Venue Series: Museums
I grew up in the Seattle area but spent 11 years living in other parts of the country before returning home in 2021, with a five year stop in Washington, D.C., in my early-mid twenties. One of the absolute best things about living in D.C. is the plethora of museums, art galleries, and arts opportunities, many of which are free to the public. I used to spend countless afternoons visiting my favorites (National Museum of the American Indian is forever #1) and also got to attend some amazing events at venues like the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
While I don’t think any American city can claim a museum scene like that in D.C., we are so lucky to have some really incredible options right here in the Seattle area and the vast majority of them host private events! This is such a great way to not only plan a memorable and unique event but also give your guests the opportunity to explore some of the best exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest.
Today I’ll be highlighting some of the coolest museums, art galleries, and arts spaces to consider for your big day. Remember, this list is non-exhaustive and doesn’t include every single option in this category.
Bellevue Arts Museum
Bellevue, WA
Capacity: 150 seated, 350 standing
Pricing: $2,900+ for space
Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) is a hidden gem as a lot of people outside of Bellevue don’t realize it exists! Located right on Bellevue Way across from Bellevue Square and next to Lincoln Square, you get the bonus feature of three hotel options within 2 blocks. BAM offers add-on docent-led tours, several exclusive caterers, and in-house furniture/linen rentals.
Photos (L to R): Seattle and Sound, WeddingWire
Burke Museum
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 200 seated, 250 standing
Pricing: $500-$2,250 rental fee
I’m partial to the Burke - located on the campus of the University of Washington, it underwent a recent renovation but has stayed true to its mission to showcase the history of the Pacific Northwest’s Indigenous peoples. One of the coolest things about a private event at the Burke is that the largest event space is the Special Exhibits Gallery, meaning that the surroundings change on a seasonal basis and the backdrop of your big day will be unique.
Photos (L to R): Chris Dahl via Burke Museum, Eventective
Center for Wooden Boats
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 80 seated, 100 standing
Pricing: $2,000+ rental fee
The Center for Wooden Boats’ location is one of its best selling points - right on the water in South Lake Union with a full view of the skyline and the water. They offer the opportunity for livery boat rentals (with some rules, of course!) for guests to head out onto the water.
Photos (L to R): Emma Lee Photography via Modern Weddings, Katheryn Moran Photography
MOHAI
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 350 seated, 750 standing
Pricing: $2,500+
Located right next to the Center for Wooden Boats in South Lake Union, MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) has a long history in Seattle, albeit originally in a different location. MOHAI features some really stunning event spaces with beautiful views and very cool exhibits.
Photos (L to R): Alexandra Knight Photography, MOHAI
MoPOP
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 200 seated, 500 standing
MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) has quickly become a Seattle icon in its (relatively short) 22 year history. Originally opened as the EMP (Experience Music Project) in 2000, it features an iconic Gehry-designed exterior (originally designed to look like a smashed guitar) and unique exhibits covering all facets of pop culture. I’m partial to the Sky Church space (went to a few high school dances there)!
Photos (L to R): Jenn Tai via Wedding Spot, Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures via Wedding Spot
Museum of Flight
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 500 seated, 1200 standing
Pricing: $640-$6,000 rental fee
Not just an elementary school field trip destination! While most of my Museum of Flight memories are from the late 90’s, the space provides the coolest, loftiest atmosphere for your wedding. You can go for the massive pavilion, one of the galleries, or the barn that was the birthplace of Boeing. Venue prices also include all-day admission for all guests to explore the museum!
Photos (L to R): EventUp, Eventective
Museum of Glass
Tacoma, WA
Capacity: 300 seated, 400 standing
Pricing: $1,000-$2,500 rental fee
A truly Pacific Northwest experience, Tacoma’s Museum of Glass features both indoor and outdoor spaces surrounded by beautiful glass exhibits. One cool option is renting the Hot Shop for the duration of your event, allowing your guests to witness the glassblowers actively creating artwork.
Photos: Alante Photography via Museum of Glass
National Nordic Museum
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 280 seated, 400 standing
Pricing: $2,000-$6,000 rental fee
This is actually the only museum on this list I haven’t been to - the former Nordic Heritage Museum moved into its current space in 2018 and was renamed the National Nordic Museum in 2019. Located in Ballard (where else?!), the facility looks stunning in event photos and offers a quintessential Seattle look into the Nordic heritage of the neighborhood and city. On a personal note, I absolutely love the museum’s commitment to honoring the Indigenous peoples’ on whose land the building is located and the ways in which the exhibits explore intersectionality in identities (partial to this as I am both Jewish and Nordic!).
Photos: WeddingWire
Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 160 seated, 300 standing
Pricing: $1,000-$7,000 rental fee
One of my absolute favorite spots in the city. The pavilion and amphitheater create indoor/outdoor options with access to the beautiful sculpture collection throughout the park.
Photos (L to R): Stephanie Cristalli Photography via Junebug Weddings, Joe Tobiason
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 300 seated, 400 standing
Pricing: $750-$12,000 rental fee
Full service dining combined with an ideal location close to Pike Place and tons of hotel options make this a wonderful option, especially for those of you hosting a lot of out-of-town wedding guests. You get private access to SAM’s collection/special exhibitions, a huge bonus at one of the most famous museums in Seattle.
Photos: Seattle Art Museum via Wedding Spot
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle, WA
Capacity: 110 seated, 250 standing
Pricing: $1,200-$6,000 rental fee
Located in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill, the SAAM offers indoor and outdoor space plus the bonus of beautiful surroundings. You can even get that iconic view of the Space Needle through the famous Black Sun sculpture during your photos! They also offer specific micro-wedding packages for events with fewer than 30 guests.
Photos (L to R): Unknown via Pinterest, Tim Griffith Architectural Photography via Seattle Art Museum