by Scott Johnson
Boy oh boy is it a hot one today. With temperatures rising to the mid-90s, us fair-skinned Pacific Northwesterners are really going to need the sun screen. We’re like ice; we melt. And while we would normally be gung-ho to get outdoors on a hot weekend like this, our ever-boring quarantine world has kept us from doing a lot more of what we love. But never fear, because we are back with our final Super Six Favorite Wedding Venues of 2019! We can understand it could be a little too hot to read right now and that’s ok, because it’s pretty much too hot to want to do anything other than sit underneath a fan with a spray bottle of ice water. If you are ready for more wineries, resorts, farms and more, then here we go!
Kicking things off with our last rustic setting for this year, Pickering Barn played host to the Hyland wedding. With its prime location just a few minutes away from the Issaquah Costco, it is hard not to feel like you are still transported miles from civilization. Sure, you can swing over for a slice of delicious pizza or whatever else you may have forgotten for your wedding, but once you set foot on the property it is definitely a different world. Boasting multiple ceremony locations, and indoor ones at that, the Hylands opted for one in the Hay Barn. With massive amounts of space to fit all their loved ones, there is also ample outdoor area to hang out to kill time.
According to Wedding Spot, they have a “newly created courtyard that provides a great outdoor space for your wedding ceremony,” as well as several dressing areas, outdoor lighting and a total of 12,000 square feet of banquet rooms. Oh, and did we mention it is utterly gorgeous roaming around the property? No? Well it is, and you should definitely check it out!
The first of two weddings located in Washington’s own wine country (well, one of them), Novelty Hill-Januik has quickly risen to the top of our list of favorite venues over the past few years. Sophisticated, rustic and wholly unique, it is incredibly easy to fall in love with this venue. The Gayle-Manson early summer wedding was a splendid day of wine, classy photos and silly fun.
If the delicious wine isn’t enticing enough, perhaps their multiple rooms for the reception, bocce ball, and picnic tables will help push you over the fence. On top of that, they are very generous with the number of packages they offer for your big day. Want just your reception there? Easy! They also offer a Gold or Platinum Package, each with a dizzying list of wonderful amenities to surely sway you into having your wedding at this beautiful spot.
If rustic farmyards and swanky vineyards aren’t your cup of tea, maybe a jump across the Sound to the quaintly named Rosario Resort will solve your conundrum. At the tail-end of July, the Fakkemas made their way over to the San Juans for their peaceful island wedding. Though the journey may be a little longer than one might want on their wedding day, it is as picture perfect you can get. From roaming the docks, to climbing high up into the hills, it is the definition of breathtaking.
On top of being an award winning venue, they can fit up to 400 guests (yes, you read that right) and you can get hitched indoors or out. Their own description says it best, “Tucked away on the stunning Orcas Island in the Puget Sound, Rosario Resort & Spa offers a romantic waterfront location that combines historic architecture with the natural beauty of the PNW.” While you may be looking at spending a pretty penny, there is just so much Rosario Resort has to offer. Hey, why not have your honeymoon here as well?
There isn’t much else to say that we already haven’t about The Golf Club at Newcastle. We have been there numerous times over the years, which means the love for its stunning views, quiet atmosphere and elegant spaces is truly real. Must be at least a dozen times or more that we have seen the soaring northward view of Seattle, the Sound and beyond. The list of amenities is staggering: up to 500 guests, views of the Olympic Mountains, dressing areas, full kitchen, bridal suite and loads more. All food and beverage is also handled by the venue, and wow is it tasty.
The Ochs wedding was as amazing as it gets. Clear skies, warm weather and the occasional thwack of a golf club connecting with the ball make it a dreamlike haze spending the day here. Here’s to hoping we see The Golf Club next year when all this nastiness clears up!
Our second trip to Woodinville Wine Country, this time to JM Cellars, was an early fall wedding that got really into the spirit of the season. The trees were beginning to change colors, live music was playing and it was still just warm enough to hang out in the open air. While the Trotters got hitched at a nearby church, their reception was pure magic. Twinkling lights, open courtyards and enough space to celebrate their first dances, it felt almost like a summer wedding.
Keeping with the times, it is important to note that JM Cellars is offering up a new Privacy Ceremony package for those wanting to get hitched during the pandemic: 30 guests for a sit-down ceremony, two hour max, and it is allowed any day of the week. That’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask us!
Now we come to our final venue of the series: Semiahmoo Resort. Located right up near the Canadian border, the resort is another awards winner (it won last year!) and comes ready to make every aspect of your day exactly to your liking. The Boyars' late summer wedding was so much fun as we had the bridal party walk along the shore, looking immaculate in their deep red dresses and slick tuxedos. Those wanting a waterfront wedding really need to look no further than this amazing resort.
On top of providing all the basics (full day access, banquet manager, etc) there are “enhancements” to make your day even better. Drink packages, speciality cocktails, furniture upgrades and custom buffets (with s’mores and a bonfire!) are all there to make the decision even harder to pass up. At the end of the day, it is the scenic waterfront that sells us most on this perfect location!
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There you have it for our Favorite Wedding Venues of 2019. We hope along the way you have found your dream venue, or simply a place to visit once everything clears up around here. Want to share your own wedding venue? We’d love to see it! Stay tuned for our final series: Favorite Vows of 2019!