Lovely Locations for Saying “I Do” in the South Sound

 

By Margo Greenman

Some people plan their weddings far in advance of even meeting the person they’re destined to marry. Others don’t even consider the notion until they’re asked the big question. But, no matter which category you fall under, once you’ve decided to get married, you’re going to need to start planning the big day.

Whether you imagine yourself getting married in courthouse or a cathedral-type church, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself before you decide which type of venue you’ll say “I do” in. How many people will be attending? Two? Two hundred? What type of ceremony will it be? Religious? Non-religious? Will it be an indoor wedding? Outdoor? And, of course, what’s your budget?

These questions are a great starting point for narrowing your search and ensuring that you choose the venue that’s right for you. Okay, ready to get started? Let’s look at some local options.

The Ruston Chapel
The Ruston Chapel, built in 1904, is a charming setting for any wedding. Photo credit: Lazzat Photography.

Ruston Chapel
The Ruston Chapel was built in 1904 as a Lutheran Church. Now, more than 100 years later, this charming chapel is a popular site for beautiful weddings. Outfitted with elegant chandeliers, a glowing fireplace and stunning gothic-style arched windows, this historic venue provides a romantic, intimate setting for any wedding. Located near Point Defiance Park’s rose garden and beautiful Commencement Bay, finding the perfect setting for wedding photos is easy.

Booking fees for this charming venue vary depending on the length of the ceremony and number of guests  attending. For a complete list of fees and packages visit TheRustonChapel.com. For more information or to schedule a viewing appointment, contact Jan Smillie at 253-228-0358.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum
Engines and hearts will rev at any wedding held at LeMay – America’s Car Museum. This unique — and exciting  — venue is brimming with Northwest charm and amazing views of downtown Tacoma. With space available for as many as 800 guests, LeMay – America’s Car Museum is an ideal venue for event the most elaborate events. Easy access off of I-5 and ample parking make the museum a great option for larger weddings. Eight-hour wedding packages start at $1,500. For more information, visit LeMay – America’s Car Museum online.

Post Hall, Tacoma wedding venue
Located in the Tacoma Post Office Building, historic Post Hall has been remodeled for modern use. Photo courtesy of Post Hall.

Post Hall
Located on the south side of the Tacoma Post Office Building, historic Post Hall is a stunning site for modern day weddings. The freshly remodeled courthouse architecture of this early 20th century building offers 2,100-square-feet to host your event in. Seated ceremonies can accommodate 150 guests, while mixed-use events can hold as many as 250. And, with access to a bar and catering space, bringing in food and drinks is easy. Use the contact form on Post Hall’s website to learn more and get an estimate for your special day.

Thornewood Castle
Release your inner royalty with a castle wedding at Lakewood’s impressive Thornewood Castle. Host your ceremony inside the castle’s Great Hall, or head to the venue’s English-style garden for an outdoor wedding of a lifetime. Because Thornewood Castle never books more than one event on any given day, in the event of unexpected rainshowers, moving your ceremony indoors is always easy. And, to make your big day as stress-free as possible, Thornewood Castle also provides on-site parking, tables, chairs, a professional sound system, a projection screen for slideshows, linens, centerpieces and more. Did we mention Thornewood Castle was also voted best wedding venue in 2014’s Best of Western Washington? For more information, visit Thornewood Castle’s website here.

LeMay America's Car Museum wedding
Expecting a crowd? Lemay – America’s Car Museum can accommodate as many as 800 guests. Photo courtesy of LeMay – America’s Car Museum.

Chambers Bay Golf Club
Home to the 2015 US Open, Chambers Bay Golf Course doubles as a picturesque site for your special day. Host your ceremony in the Chambers Bay Event Pavillion, which holds up to 200 guests, and enjoy views of the expansive golf course, mountains and the Puget Sound through the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Chambers Bay’s culinary staff will work with you to create the wedding menu you crave — customizing it to match your taste and budget. For a full overview of weddings at Chambers Bay, view Chambers Bay’s Wedding Guide online, then contact Kyra Hetzler at 253-460-4653 to book your event and start planning your event.

Rock Creek Gardens
Enchanting, ethereal weddings start at Puyallup’s Rock Creek Gardens. This secluded garden venue features charming accents like waterfalls and koi ponds to add flawless elegance to your woodland wedding. Host your wedding under the white tent or on the garden patio and enjoy the days leading up to your wedding as Rock Creek Garden’s experienced staff guides you through the planning process. Visit Rock Creek Garden’s online for a virtual sneak peak, then book a private tour to experience the garden firsthand.

Titlow Lodge wedding
The Puget Sound and Narrows Bridges provide the perfect backdrop to weddings at Titlow Lodge.
Photo credit: Russ Carmack.

Titlow Lodge
Situated just steps from sweeping views of the Puget Sound and the scenic Narrow Bridges, Titlow Lodge at Titlow Park offers the perfect venue for small, D-I-Y weddings. With banquet seating for up to 140, Titlow Lodge is the perfect setting for intimate, beachside weddings. An on-site kitchen makes bringing in a caterer or accommodating a potluck simple. Rates vary from $150 – $250 per hour depending on the size and season of your event. For more information, contact Metro Parks by emailing rentals@tacomaparks.com or by calling 253-305-1090.

So, which venue will you say “I Do” to? For even more South Sound wedding venues, check out the map below.