the most iconic spot in seattle for an elegant dinner party wedding

if you’re dreaming of a canlis wedding, you’re probably already in the know, since this place is legendary. this is not your average wedding venue. in fact, it is one of the most iconic restaurants in the country (not just seattle), canlis is where impeccable service, show-stopping food, and timeless views all meet. it’s where you go when you want your wedding day to feel like the most elegant, elevated dinner party of your life. no dance floor, no production.

canlis does luxury like no one else.

why choose a canlis wedding?

most couples who choose canlis for their wedding aren’t looking for a wild reception or a party that goes all night. they’re looking for luxury. for intimacy. for a truly elevated experience that’s centered around connection, conversation, and celebration over a phenomenal meal.

and the service here is absolutely next level! as a wedding photographer, i get to work with all kinds of venues, and let me tell you, the staff at canlis treat vendors like royalty. it makes a huge difference in how your day flows, and it's one of my favorite parts about photographing there.

canlis wedding ceremony + reception spaces

the main space for weddings is the penthouse, which overlooks lake union and gas works park. the room is intimate and flexible, with multiple layout options:

round tables for a classic dinner party feel
a long oval table (seats up to 28) for a more connected experience
or a custom large table (seats up to 40) with a rental upgrade

there’s also the executive room, a smaller space that works well for even more intimate events.

canlis weddings are typically short and sweet. most people book between 3–6 hours for the full experience. there’s no dancing here (it’s above the main restaurant), so it really is more of a luxurious dinner party than a traditional reception. still, you can absolutely make it feel like your dream wedding, just... without the dj.

canlis wedding costs

since this is a high-end restaurant, wedding pricing is structured around private dining rather than traditional venue rentals. here’s a general idea:

penthouse room fee: $500
food & beverage minimum: $8,000
executive room (smaller space): $350 room fee, $3,500 food & beverage minimum
additional wedding fee: $750

pricing can vary depending on the season and day of the week, but that’s the baseline for most canlis weddings.

if you’re planning a weekend wedding between memorial day and labor day, keep in mind that i (and most full-time photographers) have a 6-hour minimum during peak season. weekday weddings or off-season dates can be a bit more flexible.

portraits at canlis

okay, portrait locations at canlis are a bit limited. it’s one of the most stunning restaurants in seattle, but space-wise, there’s only so much room to move around.

the best portrait spots are the rooftop (weather permitting), the wine cellar, and the front exterior — though shooting outside can sometimes block valet service, so we keep it quick!

because of that, most couples opt to do portraits off-site before the ceremony. there are tons of great nearby options depending on the season. if it’s sunny, there are tons of gorgeous parks within 10 minutes.

and in case of bad weather, we can rent a nearby studio in pioneer square.

this part is really important: lighting at canlis is a challenge. it’s dim, moody, and beautiful, but NOT for beginners. if photography is a priority for you, please do not ask your friend or a budget wedding factory to shoot this. you’ll want someone who knows how to handle tricky light, understands flash, and can work confidently in those conditions to deliver the timeless, elegant images your day deserves (someone like me!).

is a canlis wedding right for you?

if you’re someone who values beautiful moments, meaningful connection, and a seriously impressive dining experience — yes. a canlis wedding is probably exactly your vibe. it’s perfect for couples who want to keep things relaxed and intentional, but still luxurious. no overdone traditions, just a day that feels really good from start to finish.

but when it comes to capturing it all, make sure you hire a photographer who understands light. canlis can be beautifully moody and complex to shoot, and it deserves someone who can honor that elegance.

planning a canlis wedding? i’d love to chat and help you make the most of your day! click here to get in touch.