DF is getting married in Sept. in another state, but wants to have a reception in Seattle for her friends (like me) and his family who are from here. Any suggestions for a great place for a reception? So far she is thinking of the Lake Washington Rowing Club just from what she's seen on their website or Asian Museum at Volunteer Park. She wants Seattle 'cause his mom is "frail" and can't travel too far. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

If it doesn't have to be IN Seattle, try the Edmonds Yacht Club. Beautiful location and they do receptions.

How large will the reception be?

There's a good list of sites here: http://www.tomellisphoto.com/sitelist.htm

I've been to receptions at the Columbia Winery, Shilshole Bay Beach Club, DAR Chapter House, and some of the local hotels, but my favorite was at the Chinese Room at the Smith Tower (small with great views).

If it's not a large group, then she should consider the Stimson Green mansion on First Hill. I just went to a lovely small wedding there. It's really beautiful and the food was fantastic.

We looked at most of the sites listed by prior posters for our September wedding and reception. We decided on Willows Lodge in Woodinville (near Chateau St. Michele and across from Red Hook Brewery and The Herb Farm). It was a few years ago now but I thought they did a terrific job and I love our photos in the Herb Garden.

WOW, so many great responses, so quickly. Thank you all.

Unfortunately it needs to be in Seattle (I thought of Woodmark in Carillion Point in Kirkland or Bellevue Botanical Gardens, but his mother is "frail" and lives in Seattle, so my friend wants it there).

Good question--how many people? I forgot to ask her, but I have a feeling it will be less than 50.

The Stimson Green Mansion sounds great--I'll have to check it out.

Thanks again.

Woodmark at Carillon Point is lovely.

No views and downtown, but have been to nice receptions at the Mayflower Park Hotel.

Oh, I know(!) how about The Sorrento Hotel? They have a great apartment type suite with a large adjoining patio. I've been to several parties there. Very classy.

Suze in Seattle

The Ruins is interesting but you need to know a 'member'.

There's so many different venues, with different prices, it's hard to suggest one. Though if you only have 50 people that might narrow it down, since you probably wouldn't want a space that's too big. Lk WA Rowing Club is a nice enough room, and has a nice deck, though it's across the street from the lake rather than on it (if that matters). The Center for Wooden Boats is great for a group that size if you want something more unique than elegant. Lake Union Crew has a very nice room-the nicest I've seen on Lake Union, with a big fireplace, bar, and deck.

There are a million sites that list these kind of venues if you google "seattle venue" or "seattle wedding".

If the mom is frail you probably want to check things like handicapped access, elevators, etc.

Suze,
I agree with the Woodmark, but she wants to stay in Seattle, that wouldn't work.
Christy,
Yes, the Center for Wooden Boats is unique (DD got her sailing license there when she was 11 so I'm very familiar with it), but I think she wants something a bit more "elegant", which is why Stimson Green Manor sounds like it might be nice, which of course many places would be, especially if the weather cooperates.

Thanks for your help,
Paula

The Sorrento has valet parking, then an elevator, so it would work for easy accessibility.

Visit www.theknot.com. They have local boards where gals discuss things just like this.

Is budget a concern?

As mentioned Stimpson Green would be good for your sized group, however, the mother will have to navigate stairs. Buffet is separated from the dining floor and there isn't an elevator.

Seattle Asian Art Museum also has stairs.

Sorrento Penthouse is nice, and the dining room area can fit 50 all together. Other area hotels will often rent out their big suites for parties (cocktail style or similar).

Some other view options: Shilshole Bay Beach Club, Waterfront Grill, Columbia Tower Club, Seattle Tennis Club, Bell Harbor Conference Center, Golden Gardens Boathouse, the Canal, Daybreak Star.

Many, many options.

Thanks again for all the help. We were thinking Seattle Tennis Club--gorgeous setting, but I've played there and recall it being quite steep to the Lake--of course if his mom stayed inside, it might not be a problem.

Right now she's leaning towards Shilshole v. Lake Union Crew--anythings thoughts about these two?

Artlover, you can email me at jamie at etherealevents dot com. I'd be happy to answer your questions.

As I remember, Shilshole Beach Club makes you use their in house caterer. This may work for you, but I never like this arrangement. Also, I THINK (double check this) they might have a minimum party size, and you may be too small. They are pricey compared to most other venues. If that appeals to you check out the Ray's Boathouse venue nearby-I don't think they had the same kind of minimums.

Something I remembered about Lk Union Crew-I did tell you it was the nicest space on Lk Union, but there is a long, steep set of stairs to get there. My MIL has difficulty with stairs and when we were checking out venues, the guy in charge said he sometimes carries elderly people up the stairs. So there is that option, depending on how the frail mom would feel about that.

Oh, and I don't think I'd describe it as "elegant"-it's nice, it's very comfortable (they have a little nook with couches, besides the main table area), but elegant, no. Though you could probably decorate to make it more so.

Thanks again. I'm going to forward this to my friend--it's really good information (as always here).

Jamie, I might take you up on that (or she might--her name is Sandy.) Thanks

My nephew and his bride had a lovely reception at the Seattle Zoo.