If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding in the Pacific Northwest, exploring the top Seattle public parks for weddings is a fantastic way to find stunning, budget-friendly venues. These public spaces offer gorgeous scenery — from waterfront views to forest trails — and many have specific areas you can reserve for your ceremony or reception.
Here are the top Seattle public parks for weddings, including exactly where you can get married and how to reserve your spot.
1. Discovery Park (Magnolia)
Best for: Nature lovers, sunset views, elopements
Seattle’s largest park offers 534 acres of meadows, forest trails, and ocean views.
Where to get married:
- Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center – A unique indoor venue inside the park. Ideal for ceremonies + receptions.
- South Meadow or Viewpoint Lawn – Popular for smaller outdoor ceremonies (permit required).
How to book:
2. Kubota Garden (Rainier Beach)
Best for: Intimate photoshoots, cultural backdrops
A 20-acre Japanese garden perfect for romantic photos among koi ponds and bridges.
Important: Formal weddings are not allowed inside the garden, but you can:
- Reserve a nearby venue (e.g. Rainier Beach Community Center)
- Apply for a photography permit for engagement/wedding portraits
How to book:
3. Gas Works Park (Wallingford)
Best for: Quirky skyline weddings, sunset elopements
This iconic park offers industrial charm with unmatched views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.
Where to get married:
- Picnic Shelter Area #1 – Grassy area near the water, reservable for ceremonies
- Hilltop Viewpoint – Not reservable, but commonly used for elopements
How to book:
4. Golden Gardens Park (Ballard)
Best for: Beach weddings, summer celebrations
Sand, sea, driftwood, and golden hour — this is one of Seattle’s most popular wedding parks.
Where to get married:
- Golden Gardens Bathhouse – Historic indoor venue directly on the beach
- Shelters #1 and #2 – Covered picnic areas near the sand
- Open beach – Requires a Special Event Permit for ceremonies
How to book:
5. Volunteer Park (Capitol Hill)
Best for: Classic garden weddings, central city location
This centrally located park features rolling lawns, the conservatory, and even a water tower.
Where to get married:
- Volunteer Park Amphitheater – Outdoor venue with built-in seating, reservable
- Volunteer Park Conservatory Lawn – Informally used for elopements
- Seattle Asian Art Museum – Indoor/outdoor venue option nearby
How to book:
6. Olympic Sculpture Park (Belltown/Waterfront)
Best for: Urban elegance, art-loving couples
Run by the Seattle Art Museum, this park features sculptures, waterfront views, and dramatic architecture.
Where to get married:
- PACCAR Pavilion Terrace – Covered space with Elliott Bay views
- Amphitheater Lawn – Surrounded by sculptures, perfect for stylish ceremonies
How to book:
- SAM Venue Rentals
- Requires coordination with SAM Events Team (not booked through Seattle Parks)
📝 Tips for Planning a Wedding in Seattle Parks
- Permits are essential. Apply 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak season.
- Weather is unpredictable. Always have a backup plan (e.g. tents or nearby shelters).
- Respect local rules. Some parks limit amplified music, alcohol, or guest size.
- Accessibility matters. Parks like Volunteer and Sculpture Park offer good ADA access.
Whether you’re envisioning a barefoot beach ceremony or a sophisticated sculpture garden celebration, the top Seattle public parks for weddings offer venues for every style and budget. Need help coordinating permits, timelines, or vendors?
Contact us today for full-service planning tailored to your favorite Seattle park!
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