Congratulations—you’re engaged! Whether you’re dreaming of a modern city wedding, an intimate garden ceremony, or a nature-filled celebration in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers endless possibilities for your big day. This guide shares essential Seattle wedding planning tips, from choosing the perfect venue to finding your dream engagement photo location.
1. Start with What Matters Most
Before you start touring venues or buying decor, pause and ask yourself: What do I want to remember most about my wedding day?
Your answer will guide every decision and help you set a budget that reflects your priorities. Maybe it’s the raw, candid moments, the sweeping views of the Puget Sound, or a once-in-a-lifetime party surrounded by your favorite people. Knowing your “why” will keep your planning focused and intentional.
💡 Seattle wedding planning tips: Write down your top three priorities before you start booking anything. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending on things that aren’t meaningful to you.
Need help figuring out what matters most for your wedding day? Let’s connect and talk through your vision so you can plan with clarity from the start.
2. Seattle Wedding Planning Tips: Choosing the Best Venues
Seattle has a venue for every style—urban elegance, lush gardens, industrial charm, or unique, one-of-a-kind spaces. Here are some of the best Seattle wedding venues to start your search:
- The MV Skansonia – A vintage ferry boat turned event space with panoramic Lake Union and Seattle skyline views.
- The 101 – A chic, blank-canvas industrial venue in the heart of Pioneer Square, perfect for couples who want to customize every detail.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – Celebrate surrounded by world-famous glass art installations and vibrant gardens.
- The Fremont Foundry – Modern-industrial vibes with a rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Union and the city.
- The Corson Building – A cozy, historic home turned farm-to-table restaurant in Georgetown, perfect for intimate weddings with incredible food.
- TreeHouse Point – Just 30 minutes from Seattle in Issaquah, this magical venue lets you literally get married in the trees.
💡 Seattle wedding planning tips: Secure your venue first—Seattle’s most popular spots book 12–18 months out, especially for summer and fall weddings.
I’ve photographed weddings in many of these venues—if you’d like to see galleries from your favorite location, send me a message and I’ll share examples so you can envision your own day there.
3. Seattle Wedding Planning Tips: Engagement Session Locations You’ll Love
Your engagement session is a perfect chance to celebrate this chapter and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. Seattle has no shortage of stunning backdrops:
- Discovery Park – Coastal cliffs, open meadows, and woodland trails in one spot.
- Pioneer Square / Occidental Park – Historic red brick, charming alleys, and romantic urban vibes.
- Seattle Waterfront & Pike Place Market – Iconic Seattle energy with colorful details and water views.
- Centennial Park – Wide-open lawns, Elliott Bay views, and Olympic Mountain sunsets.
💡 Seattle wedding planning tips: Schedule your engagement session during golden hour for the best lighting and most flattering photos.
Engagement sessions are my favorite way to break the ice before your wedding day. Click here to book your Seattle engagement session and let’s create something unforgettable.
4. Wedding Planning Mindset
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Surround yourself with vendors who align with your vision, keep communication clear, and allow you to stay present during the process. Remember—it’s about creating an experience you’ll actually enjoy, not just a checklist to complete.
Want my personal list of trusted Seattle wedding vendors? Get in touch and I’ll send you my curated recommendations.
5. Be Intentional with Your Seattle Wedding
Seattle’s beauty is in its variety—mountains, water, gardens, and cityscapes. Incorporate that magic into your day in ways that feel authentic to you. The moments you’ll remember most won’t just be your “I do” but the quiet in-betweens: holding hands before walking down the aisle, sharing a laugh with your best friend, or catching the golden glow of a Seattle sunset.
💡 Seattle wedding planning tips: When in doubt, simplify. The more you strip away things that don’t matter, the more you’ll enjoy what does.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re looking for a Seattle wedding photographer who blends storytelling with editorial beauty, I’d love to capture your day. I specialize in wedding galleries that are both artful and authentic, so you can relive your day exactly as it felt.
📅 Let’s make it official – Inquire here to check availability and start bringing your Seattle wedding vision to life.
