Whatcom, Bellingham parks an affordable option for weddings
Whatcom County is renowned for its natural beauty, so local parks are a natural, and often quite affordable, option for weddings and receptions. Here are several options for your “wedding in the park.”
Bellingham Cruise Terminal
Location: 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham
Amenities: Upstairs Dome Room available for private parties, weddings. The room features a spectacular view of Bellingham Bay through curved, floor-to-ceiling windows. A prep kitchen and buffet area are available, plus an in-room sound system. Tables and chairs are included with rental; other equipment might be available upon request. Free parking.
Rates: Weekdays, Dome Room is $75 an hour, with four-hour minimum. All-day weekend ranges from $1,200 to $1,700 in peak season, $900 to $1,400 October to May.
Alcohol: Allowed with $1 million certificate of liability insurance naming Port of Bellingham as additional insured.
Capacity: 30 to 200.
Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight.
Contact: 360-676-2500, ext. 386, or events@portofbellingham.com
Bloedel-Donovan Park
Location: 2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham
Amenities: Grassy park on Lake Whatcom has outdoor grills, ample parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a community building with a kitchen.
Rates: Community building costs $48 an hour, $480 all-day.
Alcohol: Not allowed.
Capacity: 200 at community building.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: 360-778-7000, parks@cob.org
Roeder Home
Location: 2600 Sunset Drive, Bellingham
Amenities: Built in 1909, the historic house features oak trim, pastoral murals, period fixtures and furnishings, and beautiful gardens. First floor has kitchen, dining room, large living area and restroom. Most people use second-floor dressing room and the downstairs as reception area.
Rates: $105 to $300 a day, plus fees for outdoor equipment, kitchen use, facility staff.
Alcohol: Permitted with $60 fee and banquet alcohol permit from state Liquor Control Board.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Capacity: Up to 125 standing, 50 seated.
Contact: 360-384-3444 or www.co.whatcom.wa.us
Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point Park
Location: 2600 Harbor Loop, Bellingham
Amenities: Building boasts open design with high-beamed ceiling, large fireplace, full kitchen, buffet area, parking, and views of Bellingham Bay and Lummi Island.
Rates: Weekend: $400 to $1,500 in peak season, $400 to $1,100 off-peak. Weekday: $350 to $850, or $40 to $60 an hour.
Alcohol: Allowed with $1 million certificate of liability insurance naming Port of Bellingham as additional insured.
Capacity: 100 theater-style or 80 banquet seating.
Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight.
Contact: 360-676-2500, ext. 386, or events@portofbellingham.com
Woodstock Farm
Location: 1200 Chuckanut Drive N., Bellingham
Amenities: Beautifully situated with panoramic views of Chuckanut Bay. Parking limited to 15 vehicles on-site, with more parking down the road or shuttle guests in from town. No on-site food prep allowed. Restroom at Gates House for limited use. Portable toilet facilities for handicapped and regular use, and portable handwashing station.
Rates: Weddings cost $1,900. Damage deposit of $250 without alcohol, $500 with alcohol.
Alcohol: Allowed with state permit.
Hours: 2 to 10 p.m., with 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for setup.
Capacity: 125.
Contact: 360 778-7000 or parks@cob.org
Semiahmoo Park
Location: 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine
Amenities: Cannery Lodge has hardwood floors, kitchen, and a large deck with boardwalks leading to the beach.
Capacity: 60 inside, with tables and chairs.
Rates: $215 to $310 a day, depending on weekday or weekend, and whether renter is county resident. Additional fees for refuse removal, accounting, facility staff, etc.
Alcohol: Permitted with $60 fee and banquet alcohol permit from state Liquor Control Board.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contact: 360-384-3444 or www.co.whatcom.wa.us
Hovander Homestead Park
Location: 5299 Nielsen Ave., Ferndale
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, water and power hookup at some sites. Main picnic shelter has 30-by-60-foot covered shelter with room for 150, plus stone fireplace, 20 tables, sinks, electric cooking elements, two grills.
The orchard can accommodate 150 people. Water tower area can accommodate 50 to 100, with canopy, eight tables, electric outlet, grill, water spigot.
The red and blue picnic areas contain four tables each, open fire ring, grill and water spigot, and can each accommodate 50.
Tennant Lake Interpretive Center has meeting room for up to 35, and two picnic sites, portable grill, volleyball set, stock tubs for beverages.
Rates: For county residents, $45 to $295, depending on site and time of year. For non-residents, $65 to $315. Additional fees for accounting, staffing, refuse removal, portable barbecue grills, power, etc.
Alcohol: Permitted with $60 fee and banquet alcohol permit from state Liquor Control Board.
Capacity: 35 to 150.
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Contact: 360-384-3444 or www.co.whatcom.wa.us
Silver Lake Park
Location: 9006 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls
Amenities: Day lodge has lake and mountain views, large fireplace, outdoor seating, 15-foot service counter, kitchen.
Four picnic shelters each accommodate up to 75. Maple Creek Picnic Shelter, ideal for larger groups, has covered seating, four-burner cook top, outdoor barbecue, sinks.
Park itself offers views, trails, boat and cabin rentals, camping, overnight lodge, horse camp.
Rates: For county residents, $40 to $195. For non residents, $60 to $215.
Capacity: Day lodge handles 40 seated, 97 standing.
Alcohol: Permitted with $60 fee and banquet alcohol permit from state Liquor Control Board.
Hours: Dawn to dusk, up to 10 p.m. in summer.
Contact: 360-384-3444 or www.co.whatcom.wa.us
This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Whatcom, Bellingham parks an affordable option for weddings."