow River and its headwaters deep in the North Cascades, the Methow River Poems invite visitors to experience the watershed through the words of the late Poet Laureate William Sta ord. Commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service in 1992, the seven poems pay tribute to the landscape and character of the Methow Valley. (Visit www.methowarts.org/ williamsta ordmethowriverpoems2020 for poem locations.)

Live music lovers will want to visit the Methow Music Monthly (www. methowmusicmonthly.com) to nd out what is playing while you are honeymooning in the valley. Those who happen to honeymoon in the rst week of July should not miss Arts Fest. Held on the TwispWorks campus on July 4, the festival features live music, dance, and other stage entertainment, hands-on art-making booths, and open studios.

(Photo op: Snap a sel e in front of the Gretchen Leggitt mural on the TwispWorks campus.)

Committed to the great outdoors

If you and your betrothed bond over outdoor exploration, there’s no better place than the Methow Valley to launch your life of continued adventure together.

Peruse your Winter or Summer guide, which contain information about all sorts of outdoor pursuits, from skiing and skating to rock climbing to shing to hiking to swimming to gol ng. The guide also contains a chart of local campgrounds, but before you

Photo by Haley Christine

consider any other camp spots you may rst want to pitch a tent or park a trailer at Honeymoon Campground along Eightmile Creek. It’s a typical rustic U.S. Forest Service campground, but the name itself (allegedly because a former ranger and his wife spent their post-nuptials there) is reason enough to bunk up at this quaint creekside side.

If your plans include sleeping in, lazy late mornings and quiet early evenings, punctuated with moderate outdoor pursuits, you’ll nd plenty of mid-range hiking options like Patterson Mountain, Pipestone Canyon, the Rex Derr Trail at Pearrygin Lake, Slate Peak, and Goat Peak. Both of the latter give you bumpy access drives on Forest Service roads, symbolizing the rugged road of marriage leading to magni cent views from up high. If you’re runners, you may want to join the Saturday morning Winthrop parkrun on the Methow Trails campus, on Horizon Flat Road. They meet at 8 a.m. May-September and at 9 a.m. October-April. If you’re part of the pickleball craze, you’ll nd your people — and your paddles — at the Winthrop Rink.

(Photo op: Falls Creek Falls outside Winthrop is no Niagara Falls, but you’re not going to have to photoshop two dozen other happy couples out of your picture.)

Wedded to community

Like you, this proposed honeymoon is a bit unconventional, but like you, it prioritizes connections and kinship. By spending your honeymoon immersing yourself in the Methow Valley community, you and your spouse will build new relationships while also fortifying your own.

If you really want to experience the Methow Valley, build your visit on a foundation of understanding the valley’s long, vibrant, and complicated history; start your honeymoon with trips to the Methow Valley Interpretive Center (MVIC) in Twisp and the Shafer Museum in Winthrop.

The Methow Valley is the homeland of the mətx̌ u People, who have lived in and cared for the valley since time immemorial. You can learn more about the mətx̌ u at www.methowdescendants.org and by visiting the Methow Valley Interpretive Center on the TwispWorks campus.

The Shafer Historical Museum preserves and shares the history,

culture and sense of place in the Methow Valley to inspire human connection and learning. With its mining and pioneer history, replicas of trapper cabins, turnof-the-20th-century dental o ce, store, school, and assay o ce, it’s a fascinating glimpse of homesteader history.

Volunteering is the best way to get to know the community organizations that make the Methow Valley so special and the community members involved in these organizations. Not only will you be helping meet a need, but you’ll meet some of the valley’s movers and shakers (www.VolunteerMethow.org).

Attending some of the many talks, presentations, screenings, readings, and public meetings in the Methow Valley is another way to build community connections. Check out the Methow Valley News’ community calendar for the period of your visit.

(Photo op: Stage your sel e in the MVIC’s native plant garden — may the seeds of your marriage root deeply — or in front of the Shafer Museum’s mining equipment. Finding gold in your marriage requires digging deep and being patient).

Photo by Saleina Marie Photography

Directory of advertisers

■ ART AND GIFTS

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Paula Christian Watercolors . . . 7

■ BANQUET/RECEPTION FACILITIES

Casia Lodge & Ranch 2

Pipestone Canyon Ranch

Twisp River Tap House

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Winthrop Barn Auditorium . . . 14

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■ DINING

Casia Lodge & Ranch

■ EVENT RENTALS Cascades Event Rentals . . . . . 14

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