Shangri-La On The Green | Enumclaw, WA

Six years ago (yes SIX!) I was given the honor of photographing the wedding of Anna & Jared Hebert. When she mentioned Shangri-La on the Green, I knew I had heard of it in the past, but couldn’t remember ever visiting. So the day before the wedding, I packed up my Subaru and my 4 year old sidekick, then made the drive through Enumclaw to this fabulous venue. 

This place is amazing. Featuring a gorgeous waterfall, lush grassy field and the cabin that overlooks the lower area, there are dozens of tiny hidden places to photograph Brides & Grooms. The owner, Bill, was kind enough to answer a few questions about this wonderfully hidden away venue.

How long have you been in business?
Palmer Coking Coal Company (PCC) has been in business since 1933, so for 83 years. We have operated Shangri-La as a rental venue for over 30 years.

How did you decide to start a wedding venue?
We purchased the property in 1972 from a man (Lawrence Garner) who had established a private picnic venue which featured ponds, dams, play areas, and other lightly developed facilities. One of the partners (Bob Morris) saw Shangri-La’s potential as a venue for summer picnics, reunions, parties, and private camping. In 1985, Bob had his own wedding at Shangri-La. The wedding and reception were such a success that many began to see the future of Shangri-La in a new light.

What is the best feature of your venue?
Specifically the waterfall; but more generally the peaceful serenity provided by a lightly cleared forest environment with enough comforts to make your stay enjoyable.

What is it like working with you?
We see our venue as a blank slate of natural beauty upon which the bride and groom can write their story.  With that in mind, the facilities are simple leaving the design and style of their wedding as an open book.

Will you be adding any updates or unique features in the future?
Shangri-La has evolved over the years and will continue to do so.  However, we see preservation of the natural beauty as our primary goal so that visitors can enjoy a unique experience that is like no other.

What other special things should brides & grooms know about your venue?
Be prepared for the great outdoors.  Accept the fact that you are living in the Pacific Northwest as weather changes can be unexpected.  Relax, take a deep breath, and marvel at the wonders of nature which surround you at Shangri-La On The Green.

For a deeper understanding of Shangri-La please take the time to read the history of our unique site nestled deep in the Green River Gorge.

“Shangri-La”: a remote, beautiful and imaginary place where life approached perfection as depicted in the 1933 novel “Lost Horizon” by James Hilton; i.e. utopia– — from the History of Shangri-La

I loved being able to enjoy the serenity of this venue during Anna + Jared’s wedding and I look forward to photographing here again in the future.