Best wedding spots? (Tacoma, Bellingham, Mount Vernon: rentals, chapel, wedding reception)

[LitoMama]

Me, my fiance and our son moved to the Eastside 6 mos. ago and are starting to look into possible wedding plans in WA. We would like to get married somewhere outdoors, with facilities like restrooms and possible reception areas, maybe garden/arboretum or vineyard, or somewhere with a nice view of the water, something of that nature. Just somewhere simple, but beautiful- natural but elegant. Also, preferably where there won't be a lot of outside traffic, like on-lookers and such or noisy card driving by. And of course, during these tight times, a place that won't break the bank is important as well.

Any suggestions for good wedding spots??

[Ira500]

The Pagoda in Point Defaince Park, Tacoma. Gorgeous.

[Jake840]

The rose garden in Pt. Defiance Park is also popular for weddings.

[marlisk]

There are too many such places to count in the San Juan Islands. You could choose a more formal site on one of the larger islands--San Juan Island (where I live), Orcas Island, even Lopez and Shaw islands. Or if you'd like something far more remote, there are many smaller island (sans power and other such amenities) from which to choose. Here on San Juan, I like Roche Harbor, Wood Duck Ponds, or one of the National Parks/beaches. Another spot NOT in the San Juans is called Larkspur Farm in Mount Vernon, located in the Skagit Valley. One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended took place at this magical spot. Very private, serene setting and the owner is very helpful and friendly. Happy Wedding Day!

[LitoMama]

Wow thank you all so much for your suggestions- keep em coming, the more to look into, the better! These spots sound great!

Now if only I knew of some places to find a cheap wedding dress... (hint hint) hehe

[ruralgrl]

My husband and I had our wedding reception at The Granary - located between Mount Vernon and La Conner - www.laconnerflats.com - Click on Rentals. Very quaint and private. This did not break the bank.

My niece had her wedding at Fairhaven Park in Bellingham (Fairhaven District). They have a community building you can rent. My niece had her actual wedding down the hill outside in nature and had the building setup for food service with seating just outside the bldg. Fairhaven Park - City of Bellingham, WA

I can think of a few other places - but I'm afraid they just might break the bank. Whispering Firs - Mount Vernon. At The Quarry - Mount Vernon/La Conner area. Larkspur Farms - Conway/Fir Island. At The Barn - Juntunen Farms - South Mount Vernon. The Grand Willow Inn - Mount Vernon. Lord Hill Farms - Snohomish. Anacortes Yacht Club - Anacortes.

And two others (that Might Not - ??) break the bank: Blanchard Chapel - Bow WA. Thousand Trails, La Conner - nice lodge there right on the water.

[ruralgrl]

One more: Hillcrest Lodge - Mount Vernon. Nice lodge, nice kitchen, nice grounds.

[StealthRabbit]

There are some wineries and guest ranches / lodges in the Columbia Gorge and Columbia Basin, if you want to avoid flakey weather (all but winter).

I will get some links'

[LitoMama]

You all are fantastic! Thank you so much for the suggestions! We truly appreciate it.

[j_k_k]

Maryhill Museum hosts weddings on the grounds. Want to get married outside a former mansion turned art gallery overlooking the Columbia Gorge? Want to be pretty confident of good weather? Want to be well away from freeways so there is almost zero bustle? They can hook you up.