A Garden Party Wedding in Snohomish: Ellen & Cody at Woodland Meadow Farms

When I think of a “dreamy destination wedding,” Ellen & Cody’s day at Woodland Meadow Farms in Snohomish, WA, immediately comes to mind. It had that perfect mix of garden-party vibes, laid-back energy, and thoughtful details that didn’t feel fussy. Everyone there was just ready to have a good time, and honestly, those are the weddings that make me excited to travel as a California wedding photographer.

Bride holds a vibrant bouquet of pink, orange, yellow, and purple flowers in a field at sunset.

Bride and groom kiss in a field as the bride’s long veil floats in the golden evening light at their garden party wedding.

Close-up of the bride’s pearl-detailed gown strap and groom’s hand on her back.

Smiling bride and groom embrace in a field of wildflowers at sunset, celebrating their garden party wedding.

The venue totally set the stage! Woodland Meadow Farms is basically a blank canvas, green lawns, big trees, and these cozy little outdoor nooks that make it super easy to create a garden-party-meets-backyard kind of celebration. Pair that with Ellen & Cody’s personalities, some golden-hour light that could make anyone weep a little, and a spontaneous flower field adventure, and this wedding was equal parts fun and stunning.

Wedding rings rest on a bed of moss, including a diamond engagement ring and simple gold band.

Bride and groom stand beneath the arbor exchanging vows, with bridesmaids and groomsmen on either side at their garden party wedding.

Bride and groom exchange vows beneath a wooden arbor draped in greenery and fabric during their ceremony.

What Is a Garden Party Wedding, Really?

“Garden party wedding” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? For me, it’s not about making everything Pinterest-perfect; it’s about how the day feels. Picture this: celebrating on the grass instead of a ballroom, guests grabbing drinks and playing lawn games instead of sitting at a table all night, and a day that’s casual, fun, and approachable but still totally elegant and unique.

Couple walks down a forest path hand in hand, the bride’s dress flowing behind her.

Close-up of colorful flowers and greenery hanging from the wooden beams of the ceremony arbor.

Newlyweds walk through a field of flowers at sunset, holding hands and a bouquet at their garden party wedding.

Ellen & Cody absolutely nailed it. They leaned into the natural beauty of Woodland Meadow Farms, kept the styling chill, and focused on actually enjoying the day with their people. That’s the whole point of a garden-party wedding: good vibes, good people, and a day that feels like you.

Intimate film shot of the bride holding and smiling down at her wedding bouquet in a green field.

Woodland Meadow Farms: The Perfect Garden Party Setting

Okay, let me tell you about Woodland Meadow Farms in Snohomish, WA. It’s basically the ultimate garden party playground, with wide-open lawns, tree-lined paths, and enough space that it feels airy without being overwhelming. You can literally do your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one spot, hello, no running around like a headless chicken!

Bride, groom, and wedding party laugh and walk together down a shaded garden path after the ceremony at their garden party wedding.

Guest in a pink dress holds a refreshing cocktail in front of a wall of blooming pink roses.

Bride and groom walk arm in arm toward a rustic wooden building at their garden party wedding venue.

I’ve seen a lot of venues trying to “fake” the garden-party vibe, but this place actually gets it. Guests can wander, hang out, and find their little corners without feeling stuck. Plus, there’s room for tents, string lights, dancing under the stars, basically everything you’d want for a backyard-but-fancy kind of wedding. If you’re dreaming of a garden-style outdoor wedding in Washington, this spot should be high on your list (and yes, I will probably start daydreaming about it every time I think of Ellen & Cody’s day).

Guests mingle outdoors during cocktail hour, standing around pink linen tables as sunlight filters through the trees.

Welcome sign decorated with fresh flowers reading “Ellen & Cody, August 10, 2024” greets guests at the garden party wedding.

Ceremony aisle lined with white chairs and floral arrangements leading to a wooden arbor draped in fabric.

A Day That Actually Felt Laid-Back

One of the things couples worry about with outdoor destination weddings is that they’ll be stressful to pull off. But Ellen & Cody’s wedding is proof that a laid-back garden party wedding is totally doable when you work with the right vendors!

They kept their focus on what mattered most: time with their people. The details (flowers, food, and music) supported the vibe without overwhelming it, and everything felt intentional but never stiff!

Here are some vendors from this wedding that I loved working with:

Catering & Bartending: Foodz Catering
Videography: GoldaFilms
DJ & MC: Braden Landon
Hair & Makeup: Bridal Beauty Agency
Flowers: Holly Yee Floral Architecture

Vibrant bouquet of orange, pink, and purple flowers rests in a glass vase on the ground during a garden party wedding.

Table setting with blush plates, gold flatware, and colorful floral centerpieces marked with a handwritten table number.

Fresh salmon topped with mango salsa displayed on wooden boards at the garden party wedding reception dinner.

Golden Hour Photos That Were Worth the Dust

Okay, let’s talk golden hour, because while the whole day was stunning, the golden hour portraits were unforgettable. After the reception started, we hopped in the car and drove two minutes down the road to this random roadside flower field! Just picture Ellen & Cody in their wedding attire, trying to walk through dirt in heels and dress shoes, laughing so hard they could barely stay upright.

By the end, all three of us were covered in dust, but the photos? Absolutely my favorites!! They looked like they were in the middle of nowhere, completely in their own world!

Bride and groom embrace in a field of wildflowers at sunset, the bride’s veil trailing behind them.

Cropped detail shot of the couple holding each other close, the bride’s bouquet full of colorful blooms resting against her gown.

Bride smiles and leans into her groom while holding a bold bouquet of pink, peach, and white flowers at their garden party wedding.

That’s the thing about golden hour: you don’t need a perfect backdrop or a styled setup. Sometimes it’s the spontaneous locations that make the best memories.

Pro tip: Even if your venue has great golden hour spots, don’t be afraid to hop in the car for five minutes. You’ll get variety in your gallery, and it feels like a little mini date during your wedding!

If you want more golden hour tips, you can check out my blog, When to Take Golden Hour Photos for Your SoCal Wedding: Inspiration from Lindsey and Tim!

Groom twirls the bride in her satin gown on a quiet country road, both laughing in the evening light.

Black-and-white photo of the groom dipping the bride into a kiss in the middle of the road.

Bride and groom walk down an empty country road at dusk, holding hands after their garden party wedding.

Close-up of the couple’s embrace in the field, with the groom holding the bouquet and wildflowers surrounding them.

Why Garden Party Weddings Work So Well

So what makes a garden party wedding worth considering? Here’s what I’ve noticed after photographing them:

They feel personal. Garden weddings have a way of feeling like you invited your friends over for the best backyard party of your life.
They’re versatile. You can go casual (picnic-style seating, food trucks) or more elevated (string lights, elegant florals). You literally can’t go wrong with it, and that’s the best part!
They’re flexible with space. Outdoor venues give you room to mix in games, lounge furniture, or food stations.
The photos never feel stuffy. You’ll get movement, natural light, and candids that feel genuine.

Ellen & Cody’s day checked all these boxes. Their wedding was beautiful, but more importantly, it was so much fun!

Bride holds a colorful bouquet of wildflowers and roses, her veil dotted with pearls in the evening light.

Couple runs hand in hand through rows of sunflowers and greenery as the sun sets over their garden party wedding.

Groom stands in the field with the sun setting behind him, smiling during his garden party wedding portraits.

Bride and groom kiss in a wildflower field at golden hour, the bride’s veil glowing in the sunset.

Things Couples Don’t Always Hear About Garden Party Weddings

When I look up other examples for garden party weddings, a lot of them hit the same points: string lights, flowers, relaxed styling. That’s true, but there are a few details that couples don’t always know until they’re in it:

Timeline matters. If you want golden hour portraits, build them in. They go fast, and you don’t want to miss them (I’m not even exaggerating)
Footwear counts. Grass + dirt = not heel-friendly. Bring a backup pair of shoes if you plan to explore like Ellen & Cody did.
Weather flexibility is key. Always have a tent or covered option just in case. The Tent Merchant is a great option!
Lighting transforms the space. Once the sun sets, string lights and candles make all the difference in keeping the vibe going.

These little things might not make the Pinterest board, but they’ll make your day actually run smoothly!

Couple stands together during the reception, greeting guests at their garden party wedding.

Two-tier buttercream wedding cake decorated with fresh florals and greenery.

Guests sit at long tables enjoying dinner, the table lined with colorful flowers and candles at the garden party wedding reception.

Bride and groom kiss at the sweetheart table during their reception, sunlight streaming across the room.

How to Plan Your Own Laid-Back Garden Party Wedding

If you’re dreaming about a day like Ellen & Cody’s, here are a few tips for pulling it off:

Pick a venue that supports the vibe. Look for outdoor spaces that feel open and easygoing (like Woodland Meadow Farms).
Keep your styling approachable. Don’t overcomplicate it, simple florals, natural textures, and seating that invites mingling go a long way.
Work with vendors who get it. Caterers, DJs, and planners who thrive in outdoor setups will make things feel effortless!
Plan for golden hour. Sneak away for 10–15 minutes during sunset. Trust me, you’ll never regret it!
Focus on the experience. At the end of the day, it’s not about whether your napkins matched your invitations. It’s about whether you actually had fun!

Bride and groom exchange vows under a floral-draped arbor, framed by greenery and draped fabric.

Guests stand watching the ceremony as the couple shares their vows at their garden party wedding.

Bride walks down the aisle with her father, holding a colorful bouquet, while the groom smiles at their garden party wedding.

FAQ: Garden Party Wedding Edition

What is a garden party wedding?
It’s a relaxed, outdoor wedding style that focuses on natural beauty, mingling, and a laid-back atmosphere instead of a formal ballroom vibe! You can think Bridgerton fancy, or super casual and laid-back!

Do you need a tent for a garden party wedding?
Not always, but in Washington, I highlyyyy recommend it! Even if the weather is clear, a tent adds comfort and keeps things going if it rains!

How do you plan golden hour photos without missing the party?
Plan for 10–15 minutes during dinner or downtime. You won’t miss any key events, and you’ll get the best light of the day.

What shoes should I wear for a garden party wedding?
Bring a pair that can handle grass or dirt. Wedges, flats, or even cute sneakers beat sinking into the ground in heels!

Couple kiss during their first dance beneath glowing string lights at their garden party wedding.

Bride and groom share their first dance at the reception surrounded by friends and family.

Ready to Book Your California Wedding Photographer?

Ellen & Cody’s wedding was proof that a garden party wedding doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful! With the right space, some intentional details, and a focus on enjoying the day, you can create a celebration that feels laid-back, elegant, and completely you!!

If you’re planning your own wedding and want photos that capture the joy, laughter, and golden hour goodness of your day, you can reach out here. I’d love to help bring your garden party vision to life!