Getting Married in Seattle Washington
Planning a wedding in or around the Seattle, Washington area? Heck yes- you are in the right place. From specialty venues, barns, waterfronts and mountains- there is A LOT that this area has to offer (and one heck of a weekend experience for you and your guests!) I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings in the area and grew up here and can confidently say- it’s a GREAT place to get married!
In this post about Seattle weddings, I’m going to cover
Lots of examples of photography in Seattle, WA and surrounding areas (wedding inspo for you!)
Info on what to know about getting married in Seattle (super helpful tips!)
Loads of ideas on how to plan a wedding weekend of activities for you and your guests
first up, some major wedding inspo
These are from Jen + Cooper’s wedding that took place a JM Cellars and was published in Seattle Bride Magazine
Before we get too far into this, I wanted to take a second to say that I am so excited for you and your decision to get married in Seattle, Washington!! After getting married myself and being in the industry for over a decade, I can tell you wholeheartedly that I understand how overwhelming planning a wedding can feel. From details to style to timelines to vendors, there are a lot of decisions to be made! I’d love to be the one to help you out! I’ve shot hundreds of weddings and am full of ideas, advice and tips on how to make your Seattle wedding the absolute BEST DAY EVER!
Speaking of photography, My style is a blend of warm and real, joyful and candid, and infused with nature. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest with Mt. Rainier literally in my backyard, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all it has to offer from mountains to the trees to the beaches and everything in between. My love for people is what brought me into the wedding industry and I’ve never looked back. I love human connection and interaction- whether it’s between you and your partner or the way your family interacts. I can’t help but capture tears being wiped, big mouth-open laughs, or faces of pure enjoyment on the dance floor. THAT is the good stuff to me and the stuff I want you to remember.
PROUDLY A FINALIST IN SEATTLE BRIDE MAGAZINE’S BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER CATEGORY OF 2023 AND WASHINGTON WEDDING DAY’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHER CATEGORY 2024
Here’s the thing, when I’m photographing a wedding, I’m always immediately taken back to my own wedding day. When I see your partner, hands tightly clenched in nerves and an anxious smile on his face before the ceremony- I see my husband, standing up there, waiting for me. When I see your friends helping you in the getting ready suite, I see my bridesmaids cleaning sap off of my dress when I leaned against a tree. When I see your parents sitting in the front row, I see my own. When I see the old guy sitting off in your reception with a big smile on his face, I see my grandpa who was so excited to be out for a night with all of his family. These are the moments and people I never want to forget, and I never want you to either.
I am Gina Paulson, a whole-heart feeler that smiles with all of her teeth, consumes way too much caffeine, and provides wedding photography for Washington and Oregon, including Seattle.
I’m not your average wedding photographer. I’m going to be there with you through it all. I’ve carried trains, adjust veils, strapped shoes, buttons dresses, pinned flowers, protected vow books, handed tissues and have been the extra hand needed throughout a wedding day for so many of my couples. It all brings me so much joy and getting to serve you on your day is a job that fills my cup!
Let’s get back into Seattle wedding planning below!
A Guide to Getting Married in Seattle
Seattle is the iconic city of Washington state and a great choice for a wedding both locally an as a destination decision. I’m drawn to it for it’s access to nature, breathtaking mountain vistas, nearby beach fronts all within a short drive of this bustling city. Whether you're planning a large celebration or an intimate elopement, here are some key things to consider when getting married in and around Seattle, Washington.
First, Seattle Washington Wedding Locations
First, you may have landed here by looking for Seattle Washington photographer or wedding ideas. But it’s also super helpful to breakdown the areas surrounding Seattle, Washington. While Seattle is a central hub, you are a short distance from so many amazing spots.
DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
This is our biggest area I’m going to include in here because I’m ranging it all the way from North of Seattle down to Tacoma. This area in general is super easy to access via the Seattle Airport and bustling with energy and city vibes. From tall skyscrapers to industrial buildings, city hotels to event halls- there are a lot of options in the downtown Seattle area.
TACOMA AREA + SURROUNDING
About 45 minutes south of Seattle, you start to get into Tacoma area. Down south, you can still find some city feel but it’s a much smaller scale than downtown Seattle. Tacoma is also neighbored by a lot more suburbs so you can find yourself landing on everything from Barns to Garden Wedding Venues, Castles to Historic Houses. Tacoma, like Seattle, has a lot to offer but on a smaller and what I personally feel is a more welcoming scale. There aren’t as many options as Seattle nor are there as many hotels but what it does have is just as awesome.
NORTH BEND + SNOQUALMIE
North Bend has been up and coming for weddings for years now and it’s understandable on why. It’s within city reach but it gives more relaxed, nature, PNW feels. It the perfect step outside of the city that many couples are looking for. With access to Mt. Si as a backdrop, nearby trails, and just a hop, skip ad jump over to either the City OR the Mountain, it’s no wonder it’s been on the rise quickly. Just east of North Bend, you’ll be headed into Snoqualmie Mountain. Out here, you get the mountain feel. In the winter, snow, and in the summer, amazing trails and hiking galore. Again, just a quick drive from Seattle, it’s another destination stop for city goers.
MT. RAINIER, WASHINGTON
Mt. Rainier is a true destination spot for weddings and elopements alike. Growing up with the mountain in my backyard has given me plenty of time to explore it and know the best spots to get married. From planning an adventurous elopement, booking AIRBNBs, securing permits, I’ve helped couples do it all. The best times to visit are July-September.
EASTERN WASHINGTON
If you’re looking for warm weather and wineries, head east to Eastern Washington. While this is not considered a Seattle wedding, it is in Washington a within a couple hour drive from the city. It’s amazing what just a couple of hours can do for a chance in climate. If you want a feel of desert or farm, this is your destination!
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
And last but not least, the islands! Seattle is so lucky to be close to the San Juan Islands. Again, not necessarily a Seattle wedding but just a couple hours (including a ferry ride) you’ll be transported to another land that feels salty and magical. The islands are actual a group of smaller islands, all with their own charm. One of the most popular being Friday Harbor, with a few of it’s own wedding venues right there on island. These are the ideal weekend getaway for weddings and guests.
Seattle Wedding Weather
The Seattle area experiences all four seasons but does so pretty mildly. so your wedding experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Summer and early fall are the most popular seasons, offering sunny skies and warm temperatures, ideal for outdoor weddings. Winter weddings can be magical, with snow-capped mountains creating a picturesque setting, but you'll need to plan for colder weather. Spring weddings can be lovely as well, with blooming flowers and fewer tourists in the area. In general, it tends to feel like there is always about a 50% chance of rain here any given season, but it’s nothing Washingtonians aren’t used to!
Lodging and Transportation
Seattle is a wedding and event hotspot, so it's important to book accommodations early, especially during peak wedding season. Many venues partner with nearby hotels, vacation rentals, or bed-and-breakfasts to provide lodging for guests. Transportation should also be considered—while downtown Seattle is walkable, many venues are spread out across the city as mentioned above. Shuttle services or car rentals may be necessary or just helpful for larger groups.
Things to do
I grew up spending summers over there and I can confidently say one of my favorite things to do over there is NOTHING. Spending time just sitting by the water and in the sunshine is literally why people escape to Lake Chelan. So don’t stress too much on packing a weekend full of activities, sometimes there is so much GOOD in just being present. But I know that will be hard to do with so many fun things possible over there! My top list of things to mention to your guests:
1. Explore the Seattle Icons
No trip to Seattle is complete without visiting its most famous landmarks. Guests can take in the panoramic views from the Space Needle, explore the art installations at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and watch the hustle and bustle at Pike Place Market, home to fresh seafood, local artisans, and the iconic flying fish.
2. Enjoy the Waterfront
Seattle’s waterfront is perfect for a relaxing day. Guests can visit the Seattle Aquarium, stroll along Elliott Bay, and grab seafood at waterfront restaurants like The Crab Pot. For a unique experience, they can hop on a Harbor Cruise or take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for stunning views of the Seattle skyline.
3. Outdoor Adventures and Day Trips
Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty, making it easy to escape the city for some fresh air. Hiking enthusiasts can explore Rattlesnake Ledge or Mount Si, both offering breathtaking views. For a full-day trip, Snoqualmie Falls, a 270-foot waterfall just 30 minutes from Seattle, is a must-see.
4. Immerse in Arts and Culture
Seattle is rich in culture and history. Guests can visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for a deep dive into music, film, and gaming or explore the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). History buffs will enjoy a Underground Tour in Pioneer Square, offering a glimpse into the city’s quirky past.
5. Savor Local Food and Drink
Seattle’s food scene is a highlight for many visitors. Coffee lovers can tour the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market or visit local roasters like Storyville Coffee. For dining, the city boasts everything from fresh oysters at Taylor Shellfish Farms to global cuisine in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard. Guests can also enjoy local breweries and distilleries, such as Fremont Brewing or Westland Distillery
Make it a weekend!
I truly think the best thing about Seattle weddings is that they really invite guests to be present for an entire weekend. From welcome dinners at trendy bars, wineries trips, golf afternoons, mid-morning hikes, waterfront taxis and brunch at a cute hot spot- it’s the perfect place to spend so much good time with your favorite people.
