PLACES TO GET MARRIED IN WASHINGTON STATE

These are a couple of places I have personally photographed weddings at, that in my eyes were amazing locations to tie the knot with your significant other.

Winter View Lodge - Eatonville

Lets start the list off with one of my personal favorites, Winter View Lodge. Located at 41403 22nd Ave E, Eatonville, WA 98328, There were a lot of key factors that lead this to being one of my favorites. Like the couple being so energetic, the weather just hitting right, and the beautiful view of Mt. Rainier in the background when the clouds parted away.

Winter View Lodge ceremony space shot by Areli Chaparro

The day started with W enjoying herself in the cozy lodge with an interior that brings the rusty aesthetic but modern feel with big open windows that makes it a dream for photographers. The grass is very well kept up by the owners that you can see the care they have for their venue. While standing in the patio you are also greeted with a beautiful valley look toward Mt. Rainier, which makes a great background for some portraits. Whether it be you’re guests or your bridal party portraits the open space is just a breath of fresh air. The reception space is under a tent if you’re worried about Seattle rain. Toward the end of the day you have a beautiful sunset for your couples portraits as well as Mt. Rainier turning a magical pink shade from the sunset. Winter View Lodge has my heart being from Texas and having those rolling hills. I could almost picture being back there until you see this massive mountain in the distance.

Outlook Inn - Orcas Island

Next on the list is The Outlook Inn. Located on the Orcas Island in the North Western part of Washington. This island alone is a great getaway from all of the noise that is the big cities. When I was on my way to this venue I waited to the last second to get my ferry ticket, so the only option to get to the wedding on time was at 5:30 in the morning. I had to park in a parking lot and take a nap but being so far from everything, it was very quiet. When I woke up I went into a little cafe right off the ferry terminal. The wedding I was photographing wasn’t until 2pm so I had some time to kill. This was the perfect oppurtunity to explore the island and make a day out of the entire thing. I went from cafe to little local shops to another cafe to do some work. Families enjoying their visit to the island and passing time at either the bakery or going to the Indian island before the tide rolled in. This was one of the best ways to spend your day on the island before your big day.

Indian Island photographed by Areli Chaparro

B + A’s wedding was something else. The Outlook inn was the perfect place for them. They started their day off waking up in one of the cabins that was hosted by the outlook inn across the street. From B writing his vows to overlooking the Indian Island from their bedroom, the space was setting up to be a beautiful day. Quickly they moved over to the ceremony space to do their first look in a mystical garden and an open space to do some pre-ceremony couples photos. B’s creativity for these photos shined through with his personality and A completely trusting his vision and my ability to capture everything made them so much fun to photograph. The ceremony space took the breath out of you with how beautiful everything looked. Where the reception was held was right behind the cafe in the outlook inn with closed doors for privacy. Into golden hour, we made use of the small town and sunset, creating magical photos and memories for B + A to look back on. The rest was history.

Fireseed Catering

Now we get into another personal favorite of mine, Fireseed Catering. This venue is located on Whidbey Island, just a quick ferry ride from the Mukilteo Ferry terminal. This venue quickly became one of my favorites from driving up through the driveway, you felt like you left Washington and went to a secluded forrest to celebrate two people tying the knot. With its beautiful gardens to the amazing barn for the reception, this place had all the making for amazing photo locations. The venue is owned and operated by two Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduates, these two prioritize true farm to table, with many of the elements coming directly from their on-site gardens. They believe that the food should match the event in much the same way a wine is paired with a meal and no event is ever a duplicate. The amount of thought that goes into each and every individual couple shines through.

Let me tell you about H + W’s wedding day here at Fireseed Catering. I arrived as the photographer as was able to quickly make my way from the parking lot to the getting ready area where the groom and bride were. Quickly they both got ready, ready to look each other in the eyes for a first look and private vows outside next to a beautiful flower garden. H had to get herself back into shape after shedding tears with W, because it was time for her brother and father to see her for the first time in her dress. After the first looks, we made our way over to under some shade for bridal party photos and waited for the ceremony to start. Guests started to arrive and had drinks in a secluded forested area with a bar while the wedding party hid in the barn. When in was time, guests sat at the ceremony space, and then came the wedding party out of the garden. The ceremony space was breath taking with a nice valley view behind them. Cocktail hour turned into reception and dinner. The food was family style, black cod, gnocchi, and a side salad, I can’t seem to describe how great the food tasted because it was something like I’ve never had before. The farm to table dinner wasn’t the only surprise food that night, from beef and salmon bao bun’s to the homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert, everything tasted like it was made with love and care. H + W danced the night away in the barn, with what seemed like would go on on night. Once my time was up, I headed out to the parking lot and made my way back home, taking the ferry and ending my night.