A Winter Willows Lodge Wedding

Jenna and Spencer’s willows lodge wedding felt like stepping into a little corner of Woodinville wine country magic—romantic, relaxed, and filled with so much genuine joy. From the moment I arrived, I could tell this day was going to be something special. The two of them are so easy and natural together, and Willows Lodge was the perfect backdrop for their love story.

Tucked in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country, Willows Lodge is an 84-room boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens, tall evergreens, and award-winning herb beds, all set along the Sammamish River. It has that quintessential Pacific Northwest feel—rustic and woodsy, but also luxurious and warm—which is exactly what makes a willows lodge wedding feel so inviting. Everywhere you turn, there are cozy fireplaces, winding garden paths, and intimate little pockets of greenery that photograph beautifully.

Jenna got ready in one of the lodge’s beautiful guest rooms, with big windows looking out over the manicured courtyards and gardens. There were dresses hanging from carved doors, jewelry laid out carefully, and the happiest kind of nervous energy in the room. One thing I love about a willows lodge wedding morning is how calm it can feel—you’re in this tucked-away retreat, wrapped in soft light and greenery, but you’re also just a short drive from Seattle and Kirkland. It’s the best of both worlds.

Their ceremony took place in the garden, with the Garden Gazebo and surrounding herb beds creating the sweetest setting. For a willows lodge wedding, you really don’t have to do much to dress up the space—the climbing vines, native plants, reflecting pools, and sculptural art pieces already make it feel like a storybook garden. Chairs were set facing the gazebo, flowers framed the aisle, and the soft sounds of the river and birds in the trees wrapped around everyone as Jenna walked down to Spencer. Their ceremony was heartfelt and personal, with tears, laughter, and a few deep breaths as they tried to take in the fact that this day had finally arrived.

After the ceremony, we wandered the grounds for portraits and really made the most of everything a willows lodge wedding has to offer. We dipped into tree-lined paths, stopped by reflecting pools and water features, and snuck a few moments on the lawn and near the lodge’s stone fireplaces. The gardens are full of Japanese maples, flowering trees, and tucked-away corners that feel so intimate and romantic—it’s like having a dozen little portrait locations all within a few steps.

Inside, the reception spaces at Willows Lodge are just as dreamy. Venues like the Cascade Room and Sammamish Ballroom feature beamed ceilings, stone hearths, and walls of windows that open out to patios with garden views. Jenna and Spencer’s willows lodge wedding reception felt warm and inviting from the moment guests walked in. The tables were set with candles and soft florals that echoed the garden just outside, and everything glowed in that cozy, wine-country way Willows Lodge does so well.

Dinner, of course, was incredible. Weddings here are catered by the lodge’s award-winning Barking Frog restaurant, known for its Northwest-inspired cuisine and thoughtful wine pairings. Guests enjoyed food that felt elevated but comforting—exactly what you’d hope for at a willows lodge wedding in the heart of wine country. Between courses, friends and family stood to toast Jenna and Spencer with stories that had everyone laughing one moment and wiping away tears the next.

As the sun started to dip, we slipped back outside for a few golden-hour portraits. The light filtered through the gardens, bouncing softly off the stone paths and water features, and Jenna and Spencer just melted into each other. One of my favorite things about a willows lodge wedding is how the evening light transforms the property—lanterns begin to glow, fireplaces flicker to life, and the whole place feels even more intimate and romantic.

Then it was back inside for dancing, and their guests did not disappoint. The dance floor stayed full, with people slipping out now and then to grab a breath of fresh air by the outdoor fire pits before jumping back in. That indoor-outdoor flow is such a perk of a willows lodge wedding—guests can wander the gardens, cozy up by the fire, and still feel connected to the celebration happening just a few steps away.

Looking back on Jenna and Spencer’s willows lodge wedding, what stands out most to me isn’t just the gorgeous setting (though it truly is one of the most beautiful venues in Western Washington). It’s the way the day felt—unhurried, heartfelt, and full of quiet, meaningful moments tucked between the bigger ones. The way Spencer looked at Jenna as she walked down the aisle. The way their families wrapped them up in hugs. The laughter echoing under the beams of the reception room as the night went on.

If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels like an intimate escape, surrounded by gardens, incredible food, and that quintessential Northwest ambiance, a willows lodge wedding in Woodinville is such a beautiful choice. Jenna and Spencer’s day was the perfect example of how magical this place can be—and I feel so lucky I got to be there to capture it all.