Tuesday, January 5, 2010



Hi ESB,

I'm helping my brother and his fiancée plan their wedding in Seattle, but I live in Los Angeles. I was hoping you or some of your wonderful readers might have some help for me. They are planning a *super* low budget (go figure, they'd rather spend their money on their future together! :) ) and about 50 people. We also love the idea of a "retreat" wedding, where the wedding, reception, and lodging can all be in one lovely, homey place where we call all hang out and celebrate their love!

Thanks,
Lindsey


*****

Um. I hope by lodging you mean c-a-m-p-i-n-g. Unless anyone has a better suggestion?

Photos from Victoria & Fritz's Tent Town Wedding via Once Wed
Posted by esb at 5:40 PM

19 comments:

  1. NikiJanuary 5, 2010 at 5:49 PM

    they should get married here: http://www.treehousepoint.com/

    wedding that's done it: http://blog.benblood.com/2009/08/13/treehouse-wedding-hollineric/

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  2. buhdoopJanuary 5, 2010 at 6:56 PM

    A cabin retreat may be a good idea. The Seattle area should have plenty of beautiful camping sites with cabins.

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  3. Anna AlterJanuary 5, 2010 at 7:07 PM

    Retreat centers are a great option, thats what we rented for our wedding. They usually have some kind of function room for a reception, sleep large groups on the cheap, and are in beautiful locations. Maybe google "retreat center" or "conference center" in Washington.

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  4. H.H.January 5, 2010 at 7:34 PM

    ask someone random with a sweet backyard barn to rent it? i want a barn wedding in the worst way. is that over?

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  5. 17 beats.January 6, 2010 at 4:45 AM

    gurl, you funny.

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2010 at 5:40 AM

    some good friends of mine got married over NYE where they went to camp when they were children. precious.

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  7. GiovannaJanuary 6, 2010 at 7:33 AM

    yeah, what anna said. they have tons of retreat or conference centers at camps around the country, usually used to teach kids about nature, etc. the rooms look like tiny, no frills dorms. i think that would be perfect. it's like camping, but all your guests don't have to pitch a tent.

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  8. MouseJanuary 6, 2010 at 7:48 AM

    Airstreamtastic.

    No, but seriously, Olympic National Park, dudes! It's some of the best camping in the country, plus you get Peony Love-esque beachy photos.

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  9. UnknownJanuary 6, 2010 at 9:34 AM

    I don't know about a place to stay, except for the Ace.. which is always awesome. But for the night before, for a fun night out, go to The Can Can!!
    thecancan.com
    I spent NYE there, and it rocked!!!!

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2010 at 9:52 AM

    If you don't want to camp, try the Andersen Lodge. its a bit of a drive from seattle but you can get the place for up to the whole weekend and there are dorms and such for all the guests.

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2010 at 9:55 AM

    oops, andersOn

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  12. lilyJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:45 PM

    Mountain Springs Lodge is also gorgeous! Not as beautiful/swank as "Treehouse Point" .. but it's absolutely gorgeous out in the Leavenworth area and would be a gorgeous fall "retreat" wedding.

    www.mtsprings.com

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  13. lilyJanuary 6, 2010 at 12:47 PM

    oooh! and if you want to go the vintage-y airstream route or even Teepees ... check out: http://www.cherrywoodbbandb.com/teepees.htm

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2010 at 1:43 PM

    Wow. Camping. Adventurous.
    Go for a sprawling ranch with a huge house that you can magically fit everyone in.
    I also really love the idea of a treehouse.
    But I am just fantasizing at this point.

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  15. Lindsey M NelsonJanuary 6, 2010 at 11:03 PM

    Thanks everyone so much for your input! I knew you all would have great ideas! Washington State sure has some awesome natural beauty to choose from!

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  16. BrigittaRJanuary 7, 2010 at 2:33 AM

    I am totally into the camping (or c-a-m-p-i-n-g) idea, but I am assuming that there may be some elderly people invited who may not take to well to sleeping on the ground - not because they're grumpy but because they can't.
    In which case a facility with a both camping and cabin options would be great.
    But i also loooove brideonashoesting's idea of an old house (or barn). That way if the young-ins want to camp they can!
    I wanna hear more about this wedding, please.

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  17. The Daily BureaucratJanuary 8, 2010 at 2:54 PM

    I live in WA and have been to some great retreat weddings at state parks/retreat centers! Even thought about doing mine at one but didn't. I'd suggest Kitsap Memorial State Park on the Kitsap Peninsula or Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. They both require a ferry ride from Seattle, but are BEAUTIFUL venues right on the water, w/ lots of lodging: http://www.parks.wa.gov/dayuseplaces/

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  18. heather - one love photoJanuary 9, 2010 at 2:13 AM

    Yes- I have to agree with the above suggestion Kitsap Memorial Park Baby! We shot a wedding there and I called it our "Robin Hood Wedding". Other options...I love Doe Bay up in the San Juans Islands. Very Chill. You could also check out For Flaggler Park and Fort Worden. Click on my name and it will take you to photos shot at Memorial State Park! Sean Flanigan just recently featured a wedding from there on his blog as well.

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  19. tamerajaneJanuary 15, 2010 at 1:36 PM

    I'm having a "camping" wedding, though at my own summer cabin & (hopefully) with fancy bell tents set up for overflow. I'm also sending a list of local b&b's for older guests, or those who don't feel inclined to outhouses.

    I also have friends who run a summer camp:
    perhaps an early fall wedding when you can borrow/rent something like this - much much more budget friendly than a lodge or real retreat.

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