Around 1990, Seattle was a mid-sized city mostly known to small coteries of music lovers, dedicated coffee drinkers and home-computing enthusiasts. Twenty years later, 'alternative' music is featured in TV commercials, drive-through coffee is a billion-dollar business and everyone owns at least one PC. It's safe to say that Seattle has made its mark on the nation. However, success hasn't gone to our city's head - Seattle has retained the free-spirited Pacific Northwest charm that it always had, and there's no better time to visit (our area's actually experiencing another cultural renaissance...read on to learn more...). Let your Seattle wedding photographer be your guide to our city's cultural, natural and historical landmarks.
Any Seattle cultural expedition must begin at Pike Place Market. An early forerunner to modern organic farmers markets, it's also the home of the original Starbucks! You may want to ask your Seattle wedding photographer to point you and your party towards the Space Needle - not that you could miss it. As the former headquarters of the Boeing aerospace and defense company, Seattle was an early home to the aerospace industry; learn more at the Museum of Flight. Trace Seattle's beginnings at the Suquamish Museum. Named for the Native American tribe who settled Western Washington, the museum offers a glimpse into pre-European Pacific Northwest life. Seattle was formerly and primarily known as a port city, so hop abroad a Waterways Cruise ship with your wedding party and enjoy a meal while cruising along Puget Sound.
Seattle's home to many notable museums and galleries, the most famous of which is probably the Seattle Art Museum, home to many permanent and traveling exhibitions of American and European art. The Frye Art Museum has a more contemporary feel - and, it's important to note if you and your Seattle wedding photographer were considering an arts-based shoot - admission is always free. The Washington Park Arboretum offers ample space - 230 acres - for strolling and features a greenhouse modeled on London's famous Crystal Palace. Most of the Arboretum's plant collections are maintained by University of Washington students, a perfect illustration of our city's commitment to public service and green living. The Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame is home to a wide variety of science fiction artifacts, novels, films and exhibits. True to Seattle's innovative spirit, it's the first museum of its kind in the world. In the same complex is the Experience Music Project, a music museum with an emphasis on rock 'n roll (particularly the music of Seattle). Finally, there's Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony - and available for rental for weddings and parties (check the site for details).
If you find that the youngest members of your wedding party are getting antsy, a visit to the Seattle Children's Museum might be in order. Amongst other exhibits, the Children's Museum features a mini-hike for young Seattle residents not yet sure enough on their feet for the real thing. Younger visitors may also be interested in the Pacific Science Center, home to multiple animal displays and an upcoming Harry Potter exhibition!
Ready for the wilderness? Your Seattle wedding photographer will direct you to Mount Rainier, a 14,000+ foot peak that's perfect for snowboarding - and, if you're really adventurous, wedding photography. There's also the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which, like Mount Rainier, is located southeast of Seattle. However, the one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest is the Olympic Peninsula, namely the northwest Peninsula town of Forks. The town has been made famous by the wildly successful Twilight vampire series - and if you want to shoot engagement or wedding photos there, your Seattle wedding photographer is sure to understand. That's the accepting Pacific Northwest spirit in action.