While making wine involves the hard work of farming and late nights during harvest season, nothing is quite as romantic as the notion of “wine country” — beautiful vineyard land, fantastic people, and a beverage that is probably responsible for roughly 110% of all romances. Here is a list of some of Washington State’s most eligible spots to tie the knot.
JM Cellars: Woodinville
Vineyards are few and far between in Western Washington, but wineries abound. Tucked up at the top of a secluded hillside called Bramble Bump, JM Cellars may lack onsite vineyards, but it makes up for them in romantic charm. This seven-acre secret garden includes an indoor barrel room with gorgeous iron doors and a patio space dappled with tree-filtered sunlight by day and twinkling lights by night.
Capacity: 125 guests seated/150 guests reception-style.
Chateau Lill: Woodinville
A European-style retreat in the heart of Woodinville’s Hollywood District, Chateau Lill sits on ten beautifully cultivated acres that include an actual vineyard — rare for Western Washington, ponds with whimsical bridges and gazebos, cathedral cedar trees, orchards, and even a small onsite menagerie of alpacas, goats, and sheep. Host an intimate ceremony under a gazebo or in the wine cellar or go big with the grand room or tented terrace outdoors. The venue also includes a groom’s room and bridal suite.
Capacity: From 10 guests at the gazebo to 200+ for a sit-down dinner.
Basel Cellars: Walla Walla
Located south of downtown between Yellowhawk Creek and the Walla Walla River, this massive estate was once a private home. Now a working winery surrounded by vineyards, the property offers three facilities that can be rented individually or altogether. The Estate House features 8 bedrooms and nearly 14,000-square feet of space, though the bride and groom may want the privacy of the Poolside Cabana. The Tasting Room and outdoor patio offer non-residential venue space.
Capacity: Estate House sleeps 16; Poolside Cabana sleeps 4; Tasting Room seats 54 guests or 70 reception-style indoors and up to 48 seated guests outdoors on the patio.
Waterbrook Winery: Walla Walla
It’s like this property was created to host events. The spacious tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings, decorated in warm, glowing tones. But who wouldn’t want to be outdoors here? The expansive patio opens up to a lovely pond and views of Walla Walla’s spectacular sunsets and outdoor fire pits, a fireplace, and heat lamps can create “cozy” in a heartbeat.
Capacity: Tasting Room seats 75 or 150 reception-style; Patio and Grounds can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Terra Blanca Winery: Red Mountain
By far the largest wedding venue property on Red Mountain in Benton City, WA, Terra Blanca offers 300 acres of lush gardens, romantic grape vines, and waterfalls anchored with impressive European-style architecture for a ceremony of intimate or epic proportions. The Tuscan Ballroom and Courtyard features a stone fireplace and 15-foot windows while the Cave Grotto and Barrel Cave Courtyard provide perfect outdoor enclaves in which to tie the knot. Packages include a bridal suite, groom’s room, and everything needed to host the perfect reception.
Capacity: Tuscan Ballroom 180 guests seated with dance floor space or up to 300 seated guests without dance floor; Cave Grotto and Barrel Cave Courtyard from 30-200 guests.
Tsillan Cellars: Chelan
Nestled at the base of Lake Chelan’s south shore, Tsillan Cellars has it all — vineyards, indoor venue, onsite restaurant to handle catering, wine, views and one of the best wedding coordinators in the industry according to the many rave reviews.
Capacity: Maximum capacity is limited to 200 people.
Gorge Crest Vineyards: Underwood (Columbia Gorge)
This destination winery was thoughtfully designed as a wedding venue. And, honestly, who could blame them with views of Mt. Hood soaring in the distance, vineyards, pear orchards, and forested hills all around. While most couples will want to take advantage of the outdoor views, complete with extensive manicured lawns and vibrant flower gardens, the property also offers a charming indoor events space “just in case.” Other perks include a concrete dance floor, covered porches, a pergola with vineyard and Gorge views, dressing rooms, indoor/outdoor bars, and even a lighted hammock area.
Capacity: Maximum capacity is 100 guests and includes indoor and outdoor spaces.