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12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-584-4106
View their website
Average Base Cost: $18,000
Our average base cost for a Lakewold Gardens wedding is calculated by figuring a 100-person guest list for a Saturday ceremony/reception using a food/beverage cost of $100/pp plus associated fees. Entertainment, flowers, furniture, additional decorations and rentals, transportation, and photography are NOT included. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand. Gratuity and sales tax is included.
*Prices subject to change
How it breaks down:
Facility Rental Fee: There is a $7,000 flat rate for weddings. Weddings can only take place on Saturday or Sunday evening.
What’s Included: A Lakewold Gardens wedding package includes the following:
- Use of the estate from 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (completely private after 4:00 pm )
- Pre-wedding drops and post-wedding pickups
- Private bridal party dressing rooms
- Tables and chairs for guest seating as well as utility tables
- Valet parking services
- One hour engagement photo session
- One hour dress rehearsal and free admission for onsite planning during normal business hours.
Food: Lakewold Gardens has a list of 5 caterers to choose from. Otherwise you may book an outside caterer for an additional $400 fee (no self-catering is allowed).
Beverage: You may BYOB, however it must be served by the caterer’s approved bartenders.
Other Vendors: Outside vendors are allowed.
More Stats:
Space Type: Primarily outside. While the rental includes the 10-acre estate outside and use of the historic Wagner Mansion, there would not be room to accommodate more than 35 people inside the mansion with tables/chairs.
Size: Up to 130 guests
Bridal Suite: Yes. Rental includes use of the large conference room upstairs for the bride’s room and use of the smaller walk-in closet room for the groom. Both rooms have attached bathrooms.
Parking: Valet parking is included in the wedding package
How Will Grandma Get There? While there are hotels very close by (such as the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma South) out of town guests would most likely want to stay in Tacoma, which is approximately 11 miles away. The venue is 33 miles away from the Seattle-Tacoma International airport.
Party On! The cut-off time for music is 10 p.m. Guests must have departed by 11 p.m.
The Report:Â
In 1938 Lakewold (a Middle English term meaning “lake-woods) was purchased by George Corydon and Eulalie Wagner, who continued to live there until the death of her husband in 1978. In 1987 Mrs. Wagner donated the entire estate to a new non-profit organization, The Friends of Lakewold, with the stipulation that an endowment fund be raised to assure the continuing care of the gardens. Lakewold Gardens opened officially on May 7, 1989, with the hope that it become a place of admiration and relaxation. “As we become more and more city creatures, living in manmade surroundings, perhaps gardens will become even more precious to us, letting us remember that we began in the garden,” said Mrs. Wagner. A typical wedding setup at Lakewold Gardens would include the ceremony on the brick walk and the reception under the wisteria-covered veranda (pictured above). View this sample wedding day timeline for more info.
Woman Getting Married Says:
While the grounds of this venue are beautiful, if you’re worried about rain and have more than 35 people, you would most likely need a tent. And wedding tents can be pricey. Pair that with a moderately high rental fee and the costs will add up. What WILL help offset the cost, however, are the well-priced catering options plus the fact that you can BYOB (as long as you use the caterers licensed bartenders). That will help you save A LOT. While I wish this venue had a larger inside reception area, the grounds are worth checking out if you’re craving a pretty garden wedding! I would definitely recommend keeping your guest list on the smaller side here (under 100 people) to make the most out of the setting.
Click here to learn more about my wedding venue review process.
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