Often times, couples feel pressured into choosing a traditional venue for their wedding festivities, but living in the beautiful lush greenery and forest surrounded PNW, they’d feel much more at home in the great outdoors. While searching for venues that fit that quintessential Northwest Wedding, we found that there are several little known sites scattered all over our gorgeous state – and very few resources to find them. All of the places listed are in Washington State.
[sc name=”flodesk-inline” ][/sc]We’ve got quite the round up of amazing sites for you – places perfect for elopements, small intimate wedding celebrations and all the way up to all 200+ of your favorite people partying alongside you. Whether you want a wedding weekend or a day of fun, there is bound to be an option that is ideal for your outdoor-loving little PNW heart. We haven’t shot at all of these locations, but have hiked or visitsed many of them. Feel free to add any we missed in the comments!
Many of these places will require a site fee or a Discover Pass, so don’t forget to purchase that now. Site fees vary and will be listed on the websites linked.
Deception Falls: http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php?num=4666
We love this hike. Not only is it easily navigated, but there are a TON of options for photos. There is an under cover area and a bathroom, but this is definitely better suited for an elopement.
The Salt Box Barn on Fir Island: https://www.saltboxbarn.com/ (this is a bucket list venue!)
We absolutely adore this beautiful wooden barn with classic charm.
Deception Pass: http://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-Pass
A forest, a beach, a bridge … what more can you ask for?
Mount Erie: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-erie
Big Four Ice Caves: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves
As of July 2015 the caves are closed to the public, so while you can no longer access that area, the trail has some amazing spots and there is a large area that will accommodate a few friends & food.
Barclay Lake: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/barclay-lake
This is a little bit of a hike (2.2 miles one way), especially since the early 2016 has downed a few trees. This is great for an elopement, but make sure you’re prepped for the up and over and duck under moments and crossing of a couple waterfalls.
Eagle Falls: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/eagle-lake
Shangri-La on the Green: http://shangrilaonthegreen.com/
This is a beautiful campground venue with a waterfall, open meadow, bridge, hiking paths, and a cute lodge style house with patio and fire pit. This can accommodate a small to mid size wedding and is great for that wedding weekender couple.
Millersylvania State Park: http://parks.state.wa.us/546/Millersylvania
Rattlesnake Ledge: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rattle-snake-ledge
Mount Rainier: http://visitrainier.com/places-and-attractions/weddings-retreats-and-reunion-spots/
Treehouse Point: http://www.treehousepoint.com/ (this is a Bucket List venue for us, please message us for a special discount on your wedding photography!)
Fort Flagler: http://fortflagler.net/
Fire Mountain Scout Camp: http://www.firemtn.org/facilities/
The Lookout Lodge: http://www.thelookoutlodge.com/ (this is one of our preferred venues, please message us for a special pricing package on your wedding photography!)
Nestled in the woods near Lake Stevens and Snohomish this venue is surrounded by beautiful trees and mountain views – everything we love about WA. They are perfect for elopements and larger weddings alike. You’ll be serenaded by birds, frogs, and amazing sunsets.
Camp Ramblewood: http://parks.state.wa.us/365/Camp-Ramblewood
Fields Spring State Park: http://www.stateparks.com/fields_spring.html
Fort Worden: http://www.fortworden.org/
Surrounded by water, birds, and views every PNWer loves. This venue can accommodate a large wedding, too.
Larabee State Park: http://www.stateparks.com/larrabee.html
Cama Beach: http://parks.state.wa.us/483/Cama-Beach
This site has a Great Hall that would be ideal for a reception.
Kitsap Memorial: http://parks.state.wa.us/398/Kitsap-Memorial
This site also has log buildings that can host a reception or even an indoor ceremony.
Mukilteo LightHouse: http://mukilteohistorical.org/
This is a perfect ceremony site – they often allow limited access to the lighthouse tower, and the grounds offer plenty of space for guest seating.
Saint Edwards Grotto: http://parks.state.wa.us/401/Saint-Edward—Grotto
Mineral Springs Group Site: http://www.go-washington.com/Mineral-Springs-Group-Site-Campground/
Hoh Rainforest: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/camping.htm (this is one of our preferred locations, please message us for a special pricing package on your wedding photography!)
This is one of my favorite places in the entire state, and there are multiple hikes and a campground. This would be a great location for an Elopement.
Cabins on the Point: http://www.cabinsonthepoint.com/
Skalitude Retreat Center: http://www.skalitude.com/outdoor-camping-weddings/
Beacon Rock State Park: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beacon-Rock-State-Park/108387759185812
Bethel Ridge Retreat: Bethel Ridge Retreat
Kelly’s Resort: http://kellysresort.com/
Skamania Lodge: http://www.skamania.com
Carson Ridge: http://www.carsonridgecabins.com/washington-state-elopements.html
This site is great for elopements or intimate weddings.
Suncadia Resort: http://www.suncadiaresort.com/weddings/roslyn-wedding-venues
Washington State Inn: http://bbteam.com/listing/washington-state-inn-wedding-venue/
Wallace Falls Lodge: http://www.wallacefallslodge.com/
Penrose Point: http://www.stateparks.com/penrose_point.html
Hampton Hideaway: http://www.hamptonhideaway.net/ (this is one of our preferred venues, please message us for a special pricing package on your wedding photography!)
This venue has a barn, orchard, two separate houses you can rent for getting ready areas, and an awesome staff.
Battleground Lake: http://parks.state.wa.us/405/Battle-Ground-Lake-State-Park
Bagley Lakes: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2012-10-15.1168513723
Dragontail Peak: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dragontail-peak
Cave B Inn: http://www.cavebinn.com
Moran State Park: http://moranstatepark.com/
Tolt-MacDonald Park: http://www.kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/parks-and-natural-lands/popular-parks/toltmacdonald.aspx
Farrel McWhirter: https://www.redmond.gov/facilities/facility/details/farrel-mcwhirterpark-61
Rocky Brook Falls: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rocky-brook-falls
Blanca Lake: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/blanca-lake
Diablo Lake: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/diablo-lake
Ape Caves: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ape-cave (this is a Bucket List site for us, please message us for special wedding photography rates!)
Shi-Shi Beach/Point of Arches: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/north-shi-shi-access
The Island House:
This venue is perfect for a mid-size wedding. It has a great patio area for the reception, sits next to a pond and has a smaller pond on the property, and a beautiful home with multiple levels for getting ready.
Alpine Lodge: http://alpinepension.com/
This lodge sits up against the river and provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and reception. It has a home with multiple levels, a deck, and patio space.
Greenfield Farm & Garden: http://www.greenfieldfarmandgardens.com/
Did we miss any amazing sites? Make sure to leave a comment below!
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If you want something a little different for your wedding photography you’re in the right place. GSquared Weddings a husband and wife Snohomish wedding photography team that specializes in weddings of all sizes all over Washington State, with a special heart for destination weddings.
We have an artistic, earthy style and fearless approach to wedding photography and are obsessed with love and creating visual love stories for the amazing and beautiful characters that hire us as their authors. We would love to get to know you and your love story.
