Ellensburg is a charming city in Kittitas County, Washington, best known as the home of Central Washington University. The highly cultural city showcases art galleries, jazz festivals, and microbreweries throughout its quaint downtown district, which is set against the backdrop of the majestic Cascade Mountain Range. Couples looking to tie the knot in the Kittitas Valley region have their choice of a number of lovely rustic event venues, including restored 19th-century farmsteads and nonprofit community gathering spaces. The region's close proximity to the Seattle metropolitan region also makes it a popular choice for Seattle-area couples looking to get away from the city for intimate wedding receptions, engagement parties, or wedding party gatherings.
The American Homestead
The American Homestead is a family-operated wedding venue in Nahces, originally established in 1896 and overseen by the Forgey family. The venue is a great choice for couples looking for rustic wedding settings, featuring a beautiful restored cabin that overlooks the stunning Naches River. Five bedrooms sleep up to 10 guests, with unique decor theming and amenities such as a wraparound deck and walled fire pit. A newly-added bunkhouse also features twin and queen bed accommodations, along with a fully-stocked kitchen and outdoor dining space. Couples can book either space for wedding ceremonies or honeymoon overnights, making use of the resort's trusted list of professional vendors for their special day. In-house catering is provided by Cascade Catering, with cakes provided by local companies Christie's Cakes and Kerri's Cakes.
5872 WA-410, Naches, WA 98937, Phone: 509-658-2514
Ritter Farms
Ritter Farms is a rustic special event venue that has been serving the Kittitas Valley area for generations, set amidst a charming mountain farm setting complete with modern amenities. The venue is located within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, which provide a dramatic backdrop for memorable wedding photos. Couples can host their wedding ceremonies and receptions at the venue's historic timber barn, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. The venue's grounds can also be used for reception festivities, including its comfortable patio and outdoor fire pit. Professional wedding planning services are included with all rentals, along with use of the venue for engagement photos prior to the chosen ceremony date. In-house catering and bar services are available for an additional charge.
24 Lund Lane, Cle Elum, WA 98922, Phone: 509-656-2564
Swauk-Teanaway Grange
Swauk-Teanaway Grange is a grassroots nonpartisan organization that focuses on advocacy for rural America, serving the local Kittitas County community through its #984 chapter and community hall venue. As a community-focused organization, the Swauk-Teanaway Grange Hall is available for special event rental for local resident weddings and other private special events. The lovely hall was recently reconstructed in 2006, replacing the former 1904 one-room schoolhouse and event hall that was lost to a fire in 2004. Today, the unique historic venue overlooks the Swauk Prairie once again, widely recognized as one of the Cle Elum region's most photographed landmarks. Flexible hall configurations and decor are available to match the size and theme of any couple's reception needs.
1361 Ballard Rd W, Cle Elum, WA 98922, Phone: 509-857-2580
The Cattle Barn
The Cattle Barn is a rustic 1,000-acre working cattle ranch and wedding venue, located in Cle Elum within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the Swauk Creek Valley. The venue is home to a gorgeous central barn that features a built-in wooden dance floor, a spacious upper balcony, a cozy fireplace, and a bar area. Outside, a stunning garden alcove overlooks the mountain landscape, perfect for intimate vows or unique wedding photography scenery. In all, up to 400 guests can be accommodated within the venue's indoor and outdoor spaces. All couples also receive access to the property's 19th-century-era ranch house for the day of their wedding, which offers bride and groom dressing suites, a small catering prep kitchen, and guest use restrooms. A dry camping and RV area is available for wedding parties and guests to stay at the property the night of the event.
980 Burke Road, Cle Elum, WA 98922, Phone: 509-304-9050
Buzz Inn Steakhouse
The Buzz Inn Steakhouse is a chain of restaurants that sells great steaks a long Highway 2 and in Everett, Ellensburg and Wenatchee in Washington State. Their Ellensburg spot is a popular local gathering place where folks come not only for their famous Angus steaks produced from Midwest corn-fed cattle and cooked to perfection but also for a line of flat-screen TVs ready for the ongoing game, plenty of games, great beers on tap and just about anything else folks might need for a good time. The place has fun and nostalgic atmosphere of an old-fashions roadhouse tavern, cozy and welcoming and soft lights make it also romantic for a dinner for two.
2202 Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926, Phone: 509-925-3922
