2023 Wedding Guide

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American & Stanwood Camano News

2023 Wedding Trends

After 2022’s jump to 2.5 million weddings, the Wedding Report estimates there will be about 2.24 million weddings in 2023 – closer to normal numbers. COVID-19 restrictions made the “microwedding” surge in popularity and while some couples are planning small celebrations this year, many are choosing to host big wedding bashes. Large celebrations may be back in 2023, but not everything about the wedding day will be large. Some couples are choosing to host a small, intimate ceremony followed by a large reception

that includes cozy spaces such as partitioned nooks and sheltered lounge areas within their venue to create an intimate feel at their big wedding. One trend that began during Covid-19 that will stay in place for 2023 is the wedding weekend where multiple events are scheduled over a weekend so the wedding couple can really celebrate with loved ones in more than one type of gathering.

More wedding trends to look out for:

Green is the top trending wedding color for 2023 with brides

pairing emerald green with a variety of color palettes, including complimentary colors such as blush pink, light blue, or silver.

Petite bouquets have been trending on Pinterest with small, delicate flowers such as lavender and lily of the valley making up a sweet look compared to the large, overflowing arrangements we’ve seen in recent years.

Wedding photos will move to a more “real, documentary-style” look and feel this year with a focus on candid shots with minimal direction from a photographer. Disposable cameras will go along with this trend, allowing guests to capture pictures of the fun they are having at your party.

Fromthebeginningtotheend,wewillmakesure everydetailisjusthowyouenvision.Ourjobisto ensureyouwillnothavetoworryonyourbigday, we'vegotyoucovered!

Bookingfor2023!

Wedding&EventPlanning DayofCoordination PlanningConsultation

Email:bmwinn4@gmail.com Phone:(425)308-0040 ContactUs:

1. Complete a Marriage License application form and affidavit. For more information visit your County’s website online.

Skagit County: www.skagitcounty.net Island County: www.islandcountywa.gov

Snohomish County: www.snohomishcountywa.gov

2. Both applicants must sign the completed affidavit. The signing must be witnessed by a notary public or deputy auditor.

3. Pay a fee: Skagit County $64, with certified copy add $3; Island County $60, $2 fee for debit/credit; Snohomish County $70

1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 ads@skagitads.com P: 360.424.3251 ©2023 by Skagit Publishing LLC All rights reserved.

Wedding Guide 2023

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Big wedding cakes with simple, semi-naked designs and a few tasteful flowers or a cheeky wedding topper will be seen across wedding receptions in 2023.

Brides are requesting a more natural-look for their wedding day hair. Fancy updos with hundreds of bobby pins and hair extensions are out in favor of beach waves or a sleek blowout.

The 2023 Bridal Fashion Week featured bridal dresses with blue hues and floral prints along

with billowing sleeves and sheer fabrics. Asymmetrical necklines, short or long lengths, off-the shoulder looks with sleeves and bow details are also popular right now; 2023 is all about playful and unexpected style. For bridesmaids, mismatched, colorful dresses will be in.

Pearls will be seen at weddings this year – as jewelry, hair decoration, or cake/venue décor. They are classic and beautiful, but understated.

Gen Z bought houseplants in large numbers during Covid-19 restrictions so it’s no surprise that houseplants and potted plants such as English climbing ivy will be seen decorating wedding venues

in 2023 as center pieces and end caps. Not to mention, plants are more sustainable than cut flowers and they create a cozy greenhouse feel.

Embroidery will make a big splash in 2023 with brides sewing heartfelt messages onto gloves, veils, and dresses.

Eco-friendly weddings will continue to be on trend this coming year with couples opting for wedding invitations on recycled paper and avoiding one-time use cups, silverware, and plates at their reception.

Each year brings new wedding trends sure to inspire couples to create the perfect wedding day.

With a focus on big yet intimate celebrations and authentic wedding day pictures, this is

to be a year of great weddings. Cheers to creating a special wedding celebration in 2023!

Finding the Perfect Local VenueWedding

The venue you choose will have a huge impact on your wedding day. It can affect everything from the mood to how many guests you can invite (yes, big bashes are back!) to the amenities that will be available to you. That’s why it’s so important to consider your wedding venue carefully. One of the wedding trends for 2023 are venues that are naturally beautiful and do not require much décor –whatever type of location appeals to you. The most popular types of wedding venues right now are estates, modern spaces such as art galleries, industrial warehouses, and historic buildings, and backyard/outdoor venues such as farms with barns and gardens. If you choose an outdoor space, make sure you have access to a tent or sheltered areas in case the weather doesn’t cooperate!

Before you sit down to review your venue options, it’s a good idea to make a list of your needs and priorities so you can quickly eliminate venues that will not meet them. To start with, the venue is a big part of the wedding budget so you need to decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend. Next, decide what you want out of a venue – are you hoping to bring in all of your own vendors and alcohol or do you want an all-inclusive style package?

Are you looking for a venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception or just a reception? Do you want access to both indoor and outdoor spaces? Are you looking for a modern or vintage style building? How many people will the venue need to accommodate? Once you have written down this information,

search for options that could meet your needs. Call ahead to confirm that the space is available for your preferred wedding date and schedule a tour. When you are touring venues, try to envision how each room or space could be used and decorated for your wedding.

Once you have found two to three good options, it’s time to get practical. Find out exactly what comes with the rental fee and get a list of any “extras” that you will be expected to pay for. Some venues allow outside hiring of caterers and bartenders, for example, while others may require you to use their in-house catering or other exclusive vendors, which could add to your costs. Make a spreadsheet with everything that’s included at each venue and weigh the differences in cost as a total package, not just the basic rental

fee. Remember, though, that price isn’t everything; going with the least expensive option may be good for your budget but it doesn’t do any good if it doesn’t meet your other needs.

Single site wedding and reception venues are a great way to go; if you decide to use separate locations it is a good idea to pick places that are close in proximity to avoid losing some guests. If you are looking for a venue that can accommodate a wedding weekend, you may want to look into campgrounds, farms, or estates that can rent the space to you and your guests for a few days. Keep in mind that you can often save money by having your wedding on a weekday or in the off-season. Being flexible with your wedding date can also put you in a position to save money.

Wedding venues tend to book up quickly during popular times of the year. If you are planning to get married during the height of the Pacific Northwest wedding season (June through September), we encourage you to book your venue at least a year in advance and be prepared with a backup choice. You will typically be asked to make a deposit and sign a contract before the space is officially reserved. Pay attention to cancellation policies and other aspects of your contract that can affect you if you need to reschedule. Is there any flexibility built into the contract?

We know you will find the perfect space for your wedding celebration in Skagit, Stanwood, or Camano Island. Best wishes for a beautiful wedding.

Skagit County Wedding Venues

Couples choose Skagit County for their wedding for a variety of reasons including its natural beauty, stunning venues, attractive prices, and proximity to large cities. Conveniently located between Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, WA, Skagit County has the heart of a small community with the conveniences of a big city.

Here are some of the beautiful wedding venues located in Skagit County:

The Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn

Anacortes, 360-293-5177 www.shipharborinn.com/ weddings/

The Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn is perfect for a small wedding and reception or rehearsal dinner. This hidden treasure is nestled among six acres of towering trees and boasts water views from all rooms and a northerly view from their lawn event space. Sleeping accommodations are available for out-of-town guests. The experienced hospitality staff can assist you in planning every detail of your event for up to 175 people.

Beau Lodge

Bow, 360-724-7508 www.beaulodge.com/our-

facilities

Beau Lodge is a very popular wedding venue featuring 70 acres of grounds with a pond and wooden bridges for outdoor settings. Wood cabins are used for indoor receptions. There is a banquet room that includes the use of tables, chairs and dishes, a kitchen, two large covered deck areas, and a gazebo. The average capacity for a winter party is 75 to 100 people and 150 to 200 people for a summer party.

Bertelsen Winery

Mount Vernon, sarah. bertelsenwinery@gmail.com https://bertelsenwinery.com/ the-vine/

Bertelsen Winery’s event center, “The Vine” is a great indoor space for weddings of up to 175 people. The dazzling crystal chandeliers and views of the beautiful vineyard through open or closed glass garage doors give the space a romantic touch. The Vine Event Center rental includes tables, chairs, serving tables, and bar tops. There is also an outdoor patio area north of The Vine (weather dependent), bartenders, mic and sound system, overhead digital projector, drop down screen, and parking attendants, if needed. Wine and beer are purchased through the winery and guests can bring their own prepared food or choose from preferred caterers.

Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center

Mount Vernon, 360-848-7553 www.skagitvalleyinn.com/ skagit-valley-convention-center/

The Best Western banquet room is a full-service facility for 50-300 guests. It offers in-house catering with customizable menus, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, event staff, and clean-up. Convenient for out-of-town guests; group room reservations are available.

Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse

Mount Vernon, 360-466-3821 www.christiansonsnursery. com/weddings-gardenweddings-schoolhouseweddings-vinery-weddings/

Located in the heart of the beautiful Skagit Valley, the on-site historic 1888 Meadow Schoolhouse or The Vinery building and lovely rose gardens provide a charming venue for an intimate wedding celebration and reception. Kitchen facilities and bridal room available.

Croatian Cultural Center

Anacortes, 360-299-2525 www.littlechurch-anacortes.com

The Croatian Cultural Center is a great place for your wedding or reception of up to 134 people. The site features a main auditorium with hardwood floor, great acoustics, a gallery entryway, large commercial kitchen, and private indoor, and outdoor courtyards.

Eagle Haven Winery

Sedro-Woolley, 360-856-6248 http://www.eaglehavenwinery. com/venue-rentals.html

Located near Sedro-Woolley in the Upper Skagit Valley, Eagle Haven Winery showcases a beautiful vineyard, orchard, cask room, cooperage room, and wine garden. The Eagle Haven Winery offers rustic, country charm with seating for up to 100 people in its event spaces.

Fidalgo Bay Resort

Anacortes, 360-293-5353 https://fidalgobay.com/event-center/

The Fidalgo Bay Resort convention center offers a banquet room that can seat up to 250; the room can be divided into four sections as needed. There is a full kitchen available and a wide hallway that can be used for a buffet line.

Guemes Island Resort

Anacortes, 360-293-6643 www.guemesislandresort.com/

weddings

A classic Pacific Northwest wedding venue; Guemes Island Resort is a beachfront retreat where the forest meets the sea. Make a memorable wedding with mountain and island views, onsite accommodations and catering, then pamper yourself in the woodfired sauna and saltwater hot tub.

Hillcrest Lodge

Mount Vernon, 360-336-6215 www.mountvernonwa.gov/ facilities/Facility/Details/4

Owned by the City of Mount Vernon, Hillcrest Lodge is a large log cabin located at Hillcrest Park in Mount Vernon. The lodge features

an open floor plan, open ceilings with exposed beams, a fireplace, a large kitchen, and a gated Japanese garden.

Lincoln Theatre

Mount Vernon, 360-419-7129 www.lincolntheatre.org/specialevents

The historic Lincoln Theatre is a spectacular site for weddings. This fully restored space has character with that “certain something” and plenty of room for your celebration, all in a great location. The front rows of seating can be removed to allow for a thrust stage to be installed or to make room for tables, displays, or other activities.

Lodge at Cedar Springs

Sedro-Woolley, 360-661-4063 https://cedarspringswashington.com/

Set on 50 rural acres with Day Creek running through it, the Lodge at Cedar Springs is a unique farm-wedding venue. It features original 1903 farm structures that have been repurposed for both large and intimate events. The venue accommodates up to 150 guests and features two on-site locations. The Lodge offers a large industrial kitchen, dining room and living room plus nine bedrooms and five baths for up to 25 guests, and an 1800 square-foot multipurpose Big Room with sound system. Tent and RV sites are also available.

Majestic

Inn & Spa

Anacortes, 360-299-1400 ext. 104 www.majesticinnandspa.com/ weddings.php

The beautifully restored Majestic Inn & Spa is located in the heart of downtown Anacortes. Its wedding venues include the Majestic Ballroom, the Rooftop Lounge, and the Garden Courtyard. The Majestic houses the Apothecary Day Spa, which allows for on-site hair and makeup for you and your bridal party. The rental fee includes set-up and clean-up, a consultation with their professional event specialist, event staff, bartender, linens, tables, and dishes. Coordination services available.

Maplehurst Farm

Mount Vernon, 360-708-0718 www.maplehurstweddings.com

Maplehurst Farm sits alongside the picturesque Skagit River in south Mount Vernon. The farm’s six acres feature a view of Mount Baker. There is a historic mansion and arbor built in 1903, a 5,000 square foot event barn, gardens, trees, and a large grass field with a beautiful tree lined drive leading up to the venue. The farm rental includes a full kitchen and bridal suite. This event space can accommodate up to 200 guests.

McIntyre Hall

Mount Vernon, 360-416-7727 www.mcintyrehall.org/facilityrentals/

McIntyre Hall showcases an elegant grand lobby, dramatic high-ceilings, and sophisticated architecture. Every aspect of your wedding will be tailored to your needs and budget. This venue

offers in-house catering and can seat up to 600 guests.

Moon Mountain Lodge

Sedro-Woolley, 360-715-2119 www.moon-mountain-lodge.com

Moon Mountain Lodge offers a casual wedding venue nestled in 20-acres of beautiful forest and open garden areas. There is a Cozy Cabin for the gals to get ready and then later, the honeymoon suite. The lodge has a prep kitchen with tables and an upstairs apartment for the guys. There is a central lawn area surrounded by gardens, a covered stage, dance floor, and a colorful bar area. Camping spots available for your guests.

Port of Anacortes Buildings

Anacortes, 360-299-1822 www.portofanacortes.com/ rental-properties/

The Transit Shed is ideal for large weddings and receptions with a maximum capacity of 350. Site rental includes tables, chairs, a dance floor, two different stages, and a PA system.

The Seafarers’ Memorial Park Building seats up to 125 and includes tables and chairs.

Santucci Farm

Mount Vernon, SantucciFarm@ gmail.com www.santuccifarm.com

Santucci Farm is a beautiful blank canvas, ready to host your one-of-a-kind event. Rich in agricultural history dating back to the original homestead of 1883, the charming, historic barn and grounds can accommodate up to 125 guests. The venue rental includes natural wood folding chairs, cocktail tables, banquet

tables, wood arbor, yard games, and more.

Skagit Casino Resort Bow, 360-724-0154 www.theskagit.com

The Skagit Casino Resort offers full-service events featuring catering with specialized menus, luxurious accommodations, and the fun of a Las Vegas style casino. Very large to small, intimate parties are easily accommodated.

Stepping Stones Garden Burlington, 360-757-2740 www.steppingstonesgarden.com

This 1920s era country garden setting showcases masterfully planted gardens with fresh lavender and flowers, extensive lawns, ponds, lit white tents, and functional amenities. The site can host up to 200 guests and rental includes tables, chairs, tents, a fire pit, changing rooms, and more.

The Conway Muse Conway, 206-799-1179 www.conwaymuse.com

Located just five minutes from Mount Vernon, the Conway Muse features beautiful gardens that house a majestic willow tree, a sanctuary, a large outdoor wood fire grill, and a fireplace. This is a full-service facility and includes catering, liquor license, officiant, entertainers, musicians, DJs, event staffing, and high-quality audio and lighting equipment. The venue has three rooms that can accommodate any size party, ranging from 10-500.

The Grand Willow Inn

Mount Vernon, 360-428-5071 www.thegrandwillow.com

The Grand Willow Inn accommodates up to 200 guests in their outdoor or indoor ceremony spaces. There are tiny wedding and all-inclusive packages that include in-house catering to take the work out of creating your special day. Choose a picturesque outdoor wedding in one of the beautiful garden gazebos or an indoor event in the stunning Grand Room. The Grand Room features 18- foothigh ceilings and six sets of double French doors that look out onto the front and back courtyard gardens.

The Saltbox Barn on Fir Island

Mount Vernon, 360-540-0072 www.saltboxbarn.com

The Saltbox Barn on Fir Island is located just five minutes from the I-5. It offers a rural feel inspired by the beautiful farmlands of the Skagit Valley. The venue accommodates 150 guests in the event barn and features a bridal suite and groom’s room, a preparation area for the caterer, a custom fire pit, and onsite parking. The 60-acre property features three barns spread over two acres and one-acre of grass with options for the ceremony and reception. Couples have access to a high-quality sound system, folding wood chairs, banquet tables, and decorative props such as a vintage Airstream.

Thousand Trails Campgrounds Bow, 1-888-481-6348 http://www.thousandtrails. com/washington/mountvernon-rv-campground/events

Thousand Trails offers a large, casual lodge nestled in a beautiful

setting with mountains and rivers as your backdrop. A full kitchen, tables, chairs, and other amenities are on site. Camping, cabins, and RV hookups are available for your wedding party and out-of-town guests.

Town of La Conner Facilities

La Conner, 360-466-3125 http://www.townoflaconner. org/facilities

La Conner Civic Garden Club is a vintage La Conner landmark originally built as a Grange Hall in 1875; it is listed on the National Historic Register. The building is located in the heart of La Conner on South Second Street and can accommodate approximately 75 guests.

Overlooking the channel, Maple Hall and Maple Center is a beautiful, modern facility located in the heart of historic downtown La Conner. This venue accommodates up to 200 guests banquet style or 300 reception style and has excellent acoustics for music.

Pioneer Park is located on a wooded hill overlooking the Swinomish Channel. The park has cooking facilities and a covered eating area with tables, benches, and restroom facilities. The park also features a bandstand located in a natural amphitheater.

Tree Farm Weddings

Mount Vernon, 360-454-9084 www.treefarmweddings.com

Tree Farm Weddings is located at Big Lake Trees, a 20-acre Christmas tree farm located in south Skagit County, near the south end of Big Lake, and just 15 minutes from downtown Mount Vernon. The venue is an LGBTQ

and transgender safe space. The farm features an outdoor space on a level, grassy field with a rustic arbor backing up to a small pond and surrounded by Christmas trees and woodland. There is room for a large tent but there are not currently any indoor areas for a reception or ceremony. There is a canvas “glamping style” tent that can be used for dressing and two small covered areas, adjacent to beautiful outbuildings. This space is ideal for smaller weddings, with a site capacity of 50 people.

Vanderveen Farm

and an inviting atmosphere that will accommodate 10 to 500 guests with a variety of floor plans. This unique venue is all inclusive; with Las Vegas style gaming, 94 luxury rooms, four spacious suites, and a hospitality suite perfect for bridal party preparation.

Whispering Firs Bed & Breakfast and Lodge

Mount Vernon, 360-428-1990 www.whisperingfirs.com/ weddings/

experiences with or without a canopy and there is ample parking for parties as large as 200 people.

Stanwood & Camano Island Wedding Venues

Mount Vernon, 360-630-6755 https://www.facebook.com/ Vanderveenfarm

Vanderveenfarm

Vanderveen Farm is a 100-yearold renovated Dairy Farm located right off of Memorial Highway in the midst of the flat plains and farm land in Mount Vernon. The event venue is surrounded by crop fields, beautiful gardens, and a collection of surrounding barns perfect for photography. The barn holds 200-250 guests with an indoor/outdoor ceremony option and a reception area downstairs. There are bride and groom “get ready” rooms, a deck perfect for cocktail hour or dancing, and some décor pieces, including two wood bars and wine barrels.

Weddings & Special Events Center at Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Anacortes, 360-588-3705 www.swinomishcasinoandlodge. com/meetings/weddings

The 9,000 square foot event center inside the Swinomish Casino & Lodge features vaulted ceilings, breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands and Padilla Bay

Wooded seclusion, ponds, streams, flowers, and breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains make for a beautiful wedding backdrop. The 3,000 square foot deck is a popular choice for outdoor ceremonies with seating for 150 plus guests. The lodge, with its massive stone fireplace, seats up to 125 guests and is ideal for cold weather weddings or as a backup on a rainy day. The full rental package includes everything you need for your event.

Wisteria Gardens Anacortes, 360-399-8237 www.wisteriagardensllc. com/our-services/weddingsreceptions/

Wisteria Gardens (formerly Greenfield Farm and Gardens) is a rustic venue located just east of Anacortes with gardens, a 5,000 square foot barn for indoor receptions plus a bridal dressing room and a log cabin for the guys. Your guests will experience unforgettable hospitality, the chicken house bustling with hens, the funky greenhouse, and the grain bin turned beverage bar. The generous grounds lend themselves to several beautiful outdoor

With easy access from Seattle, both Stanwood and Camano Island offer special wedding venues sure to match a variety of wedding styles and budgets. Located in Snohomish County between Everett and Seattle, Stanwood has a small town feel and is known for its quiet neighborhoods and walkability. Camano Island is a large island in the Puget Sound, nestled between Whidbey Island and the mainland. Residents and tourists come to enjoy the stunning ocean views of Saratoga Passage and the natural beauty and calm of island life.

Here are some of the beautiful wedding venues located in Stanwood and Camano Island: Camano Center

Camano Island, 360-387-0222 www.camanocenter.org

Weddings at the Camano Center accommodate up to 200 guests. Rental includes event staff, tables and chairs, lit private parking for your guests, and more. Camano Center Catering offers customized, full-service catering.

Camano Country Club

Camano Island, 360-387-1655 www.camanocountryclub.com/ camano-island-event-venue-rental

With views of Port Susan Bay and Mt. Baker, the Camano Country Club offers a waterfront

banquet hall ideal for weddings and receptions. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests and includes setup and teardown, a built-in stereo system, tables, chairs, dishes, and silverware. Bring in your own caterer or prepare food yourself in the event kitchen.

Camano Island Inn

Camano Island, 360-387-0783 www.camanoislandinn.com/ weddings-and-more

Breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and groomed gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding. The Camano Island Inn offers an intimate, tranquil setting perfect for a romantic day. In colder months, indoor weddings are available next to the beach stone fireplace. The inn offers nine rooms for overnight guests. Inhouse catering required.

Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center

Stanwood, 360-629-6110 https://www.sahs-fncc. org/?page_id=4

Renting “The Floyd” for your wedding includes access to the first floor of a rehabilitated 110-year-old historic “western false front” public hall. The building has an attached service annex with restrooms and an equipped serving kitchen. The room features beautiful hardwood floors and can seat up to 160 guests in banquet style.

Four Springs House

Camano Island, 360-387-1418 www.fourspringshouse.com

Nestled in a 50-acre nature preserve on Camano Island, Four Springs House offers a beautiful, peaceful retreat setting for your

wedding and reception. Larger parties can be accommodated outside by the lake, while more intimate weddings may be held indoors in the Main House or Meadow Room. Rental includes tables and chairs for up to 135 guests.

Happy Hollow Farm

Stanwood, 425-210-7614 www.happyhollowfarm.org/ weddings

Happy Hollow Farm is an intimate and beautiful venue located in the hills of western Washington. There is an outdoor space for the ceremony and reception that can fit up to around 150 people and an indoor barn space that can fit up to 40 people. It is strongly recommended to rent a tent. There are spacious gardens for photos, and tables and seating for up to 120 guests. A bridal suite is included and a wedding coordinator is required.

Kristoferson Farm

Camano Island, 360-387-5807 https://kristofersonfarm.com/about/

Kristoferson Farm is a familyowned farm on Camano Island. Acquired in 1912, the farm has been an active agricultural enterprise for over 100 years. It has been passed down through six generations of the Kristoferson family with a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices. Host your wedding in the Kristoferson Farm’s 100-year-old barn.

Lake Goodwin Community Center

Stanwood, rentals@ theclubhouseat7lakes.org https://theclubhouseat7lakes. org/club-rental/

Nested in the heart of beautiful Seven Lakes, The Clubhouse is a fully renovated 60×100 facility that will seat 230 with a total capacity of 300. There is an outside covered barbecue area with a portable barbecue, ample paved parking, a wood burning rock fireplace, a portable bar, and a fully equipped kitchen. Rental includes tables and chairs and access to a private upstairs lounge area.

Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon

Stanwood, 425-737-5144 or 360-629-6500 www.locobillys.com/reservations.php

Host your wedding and/or reception at Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon in Stanwood. A full commercial kitchen is available for use by you or a caterer for an extra charge. Rental price varies according to your desired day and time and whether you will use the DJ sound system, stage, etc.

Odd Fellows Park & Hall

Camano Island, 360-387-4737 or 425-244-5390 https://odd-fellows.org/ programs/camps-and-parks/ (scroll down to Washington)

Odd Fellows Park & Hall features a two-story hall with a large kitchen and full bathrooms in a park-like setting for indoor or outdoor ceremonies and celebrations. There are 50 additional parking spaces and 16 R/V hook-ups (water & electricity only) that are a practical option for out-of-town guests.

Silvana Viking Hall

Stanwood, 360-631-9050 www.silvanavikinghall.com

Located in the small town of Silvana, just south of Stanwood, the Silvana Viking Hall is available for weddings and receptions. Event rental includes a large dance floor, raised stage area with lights, sound system, private changing room, and large kitchen facility.

Stillaguamish Grange Hall

Stanwood, 360-629-4602 www.grange.org/ stillaguamishwa1058/rentals/

This community hall fits up to 200 guests in banquet style seating and is very affordably priced. The venue includes ample guest parking, a full kitchen, tables and chairs, a hardwood auditorium with stage, and a back room for bridal dressing.

The Finery Camano Island, 425-760-9487, www.thefineryoncamano.com/ contact www.thefineryoncamano.com/ weddings

The Finery offers an intimate outdoor wedding venue nestled on a secluded five-acres, perfect for elopements or small weddings. The rental fee includes bridal suite, groom house, tables, chairs, patio heaters, covered bar, lounge and reception areas, a huge fire pit, and outdoor music system.

The Hitching Post

Stanwood, 425-422-3695 www.thehitchingpostweddings.com

Located in Stanwood, the Hitching Post offers picturesque ceremony areas, stunning reception space, and large bridal

and groom suites. Parties of up to 200 people can be accommodated. Facilities rental includes 200 white chairs, tables, a prep kitchen, and a full bar area with kegerator.

The Lady Florence

Stanwood, www. theladyflorence.com/contact-us www.theladyflorence.com/

weddings

The Lady Florence is a 30-acre family estate with picturesque farm fields and rolling gardens and views of Port Susan Bay/ Camano Island. This venue has multiple ceremony spaces for up to 300 people. The historically restored 1912 site has a 6,000 square foot home and property, situated alongside the Stillaguamish River, south of town. Package rentals include a bridal suite and groom lounge, an

outdoor covered kitchen with sink and full wood-fired pizza oven, and a lit white tent.

The Secret Garden

Stanwood, 970-580-3152

https://thesecretgardenestate. com/

The Secret Garden is a stunning outdoor venue and event space in Stanwood’s Lake Goodwin area, sitting on five scenic acres of magical trees and nature. There is a gorgeous arch and bridge for the ceremony. For the reception, a tent, tables and chairs, and a cedar bar/cocktail area are provided, along with parking attendants and groom and bridal suites. This wedding venue can host parties with up to 125 people.

Green Weddings

Keep the Earth in mind by creating a sustainable event with less waste

With environmental and climate concerns on the rise, more couples are taking an eco-friendly approach.

That may mean using fewer disposable products, cutting down on fossil fuel or emissions associated with the big day or focusing on sustainable practices.

Taken together, these small changes can have a big impact on the world around you.

ECO-FRIENDLY VENDORS

Start by looking for weddingday vendors that share your focus on protecting the planet and creating a healthier environment. Whether it’s a reliance on sustainably created invitations or fun new creations like paper flower bouquets, they can do a lot for our environment simply by using materials that rely on recycled paper or alternative fibers. Other earth-focused companies pledge to plant a new tree with every order. Look for other environmentally sound practices on company websites and handout materials.

GET CREATIVE WITH REUSE

Borrow as many details as possible from the world around you. In this way, leaves can become placards. Vines and wildflowers are transformed into place settings at the reception. Upcycle glass jars, wine bottles or tin cans for creative decorative elements. Use chalkboards or acrylic pieces that can be customized with erasable markers, rather than printing hundreds of programs, menus and name cards. Look for second-hand wedding items at local thrift shops, online marketplaces or garage sales.

STAY LOCAL

Destination weddings have been a growing trend, but staying closer to home reduces pollution and greenhouse gases. It may feel like a small step, but consider how much more stress those long plane trips and taxi rides are putting on the world around us. A couple of hundred invited guests means 50 or more ride-share fares, each way — and that’s leaving aside the flight to your faraway exotic locale. Stay local, and encourage carpooling. Consider hiring a shuttle to bring large groups of people.

POST-WEDDING RECYCLING

Place someone in the wedding party in charge of recycling everything that can used again after your big day. Consider composting flowers so that these materials can fortify gardens or other beddings. Private companies can also be hired to take care of certain eco-friendly chores. They’ll collect flowers, for instance, and repurpose them as gifts at area nursing homes, hospitals or shelters. In this way, the joy of your wedding spreads even further into the community.

Pre-Wedding Checklist

Sixteen to Nine Months Before

Work out your budget. Pick your wedding party. Start the guest list.

Hire a planner, if desired. (A planner will have relationships with—and insights about vendors.)

Reserve your date and venues. Location for ceremony and reception. Book your o ciant.

Research photographers, bands, orists, and caterers.

Eight Months Before Hire the photographer. Book the entertainment. Meet caterers.

Purchase a dress. (You’ll need to schedule time for at least three ttings.)

Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

Register. (Sign up at a minimum of three retailers.)

Seven to Six Months Before Select and purchase invitations.

Start planning a honeymoon. (Make sure that your passports are up-to-date, and schedule doctors’ appointments for any shots you may need.)

Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses. (Allow at least six months for the dresses to be ordered and sized.)

Meet with the o ciant. (Map out the ceremony and con rm that you have all the o cial documents for the wedding, these vary by county and religion).

Send save-the-date cards. Book portable toilets and furniture. Book a orist.

Arrange transportation. (Consider limos, minibuses, trolleys and town cars.)

Start composing a day-of timeline. (Draw up a schedule of the event and slot in each component, like the cake-cutting, the rst dance).

Five to Four Months Before

Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues.

Check on the wedding invitations. (Ask the stationer for samples of the nished invitations and revise them to suit your needs.)

Select and order the cake. (Some bakers require a long lead time, attend several tastings before committing to any baker.)

Purchase wedding shoes and start dress ttings. (Bring the shoes along to your rst tting so the tailor can choose the appropriate length for your gown.)

Schedule hair and makeup artists. Choose your music.

Three Months Before

Finalize the menu and owers. (You’ll want to wait until now to see what will be available, since food and owers are a ected by season.)

Order favors, if desired.

Schedule your second dress tting.

Finalize the order of the ceremony and the reception.

Print menu cards, if you like, as well as programs.

Purchase the rings. (This will give you time for re-sizing and engraving.)

Send your event schedule to the vendors. (Giving them a rst draft now allows ample time for tweaks and feedback.)

Two Months Before

Touch base again with all the vendors.

Meet with the photographer. (Discuss speci c shots, and walk through the locations that appeal to you.)

Review the playlist with the band or DJ. Send out the invitations. (Tip: Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the ceremony.)

Submit a newspaper wedding announcement. (See Pg. 13)

Enjoy a bachelorette party.

One Month Before

Enter RSVPs into your guest-list database.

Call people who have not yet responded.

Get your marriage license. (The process can take up to six days, but it’s good to give yourself some leeway. If you are changing your name, order several copies.)

Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations.

Visit the dressmaker for your last dress tting.

Stock the bar. (Now that you have a rm head count you can order accordingly.)

Send out as many nal payments as you can.

Con rm times for hair and makeup and all vendors.

E-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles.

Week of the Wedding

Recon rm arrival times with vendors.

Delegate small wedding-day tasks. (Choose someone to bustle your dress, someone to carry your things, someone to be in charge of gifts.)

Send a time line to the bridal party. (Include every member’s contact information, along with the point people you’ve asked to deal with the vendors, if problems arise.)

Pick up your dress.

Check in one last time with the photographer. (Supply him or her with a list of moments you want captured.)

Set aside checks for the vendors. (And put tips in envelopes to be handed out at the event.)

Book a spa treatment. (Make an appointment for a manicure and a pedicure the day before the wedding.)

Send the nal guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding-related events.

Pack for your honeymoon.