Scheduling a Ceremony
in Seattle Parks
Event Scheduling Office
Seattle Parks & Recreation
300 Elliott Ave W, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98119
Office: 206-684-4080, Opt. 2
Email: SPRevents@seattle.gov
Website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/
reserve/outdoor-ceremonies
Seattle parks and gardens provide
lovely outdoor venues for
special occasions like weddings,
memorials, and religious ceremonies.
Choose from an array of
quiet gardens, picturesque
viewpoints, open meadows,
and natural surroundings.
Making a Reservation
Event Scheduling staff are here to assist you in getting your ceremony permit.
1. Choose a Site
We encourage you to visit Seattle parks and gardens.
Maps and other materials are available to aid your in
your search. You can download information from the
Parks’ website.
A to Z Park List:
www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/parks-a-d
Ceremonies Website:
https://www.seattle.gov/parks/reserve/outdoor-
ceremonies
2. Complete an Application
We strongly recommend choosing a few alternate
dates and/or locations in case your preferred choice is
not available. We will contact you if your selection is not
available.
We schedule one ceremony per day, per park with the
exception of Parsons Gardens and
Kubota Garden, where there are three time frames
to choose from.
Rev. 12/27/23
3. Application Lottery Process
(Online, Email or U.S. Mail)
Applications are accepted as early as the first business
day of the month one year (12 months) in advance.
Applications received twelve (12) months in advance will
be processed on the first business day of the following
month, 11 months in advance at random. A confirmation
is emailed back to you by the fifth business day of the
month, 11 months in advance. All applications received
within eleven (11) months of requested date will be
processed in the order received.
4. Payment
Once we confirm your reservation, payment is due within
14 days. Payment instructions will be included in your
confirmation email. Payment can be made online by
computer with a credit/debit card. If mailing a check
please allow an extra week for delivery.
DO NOT MAIL PAYMENT WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
Unpaid reservations can be cancelled without notice.
Please let us know if you don’t need your reservation.
5. Permit
Your final permit will be emailed to you about two weeks
prior to the event. If your initial application information
changes, you must notify our office at least one month
prior to your event.
2 Scheduling a Ceremony in Seattle Parks
Ceremony Fees and Charges
Most Parks:
• $148 per hour with two-hour minimum
High Use Parks:
Alki Beach, Golden Gardens, Hamilton Viewpoint,
Sunset Hill Viewpoint, and Volunteer:
• $170 per hour with two-hour minimum
Specialty Park Requirements:
The below Parks require more maintenance /care and
require a $34/hr fee for a Park Attendant.
Parsons Gardens and Kubota Garden:
• $200 per hour with three-hour minimum preset timeslot
Timeslots: 8-11am, 12-3pm, or 4-7pm
Can book multiple time slots
Volunteer Park Conservatory and Washington
Park Arboretum:
• $170 per hour with two-hour minimum
Discovery Park:
• $148 per hour with two-hour minimum
All Fees are Non-Refundable once paid
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express,
Discover and checks by mail.
Other Fees:
Rescheduling Fee
• $25 fee to change ceremony date or location (once
ceremony fee has been paid) within the calendar year.
• $20 Non-Sufficient Funds Check Fee.
Picnic Fees
• Depending on location and size of your event,
shelter and/or picnic table fees may apply.
Special Equipment Fee
• $75 fee if you setup any special equipment i.e. tents/
canopies over 20’x20’, portable restrooms, stages, etc.
• Insurance required
General Guidelines
Permit:
You need a permit to hold a ceremony or special event
in a public park. Permits enable us to prevent conflicting
events. It is your responsibility to bring the required
permit to the park. You need to read, agree, and abide
by terms and conditions listed in this brochure and in
the permit. We strongly encourage you to post your
reservation signs early on the day of your event.
For graduation ceremonies apply for a Park Use
Permit: www.seattle.gov/parks/reserve/outdoor-event-
permits
Event Timing and Equipment Setup:
Setup is allowed at most parks. You may arrange for
chairs, canopies, or catering through private vendors.
NO vehicle access is permitted. All setup, cleanup, and
deliveries/collection must occur within hours requested.
This helps prevent overlap between events. Seattle
Parks does not provide electricity. A $75 fee applies for
canopies larger than 400 square feet and insurance is
required. Electricity and water are not provided.
Location and Access:
See pages 3-4 for site specifics. Parks remain open to
the public at all times. We DO NOT close any park to
public access during a wedding or other ceremony.
Ceremonies are not permitted on beaches. No vehicle
access is allowed into parks.
Parking:
Parking is limited at most parks and is not guaranteed.
Trash:
Leave your area clean; gather and remove your trash
and decorations so that others will find the area ready.
Decorations:
See pages 3-4 for site specific limitations. Keep the
environment in mind when staging decorations. Do not
put nails into trees or stake anything into the ground.
Equipment such as canopies must be free-weighted.
No confetti, seeds, or rice; try flower petals. Remove all
decorations at the end of your event, including flower
petals.
Alcohol:
The Park Code (Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.257)
prohibits alcohol in Seattle parks. Some indoor
facilities may allow alcohol permits during non-
operating hours; please check with individual facilities
for more information. Smoking is not allowed.
Food/Beverage:
Light snacks and standard non-adult beverages are
approved. Any Catering must be done at designated
picnic spaces or Indoor facilities.
Sound:
Non-amplified (acoustic) music is allowed at any park.
Amplified music/sound must be pre-approved and only
during procession and ceremony.
Photos:
Your ceremony permit allows you to have photographs
taken at the park during the hours you reserved. An
additional permit is required to take photos outside of
your ceremony permit hours or park location. A $30 fee
will apply and permits can be scheduled no more than
14 days in advance.
Scheduling a Ceremony in Seattle Parks 3
Insurance:
Caterer and/or Special Equipment provider as applica
ble, shall provide proof of Commercial General Liability
or Event Liability insurance coverage. “City of Seattle”
must be named as an additional insured for primary &
non-contributory limits of liability. Minimum limits vary
from $1Million-2Million CSL per occurrence.
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Access for People with Disabilities:
Please review location descriptions on page 3 and 4 to
determine if a site has partial ADA accommodation.
Sites are as is. If you need support filling out the appli
cation please contact the Event Scheduling office. For
information or complaints concerning the Americans
with Disabilities Act, please call Seattle Parks at
206-684-4075.
Anti-discrimination:
As a matter of policy, law, and commitment, Seattle
Parks does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
sex, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology,
age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or pres
ence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap.
(SMC 18.12.280) Discrimination complaints can be filed
with the Seattle Parks Superintendent’s Office at 100
Dexter Ave. N Seattle, WA 98109 or with the Equal
-
-Employment Oppor
tunity Office, U.S.
Department of
the Interior, Wash
ington D.C. 20240.
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Oxbow Park (Hat and Boots)
Choosing a Location: Nearly 500 parks to choose from, here are a few of our favorites
Electricity and water are not available. No attaching items to structures. If flower pedals are used, must pick up
Discovery Park
3801 W Government Way 98199
A 534-acre natural area of breathtaking majesty. It provides spectacu
lar views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. For rentals inside the
Daybreak Star Center call 206-285-4425 ext.1020
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• No setup allowed, including chairs or tables (standing ceremonies only)
Chapel Lawn: 35
Kubota Garden
9817 55th Ave S 98118
This 20-acre Japanese garden features streams, waterfalls, ponds,
bridges, and rock outcroppings. Nestled in the southeast corner of
Seattle, the Kubota Terrace is a beautiful ceremony setting.
• Time options: 8am-11am, 12pm-3pm, 4pm-7pm
• The Kubota Terrace is the only area where ceremonies are permitted.
Vehicle access is limited; advance approval and insurance are required.
(loading/unloading only).
• Rehearsal time is open on Thursdays 4:30-8:30pm
Kubota Terrace: 150
Parsons Gardens
7th Ave W & W Highland Dr
98119
This intimate, lovely garden is a hidden gem on Queen Anne’s south
slope. The pathways and arbor at this historic landmark add to the
ceremony ambience.
• Time options: 8-11am, 12-3pm, 4-7pm
• A portable toilet is provided Thur-Sun, between June and September.
• One 20’x20’ or smaller canopy is allowed.
• Rehearsal time is open on Thursdays, 4:30-8:30pm
75
Washington Park Arboretum
2300 Arboretum Dr E 98112
This beautiful park features 4,000 species of trees and shrubs.
For indoor rentals at the Graham Visitor Center call 206-221-2500.
• Restrooms available at Graham Visitor Center during open hours.
• No setup allowed, including chairs or tables (standing ceremonies only).
Volunteer Park Conservatory
1247 15th Ave E 98112
The Conservatory is a historic greenhouse site for intimate ceremonies.
• 18 chairs available upon request. No additional setup allowed.
• Benches/Existing items cannot be moved.
• No food or beverages allowed.
• Available after 4:15pm Tuesdays - Sundays.
• No ceremonies/photoshoots permitted September through December
Seasonal House: 25
For information on Seattle Parks Indoor Event Facilities, visit our website:
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/reserve/event-space-rentals
4 Scheduling a Ceremony in Seattle Parks
Outdoor Parks
Features and Amenities
Location
& Capacity
Alki Beach Park
1702 Alki Ave SW 98116
Choose from the lawn near the bathhouse or the reservable picnic
site. Beautiful view of the beach and the Puget Sound. Ceremonies
are not allowed on sandy beaches.
100
Bhy Kracke Park
Bigelow N & N Comstock Pl
1215 5th Ave N 98109
This hidden gem is a three-tiered park with a view of Lake Union. 150
Carkeek Park
950 NW Carkeek Park Rd 98177
Ceremonies can take place at picnic areas (fees apply) and have
views of the Puget Sound. Or choose the Model Airplane field.
Colman Park
1800 Lake Washington Blvd S 98144
Colman offers a Lake Washington shoreline setting with a balcony/
rail structure.
125
Don Armeni Boat Ramp
1200 Harbor Ave SW 98116
This West Seattle waterfront park with boat launch, has great views
of downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound. Ceremonies are not per
mitted on docks or access ways. Picnic fees may apply.
Lawn areas: 150
Dragonfly Pavilion
28th Ave SW & SW Dakota St 98126
This hidden neighborhood park can accommodate a ceremony under
the dragonfly sculpture or in the meadow below.
100
Ella Bailey Park
2601 W Smith St 98199
Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, this park has a large grassy
lawn with panoramic views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier.
200
Fremont Peak Park
4357 Palatine Ave N 98103
Perfect for a small, intimate group, the landscape design details and
territorial views will make your ceremony unforgettable.
40
Golden Gardens North Meadow
8498 Seaview Pl NW 98107
Located in Ballard, this expansive grassy meadow is perfect for an
outdoor ceremony. Enjoy stunning views of the Puget Sound and
the Olympic Mountains. Ceremonies are not allowed on sandy
beaches.
200
Hamilton Viewpoint Park
California SW & SW Donald 98116
This special park provides views across Elliott Bay to downtown
Seattle, the harbor, and the Cascade Mountains.
200
Leschi Park
201 Lakeside Ave S 98122
Leschi park is a well manicured, rolling hillside of grass planted with
exotic trees and gardens of roses. A view of Lake Washington
makes this an ideal ceremony site.
100
Luna Park
Alki Ave SW & Harbor Ave SW 98116
Luna Park offers an expansive view of Puget Sound and Seattle.
Located on the north point of Alki Beach Park, a 2.5 ton anchor is the
focal point in this waterfront park.
100
Magnolia Park
1461 Magnolia Blvd W 98199
The picnic shelter and benches look across Elliott Bay to the Olympic
Mountains. (Picnic fees may apply)
200
Oxbow Park
6430 Corson Ave S 98108
Located in the heart of historic Georgetown, this park is home of the
famous Hat n’ Boots sculpture. Oxbow is a fun ceremony site for
those looking for something a little different.
100
Roanoke Park
950 E Roanoke St 98102
This intimate park is located in a residential area of Capitol Hill. The
large grassy space is perfect for a ceremony.
100
Sunset Hill Park
NW 75th & 34th NW 98117
This small lawn with pathway rests on a 300 foot bluff offering mag
nificent panoramic views of Shilshole Bay, Puget Sound, and the
Olympic Mountains.
100
Volunteer Park
1247 15th Ave E 98112
This beautiful park is located in the heart of Seattle. The Dahlia Gar
den blooms mid August through September.
Dahlia Garden or
Amphitheater: 150
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Choosing a Location: Nearly 500 parks to choose from, here are a few of our favorites
Ceremony Permit Application
Event Scheduling Oce
Seale Parks & Recreaon
300 Ellio Ave W, Suite 100 · Seale, WA 98119
Phone: 206-684-4080, Opt. 2
Email: SPRevents@seale.gov
Contact the Event Scheduling Oce to discuss specic permit limits and restricons.
• An applicaon is required to make a reservaon. We cannot hold dates without an applicaon.
• Payment is due within 14 days of placing a reservaon, or immediately if event is less than 14 days away. The
reservaon will be canceled without noce if payment is not received.
• All payments are non-refundable.
• Any changes to your applicaon must be requested 30 days in advance of your event.
• A ceremony permit will be emailed to you approximately two weeks prior to your ceremony.
• We do not accept applicaons received less than 14 days before an event.
Contact Information
Main Contact
First Name* Last Name* Birthdate* Gender* Ethnicity Languages
Residenal Address* Apt/Suite* City* State* Zip Code*
Primary Phone* Alternate Phone Email Address* Relaonship*
Alternate Contact
First Name* Last Name* Primary Phone* Email Address*
Day of Event Contact: MUST be Onsite
First Name* Last Name* Primary Phone* Email Address*
Organization (if Main Contact above is an event coordinator or other coordinang vendor)
Organizaon Name:
Mailing Address* Apt/Suite* City* State* Zip Code*
Park Site (List up to 3 park or date choices) Please review Locaon & Capacity guidelines Including available me slots for specialty sites.
Date*
Start
Time*
End
Time*
Park Name*
Location Name or Description*
(Please aach a detailed map of your site plan)*
No ceremonies on beaches.
1*
2*
3
Event Name or Ceremony Type*
# of Hours Requested*
Expected Attendance*
Ceremony Applicaon Rev. 12/27/23
Ceremony Planning
All setup and takedown must be completed within your permied me.
Food/Beverage (alcohol is not permied) Light snacks are allowed
Describe in detail*:
Music/Sound (check with Event Scheduling for restricons. All sound must be approved in advance)
Describe in detail*:
Equipment (check with Event Scheduling for restricons. All sound must be approved in advance)
# of Tents/Canopies* (free standing/weighted only) Tent/Canopy dimensions:
(200 sq.. limit on tents/400 sq.. limit on canopies)
# of Chairs*: # of Tables*: # of Portable Toilets*:
Equipment delivery me: Equipment pick-up me:
(Toilets may not be delivered before Friday prior to the event and must be removed Monday following the event)
Describe any addional equipment or details:
Vehicle Access
Vehicle access is not permied at most parks. Kubota Gardens is accessible for load/unload privileges only with advance request.
Insurance is required. If you have special requirements which make it necessary for you to have vehicle access, inquire before making
your reservaon.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
The informaon supplied herein is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have read and understand the “Scheduling
a Ceremony in Seale Parks” guide and I understand and agree to abide by the rules set forth.
Signature*
Name* (printed)
Date*
Return completed applicaon by:
Online submial
Email Aachment: SPRevents@seale.gov
or by U.S. Mail: Event Scheduling Oce
Seale Parks & Recreaon
300 Ellio Ave W, Suite 100
Seale, WA 98119
Sunset Hill Park
How Did You Hear About Us?
*Required Informaon
Ceremony Applicaon Rev. 12/27/23
