Spectacular Venues Across The US - West Coast Edition, Part 1

Where you have your wedding is kind of important. Why? Because, to most guests the venue you sets the tone to how fun, unique and elegant your wedding is going to be. (not always the case) but if you have your wedding at the standard hotel, people are expecting a standard wedding. Granted yes, some hotels are gorgeous and will knock your socks off, but many are very generic. The problem is most couples think that the more unique and elegant places all cost a fortune, and some do; but with a little research you can find beautiful venues, for less. Which is one of the reasons why I wrote this blog, meaning low  budget doesn't have to equal a wedding at your local YMCA. Unless that is what you want. Also, most brides want to pick a place that there friends won't pick or haven't picked for there weddings, as well as a venue that will wow your guests, and make them say "remember when so and so had there wedding at ... that was so cool!". Plus, think of how amazing your pictures will look! Now, if you are a bride who doesn't care if your wedding is generic, doesn't care what her guests think, then you don't have to listen to my suggestions and also, almost any venue with a great event planner can decorate it took look great.

So what makes a venue right for you?
- Does it fit your theme?
- Is the price in your price range?
- Think of the Pros and Cons?-Do they let you bring outside caterers and vendors in? Do they do packages?etc.
- And most importantly do YOU love it?

Here is a LONG list of  dreamy venues all over the United States. Varying in prices and listed with the pros and the cons. Since, there are 50 states that would be either 50 separate blogs or a crazy long blog. So, I have decided to split it up into regions and then divide it up that way.

West Coast - Part 1

Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington

Hawaii

Hawaii is the perfect destination for the ultimate tropical beach wedding in the states.

Aston Papakea Resort - Lahaina, HI (Maui)

The Resort site didn't really give much detail as to its weddings so, the info I got on this venue is purely of off what  I found on TheKnot.com. However, I have spent time in this area of Hawaii and can tell you the location is fabulous! You are near plenty of hotels, as well as the resorts on accommodations, there are plenty of activities to do for all ages; you are close to the beach, shopping and a golf course.

Website: http://www.astonhotels.com

Price: $
Max # of Guests: 100
Pros: Has a ceremony site, Allows outside caterers, Parking, Accomadations, Outdoors, Handicap Accessible
Cons: No Kosher Options (which I guess can change if you bring in your own vendor),No Valet and Limited Space.

Kauai Beach Resort - Lihue, HI (Kauai)

Photo Cred.: PDJ Photos

Little information was found on this resort as well, the site provides limited info. on how it handles its Special Occasions, from what I could tell though, they offer wedding packages and menu options. I think this place is perfect if you want the more romantic, intimate, beach wedding.

Website: http://www.kauaibeachresorthawaii.com/weddings/kauai-weddings.aspx

 Price: $

Max # of Guests: 400+

Pros: Has both elegant indoor reception halls, as well as outdoor options, it also is a hotel beach resort so it has Accomadations for guests.

Cons: Welp, I'm not sure.. since there is little info on this venue. If you have had your event here feel free to fill us in  

 Haiku Gardens- Kaneohe, HI (Oahu)

Photo Cred: ahawaiiwedding.com

The Haiku Gardens are the perfect blend oh Tahitian- Hawaiian Tradition. If you go and look at the photos your breath will actually be taken away. The seclusion of this venue is like no other. I also liked that they have a very helping wedding site, and seem to have very helpful wedding planners as well. With your choice between pre - built packages or a "make it yourself" package; you can even have Monarch Butterflies released during your ceremony! Also, this venue is home to a restaurant called Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill. 

Website: http://www.haikugardens.com/index.html

Price: $$

Max # Of Guests: 300 

Pros:  Several Choices of Sites (Indoor and Outdoor), Parking , Handicap Accessible, Room  for a large number of guests. 

Cons: No Kosher options, No Outside vendors, No over night accommodations,  and No Valet Parking. 

Oasis World Estates - Honolulu, HI (Oahu)

Photo Cred.: mywedding.com

 I feel this place is perfect for the couple, who want the Hawaiian beach wedding, with a modern twist to it.  The Oasis World Estates are a private estates, so basically it is like your own exclusive resort and spa.

Website: http://www.oasisworldestates.com

Price: $$$

Max # of Guests:  200

Pros: Allows outside vendors, Has kosher options, Over night accommodations, Valet parking, Wheel Chair Accessible

Cons: So Far.. I Don't See Any!

Best Bridals Hawaii - Honolulu, HI (Oahu)

Photo Cred.: oahu.weddings.com

I really adore this location. I adore it for it's quaint, uniqueness. It almost reminds me of a chapel that was built near an our sugar cane plantation. This exudes the simple, laid back style of Hawaii. Best Bridals Hawaii offers several sites similar to the pictured. Although I am pretty sure they really just specialize in Ceremonies and not the receptions.

Website: http://www.bestbridalhawaii.com/weddings/occ.html

Price: $$$

Max # of Guests: 100

Pros: Parking, Handicap Accessible, Unique

Cons: No Outside Vendors, No Overnight Accommodations, No Valet Parking, and Limited number of guests.

Haiku Mill  - Haiku, HI (Maui)

Photo Cred.: mauiweddingclub.com

Most venues bring with them something special and different then others, at least the truly memorable ones do; However, Haiku Mill has taken this to a whole new level. Originally a sugar mill in 1857 the site was renovated to become an events venue. if you were to choose this site, I guarantee it would be unforgettable to you and your guests.

Website: http://www.haikumill.com

Price:$$$

Max # of Guests: 150

Pros: Parking, Overnight Accommodations,  Unique, Intimate 

Cons: No outside vendors, No Valet, No Kosher,  and Its not  Handicap Accessible 

**Honorable Mention: The Fairmont, Orchid - Kohala Coast, HI (The Big Island)**

Kona Village Resort - Kohala Coast, HI (The Big Island)

Photo Cred,: blissport.com

The only thing I found really great about this venue was it was the only place I noticed that allows for both reception and ceremony to be held on the beach.  Besides that it has the stand Hawaii Resort feel, as well as the standard resort package wedding.

Website: http://www.konavillage.com/contents/v/Weddings

Price: $$$$

Max # of Guests: 100

Pros: On the beach reception and ceremony, Several site options, Parking and Over Night accommodations. 

Cons: No valet, No outside vendors, No Kosher, Limited amount of guests, and It is not handicap accessible.

Alaska

The last frontier, if you are more of the adventure kind and prefer thinks a little more chillier, but with unforgettable views..then Alaska is the place for you.

Alyeska Resort - Gridwood, Alaska

Photo Cred.: alyeskaresort.com

  

Well if you want the frontier snow lodge feel Alyeska is your place. The resort in perched in the mountains and contains glorious scenic views, where you can have as your back drop for your wedding, or if its too chilly for that you can get married in the rustic non - denominational chapel. On top of that you can have your choice of 6 pretty and individualized reception halls.

Website: http://www.alyeskaresort.com

Price: $$

Max # of Guests: 250

Pros: Valet Parking, Overnight accommodations, Kosher option,  Handicap Accessible, breathtaking views, choice of indoors or outdoors.

Cons: No Outside Caterers Allowed.

Juneau Alaska's Pearson's Pond Luxury B&B Inn and Adventure Spa -Juneau, Alaska

Photo Cred.: juneauempire.com

I don't know what to say about this Inn, besides that it would definitely be unforgettable. Although, I have a feeling you should be prepared to handle most the planning. If the websites any indication of how out of touch they are out there in Juneau. On the bright side, it did get nominated in 2008 as Top 10 Most Romantic Inns. And to be quite honest, I am teetering on whether or not I should have this up here, cause it does borderline on maybe tacky and really out of the way for guests. However, done properly the natural beauty of the land speak for themselves, which is why I picked this in the first place.

Website: http://www.alaskanpondatjuneau.com/

Price: $$

Max # of Guests: 50

Pros: Allows outside vendors, Parking, Overnight accommodations, crazy beautiful views.

Cons: No Valet, In Very Remote area and Not handicap accessible 

Majestic Valley Lodge - Sutton, Alaska

Photo Cred.: majesticvalleylodge.com

   

If you are looking for a a rustic in the fields of a valley feel in Alaska then this is your place. They offer several ceremony and reception sites to choose from, and plenty of planning options.

Website: http://majesticvalleylodge.com

Price: $$

Max # of Guests: 200

Pros: Stellar views, Parking and Overnight accommodations.  

Cons: No outside catering, No Kosher, No Handicap Accessible 

Washington 

 Preston Community Center - Preston, WA

Photo Cred.: kingcounty.gov

Don't let  the name fool you, this venue is perfect for the couple on a budget. You want a rustic lodge feel? You want the mountains  and outdoorsy atmosphere? This place has it! 

Website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks.aspx

Price:$

Max # of Guests: 150

Pros: Outside vendors allowed,  Parking Available, Affordable,  Handicap Accessible.

Cons: No Valet, No Overnight accommodations.

Blue Ribbon Cooking:Culinary Center - Seattle, WA

Photo Cred.: seattle.weddings.com

If you are having a nautical theme wedding, then what a better place to have your wedding then here? What is also great is that they don't believe in the typical packaged deal, they believe in making your wedding unique and completely what the couple wants.

website: http://www.blueribboncooking.com/weddings.html

Price: $$
Max # of Guests: 200
Pros: Flexible, Parking, Handicap Accesible
Cons: No Outside Vendors( food wise..it is a culinary center,so you should be good), and No overnight accommodations.

Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, WA

Photo Cred.: Zoo.org

What a nifty idea to have your wedding at the zoo, the atmosphere is taken up to a whole new level . Whats great is that they offer SO many different indoor and outdoor site options. You make think it is risky to have your wedding at a zoo and your guests may think that as well, but you can make the affair really elegant and if you pick a site near one of the animal enclosures, you and guests will be entertained and create moments you won't forget. Also, look up Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma,WA. 

website: http://www.lancercatering.com/washington/locations/wpz_weddings.htm

Price: $$
Max # of Guests: 400+
Pros: Unique, Fun, Parking and Handicap accessible.
Cons: No outside vendors and No overnight accommodations.

The Pickering Barn - Issaquah,WA

Photo Cred.: banquetevent.com

The giant red barn built in the 1800s is classic and cute. The are 2 reception barns for you to choose from, as well as plenty of out door space and what is nice is you rent the whole location meaning there isnt going to be another wedding being held at your venue. (Which is normal for smaller venues of this kind) However, that means you gets access to both barns. So,  you can have your ceremony outside under the gazebo, your reception in the Hay barn and maybe an area set up for kids to play or a cocktail hour in the Diary barn.

website: http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Page.asp?NavID=2417

Price: $$
Max # of Guests: 400
Pros: Exclusivity, Allows outdoor vendors, parking and Handicap Accesible
Cons: No overnight accommodations

The Space Needle - Seattle, WA

Photo Cred.: banquetevent.com

I am sure you have heard many stories of couples getting engaged at the Space Needle, but how many couples have you heard of getting married there? The Space Needle is argueably Seattle's most well known monument; if not Washingtons So, why not get married there? Most venues are unique for different reasons and this one is definitely up there. (no pun intended)  The inside isn't much to look at, but that can always be fixed with an amazing event planner and decorations. Having your wedding here would definitely set a high standard for other guests weddings. I would say this venue would be a perfect fit for the couple who like to shock, or if into more modern era buildings. Plus, you cant beat the 360 view of Seattle.

website: www.spaceneedle.com

Price:$$

Max # of Guests: 300

Pros: Shocking, Unique, Valet Parking,  and Handicap Accessible.

Cons: No Outside Vendors, No Kosher, and No overnight accommodations.

Town of Port Gamble - Port Gamble,WA

Photo Cred.: myseattlewedding.com

This is quaint little cape-cod style town off of Hood Canal. Although the intimate chapel is darling what caught my eye for this venue was the reception hall, that almost reminded me of a boat house and then had giant french doors that opened out onto a patio.

website: www.portgambleweddings.com

Range: $$ 
Max # of Guests: 250
Pros: Overnight accommodations, parking, handicap accessible, Indoor and Outdoor space, and Kosher options available.
Cons: No outside vendors.

The Lake Union Cafe - Seattle,WA

Photo Cred.: josieliming.com

The architecture of the Lake Union Cafe takes you right back to the the 20's and 30's, especially with its Art Deco touches. The venue is warm and intimate while being playful and glamorous. 

website: http://www.lakeunioncafe.com/

Price: $$
Max # of Guests: 350
Pros: Parking, Different and Handicap accessible.
Cons: No Overnight accommodations, No Outside Vendors, No Kosher options and No outside sites.

Hidden Meadows - Snohomish, WA

Photo Cred.: heatherlynnphotographie.com

Hidden Meadows is perfect for the person who wants the secluded, romantic, rustic wedding. What is nifty is that they offer, a Brides Room and a Groom's room, so the couples can get ready at the venue; as well as the bridal party. 

website: http://www.visithiddenmeadows.com/index.htm

Price: $$
Max # of Guests: 400
Pros: Valet Parking, and Extremely handicap accessible.
Cons: No outside vendors, No kosher, and No overnight accommodations.

Arctic Club Hotel - Seattle,WA

Photo Cred.: seattlepi.com

  

The photo shown to your right is a picture of this hotels historic Northern Lights room built in 1916. This is a historical gem, the ceiling is the crown jewel and will have guests jaws dropping when they walk in. From what I saw, the staff at the hotel is more then willing to help you out, however they do have strict limitations on times your event can be held; as well as for how long (but that is typical of most hotels venues). On the plus side, they provide complimentary accommodations for the bride and groom.

Website: http://www.domeroomseattle.com

Price: $$$ 

Max # of Guests: 350

Pros: Valet Parking, Historic, Overnight accommodations, Kosher options, Handicap accessible

Cons: No Outside Vendors and no outdoor site options. 

 Kensington Gardens - Gig Harbor, WA

Photo Cred.: best.king5.com

 Kensington Gardens boast a beautiful English Gardens as well as a English style manor. They have a very helpful staff that will set up your big day and they offer both indoor and outdoor options for your reception and ceremony. They also, have dressing rooms for your bridal party which is a nice touch and they have smaller rooms, which you can use as you see fit..or not at all.

Website: http://www.kensingtongardens.com/weddings.php

Price: $$$

Max # of Guests: 140

Pros: Valet Parking, Kosher Options, different from the more historical and rustic buildings we have been seeing, and Handicap Accessible.

Cons: No outside vendors and No overnight accommodations.