24 minute read
Finding the Perfect Venue
Finding the Perfect Local Wedding Venue
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Alot of wedding plans have been delayed or changed because of Covid-19. Many couples opted for smaller weddings, which meant the opportunity to choose more intimate wedding venues. Other couples delayed plans later into 2021 or 2022, hoping that the virus will be under control by then. Whether large or small, the wedding venue sets the mood and affects the budget and amenities that will be available to you. Just like bridal dress designs, venues adapt to changing trends. According to Wedinspire.com, in 2021, “Wedding venues are being greener and becoming more sustainable, many venues that provide in-house catering will use locally sourced produce, as well as other areas within their business to be more eco-friendly.” The trend toward micro-weddings – events with 40 or less guests – will also continue. With a focus on air circulation due to the pandemic, more weddings than ever are being planned in outdoor venues. As a result, there has been a big increase in wedding tent rentals and beautiful lighting that can add a romantic-feel to the setting.
The internet has long been a crucial part of choosing a wedding venue and Covid-19 has only increased its use. Most couples browse wedding venues online before choosing which event spaces to see in person. New technology is allowing venues to offer virtual 3D tours of the buildings and grounds; which is a great way to determine if the spaces will match or complement your wedding theme, décor and colors. Before scheduling a tour, it is wise to create a “must-have” list and weed out venues that will not meet your needs. Call ahead to confi rm that the space is available for your preferred wedding date, that it is inside your budget, allows your preferred caterer and can accommodate the number of guests you plan to have attend your wedding. When you are touring venues, try to envision how each room or space could be used for your wedding. Will you have the ceremony in the garden and the reception inside? Where will the dance fl oor be setup? Is there a room or tent that can work as a backup plan in case it is raining? Will there be enough parking?
When comparing venues, be sure to ask 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. It is important to compare apples to apples; make a spreadsheet of everything 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; you may fall in love with a venue and decide to adjust other aspects of your wedding budget to make it work.
Single site wedding and reception venues are the most popular and economical 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 Friday, Sunday, weekday or in the off-season. Being fl exible with your wedding date can also put you in a position to save money.
Wedding venues normally book up quickly, especially if you plan to get married during the height of the Northwest wedding season (June through September) but there may be last minute openings this year because of Covid-19 cancellations. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to reserve your site at least one year in advance. You will typically be asked to make a deposit and sign a contract before the space is offi cially reserved. Best wishes on fi nding the perfect location for your special day!
What to do if you have a wedding venue booked now
If you already have a wedding venue booked for the next several months, you may be wondering if you can postpone your event. The fi rst step is to email the wedding venue and wedding suppliers and ask how Covid-19 restrictions and safety protocols will affect your wedding day. If you decide to postpone your wedding, ask about postponement policies and read over your wedding insurance policy. Contact your wedding guests right away to let them know how they will be affected by the changes.
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 Wedding Venues
In Skagit County brides fi nd natural beauty, stunning venues, attractive prices and proximity to large cities. It’s no wonder that Skagit County is a popular place for weddings. Conveniently located between Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, Skagit County has the heart of a small community with the conveniences of a big city.
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Here are some of the beautiful wedding venues located in Skagit County:
The Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn
Anacortes, 360-293-5177 Anacortes, 360-293-5177 www.shipharborinn.com www.shipharborinn.com Bow, 360-724-7508 www.beaulodge.com
The Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn is perfect for a small reception or rehearsal dinner. This hidden treasure is nestled among six acres of towering trees and boasts water views 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
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 for a summer party is 125 to 150 people.
Best Western Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center Convention Center
The Best Western banquet room is a full-service facility that can seat up to 250 people. It offers in-house catering with customizable menus, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, event staff and clean-up. Convenient for out of town guests-special pricing offered for room blocks.
Big Lake Lodge
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. The cobblestone patio provides additional dining space and a bar.
Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse Greenhouse
Located in the heart of the beautiful Skagit Valley, the historic 1888 Meadow Schoolhouse and lovely rose gardens provide a charming venue for an intimate wedding celebration and reception. Kitchen facilities and bridal room available.
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Croatian Cultural Center
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 fl oor, great acoustics, a gallery entryway, large commercial kitchen, and private indoor and outdoor courtyards.
Eagle Haven Winery
Located near Sedro-Woolley in the Upper Skagit Valley, Eagle Haven Winery showcases a beautiful a vineyard, orchard and wine garden. Give your ceremony and reception a touch of rustic, country charm in the Eagle Haven Winery outdoor pavilion.
Faberfarm
Mount Vernon, bookings@ Mount Vernon, bookings@ faberfarm.com faberfarm.com www.faberfarm.com www.faberfarm.com
Faberfarm features rustic charm with a classic barn in the heart of the Skagit Valley. Multiple options for ceremony, dining and entertaining both indoor and outdoor allow for a customized wedding.
Fidalgo Bay Resort
Anacortes, 360-293-5353 Anacortes, 360-293-5353 www.fi dalgobay.com www.fi dalgobay.com
The Fidalgo Bay Resort convention center offers a banquet room that can seat up to 100; the room can be divided into three sections as needed. There is a full kitchen available and a wide hallway that can be used for a buffet line.
Guemes Island Resort
A classic Pacifi c Northwest wedding venue; Guemes Island Resort is a beachfront resort where the forest meets the sea. Make a memorable wedding with mountain and island views, onsite accommodations, catering, wood-fi red sauna and a saltwater hot tub.
Hillcrest Lodge
Mount Vernon, 360-336-6215 Mount Vernon, 360-336-6215 www.mountvernonwa.gov/ www.mountvernonwa.gov/ facilities/Facility/Details/4 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 fl oor plan, open ceilings with exposed beams, a fi replace, a large kitchen and a gated Japanese garden.
Lincoln Theatre
The historic Lincoln Theatre is a spectacular site for the wedding of your dreams. This fully restored space has character, lots of room, a great location and that “certain something” that will make your wedding special.
Lodge at Cedar Springs
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 restored Lodge sleeps up to 25 guests. The dairy barn is a historic building and has been carefully preserved. It offers a large industrial kitchen, dining room and living room plus 9 bedrooms, 5 baths and an 1800 square-foot multi-purpose Big Room with sound system.
Majestic Inn & Spa
Anacortes, 360-299-1400 ext. 104 Anacortes, 360-299-1400 ext. 104 www.majesticinnandspa.com www.majesticinnandspa.com
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 event staff, bartender, linens, tables and dishes.
Maplehurst Farm
Maplehurst farm sits alongside the picturesque Skagit River in south Mount Vernon. The farm’s six acres feature views of Mount Baker, a historic mansion and arbor built in 1903, a 5,000 square foot event barn, gardens, trees and a large grass fi eld. Your guests will be in awe from the moment they enter the beautiful tree lined drive leading to your wedding venue. The farm rental includes a full kitchen and bridal suite and accommodates up to 250 guests.
McIntyre Hall
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
Moon Mountain Lodge offers a casual wedding venue nestled in the woods. 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 fl oor and a colorful bar area. Camping spots available for your guests.
Port of Anacortes Buildings
Anacortes, during Covid: call Anacortes, during Covid: call Nancy Rytand-Carey at 360Nancy Rytand-Carey at 360299-1822 or email nancy.carey@ 299-1822 or email nancy.carey@ portofanacortes.com portofanacortes.com events@portofanacortes.com events@portofanacortes.com www.portofanacortes.com/rentalwww.portofanacortes.com/rentalproperties/ properties/
The Transit Shed is ideal for large weddings and receptions with a maximum capacity of 350. Site rental
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includes tables, chairs, a dance fl oor, two different stages and a PA system.
The Seafarers’ Memorial Park Building seats up to 125 and includes tables and chairs.
Skagit Valley Casino Resort
The Skagit Valley 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 Burlington, 360-757-2740 www.steppingstonesgarden.com www.steppingstonesgarden.com
This 1920s era country garden setting showcases masterfully planted gardens with fresh lavender and fl owers, extensive lawns, ponds, lit white tents, and functional amenities. The site can host up to 200 guests and rental includes tables, chairs, tents, a fi re pit, changing rooms and more.
The Conway Muse
Conway, 360-445-3000 Conway, 360-445-3000 www.conwaymuse.com www.conwaymuse.com
Located just fi ve minutes from Mount Vernon, the Conway Muse features beautiful gardens that house a majestic willow tree, a sanctuary, a large outdoor wood fi re grill, and a fi replace. This is a full-service facility and includes catering, liquor license, offi ciant, entertainers, musicians, DJs, event staffi ng 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
The Grand Willow Inn accommodates up to 200 guests and offers affordable, in-house catering. 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
The Saltbox Barn on Fir Island is located just fi ve 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 fi re pit and on-site 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 and banquet tables and decorative props such as a vintage Airstream.
Hope Island Beac h Club Events
TheHopeIslandBeachClubhappilyhostsweddings, parties,meetingsandotherget-togethers. F acilities
•150guestcapacity •Foodservicekitchen •Receptionroom •Large re-pit •FoodTruckFriendly Contact425-218-8820 www.hopeislandbeachclub.com 16846ChilbergAve#A LaConner,WA98257
Thousand Trails Campgrounds
Bow, 1-877-570-2267 Bow, 1-877-570-2267 http://www.thousandtrails.com/ http://www.thousandtrails.com/ washington/mount-vernon-rvwashington/mount-vernon-rvcampground/events 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 out of town guests.
Town of La Conner Facilities
La Conner, 360-466-3125 La Conner, 360-466-3125 http://www.townofl aconner.org/ http://www.townofl aconner.org/ facilities 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 Mount Vernon, 360-630-6755 https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ Vanderveenfarm Vanderveenfarm
Vanderveen Farm is a 100-year-old Dairy Farm located right off of Memorial Highway in the midst of the fl at plains and farm land in Mount Vernon. The venue is surrounded by crop fi elds, beautiful gardens and a collection of surrounding barns perfect for photog-
raphy. The barn holds 200-250 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 decor pieces, including two wood bars and wine barrels.
Weddings & Special Events Center at Swinomish Casino & Center at Swinomish Casino & Lodge Lodge
Anacortes, 360-588-3705 Anacortes, 360-588-3705 https://www. https://www. swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/ swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/ meetings/weddings 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 600 guests with a variety of fl oor 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.
Stanwood & Camano Island Camano Island Wedding Venues 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 Camano Island, 360-387-0222 www.camanocenter.org www.camanocenter.org Camano Island, 360-387-1655 https://www.camanocountryclub. com/camano-island-event-venuerental
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 Country Club
With views of Port Susan Bay and Mt. Baker, the Camano County Club offers a waterfront banquet hall ideal
Whispering Firs Bed & Breakfast & Lodge & Lodge
Mount Vernon, 360-428-1990 Mount Vernon, 360-428-1990 www.whisperingfi rs.com www.whisperingfi rs.com Anacortes, 360-399-8237 www.wisteriagardensllc.com
Wooded seclusion, ponds, streams, fl owers 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 fi replace, seats up to 125 guests and is ideal for cold weather weddings or as a backup on a rainy day. A full range of catering is available on-site.
Wisteria Gardens
Wisteria Gardens (formerly Greenfi eld Farm and Gardens) is a rustic venue located just east of Anacortes with gardens, a 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.
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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.
Camano Island Inn
Camano Island, 360-387-0783 Camano Island, 360-387-0783 www.camanoislandinn.com/ www.camanoislandinn.com/ weddings-and-more 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 fi replace. The inn offers nine rooms for overnight guests.
DeLack Estate
Stanwood, 360-502-4856 Stanwood, 360-502-4856 www.delackestateweddingvenue. www.delackestateweddingvenue. com com
The DeLack Estate resides on fi ve 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 fl owers. Your reception will dazzle in a tent of hanging fl owers and chandeliers with banquet style seating for up to 150 people.
Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center
Renting “The Floyd” for your wedding includes access to the fi rst fl oor 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 fl oors and can seat up to 160 guests in banquet style.
Four Springs House
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. Rental includes tables and chairs for up to 135 guests.
Loco Billy’s Wild Moon Saloon
Temporarily closed – call for Temporarily closed – call for reopening information reopening information Stanwood, 425-737-5144 or 360Stanwood, 425-737-5144 or 360629-6500 629-6500 www.locobillys.com www.locobillys.com
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, 425-244-5390 Camano Island, 425-244-5390 https://odd-fellows.org/programs/ https://odd-fellows.org/programs/ camps-and-parks/ camps-and-parks/
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
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 fl oor, raised stage area with lights, sound system, private changing room and large kitchen facility.
Stillaguamish Grange Hall
Stanwood, 360-629-4602 Stanwood, 360-629-4602 www.grange.org/ www.grange.org/ stillaguamishwa1058/rentals/ stillaguamishwa1058/rentals/
This community hall fi ts 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.
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The Finery
Camano Island, 425-760-9487 Camano Island, 425-760-9487 www.thefi neryoncamano.com www.thefi neryoncamano.com
The Finery offers an intimate outdoor wedding venue nestled on a secluded fi ve-acres perfect for elopements or small weddings. Owner Kim Nowell specializes in creative, illustrative wedding photography.
The Lady Florence
Stanwood, contact form on website Stanwood, contact form on website www.theladyfl orence.com www.theladyfl orence.com
The Lady Florence is a 30-acre family estate with picturesque views of farm fi elds and rolling gardens. The histori-
