A Center for Urban Horticulture wedding is one of my favorite Seattle celebrations to photograph. The venue has a calm, open feel that blends gardens, trails, and soft natural light in a way that makes every part of the day feel connected to the landscape. It’s a rare space where you can be tucked into nature without leaving the city.

In this post, I’m sharing why the Center for Urban Horticulture works so well for weddings, along with photos from a real celebration that shows how the ceremony lawn, grove, courtyard, and atrium look throughout the day. If you’re planning a Center for Urban Horticulture wedding or just starting to explore venue options, this will give you a clear sense of what the space offers and how it photographs.

Why Choose A Center for Urban Horticulture Wedding

The Center for Urban Horticulture blends a natural feel with the practicality of being right in Seattle. It sits next to the Union Bay Natural Area, a restored wetland with winding trails, wide fields, and a calm, open atmosphere that feels far from the city even though you’re only a few minutes from the University District. Couples choose a Center for Urban Horticulture wedding because it offers:

• Plenty of options for ceremony spaces. Most couples use the meadow, but it’s far from the only option. The courtyard offers a more intimate feel with surrounding greenery and consistent shade—perfect for smaller weddings that want a garden-style setting. And if the weather shifts, the atrium provides a comfortable, bright backup that still feels connected to the outdoors.
• Dinner in the grove. A stand of beautiful trees creates a natural canopy that feels like an outdoor dining room. It’s one of the few Seattle wedding venues where you can seat long family-style tables under trees without additional structures.
• An atrium that transitions beautifully into evening. Merrill Commons works well for dancing and keeps the energy of the day moving. It’s sheltered while still feeling tied to the outdoor setting, which makes it a strong option for both receptions and weather backups.
• Dogs are allowed. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas—a huge perk for couples who want their pup included in their Center for Urban Horticulture wedding ceremony or portraits.
• Nature without the drive. You get cottonwoods, greenery, birdsong, and a relaxed outdoor setting while staying within Seattle.
• Flexible indoor and outdoor options. The courtyard, lawn, atrium, groves, and NHS Hall give you a variety of settings to work with throughout the day.
• Room for creative layouts. The spaces are simple and natural, so you can shape them to match your vision.
• The setting speaks for itself. Minimal décor works beautifully here. The natural landscape provides structure, texture, and plenty of visual interest.
• Ideal for family-friendly weddings. The open lawn and garden paths give kids room to explore safely during cocktail hour or dinner.
• A relaxed space for guests. Everything is walkable and calm. Guests can wander the courtyard, enjoy quiet garden corners, or spread out on the lawn. The day feels easy and welcoming from start to finish.

A Center for Urban Horticulture wedding works especially well for couples who want an easygoing, outdoors-forward celebration while staying in the city. The central location is helpful for out-of-town guests, and the variety of spaces makes it simple to create a connected, intuitive flow from ceremony to reception.

Important Things to Know About Having a Center for Urban Horticulture Wedding

• Weather considerations. Seattle summers are usually beautiful, but the venue’s outdoor-forward layout means you should plan for shade, hydration, and a backup option for unexpected rain. Fortunately, the greenhouse and Merrill Commons offer good coverage without disrupting the flow of the day.
• Plan getting-ready logistics. CUH doesn’t include traditional bridal suites or dressing rooms. Most couples get ready off-site and arrive fully dressed or ready to get dressed.
• Portrait locations are varied and close together. The courtyard, grove, and nearby trails offer consistent light and natural backdrops. You can create a full portrait set without leaving the venue.
• Easy access to the Union Bay Natural Area. This is a major benefit—open fields, native plants, and wetlands give you a wide range of photo options just steps from the main venue.
• A strong rain plan option. The atrium makes an excellent indoor ceremony or cocktail hour backup. It stays bright even on overcast days and maintains a connection to the outdoors via the courtyard.
• On-site parking is available. There is ample on-site parking, which is rare in Seattle and a huge relief for guests. Rideshare drop-off is simple, and shuttle buses can navigate the area easily for larger groups.
• Outdoor sound systems matter. Because the lawn and grove are open spaces, using microphones for the ceremony and speeches helps ensure guests can hear clearly.

Center for Urban Horticulture Wedding Spaces

Event Lawn

The Event Lawn is a huge space next to Goodfellow Grove. It comfortably accommodates large guest counts and works well for tents or open-air ceremonies. Just steps from NHS Hall, it offers easy access for guests. Accommodates up to 350 people.

Goodfellow Grove

A stand of trees forms a natural canopy that feels inviting. Couples often use this area for dinner because long family-style tables fit beautifully under the branches, creating an intimate, communal setting. Seats up to 200 people.

The Meadow

On the far side of Goodfellow Grove is a tucked-away meadow that feels quiet and intimate while still accommodating a full ceremony. It’s surrounded by greenery, and the filtered light here photographs especially well in late afternoon. This is a great choice for couples wanting a more private ceremony location within the property. Holds up to 200 guests.

Merrill Commons

The glass-walled atrium is a standout indoor space for a Center for Urban Horticulture wedding. It holds warmth and sound effectively for receptions while staying visually connected to the courtyard and garden. At night, the reflections and soft light create a beautiful atmosphere for dancing, speeches, and movement-filled photos.

McVay Courtyard

This courtyard sits at the heart of the venue and offers consistent shade, clean backgrounds, and easy access to every part of the property. I love using it for portraits because the light is dependable throughout the day. It also works well for cocktail hour, pre-ceremony mingling, or smaller gatherings. Can host up to 100 guests.

NHS Hall

With seating for up to 180 guests, NHS Hall is a versatile indoor option for ceremonies, receptions, or larger gatherings. It’s a helpful backup rain plan for couples planning an outdoor ceremony and offers a simple, adaptable space you can style to match your vision. It’s also conveniently located near the main garden areas, so transitioning between spaces remains seamless.

Real Center for Urban Horticulture Wedding Inspiration

J&M’s wedding was a summer celebration built around connection, family traditions, and relaxed, joyful moments. With 150 guests traveling from near and far, their day balanced a central location with the feeling of a destination wedding.

First look in the courtyard – The filtered light and soft greenery created a calm, intimate moment in McVay Courtyard before the day picked up.
Portraits in the garden – We headed to the manicured garden for portraits that took advantage of the lush greenery and soft natural light.
Wedding party photos along the trail– The paths that lead toward the Union Bay Natural Area were perfect for large group portraits, providing variety and texture in the background.
Ceremony in the meadow– The ceremony, held in the meadow next to Goodfellow Grove, was personalized and heartfelt, with the natural setting adding a calm, elegant backdrop.
Cocktail hour – Guests mingled in the grove, enjoying the Seattle summer and the relaxed, open-air environment.
Dinner – Family-style Italian-inspired dishes and homemade limoncello in the grove created a warm, communal atmosphere that encouraged connection among friends and family.
Reception – The evening continued in the atrium with a live band, dancing, and a lively Hora, making for a joyous and energetic finish to the day.

I hope you enjoy these photos that tell the story of a day full of laughter, connection, and the couple’s genuine joy celebrating with family and friends.

 

J&M’s wedding centered on connection through shared meals, family traditions, homemade touches, and candid moments between the people they love. The Center for Urban Horticulture supported every part of their vision with spaces that make it easy for guests to relax and enjoy Seattle in the summer.

A wedding at the Center for Urban Horticulture gives you space to slow down, breathe, and celebrate in a setting that feels grounded in nature. If you are dreaming of a day surrounded by greenery and open sky while staying close to the city, this venue offers the best of both worlds. It is a place where moments unfold naturally, and where the landscape becomes part of the story.

If you are planning your own Center for Urban Horticulture wedding and would like to talk through coverage, timelines, or possibilities for your day, I would love to connect.

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Kind words from the couple:

“Cameron these photos are UNREAL!! We could not be more thankful for you and your 2nd photographer and what a beautiful job you both did capturing such a special day. Seriously, our jaws are still on the floor. These are more stunning than we could have imagined!”

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Amazing Vendors:

Photography: Cameron Zegers Photography
Planner/Coordinator: Eventful Moments
Venue: University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture
Makeup: KLS Makeup Artistry
Hair: Zo & Co Styling
Florals: Lillers
Band: Side One Band
Caterer: Ravishing Radish
Bakery: DERU
Stationary: Zola
Rentals: CORT
Attire: a & be bridal shop Alena Leena
Photo Booth: Shutter Bus Co.

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Check out more outdoor Seattle summer weddings here:
Washington Park Arboretum Wedding in Seattle
Fox Hollow Farm Wedding Photography
Corson Building Wedding