Markie’s Wedding Venue Bucket List for 2019
We’re not even completely through 2018, and I’ve had the honor of checking a few amazing venues off my original wedding venue bucket list (you know, the one I haven’t even written yet…. Oops), but I’m already dreaming of your 2019 weddings! Check out the lists below to find which ones I got the chance to photograph and which ones I’m still dreaming of! Of course, I’m still looking for couples who are getting married at the dozen or so locations I’ve talked about on our Tacoma Wish List and Seattle Wish List, so be sure to check those out as well!
Awesome places I’ve checked off
Farm Fare & Floral – Kent, WA (Blog Post Coming Soon)
Farm Fare & Floral quickly stole my heart with it’s roaming turkeys, chickens, ducks and one sweet ol’ dog. The beautiful gardens that welcomed guests made it feel like a storybook come to life. But the best part about this incredible venue was the owner. Jon made everyone feel like they were at home in their own backyard. A full gushing walkthrough of this venue will hit the blog very soon, I promise!
Windmill Gardens – Sumner, WA (Blog post coming soon)
I grew up in the area, and Windmill Gardens has been around for as long as I can remember. It hasn’t always been as fancy as it is now, but it used to be the only place we got flowers before Home Depot and Lowes moved into Bonney Lake. Now, it’s a gorgeous wedding venue, with a hidden bridal suite.
VanLierop Garden Market – Sumner, WA (Blog Post Coming Soon)
Another one of those places that’s been there forever (in my mind) is VanLierop’s. To be honest, I didn’t know it rents out for weddings until this year, but it sure makes for a beautiful setting if you’re wanting something a little more low-key, or you just love Sorci’s Catering (and being next door means you can smell all the wonderful Italian food too).
Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel – Silverdale, WA (Blog post coming soon)
Best Western doesn’t usually portray an “upscale” vibe to many people, however this Silverdale Beach Hotel was stunning! I just wish we would have gotten to photograph more on the inside of the hotel. Needless to say, the waterfront made a beautiful backdrop for this sweet pastel wedding.
Grimstad Farms – Kent, WA (Blog post coming soon)
Leave it to us to photograph a wedding on the hottest day of the year. But Grimstad Farms was worth it. The beautiful barn created a romantic rustic vibe, while the couple danced the night away with their friends. As the sun sank over the trees, a few extra snuggly photos had to be captured.
The Tiny Farmstay – Gig Harbor, WA
While this one isn’t a wedding venue, it made a perfect location for a destination elopement! The Tiny Farmstay is a beautiful spot to grab your fiancé and a couple besties for some intimate vows before you head to one of Gig Harbor’s many incredible restaurants to celebrate. Owners Tessa and Ian, are wonderful hosts and Tessa makes a mean beet hummus if you ask me.
Whitneyville Cultural Commons – Hamden, CT (Blog Post Coming Soon)
This venue is one for the books! I was honored to join a couple of my favorite people for their uber laid back, rock-n-roll, open mic vow renewal. Plus it gave me the chance to check another state off my list. Only like 30 states left to go….
PNW Wedding Venue Bucket List
The Saltbox Barn – Fir Island, WA
This venue looks incredible and they actually have a full list of things they provide; including a 1966 Airstream for photos ops. Have I told you how much of a vintage trailer fanatic I am? This place is a must for me.
The Dungeness Barn House – Sequim, WA
I first found this bed & breakfast when they started following me on Instagram. It’s still on my list of places to check out with my Mister as well! While they don’t appear to rent out for weddings, it would be worth it to check into having an elopement and taking advantage of the gorgeous views!
Fern Acres – Forks, WA
Remember Rivendell? (If you’re not a LOTR fan, it’s the city the Elves live in). That’s the first thing I thought of when I stumbled across this venue. From the moss covered aisle to the beautiful ferns surrounding the ceremony space, it looks like a dream out of the Tolkien novels.
Navarra Gardens – Willamina, OR
Another beautiful garden setting in the middle of Oregon’s wine country! Make it a full weekend with a stay at the Spirit Mountain Casino Lodge or Hanson House B&B. If you have kids, I highly recommend the Wings and Waves Waterpark in McMinnville (about 30-50 minutes away).
Opal 28 – Portland, OR
The perfect intimate wedding setting…. And by intimate, they mean 100 guests or less. This venue was -originally built as a house in 1908, then converted to 4 one-bedroom apartments in the 50s. Rent the whole “house” out for the weekend and explore downtown Portland before you jet off on your honeymoon.
US Destination Wedding Venue Bucket List
Dunafon Castle – Idledale, CO
Whoever created their website, is definitely one of my people. From the breathtaking photos to the note under Reservations (“We’re not trying to be cool but spots fill up quickly. If you want in, make a reservation today”) speaks to my soul. Another fairytale location, their ceremony arbor is surrounded by water and accessible by a little footbridge. The best part? A portion of every wedding at Dunafon Castle goes to Step 13; a non-profit transitional living program for addicted homeless men.
The Venue at Roseoak – Petal, MS
It seems like dreamy venues pop up all over the place. This one in Mississippi features an incredible old tree to get married under. Pews, chairs and benches are mixed together creating a beautiful ceremony space. Indulge in a horse drawn carriage ride, or an uber romantic bride and groom dance after dark in the middle of the pond arbor.
Stonebridge Wedding and Event Venue – Blum, TX
Another beautiful ceremony space that features a giant lit up tree. A gorgeous bridal suite and expansive sky views give this venue a wide variety of photo opportunities. The Stonebridge Wedding and Event venue sure gives rustic glam a whole new meaning.
Gold Hill Hotel – Virginia City, NV
There’s a story behind this one. Last year, while on a road trip with my besties, we passed the Gold Hill Hotel. I’ll be honest, we giggled a bit when we saw it because from the outside it doesn’t appear to be much there. But upon further investigation, this venue is a bit of a gem. Looks can definitely be deceiving. Incredible views of the valley below, and a ton of old world charm, this venue brings a bit of history to your western glam wedding.
SoHo63 – Chandler, AZ
Modern meets historic at this gorgeous Arizona Wedding Venue. With four unique spaces, it’s so hard to choose a favorite here! Floors shiny enough they reflect like glass in the Gramercy Ballroom, the open air Tribeca Terrace, the Brix on Boston upscale market feel and the hanging crystals in the Plaza all boast perfect ceremony and reception backdrops with a completely unique feel to each space.
Boojum Tree Hidden Garden – Phoenix, AZ
The perfect backdrop for your colorful affair, Boojum Tree Hidden Garden is an oasis in Phoenix! Reception areas that appear like you’re lost in the jungle, and beautifully draped lights, create an incredible setting for your upscale affair.
This is not an exhaustive wedding venue bucket list
It’s impossible for me to research each and every wedding venue in the US, with new ones popping up each day. Add in the incredible international locations and I’d be stuck at my computer writing for YEARS rather than shooting your beautifully curated wedding at one of these unique wedding venues!
