Best Wedding Venues in Kitsap County: A Photographer’s Insider Guide
Finding the perfect place to say “I do” is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, and wedding venues in Kitsap County offer some of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning settings for your special day. As a local photographer who has captured countless weddings across the region, I’ve learned what makes a venue truly special and Kitsap has so many fantastic options. From historic waterfront churches to elegant golf clubs and enchanting gardens, you really can’t go wrong.
What makes Kitsap County such a magical place to tie the knot? Perhaps it’s the way the Olympic Mountains paint the horizon, or how the sunlight dances across Puget Sound at golden hour. Maybe it’s the versatility – you can host an intimate garden ceremony surrounded by world-class botanical collections, celebrate in a rustic barn with pastoral views, or dance the night away in an elegant ballroom overlooking manicured fairways.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the area’s most beloved venues and a couple newer (and equally amazing) options, sharing insider insights about what makes each space unique. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, seeking a waterfront view or a woodland backdrop, you’ll discover the perfect setting for your love story to unfold. Let’s explore the possibilities together.
Disclaimer: The information presented about each venue in this guide is based on my experiences as a photographer and details provided directly by the venues themselves. The policies, pricing, restrictions, and mission statements of these wedding venues are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Essence of Us Photography. While I strive to provide accurate information, please contact venues directly to confirm current offerings, availability, and any policy details before booking.
Canterwood Golf & Country Club - Gig Harbor, WA
Canterwood Golf & Country Club, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, offers an elegant and picturesque setting for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. With its beautifully manicured grounds and versatile event spaces, the club provides a sophisticated backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions.
Guest Testimonial
“Our wedding at Canterwood Golf & Country Club was everything we dreamed of and more. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere created the perfect ambiance for our special day. The staff went above and beyond to ensure every detail was flawless. We couldn’t have asked for a better venue!”
— Jessica & Daniel
Venue Highlights
- Multiple Event Spaces: Choose from formal ballrooms, cozy lounges, breezy patios, or elegant garden tents, each exuding harbor-side charm and accommodating various wedding sizes and styles.
- Scenic Backdrops: The club’s location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, providing a picturesque setting for wedding photos.
- Customizable Packages: All-inclusive wedding packages are available, allowing couples to tailor their event to their specific preferences and needs.
- Gourmet Catering: Delectable menu options, such as sage-stuffed pork loin with apple balsamic gastrique or a smoked steelhead display, are designed to impress guests and enhance the dining experience.
Unique Features
- Historic Charm: Situated in one of the most picturesque cities in America, the club offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historic ambiance.
- Professional Event Coordination: Experienced staff assist with every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free wedding day.
- Flexible Event Timing: The venue allows 5-7 hours of event time, excluding setup and cleanup, providing ample time for celebration.
- Ample Guest Capacity: With the ability to accommodate up to 330 guests for full buyouts, the club is suitable for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations.
Contact
- Website: www.invitedclubs.com/club/canterwood-golf-country-club
- Address: 12606 54th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
- Phone: 253-851-1845
- Instagram: @canterwoodgolfandcountryclub
Gold Mountain Golf Club - Bremerton, WA
The lush landscapes of Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, WA offer a picturesque setting that embodies the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With panoramic views of the meticulously maintained Olympic Course and surrounding vistas, this venue provides an unforgettable backdrop for couples seeking a blend of elegance and nature on their special day.
Guest Testimonial
“Our wedding at Gold Mountain Golf Club could not have been better. The venue is beautiful, and the staff were amazing. Cheryl in particular was so great to work with and made the entire planning process stress-free.”
— Heather
Venue Highlights
Wedding In the Woods Ceremony Venue: Surrounded by trees, the ceremony site features rustic ambiance. This outdoor setting immerses you in the serene beauty of the forest, providing a unique backdrop for your vows.
Olympic Room and Terrace: Bathed in natural light, this charming reception space accommodates up to 70 guests for a seated terrace ceremony and up to 150 guests for a seated dinner with a dance floor.
Unique Features
Comprehensive Wedding Packages: Gold Mountain offers both comprehensive and à la carte packages, allowing customization to fit your vision and needs.
Large Bridal/Getting Ready Suite: A private area to meet your wedding day needs. Utilize this space for day-of hair and makeup application, storage for spare decor, and/or a private space to relax leading up to the ceremony/during the reception.
On-Site Sales Manager: A dedicated Sales Manager assists in planning every detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Contact
- Website: www.goldmountaingolf.com
- Address: 7263 W. Belfair Valley Road, PO Box 4130, Bremerton, WA
- Phone: 360-415-5432
- Email: events@goldmt.com
- Instagram: @theweddinginthewoods
Heronswood Garden - Kingston, WA
Heronswood Garden in Kingston, Washington, is a breathtaking botanical retreat that offers couples a unique and picturesque setting for their wedding day. Spanning 15 acres, this world-renowned garden boasts over 8,500 plant species, providing a vibrant and diverse backdrop for your celebration.
Guest Testimonial
“Our wedding at Heronswood Garden was a dream come true. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and intimate setting made for the perfect day. The staff was incredibly accommodating, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful venue!”
— Emily & James
Venue Highlights
Versatile Ceremony Locations: Choose from four stunning ceremony sites, including the Potager Garden, Garden House Lawn, Rainwall, and Rock Wall, each offering its own unique charm.
Elegant Reception Tents: Two beautifully appointed tents (40 x 60 and 20 x 50 feet) come with liners, leg drapes, and lighting, ensuring a stylish and comfortable setting for your reception.
Ample Parking: Convenient on-site parking is available for over 150 vehicles, making it easy for your guests to arrive and enjoy the event.
Full-Service Setup: The venue’s team assists with table and chair arrangements to match your vision, along with day-of coordination support.
Unique Features
Immersive Garden Experience: Exchange vows surrounded by one of the most diverse botanical collections in the region, offering an ever-changing seasonal backdrop.
Customizable Wedding Packages: Four distinct wedding packages cater to a range of guest counts and budgets, from intimate elopements to full-day celebrations.
Flexible Catering Options: Couples have the freedom to bring in their own caterer or select from the venue’s list of recommended vendors familiar with the space.
Dedicated Coordination Support: The experienced staff is available to assist with logistics, ensuring a seamless and stress-free wedding experience.
Contact
- Website: www.heronswoodgarden.org
- Address: 7530 NE 288th St, Kingston, WA 98346
- Phone: 360-297-9620
- Email: events@heronswoodgarden.org
- Instagram: @heronswoodgrdn
IslandWood - Bainbridge Island, WA
Imagine exchanging vows beneath a canopy of towering evergreens, with the gentle sounds of nature as your backdrop. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle, IslandWood offers a serene 250-acre property on Bainbridge Island, providing an idyllic setting for couples seeking a unique and immersive wedding experience.
Guest Testimonial
“Where to begin! I could not imagine doing our wedding anywhere else but IslandWood. It is the most incredible property to gather family and friends. The staff is so accommodating and lovely, the food is out of this world, and the natural beauty of the place is something our guests keep talking about more than 6 months later.”
— Lauryn B., October 2024 Wedding
Venue Highlights
Natural Beauty: Spanning forests, meadows, and trails, IslandWood’s diverse landscapes offer picturesque settings for ceremonies and receptions.
Exclusive Weekend Access: Enjoy private use of the campus from Friday evening to Sunday morning, creating a memorable retreat for you and your guests.
Culinary Excellence: Savor customized menus featuring locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, thoughtfully prepared by IslandWood’s culinary team.
On-Site Accommodations: Four charming Northwest lodges provide comfortable lodging for up to 200 guests, each featuring a great room with a fireplace for relaxation and gatherings
Unique Features
- Environmental Stewardship: Hosting your wedding at IslandWood supports their mission as an environmental education nonprofit, contributing to programs that make nature-based learning accessible to all students.
- Activities and Exploration: Guests can explore forested trails, two treehouses, a suspension bridge, and a canopy tower, immersing themselves in the natural surroundings.
- Proximity to Seattle: Located just a short ferry ride away, IslandWood combines the convenience of city access with the tranquility of a secluded retreat.
Contact
- Website: www.islandwood.org/
- Address: 4450 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
- Phone: 206-855-4300
- Email: weddings@islandwood.org
- Instagram: @islandwoodweddings
Joyland Farm - Bainbridge Island, WA
Head to Bainbridge Island to find a stunning wedding venue on 18 acres of private forest with views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Beyond its natural beauty, this recently opened venue serves a unique mission: supporting young adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Through school partnerships, these “Joylanders” gain job skills by contributing to weddings through gift creation, wrapping, and videography. Choosing Joyland Farm means celebrating your special day while supporting this meaningful community program.
Guest Testimonial
“We recently hosted our wedding at Joyland Mansion, and it exceeded all expectations. The venue’s mission to provide work experience for special needs individuals deeply moved us.”
— Monica
Venue Highlights
Indoor Celebrations: Available year-round, the intimate dining room accommodates up to 40 guests. This space offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and can transition from a ceremony setup with fold-up chairs to a cozy dining experience. The venue provides linens, tables, chairs, and various decor.
Outdoor Gatherings: Seasonally available from July through September (with weekday discounts), their new state-of-the-art outdoor tent pavilions can host up to 150 guests. The outdoor area also features three ponds, an outdoor catering kitchen, ample space for live music and dancing, and a brand new parking area (coming May 2025), all set against the stunning backdrop of Puget Sound.
Additional Services: Joyland Farm offers a range of services to enhance your celebration, including rehearsal dinners, classic car rentals, gift opening brunches, wedding showers, and bachelorette parties.
Unique Features
Mission-Driven Venue – Your wedding directly supports job training for young adults with autism and developmental disabilities, making your celebration even more meaningful. Options include complimentary wedding videography, wedding favor assembly, and gift wrapping by one of their very own ‘Joylanders’.
Secluded 18-Acre Estate – Enjoy breathtaking waterfront and mountain views, serene ponds, and lush forested lawns for a private and picturesque setting.
Exclusive Lodging & Private Spaces – Stay on-site in the charming guesthouse for two nights (included in your booking) and take advantage of unique features like the first-look balcony, billiards game room, and private bridal suite.
Contact
- Website: www.joyland.farm
- Address: 3377 Northeast Tani Creek Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Email: events@joyland.farm
- Instagram: @joyland_farm
Port Gamble Weddings & Events - Port Gamble, WA
Port Gamble Weddings & Events offers a charming and historic setting on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. As a privately owned town dating back to 1853 and known as the ‘white picket fence town’, Port Gamble features New England-style architecture, stunning water views, and a picturesque atmosphere perfect for weddings. Couples can exchange vows with the scenic Hood Canal or Gamble Bay as their backdrop, creating an unforgettable experience.
Guest Testimonial
“Port Gamble was the perfect venue for our wedding. The historic charm, waterfront views, and stunning sunset made our day truly magical. The staff was incredibly helpful, and having access to both the church and pavilion gave us the flexibility we wanted. We can’t imagine a better place to say ‘I do!'”
— Sarah & Michael
Venue Highlights
Two Distinct Venues: Choose between the historic St. Paul’s Church or the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion, or rent both for a seamless ceremony and reception experience.
Ample Parking: Free parking is available throughout town, making it easy for guests to attend your celebration. Port Gamble also boasts of many helpful in-house amenities.
Historic Atmosphere: The preserved 19th-century architecture and scenic charm of Port Gamble provide a one-of-a-kind setting for wedding photos and events.
Unique Features
- Sunset Views Over Hood Canal: Celebrate against the backdrop of breathtaking sunsets, adding a magical touch to your wedding day.
- Versatile Wedding Options: Whether hosting an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Port Gamble’s venues accommodate a variety of wedding sizes and styles.
Professional Venue Support: The venue staff assists with the setup and breakdown of venue-provided furnishings, as well as the coordination of your rehearsal and ceremony to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Contact
- Website: www.portgambleweddings.com
- Address: 4749 View Drive NE, Port Gamble, WA 98364
- Phone: 360-297-8074
- Email: portgambleweddings@raydient.com
- Instagram: @portgamble.weddings
Red Cedar Farm - Poulsbo, WA
Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Poulsbo, Red Cedar Farm is a wedding venue in Kitsap County that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, vibrant gardens, and bordered by a beautiful handcrafted stone wall inspired by California architecture, this venue offers a warm and inviting setting for couples looking to celebrate their love in a truly unique location. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy barn wedding or a scenic outdoor ceremony, Red Cedar Farm provides a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable day.
Guest Testimonial
“One of the absolute best places to have a wedding or an event! There is no place like it, anywhere. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone looking for a place to make memories. Pinball machines to old school shooting games. Lots of cool antiques too! And lots of awesome friendly animals for you to enjoy! The owners are welcoming and do an amazing job giving you the best experience possible. 10/10.”
— Greg Ritter
Venue Highlights
Historic Barn: The centerpiece of Red Cedar Farm is its beautifully restored barn, featuring original woodwork and vintage décor. This space provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for both ceremonies and receptions.
Lush Gardens: Surrounding the barn are meticulously maintained gardens, offering picturesque settings for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, or intimate gatherings.
Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: With both indoor and outdoor options, the venue accommodates weddings year-round, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of the season.
Unique Features
Antique Collection: Owners Andrea and Gregg have curated an impressive collection of antiques, adding character and charm to the property. These unique pieces serve as delightful conversation starters and enhance the venue’s distinctive ambiance.
Vintage Pinball Arcade: For a touch of nostalgia and entertainment, guests can enjoy a selection of vintage pinball machines, providing a fun and interactive experience during the celebration.
Family-Owned Legacy: Established in 1987, Red Cedar Farm has evolved from a family residence into a cherished event space, reflecting the dedication and passion of its owners. This personal touch ensures a heartfelt and welcoming environment for all guests.
Contact
- Website: www.redcedarfarm.com
- Address: 27054 NW Lofall Rd, Poulsbo, WA
- Phone: 360-697-7770
- Email: info@redcedarfarm.com
- Instagram: @redcedarfarmweddings
Trophy Lake Golf & Casting - Port Orchard, WA
Located on the scenic Kitsap Peninsula, Trophy Lake Golf & Casting offers a tranquil, natural setting that beautifully captures the spirit and tradition of the Pacific Northwest. With its quaint fishing lodge-style clubhouse and celebrated golf course, this venue provides a unique blend of nature and design, creating a resort-like atmosphere where guests can truly escape and enjoy.
Venue Testimonial
“Trophy Lake Golf & Casting offers a tranquil, natural setting for your wedding. From its quaint, fishing lodge-style clubhouse to its celebrated golf course, Trophy Lake Golf & Casting is a magnificent collaboration of nature and design, capturing the spirit and tradition of the Pacific Northwest. The celebration of two of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular activities—golf and fishing—enhance the experience and create a resort feel that allows guests to truly escape and enjoy.”
— The Team at Trophy Lake Golf & Casting
Venue Highlights
Scenic Ceremony Backdrop: Exchange vows outdoors with a picturesque waterfall and the 18th hole as your backdrop, offering a romantic and serene setting.
Charming Pavilion: The pavilion accommodates up to 200 seated guests, with additional outdoor seating for 100. It features roll-up screens that provide panoramic views or protection from the elements, ensuring comfort in any weather.
Full-Service Catering: Enjoy a variety of menu offerings to suit every taste and budget, thoughtfully prepared by the in-house culinary team.
Professional Event Coordination: A dedicated team of wedding experts assists in planning every detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
Unique Features
Golf and Fishing Amenities: Embrace the venue’s celebration of two popular Pacific Northwest activities—golf and fishing—adding a unique touch to your wedding experience.
Convenient Location: Situated just 15 minutes from the Seattle ferry landing and 30 minutes from Tacoma, Trophy Lake is easily accessible from all areas around the Sound.
Natural Beauty: The property boasts a dramatic waterfall, sparkling ponds, and rolling greens, offering stunning photography opportunities and a refreshing escape for your guests.
Contact
- Website: www.trophylakegolf.com
- Address: 3900 SW Lake Flora Rd, Port Orchard, WA 98367
- Phone: 360-874-8337
- Instagram: @trophylakegc
Which of These Wedding Venues in Kitsap County Is on Your List?
Your perfect wedding venue in Kitsap County is out there waiting to be discovered, and the area offers an incredible variety of settings to bring your vision to life. From the historic charm of Port Gamble to the manicured elegance of Canterwood Golf & Country Club, each venue has its own unique character and charm. As you explore these wedding venues in Kitsap County, remember that the right space will feel like it was made for your love story.
Having photographed countless weddings, I’ve seen how the perfect space transforms to match every couple’s unique style and vision. If you’re feeling inspired and ready to start planning your perfect day, check out my wedding packages, all of which include my exclusive Wedding Photography Planning Guide to help you on your planning journey.
Feel free to contact me to discuss your wedding photography needs or schedule a consultation to learn more about my wedding packages.
Here’s to finding the perfect backdrop for your love story!
