When considering investing in real estate, people say the three most important things to consider are location, location, and location. The same can be said when planning your perfect wedding. The location, or the venue of your wedding ceremony and reception, will dictate the style of your wedding and how your special day will be remembered.
A wedding venue is one of the first things that a newly engaged couple should begin looking into, weighing their options, and then booking the most desirable venue as soon as possible. According to The Knot, the biggest chunk of your wedding budget will go to the venue. A study ran by The Knot found that couples typically spend about 30% of their overall budget on the venue of their wedding.
“Couples typically spend about 30% of their overall budget on the venue of their wedding.”
It can be extremely difficult and frustrating to find the perfect venue that fits every aspect of your vision, and of course, your budget. Knowing your anxiety and eagerness to find the perfect venue in Whatcom County, we have compiled a list of large wedding venues that you should consider during your research for the ideal wedding venue for your big day.
Whether you are looking for a large romantic, ballroom space or a scenic outdoor space, Whatcom County has many choices for any style of wedding. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Whatcom County is full of beautiful scenic venues and wedding locations.
Having had the honor to work with many of these venues, we have chosen each venue for its unique qualities, from the number of guests it can accommodate, to its proximity to popular attractions or scenic views. We’ve also included links to their websites where you can learn more about each location and book your wedding! All venues are randomly ordered. Each venue is able to accommodate at least 100 guests.
We hope your time planning for your big day is free of stress and full of joy as you eagerly wait to tie the knot with your soulmate here in Whatcom County!
1. Lairmont Manor
Max Occupancy: 125 indoor, 200+ outdoor
An enchanting historic manor built in 1914 including a lovely estate venue located in the beautiful, small town of Fairhaven. The manor offers both indoor and outdoor space to host your wedding, accommodating 200+ guests outdoors and indoor seating up to 125 people.
Address: 405 Fieldston Rd, Bellingham, WA 98225
2. Semiahmoo Resort
Max Occupancy: 400 guests
Enjoy the romance of a seaside wedding at the Semiahmoo Resort wedding venue. Located on the Semiahmoo spit and overlooking the ocean on both sides, this breathtaking location hosts up to 400 guests.
Address: 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine, WA 98230
3. Ferndale Event Center
Max Occupancy: 550 guests
Photo Courtesy of Ferndale Event Center
The Ferndale Event Center is one of the largest indoor venues in Whatcom county. The facility is built with all aspects of a wedding in mind and provides a bridal suite, executive grooms rooms, 32ft dance floor, and hosts up to 550 guests!
Address: 5715 Barrett Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
4. Evergreen Gardens
Max Occupancy: 175 guests
Photography by Wild Grass Photography
This wedding venue offers your wedding to be held in a beautiful, lush, shaded garden with many garden trails, lovely large trees for backdrops, and a covered pavilion seating up to 175 guests. A spectacular location for any wedding!
Address: 698 W Pole Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
5. Broadway Hall
Max Occupancy: 300 guests
Photo courtesy of Broadway Hall
This beautiful historic building, built in 1905 located in the center of Bellingham WA, offers a beautiful and memorable atmosphere for your wedding reception. This venue offers an exceptional backdrop for your special day. Seating up to 300 guests, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of this historic building as well as its warm and welcoming aura.
Address: 1300 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225
6. Baker Creek Place
Max Occupancy: 200 guests
Photo courtesy of Baker Creek Place
This venue boasts a 3000 sq ft banquet hall, a beautiful outdoor patio, and a catering kitchen. It has seating for up to 200 guests for your wedding.
Address: 1650 Baker Creek Pl, Bellingham, WA 98226
7. Squalicum BoatHouse
Max Occupancy: 100 guests
Photo courtesy of Port of Bellingham
This venue is a wonderful option for a smaller wedding up to 100 people. With lovely natural surroundings and awesome water views, it’s a venue you will never forget!
Address: 2600 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225
8. The Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom
Max Occupancy: 220 guests
Photo courtesy of The Hotel Leo
The Crystal Ballroom is an elegant ballroom featuring vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and gorgeous furnishings from another era. This majestic venue accommodates 220 guests comfortably in its formal seating areas, which can be utilized for wedding ceremonies and receptions or for other events and parties.
Address: 1224 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
9. The Majestic Ballroom
Max Occupancy: 350 dining, 450 theater
Photo courtesy of Bellingham Majestic
Exuding elegance and sophistication, the Majestic Ballroom is a romantic historical two-story event center with high ceilings and beautiful architectural details. It can accommodate up to 350 dining guests or 450 theater-style seating.
Address: 1027 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA 98225
10. Mount Baker Rotary Building
Max Occupancy: 250 guests
Photo courtesy of Northwest Washington Fair
A lovely venue in Lynden WA. The rental of this 6000 square feet building includes tables, chairs, and a building sound system. Hosts up to 250 people.
Address: 1751 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264
11. Woodstock Farms
Max Occupancy: 100 guests
Photography by Wild Grass Photography
A magical venue tucked into the Chuckanut Hillside. The location includes a lovely house and barn with rustic charm, open fields, and panoramic views of Chuckanut Bay. Perfect for gatherings of up to 100 guests.
Address: 1200 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham, WA 98225
12. Bellingham Cruise Terminal
Max Occupancy: 200 guests
Photography by Wild Grass Photography
A waterfront building with a dome room overlooking Bellingham Bay, this space provides a dramatic waterfront dining experience. Tables and chairs are included in the rental price. Preparation Kitchen and buffet area available. Accommodates 200 guests.
Address: 355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
13. Peace Arch Historical State Park
Max Occupancy: 400 guests
Photography by Wild Grass Photography
Enjoy an incredible wedding surrounded by bountiful beautiful flower borders, surrounded by giant oak trees, and overlooking the bay. This is the perfect location for a scenic wedding. Located on the border of Canada and America, this venue includes picnic tables, a covered stage, and a large kitchen. Able to host up to 400 guests for your wedding day.
Address: 123 2nd St, Blaine, WA 98230
14. 3 C’s Farms
Max Occupancy: 200 guests
3 Cs Farms is located in a beautiful area on a family farm, located in Deming, WA. With a full kitchen, outside covered area and bridal cottage this venue hosts up to 200 guests and offers plenty of decorating options. They have lots of old farm pieces that have been restored into beautiful decorations for your wedding.
Address: 6222 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming, WA 98244
15. Whatcom Museum
Max Occupancy: 300 guests
Photo courtesy of Whatcom Museum
The Whatcom Museum offers unique and memorable settings for weddings and receptions. The Lightcatcher building offers a contemporary setting with dramatic architectural interest. Named for its focal point and most innovative feature — a spectacular, translucent wall 37 feet high and 180 feet long — this modern facility captures and plays with the Northwest’s most precious natural resource: sunlight. Indoors or out, this location is one of a kind.