Like any other industry affected by this pandemic, the wedding industry [and the couples who fund it], have had to pivot their wedding plans and offerings to something much more smaller, manageable, and unconventional for the foreseeable future.
Elopements
Most notably, in the PNW, the elopement trend has been climbing for the past few years. The idea of receiving lines, hundreds of wedding guests, and “stuffy” events are just something a lot of couples aren’t interested in– pandemic or not! In the wake of COVID-19, however, the reality of an elopement-style wedding is becoming more plausible and practical.
“But what if we don’t want to get married on a mountain top in the middle of nowhere? What if Seattle is home, and we want some place closer to home? What if I have a loved one that isn’t capable of walking long distances?”
We’re here to reframe how elopements can look in the PNW. Elopements don’t need to look a certain way. What matters, is that you have the closest of the closest around you. Be free to envision how an elopement might look best for you two!
The Governor’s office just announced that wedding receptions up to 30 guests are now allowed! This is great news for venues, private home weddings, and restaurants with private dining spaces.
With this in mind, we’ve racked our brains to come up with a few fun and unique locations for elopements in Seattle and beyond in hopes they give you inspiration! We’ll be sharing them in a 5-part blog series, with this being the inaugural installment! We hope this inspires you as you navigate these uncharted waters.
Garden Ceremony
With city parks now open in the first phase of the Governors’ phased re-opening, there are 400 parks in Seattle for you to choose from for your ceremony. One of our favorites to have outdoor wedding ceremonies [and now elopements!] is Parsons Gardens on the top of Queen Anne Hill.
Tucked back behind two towering rhododendrons at the entrance is an enchanting little park, with plenty of shade, and a perfect spot under a pair of trees that are kept up neatly, to shade the couple and their officiant in the shade of their branches. The park is small enough to be reserved just for you and your small party, you just need to reserve it ahead of time.
Photos in the garden are always picturesque, and conveniently, across the street from the entrance is an unobstructed view of Elliott Bay. The streets in the nearby Queen Anne neighborhood also offer some fun backdrops to stroll by as well.
Private Dinner Reception
After the elopement, what better way to celebrate than with GOOD food and good wine. With the Governor’s latest announcements, wedding receptions may only last up to three hours, so a dinner party following the “I Dos” fit perfectly into those time restraints! Some restaurants are still evaluating their plans for reopening and may not be open yet, but once they do reopen, the majority should have their private dining spaces open for reservation! So if you have a favorite spot that is meaningful to you both, reach out and ask them when they plan to have their private dining spaces available for group reservations.
With a ceremony in Queen Anne, like at Parsons Gardens, a great nearby option for a stellar candlelit dining experience is just down the other side of the Queen Anne Hill at Canlis. Ranked one of the best restaurants in Seattle, it’s sure to be a fun excuse to splurge and treat your guests to what is sure to be the best meal they’ve ever had in your honor!
Their Executive Room would be the perfect option to host a small family gathering and an exquisite meal. With a comfortable capacity from as low as six, to as much as 24, it’s the perfect spot, with its sweeping views, a fireplace, and a cozy vibe.
Stay tuned for more Seattle Elopement Ideas in the coming days!
If you’d like more information on Canlis’ private dining options, please reach out to Maren at maren@canlis.com and be sure to tell her we sent you!
~Until next time,
Holly & Danae
