Whether you grew up surrounded by them or have admired them from afar, the forests in Washington are one of the best features of our state! There’s something so compelling and peaceful about spending time in the trees. And of course I love photographing forest weddings here, because that’s my job! But even if it weren’t, celebrating a wedding or elopement surrounded by the beauty of the woods is just about one of the best things I can imagine. If you’re reading this, you probably agree! And, maybe you’re searching for that perfect Washington-vibe wedding venue for you and your partner to celebrate together. Here are 12 stunning forest wedding venues in Washington I recommend checking out as you plan your own ceremony.

1. Elkins Resort on Priest Lake

You’re probably thinking I’m not off to a good start with this list if I’m giving you forest wedding venues that are actually in Idaho, not in Washington. But Priest Lake is so, so close to the Washington border that I hope you can give me a pass for this one! Elkins Resort specializes in outdoor weddings, and the scenic lake view with the Selkirk Mountains in the back is amazing. Weddings are held year-round here, so you can opt for a warm, sunny day or a sweeping, snowy feel. 

Capacity: up to 300 people

Other Unique Features: 

- depending on the weather, you can go for an indoor, covered outdoor, or uncovered outdoor setting

- the resort has 30 cabins with full bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms to consider for your stay

2. Upscale Cascades

Upscale Cascades has full woodland charm. The venue describes itself as “whimsical, enchanting, and rustic,” which I think fits the forest wedding venues theme to a T! It's in Morton, WA, which sits right between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Saint Helens National Parks. You may not find a more Washington-esque backdrop than that! 

Capacity: up to 50 guests

Other Unique Features:

- your choice of indoor or outdoor spaces

- getting ready room for you and your partner (with a balcony!)

- parking available for you and your guests

- all-inclusive services available with catering, bartending, and an event coordinator

3. Cider Mountain

Cider Mountain is located on 160 private acres in northern Idaho. They offer an all-inclusive wedding and lodging package so you can turn your wedding into a weekend getaway with your loved ones, which I think is super unique! 

Capacity: sleeps about 40; regular wedding package can seat up to 200 guests

Other Unique Features:

- discounted venue rates for weekday and off-season weddings (October-May)

- arbor, tables, and seating provided for your guests

- if you opt for the overnight stay package, you have full access to a theater room, billiards, hot tub, and bar

4. Evergreen Gardens

This venue is about seven miles north of Bellingham, so you’ll get the full western Washington experience! Lush landscapes, a nice quiet atmosphere for privacy, and a whole lot of charm! This log home was built in the 1970s by a family intending to raise their kids there. When their daughter said she wanted to get married with the house as the venue, they decided to host weddings regularly!

Capacity: up to 175

Other Unique Features:

- tables and chairs provided

- supplies for s’mores over the fire pit included!

- will provide patio heaters in case of chilly weather 

- there’s a large outdoor pavilion here with walls that can be attached or removed

5. Tierra Retreat Center

Leavenworth, Washington is famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations. But it’s also home to some beautiful forest wedding venues! This is another venue that has an overnight stay option to turn your wedding into a full, personalized experience. Getting married here surrounded by towering pine trees is breathtaking, and sure to be memorable!

Capacity: over 150 may incur more fees; overnight accommodations include 40 guests and some space for camping

Other Unique Features: 

- access to a commercial kitchen, but you can still hire your own preferred caterer!

- pricing for this venue is based on overnight stay costs, rather than a “day of” use fee

6. The Emerald Forest

I may not even need to explain why this forest wedding venue is so cool once you see pictures of it! The Emerald Forest is located outside Redmond, and specializes in elopements. Treehouses are connected by suspended wooden bridges, which makes the whole scene look like it’s straight out of a fairytale! 

Capacity: up to 35

Other Unique Features:

- a completely off-grid power system

- fully custom packages to suit your specific vision

- an outdoor gazebo or large yurt for flexible indoor/outdoor options

- tables, chairs, and linens provided

7. Lodgepole Pines

Lodgepole Pines is in Chattaroy, Washington (a little over 20 miles from Spokane). It’s on a pretty big piece of private land, so you can be surrounded by a deep-forest feel for your wedding. There are actually a few different ceremony sites to choose from here, which makes it a venue worth exploring for an especially personal feel. There are two meadow sites with a few different layout choices, and some facilities for getting-ready suites. 

Capacity: up to 200

Other Unique Features: 

- linens, tables, and chairs provided

- you can work with Lodgepole’s preferred vendors or bring in your own!

- discounted rates for first responders

8. Winding Path Gardens 

This garden venue is halfway between Seattle and Bellingham, which is perfect for Seattlites who don’t feel like taking a huge trip to get the forest wedding venue vibes. Paved patios wind through the English-style gardens, bordered by natural forests. There’s a gazebo, trellised bridges, and water features for an extra romantic feeling. 

Capacity: up to 200

Other Unique Features: 

- a treed half-mile maze in the center of the gardens (I’m picturing a little hide and seek with your partner or guests for some reception fun!)

- tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware provided

- additional rentals can be made right at the venue

- pet-friendly

9. Dunn Gardens

Designed by the Olmsted Brothers Firm in 1915, this was originally a private garden. It’s now preserved as a resource for public enjoyment and learning about the evolution of garden design and the uniqueness of nature in the Pacific Northwest! Just north of downtown Seattle, you’ll be able to see peeks of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from this venue. 

Capacity: up to 60

Other Unique Features:

- Dunn Gardens only books one wedding a week, which gives you a relaxed timeline for setup and cleanup. Less stress on your wedding day is ideal!

10. Treehouse Point

Another incredible woodsy treehouse venue! This one is in Fall City, 25 miles east of Seattle. They offer more traditional wedding packages as well as elopement options here. Having your wedding at Treehouse Point includes overnight lodging in the treehouses!

Capacity: overnight lodging for 20 with weddings; overnight lodging just for the couple with elopements

Other Unique Features:

- LGBTQ-friendly venue

- a list of preferred vendors here can help you put together your day

11. Fern Acres

Fern Acres is on the Olympic Peninsula in the town of Forks. Their gardens have a more wild look that goes well with the surrounding forest. There’s a gazebo and a space to put up a large event tent in case of rain (which is very likely in this part of the state!).

Capacity: up to 150 at the Forest Ceremony Area, and space for seating 225 in the reception area

Other Unique Features: 

- the tent includes 3 crystal chandeliers and globe lighting, as well as a dance floor

- if you know you want a smaller celebration, they have special microwedding and elopement packages

12. Mt. Rainier

While my list of forest wedding venues in Washington has a lot of amazing contenders already, I have to give an honorable mention to Mt. Rainier National Park for couples envisioning a forest elopement. You don’t have to seek out the famous view of Mt. Rainier if you get married here. There is so much old-growth forest to explore, and beautiful wildflower meadows in the spring and early summer. The evergreens here are breathtaking, and you could easily turn your elopement into a multi-day adventure experience, or cozy up in a rental cabin for the weekend after exchanging your vows. This is one of my all-time favorite spots in Washington! (Check out this fall elopement for some Rainier wedding inspiration!)

And there you have it! 12 incredible forest wedding venues in Washington. Even though this list is big, I truly think you can’t go wrong with any of them. The Pacific Northwest is such a distinctive landscape, and it’s an honor to be able to experience it with my couples! Reach out to me here if you’re ready to plan your forest wedding.