10 Best Historic and Landmark Wedding Venues in Washington

There are so many wonderful places to get married in the Seattle area — from location to time of year, so many decisions to make! Selecting the proper location for your special day is exciting … and exhausting. If you and your partner are looking to explore the simple charm and elegance of Washington’s past, a historic or landmark venue can complement your personal style and taste.

To that end, this article provides detailed descriptions for 10 historic wedding venues in the greater Seattle area.

Imperia Lake Union

Originally built in 1927, Imperia Lake Union — formerly the historic Lake Union Café, — sits in the historic 3119 building on Eastlake Avenue. This venue brings history to life with spectacular 1920’s Art Deco architecture and design for the vintage wedding of your dreams!

Rumored to have been a Prohibition-era speakeasy, Imperia Lake Union refreshed and renovated the space over 20 years ago to offer a dazzling backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

With 6,000 square feet of private event space overlooking Lake Union, Imperia’s architectural features will transport you back to the Jazz Age. Features like 10-foot chandeliers, copper ceilings, a built-in dance floor, gilded chandeliers, and wrought-iron accents will continually impress your guests.

The Ballroom at Imperia Lake Union offers couples a place to celebrate the joys of marriage in grand style. Your guests will feel like they’re attending a party at Gatsby’s mansion when they see the elegant stage, grand piano, ballroom dance floor, atrium, and glamourous bar. 

For couples interested in an outdoor wedding, Fairview Park is an idyllic option just one block away. Leave it to Imperia to handle the altar, décor, seating, refreshments, and permitting for your big day. Following the ceremony, guests will be ushered to the Ballroom for a high-style reception courtesy of Imperia’s staff.

Whatever your vision, Imperia’s team is ready to deliver a ceremony and reception that will exceed your expectations. They’re committed to flexibility, outstanding service, and personalization – everything you need to make your wedding day memorable.

At Imperia not only will the views impress, but the extra offerings will too.

Chef Ian Hoyt, Imperia’s executive chef for the past 20 years, creates menus that range from gourmet plated cuisine to festive late-night food stations and everything in between. He celebrates Seattle’s diversity within his delectable dishes, and proudly supports local purveyors with seasonal ingredients.

In-house florist, Jenifer Jones, creates stunning arrangements with fresh blooms that bring a touch of sophistication to each table. Working together Event Director, Tasia Fisher, and Jennifer streamline the wedding planning process so you can focus on making memories to last a lifetime.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park

An idyllic escape awaits you at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park. This historic hotel is surrounded by a lush, 326-acre forest and located just a short walk from the shores of spectacular Lake Washington.

Originally purchased by Bishop Edward John O’Dea in the late 1920s, the original building would house the Saint Edward Seminary, where young men would be educated for the Roman Catholic priesthood. As enrollment declined the original building and surrounding land were purchased by the State of Washington in 1977 to become Saint Edward State Park.

The park's enchanting trails, lake views, and gorgeous fir, cedar, and maple trees drew plenty of love from locals. However, after not getting much use over the years, the building itself needed a sizable renovation. The building's exterior façade was meticulously restored, including the roof and all original windows, while the interior design was transformed to give the seminary building a Pacific Northwest-inspired lodge feel.

The renovations combined and enlarged former dormitory rooms to create 84 guest rooms, the dining hall has now transformed into Cedar + Elm restaurant, and the seminary’s social hall, where students could gather in larger groups is now the Remington Ballroom.

This magical transformation renewed the Romanesque Revival architecture while introducing Art Deco interiors for a unique look that introduces guests to the area’s fascinating history and pristine natural splendor.

The Lodge at St. Edward State Park can turn your wedding into a magical affair. The elegance of their venues, sophisticated services, and historic charm creates a setting as enchanting as your love. Simply put, The Lodge at St. Edward is the quintessential Pacific Northwest destination wedding venue.

With celebration space for up to 150 guests, personalized farm-to-table catering, on-site Vita Nova Spa, and breathtaking views of old-growth forests, couples can turn their special day into a full weekend experience. Lodge staff will orchestrate the welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and farewell brunch hosted in their on-site restaurants, bars, or Chef's Garden. 

The perfect blend of convenience and escape, your guests won’t want to leave — and neither will you!

McMenamins Anderson School

Courtesy Mcmenamins

What was once Bothell’s first junior high school is now one of the most desirable wedding venues in the Greater Seattle area.

With a rich history of nurturing dreams and bringing people together, Anderson School is now a part of the McMenamins family. This historic Bothell landmark was reimagined to create an all-in-one wedding venue that can accommodate every detail of your wedding day, from the ceremony to brunch the next morning.

Named after the school's first Principal, Wilbert A. "Andy" Anderson, the Anderson School, and surrounding buildings offer 5 unique event spaces to hold both intimate and extravagant weddings.

Your guests can stay overnight in Anderson School’s 72 original classrooms which have been converted to cozy hotel rooms.

Each room is named after a significant individual from Bothell’s fascinating history and features artwork from local artists, depicting the people and events that were impactful to the community.

Exploring Anderson School’s versatile grounds might lead you to play pinball in The Woodshop or order a drink in the Principal’s Office. The grounds offer a mix of extraordinary spaces, stunning gardens, and inventive structures — not to mention the venue’s 3 restaurants, 6 bars, a saltwater pool, and a movie theatre!

As you stroll through the gardens, a display of vivid colors, shapes, and scents will flood your senses. McMenamins’ staff gardeners incorporate a beautiful collection of perennial trees and native flora and fauna to add a wonderful touch of nature to your wedding day. 

The Anderson School building is the oldest structure on the McMenamins grounds. Constructed in Art Deco style in 1931, the building boasts vast windows that flood the interior rooms with natural light.

A McMenamins Sales Coordinator will carefully and thoroughly assist you in planning every detail leading up to your wedding. With their guidance and recommendations, your menu will surprise and delight from drinks to dessert. McMenamins Anderson School’s 5 acres of property will transport you to an oasis filled with rich history, delicious dining, hand-crafted beverages, and an enchanting atmosphere.

With gorgeous details around every corner, your wedding day will be one for the history books!

Lairmont Manor

Bellingham is a gem of a town, and the historic manor at Lairmont Manor is its crown jewel.

If you're looking for a venue that's intimate, picturesque, and extraordinary, look no further than Lairmont. This historic estate has been in operation as an event venue since 1967, and it has hosted countless important life celebrations over the past 55 years.

The Lairmont estate has welcomed guests from far and wide who have chosen this magical hidden gem as the backdrop for their wedding day — whether that’s a cozy 10-person elopement or a 200-person summer ceremony.

Lairmont Manor was originally the home of the Larrabee family. The 25-room Italian Renaissance-style home and the sprawling estate were the dreams of Charles X. Larrabee, the co-founder of Fairhaven. Charles and his wife Francis Frazier Payne Larrabee (AKA Fannie) commissioned Bebb & Gould, notable Seattle architects, to design the estate.

Since 1967, Lairmont Manor has been a part of the Douglas family. Barbara and Joel Douglas purchased the estate with Joel's mother, Mona June Douglas. From that time on, they renamed it Lairmont Manor—a combination of "Larrabee" and "Mount Saint Mary's, after the nurse’s training school that owned the building after Charles Larrabee’s passing."

Joel and Barbara oversaw the restoration of the estate and have continued to carefully maintain and conserve it to this day.

Today Lairmont Manor is on the list of the United States National Register of Historic Places and all proceeds from events are used to fund Lairmont Manor's preservation, maintenance as well as community and cultural events.

When you choose Lairmont Manor, you get to create a truly unique celebration. You get to handpick the elements and details that will make your day absolutely perfect, and their gorgeous gardens and historic manor are the backdrops for a gathering you'll cherish forever.

 Historic 1625 Weddings & Events

Historic 1625 is a fantastic backdrop for any wedding ceremony and reception. This award-winning venue was thoughtfully reimagined from a Dodge truck dealership to a dream wedding destination.

Historic 1625’s wedding ceremony and reception spaces are distinctive and dramatic, with 6,000 square feet of natural slate floor, warm brick walls, and a stunning exposed beam ceiling with dramatic up-lighting.

This historic venue is just minutes from Tacoma’s Museum District, I-5, and Highway 16. Out-of-town guests will love how easy it is to return to their hotel with a quick Uber or taxi ride; local guests will also appreciate the fact that the venue is only a couple of minutes drive off either I-5 or Highway 16 from the Narrows bridge.

Historic 1625 is rich in history and holds many stories on its floors. Built in the late 40s, what was once the original car showroom is now a beautiful venue space. This floor also provides a changing suite equipped with a granite countertop, premium fixtures, and a makeup mirror.

The second changing suite, on the lower level, overlooks Historic 1625’s world-class car collection where dealership service bays were once found.

Every wedding rental comes with two elegantly appointed and spacious changing suites, adjustable lighting to set the atmosphere, climate control for the comfort of your guests, automated blinds on picture windows for privacy, ample free parking on-site, ability to purchase your own alcohol with no corkage fees, recently remodeled handicap accessible bathrooms and an expansive catering area.

Lake Wilderness Lodge

Nestled in the stunning forests of Maple Valley, the Lake Wilderness Lodge is a stunning venue for weddings and other events.

With a long history that dates back to the 19th century, this stunning site has served a number of purposes throughout its life, from being one of the largest logging mills in the area to a charming homestead farm to a lovely wedding venue!

Owned and operated by the city of Maple Valley, the Lake Wilderness Lodge provides couples with a singular combination of outdoor beauty and contemporary elegance. With elegant indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people and breathtaking views of Lake Wilderness and Mount Rainier, this is a truly unique location for your special day.

Nothing says "I do" quite like exchanging your vows beneath the shade of a romantic white gazebo draped in flowers. With towering pines, a glittering pond, and a field of green the beauty of Lake Wilderness Lodge creates the ideal backdrop for your “I do’s.”

The Lodge has three stories, all with a stunning view of Lake Wilderness & Mount Rainier from each. A central spiral staircase and walls of windows that stretch from floor to ceiling greet guests as they enter the main floor.

The outdoor deck or patio is a perfect site for cocktail hour while the reception space boasts plenty of space for guests to dine on delectable cuisine and dance the night away beneath lofty ceilings.

The award-winning Lake Wilderness Lodge was constructed in the early 1950s and designed by Seattle architectural firm Young & Richardson & Carlston & Detlie. In 1997 the lodge was designated a King County landmark, cited as an excellent example of "post-war, Northwest architecture."

Lake Wilderness Lodge offers an array of services designed to help couples host an unforgettable event that is sure to be remembered for years to come. They can provide tables and chairs in a variety of shapes and designs—oval, rectangular, cocktail—and padded folding chairs.

If you prefer a more custom look, the Lodge also has an extensive selection of additional event items such as arches, lighting, portable bars, and wireless microphones.

To make your reception meal personalized and unique, Lake Wilderness Lodge welcomes you to work with your preferred catering team!

Orting Manor

Courtesy Orting Manor

If you’re looking for a quaint, quiet ceremony surrounded by natural beauty, Orting Manor may be the place for you.

One of Washington’s first cities, Orting is situated in the foothills of Mt Rainier between the Puyallup and Carbon Rivers. This Turn-of-the-Century village is home to many historic sites, including this newly renovated wedding venue.

Orting Manor owner, Briana, purchased the historic home in 2019 and worked diligently to preserve the house’s original style while keeping every ounce of character from its 1901 design.

The striking French country home is surrounded by lush landscape giving the ceremony space a beautiful secret garden feel. The towering trees and stone walkway lead to a fern-draped arbor perfect for an intimate gathering. Guests will feel like they are stepping back in time to a cozy and quaint village just a few miles outside the busy Tacoma area.

Orting Manor can host weddings for up to 180 guests outdoors during the months from May to October, while indoor weddings accommodate fewer guests during the off-season.

When you choose to host your event at Orting Manor, you're choosing to be a part of something special. Every rental includes access to the manor and the newly remodeled pool house.

The timeless and classic decor options perfectly compliment the architecture of the home as do the white padded chairs and custom farm tables.

Orting Manor also offers a single-day wedding package or full weekend package with lodging for up to 16 guests.

Tin Can Alley by PJ Hummel & Co.

Courtesy Tin Can Alley

Tin Can Alley offers the best of both worlds—the look of an industrial space with the comfort and elegance of a modern venue. Located in a repurposed factory, this space offers a classic look and spacious design, so you'll have plenty of room to create the celebration of your dreams.  

Conveniently located near Seattle International Airport and only a short drive to downtown, your guests from out of town will enjoy a short and scenic drive to your wedding. Not to mention there is ample parking available on-site!

The property was originally constructed in 1919 and has been renovated to combine historical character and modern design, for a special and distinct wedding setting. The warehouse-style space shines with natural light from large warehouse windows and an open layout. The industrial undertones, allow accents of its past life to peek through the modern decor.

Contrasting the warehouse architecture are soft drapery accents hung high from its rafters and sleek lighting fixtures that illuminate the party as the evening grows darker.

Tin Can Alley can welcome receptions for up to 250 friends and family, with a wide selection of furniture to match your wedding style from stylish industrial pieces to farm-style wooden tables and Chiavari chairs. The warehouse’s separate green room can be transformed into a magical wedding suite to get ready.

Tin Can Alley Tacoma houses the exclusive collection of PJ Hummel and Company. Their production team can take your wedding to the next level with jaw-dropping designs, thematic propping, specialty drapery and linens, and lighting.

Kiana Lodge

Courtesy Kiana Lodge

Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding in a place that feels like it's worlds away from everything?

Well, Kiana is the place for you. With its breathtaking views and waterfront access, few can match the history and romance of this venue. From intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings, Kianna Lodge provides a delightful mix of rustic and natural elegance.

Built in the 1930s, Kianna Lodge was originally called Edgewater Beach and Country Club. A scenic summer escape for Seattle area residents, they'd board the famed Puget Sound "Mosquito Fleet" to reach the sandy shores for games, dancing in the rustic lodge, and canoe jousting in the saltwater lagoon. More than just fun and games, Kiana Lodge served as housing during World War II for the 14th Coast Artillery.

Today couples from all over celebrate their most memorable occasions in a sanctuary that brings you closer to the natural wonders of the Earth. This space will draw you in with the smell of fragrant gardens and the salty sea air.  

Kiana Lodge’s experienced planners will help you design your perfect day in a setting fit for a fairy tale. Floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, plush leather sofas, wood-burning fires, and fresh rosemary in their signature salmon will impress your guests as they come to celebrate your love.

The natural beauty of Kiana is only one of the many reasons visitors come to the island. What really makes Kiana unique is its involvement in the television series Twin Peaks. The show was filmed here in 1989, and it's since become a worldwide phenomenon, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world.

You can experience all this and more, only a short ferry ride away from Seattle.

 Red Cedar Farm

At Red Cedar Farm, they believe in celebrating life and the people who make it special. That's why they offer a wide range of event planning services to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

With amenities like a day-of coordinator, valet/shuttle service, security, an outdoor fire pit, and a beautiful ceremony arch, the Red Cedar Farm venue can accommodate your entire guest list and impress your friends and family.

A mix of authentic charm and pastoral scenery, the Red Cedar Farm is home to a 100-year-old renovated barn perfect for a rustic, chic wedding. The barn can stage every part of your ceremony and reception, or you can opt for an outdoor ceremony on their gorgeous grounds.

Stone pillars and iron gates will welcome your guests to the Red Cedar Farm’s 25 acres of lush scenery. For your special day, the staff will set up a gorgeous altar in the field and wooden benches or white chairs for your guests.

This working farm wouldn’t be complete, of course, without farm animals! Your guests will enjoy meeting the farm’s adorable residents in between events.

Not to mention, the grounds also up the fun factor with a museum-quality arcade filled with vintage pinball machines that your guests are sure to love. There's even a massive outdoor deck for a lively cocktail hour or a first dance under the stars.

Just 30 minutes from the destination points of Seattle ferries to Bainbridge Island or Kingston, you and your guests will have an unforgettable experience they won’t soon forget!

Did you find your dream venue in this list? We hope so! To learn more about these venues come chat with their teams at the Seattle Wedding Show! For more information visit our home page.

Howard Jensen