Your Guide to Thornewood Castle, Wedding Venue Near Seattle, WA
thornewood castle is a historic, tudor-style wedding venue near seattle, wa. honestly, it’s one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in the whole pnw. whether you’re envisioning an intimate garden ceremony or a grand indoor reception in historic hall that feels straight out of a period drama, this venue is perfect.
in this guide i’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting married at thornewood castle. but also, i always recommend checking in with the venue for the most up-to-date information when inquiring.
thornewood castle - a gorgeous wedding venue near seattle, wa
thornewood castle is the perfect wedding venue for both seattle & tacoma couples. it is only 12 miles south of tacoma (about 20-minute drive) and about 42 miles (about a 1-hour drive) from seattle, making it a great option for couples who want a unique wedding venue without straying too far from the city. it’s close enough for local guests but has that tucked-away, private feel that makes it extra special.
one thing couples (and guests!) love about this venue is that there’s parking available, so you can turn your wedding into a full wedding weekend experience. you and your guests can reserve their overnight suites at a discounted rate. and when you book thornwood castle, you get the entire place to yourself. there will not be another wedding party crashing your event!
also, if you’ve lived in the pnw for a while, you know that weather here is unpredictable and that often is the biggest worries when couples plan their wedding day. however, the venue makes that a total non-issue.
if your dream outdoor ceremony gets an unexpected rain shower, the team can move everything inside the castle’s stunning great hall in under 15 minutes. plus, if you want to keep your outdoor reception but need a backup plan, there’s plenty of space on the grounds for a large tent. if you want to play it safe from the get-go, there are both indoor and outdoor spaces available for your reception and ceremony, and it is seriously gorgeous inside and out!
the venue spaces for your ceremony and reception
thornewood has two getting-ready spaces, so you and your wedding party have plenty of room to prep, pop some champagne, and soak in the moment. and as i mentioned before, they have indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception.
sunken english garden (outdoor ceremony, up to 200 guests) – this stunning garden is surrounded by flowers, sculptures, antique brick walls, and a fountain. the lush greenery and classic architecture make it breathtaking with zero need for extra decor.
lakeside lawn (outdoor ceremony/reception, up to 200 guests) – an open, scenic setting right by the water.
front castle lawn (outdoor ceremony/reception, up to 200 guests) – a spacious lawn with a view of the castle’s incredible architecture.
loggia – a large covered porch, perfect for a buffet setup or cocktail hour (or a small wedding of up to 50 people)
ballroom (indoor reception, up to 125 guests) – a romantic indoor reception space with old-world elegance and charm.
great hall (indoor ceremony, up to 125 guests/dance floor) – make your grand entrance down the castle’s 500-year-old hand-carved oak staircase. with stained glass, a sandstone fireplace, and ornate ceilings, this space is the definition of timeless romance. even if it’s your “plan b” for weather, your guests will still be in awe.
thornewood castle wedding cost
the price to get married at the thornewood castle depends on the amount of guests, time of year and day of the week you’re choosing to get married. the prices start at $3,849 during the off-season (november to march) and can go all the way up to $8,499 during the peak summer months for 50 guests. get the most up-to-date information about their pricing and packages here!
why i love shooting weddings at thornewood castle
i absolutely love photographing weddings at thornewood castle, every wedding here is straight-up gorgeous. indoor or outdoors, the backdrop is always stunning - from the rustic brick walls to the lush gardens and romantic lake views. if you’re after venue that is full of character, the castle’s intricate woodwork, stained glass windows and cozy fireplaces will have you swooning!
thornewood castle wedding inspiration
why should you hire a professional seattle wedding photographer for this venue
thornewood castle is gorgeous, but it can also be tricky to photograph if you don’t know what you’re doing. the indoor spaces have moody, dim lighting, and the outdoors can bring all sorts of lighting and weather situations, from bright sun to overcast skies. hiring a professional photographer who knows how to handle all that (hi, that’s me) makes all the difference. i know how to work with the unique lighting here, capture the details, and ensure your photos are everything you’re dreaming of and more.
if you’re getting married at thornewood castle and want a photographer who knows all the best spots, angles, and lighting tricks, let’s chat. i’d love to help capture your day in a way that feels effortless, natural, and so you.
you can learn more about our packages here! reach out today to chat about your wedding plans!
and in case you’re still on the lookout for your perfect seattle wedding venue, check out these small wedding venues and these venues with more of an urban feel to them.