Finding the Perfect Venue

Finding the Perfect Local Wedding Venue

Many couples delayed their wedding plans until 2022, which has made wedding venues an even hotter commodity this year. Whether you’re planning on a smaller, more intimate wedding or you’re ready for a larger party, the wedding venue sets the mood and affects the budget and amenities that will be available to you. Look for a venue that makes you smile but that’s within your budget.

This year’s wedding trends include getaway weddings in nearby small towns – many couples from Seattle and other larger areas may be drawn to the small-town feel of our Skagit,

A poetic garden venue for weddings & special occasions with picturesque views of Mount Baker located in the heart of Skagit Valley

Please send inquiries to Emma Christianson, emma.christiansons1@gmail.com

15806 Best Road • Mount Vernon • 360-466-3821 Styled by hosted by and photographed by Madison Olling Stanwood, and Camano Island communities. With a continued focus on air circulation, more weddings than ever are being planned in outdoor venues. There has also been a big increase in open-air wedding tent rentals that we expect to continue into 2022.

Couples could spend hours browsing wedding venues online before narrowing down their list to the best options. Before you sit down to review your options online, 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 bar tenders, 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 comes 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. 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.

With a record number of weddings expected to happen this year, wedding venues will book up quickly. If you are planning to get married during the height of the Pacific Northwest wedding season (June through September) this year, you may need to consider a weekday wedding option.

We encourage you to book your venue as soon as possible 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. Best wishes on finding the perfect place for your special day!

How Covid-19 May Still be Impacting Wedding Venues

While statewide Covid-19 wedding restrictions on guest counts are likely a thing of the past, individual event owners may have their own pandemic rules in place. Be sure to ask if the vendor has vaccine, masking, or testing requirements or if they are limiting parties to a certain number of guests. If you have already booked a venue and were unaware of any covid-related venue requirements, contact your wedding guests right

away to let them know the details so they can be prepared. If you are ready to book a wedding venue, be sure to call or email to schedule appointments and ask about any Covid-related restrictions.

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.

Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center

Mount Vernon, 360-848-7553 www.skagitvalleyinn.com/skagit-valleyconvention-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 cleanup. Convenient for out-of-town guests; group room reservations are available.

Mount Vernon, 360-422-6381 www.skagitsbiglakelodge.com/ weddings/

Hidden from the road, Big Lake Lodge is located on a hillside with lush trees and plants at the northwest end of Big Lake. The 16-foot log gazebo and adjoining 20’ X 30’ seating area provides an ideal location for the ceremony with seating for up to 125 people. The facility includes an indoor area with a full kitchen, a reception spot for buffet food service, a beautiful wisteria arbor, and a suite for each of the wedding parties. Fees include an on-site wedding coordinator and setup and teardown.

Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse

Mount Vernon, 360-466-3821 www.christiansonsnursery.com/ weddings-garden-weddingsschoolhouse-weddings-vineryweddings/

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 www.eaglehavenwinery.com/facilityrentals.html

Located near Sedro-Woolley in the Upper Skagit Valley, Eagle goskagit.com

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 www.fidalgobay.com/conventioncenter/

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 wood-fired 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/special-events

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 www.lodgeatcedarsprings.com/ weddings-at-cedar-springs-lodge/

Set on 50 rural acres with Day Creek running through it, the Lodge at Cedar Springs is a unique farmwedding 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.

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.

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

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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, 360-416-7622 www.mcintyrehall.org/facility-rentals/

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, during Covid: Call Nancy Rytand-Carey at 360-299-1822 or email nancy.carey@portofanacortes.com events@portofanacortes.com www.portofanacortes.com/rentalproperties/

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.

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 Wedding Guide 2022 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- foot-high 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 caterer, a custom

fire pit, and on-site parking. The 60acre 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.

Santucci Farm

Mount Vernon, contact form on site www.santuccifarm.com

Santucci Farm is a beautiful blank canvas, ready to host your one-of-akind 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.

Thousand Trails Campgrounds

Bow, 1-888-481-6348 http://www.thousandtrails.com/ washington/mount-vernon-rvcampground/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.

Vanderveen Farm

Mount Vernon, 360-630-6755 https://www.facebook.com/ 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 200250 guests with an indoor/outdoor ceremony option and a reception area in the 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 https://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 and an inviting atmosphere that will accommodate 10 to 500 guests with a variety of floor

A secret garden style venue ready for your special day, choose from a variety of beautiful ceremony locations then dance your night away under the twinkle lights in our open-air outdoor pavilion, the adjacent white Gatsby inspired tent, or in our rustic barn. Explore our extensive lush lawns and discover your favorite garden nook. Let us take care of you, we will take care of all set up of tables & chairs, you just add your customized touches and at the end of the night we will take care of the clean up!

Contact info: 360-757-2740 17503 Cook Road, Burlington, WA 98233 steppingstonesgarden@outlook.com • www.steppingstonesgarden.com

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/

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/ourservices/weddings-receptions/

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

Stanwood & Camano Island Wedding Venues

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

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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 https://www.camanocountryclub.com/ camano-island-event-venue-rental

With views of Port Susan Bay and Mt. Baker, the Camano County 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/weddingsand-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. In-house catering required.

DeLack Estate

Stanwood, 360-654-0288 www.facebook.com/delackestate/

The DeLack Estate resides on five beautiful parked out acres in the Lake Goodwin area of Stanwood. Picture your ceremony by cascading waterfalls under a cedar bridge and surrounded by towering flowers. Your reception will dazzle in a tent of hanging flowers and chandeliers with banquet style seating for up to 150 people.

Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center

Stanwood, 360-629-6110 www.sahs-fncc.org/?page_id=47

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.

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/clubrental/

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 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.

Camano Island, 360-387-4737 or 425244-5390 https://odd-fellows.org/programs/ camps-and-parks/ (scroll down to Washington)

Odd Fellows Park & Hall features a two-story hall with 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/ 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. Wedding Guide 2022

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, contact form on website 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.

Tyee Farms

Temporarily closed – check website for updates. Camano Island, contact form on website www.tyeefarms.com

Tyee Farms is a beautiful outdoor wedding destination on Camano Island. The venue is built on ten-acres of partially wooded land with a large pond, making a beautiful backdrop for your wedding day. The owners work hard to ensure that they have a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment.