Seattle is one of America’s most beautiful cities. Situated on Elliot Bay and bordered by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, Seattle’s lush, green surroundings make it easy to understand why people are so drawn to it. Combine that with a dynamic blend of culture and activities. It’s no surprise Seattle is a popular destination for meetings and events. So if you’re looking for an exciting place to host your next event in the Emerald city, you will love this article.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite venues in Seattle to help with your planning process. You’ll find venues perfect for an intimate gathering and conference centers designed to hold a massive crowd in the list. So, without further delay, let’s take a look at some of the most iconic waterfront venues the city has to offer for your next event.
1. Bell Harbor International Conference Center
Location: 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66 Seattle, WA 98121
Capacity: 6,000 guests
Types of Events: Meetings, Conferences, Weddings, Fundraisers, and Special Events
Catering: Full-services, in-house catering
There is something for everyone at this beautiful waterfront venue on Puget Sound’s Elliot Bay. Bell Harbor International Conference Center offers 180-degree views of the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainer, and the iconic Seattle skyline.
And it’s not just the views that make Bell Harbor stand out. There are many reasons this Seattle venue makes our list. Their team includes a dedicated planning manager who will help you create an extraordinary event with their best-of-class technology and award-winning culinary options featuring the flavors of the northwest. With 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, it’s ideal for any occasion, large or small. One of our favorite areas of this venue is the Rooftop Deck which has some of the best views in town of the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay!
Source: The Edgewater Hotel
2. The Edgewater Hotel
Location: 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 981211
Capacity: many unique meeting rooms, many with waterside views, accommodate from 10–300
Types of Events: Meetings, Weddings, and Special Events
Catering: Full-services, in-house catering
Located in the heart of downtown, nestled over the sparkling waters of Elliot Bay, The Edgewater Hotel is a unique venue perfect for any event. The team provides personalized service and options at every step in the planning process to ensure your event is exactly as you envisioned.
From large conferences to intimate gatherings, the Edgewater Hotel can accommodate your needs with approximately 10,000 square feet of flexible event space. One of our favorite spaces within this Seattle venue is the Olympic Ballroom which has floor-to-ceiling windows providing an unobstructed view of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the islands of the Puget Sound.
Source: World Trade Center Seattle
3. World Trade Center
Location: 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 410 Seattle, WA 98121
Capacity: 350
Types of Events: Meetings, Weddings, and Special Events
Catering: Full-services, in-house catering
At the very top of the World Trade Center Seattle, you’ll find some of the very best waterfront spaces Seattle has to offer. The rooms can be used individually or combined to host various events such as meetings, receptions, and dinners for both large and small groups.
Your guests will enjoy incredible cuisine that highlights the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while enjoying sweeping waterfront views. The Holland American Line Room is one of the most versatile rooms in the venue, with soaring ceilings and picturesque views of the waterfront.
Source: Seattle Aquarium
4. Seattle Aquarium
Location: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
Capacity: 800
Types of Events: Meetings, Weddings, and Special Events
Catering: Full-services, in-house catering provided
Located on Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium is undoubtedly a unique venue your guests will love. The venue boasts massive 20’ by 40’ windows that offer stunning views of Washington and the Puget Sound. And of course, the views inside are just as special with unique aquarium views and fish swimming around your event. Talk about live entertainment! In 2024, this Seattle venue will be expanding with the highly anticipated Ocean Pavillion. The pavilion will serve as a one-of-a-kind facility complete with new event spaces designed to acknowledge the interplay between human and ocean life.
Source: Argosy Cruises
5. Argosy Cruises
Location: 1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Suite 201 Seattle, WA 98101
Capacity: 25 to 400 guests based on cruise
Types of Events: Meetings and Special Events
Catering: Full-services, in-house available, or you can choose your own caterer
Make a statement and take your event to the water. Argosy Cruises can create the perfect event for your group, including meetings, celebrations, product launches, team building, and more. There are eight private boats available in their fleet, accommodating groups of up to 400. This includes the newest vessel, the Salish Explorer. Standard packages include three hours of cruising departing from the Seattle Central Waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union. Your guests will love experiencing the Seattle waterfront on a cruise!
Source: Salty’s
6. Salty’s On Alki
Location: 1936 Harbor Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98126
Capacity: 300
Types of Events: Meetings and Special Events
Catering: Full-services, in-house
It’s no secret, Salty’s Waterfront Seafood has one of the best views in Seattle. The view is unlike anything else. Located on Alki Beach in West Seattle, Salty’s is the perfect place to celebrate. And it’s not just views that are memorable. Their award-winning Northwest cuisine and impeccable service will make it an event to remember. The venue is complete with three private dining rooms: The Alki, The Duwamish, and the intimate Admiral’s Stateroom. All three spaces can also combine to create the Grand Skyline Ballroom accommodating up to 300 guests.
Source: Olympic Sculpture Park
7. Olympic Sculpture Park
Location: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
Capacity: up to 500 guests
Types of Events: Meetings, and Special Events
Catering: Catering is exclusively provided by TASTE
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a modern nine-acre waterfront property featuring more than 20 sculptures by incredible 20th-century artists. The venue has both indoor and outdoor areas for your event to unfold. Your guests will love exploring the sculpture park and enjoy the incredible views of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and gorgeous sunsets.
Source: Palisade
8. Palisade
Location: 2601 W. Marina Place, Seattle, WA 98199
Capacity: up to 200 guests
Types of Events: Meetings, Luncheons, and Special Events
Catering: Full-service, in-house
Palisade is just minutes from downtown Seattle at the Elliot Bay Mariana. This Seattle venue offers three beautiful private rooms for your event and a stunning courtyard terrace that can be tented or left open to the skies above. Palisade is the perfect place to experience the marina and take in the Seattle skyline, Elliot Bay, Mt. Rainier, and even views of Bainbridge Island.
For complete privacy at your event, check out the Alani Room, which has a separate entrance, tented patio area, and built-in dance floor complete with marina-level views.
Source: Dockside at Duke’s
9. Dockside at Duke’s
Location: 1111 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Capacity: up to 350 guests
Types of Events: Corporate, Fundraisers, Social Events, and Weddings
Catering: Duke’s Seafood and Chowder Catering
Just north of Seattle, you’ll find one of the city’s newest event venues right on the water. Dockside at Duke’s is set on the spectacular Lake Union, complete with 4,000 square foot space and a massive patio. While the western views of Lake Union are beautiful, what really sets this space apart is its catering, Duke’s Seafood. Duke’s is iconic to Seattle and has been serving the area delicious local produce and Copper River Salmon for four decades. Their chefs will work with you to create a personalized menu. You can’t go wrong with Dockside at Duke’s!
Source: Landmark Event Co
10. Skansonia
Location: 205 NE Northlake Way, “A” Dock Seattle, WA 98105
Capacity: up to 225 guests
Types of Events: Corporate, Social Events, and Weddings
Catering: Landmark Events
Permanently docked on North Lake Union you’ll find our next Seattle venue, Skansonia. This waterfront gem is a historic ship. Skansonia offers the perfect yet unexpected location for corporate functions and special events complete with vintage nautical charm. Additionally, the panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline will leave your guests inspired. Skansonia’s exceptional cuisine and professional services are sure to make your next corporate gathering unforgettable.
Source: Ray’s Boathouse
11. Ray’s Boathouse
Location: 6049 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Capacity: 150 seated, receptions up to 250 during summer months
Types of Events: Corporate, Social Events, and Weddings
Catering: Full-service, in-house, and off-premise catering
Ray’s Boathouse is famous for its world-class cuisine located on picturesque Shilshole Bay with spectacular views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It has been one of Seattle’s top destinations for incredible Northwest seafood and exceptional service since 1973. Ray’s expert planning will make your meetings, retreats, and special events stress-free.
Which Waterfront Venues In Seattle Will You Choose?
There you have it, some of our favorite waterfront venues in Seattle. Each of these venues delivers exceptional service and breathtaking views. We are sure your guests would be delighted to attend any event you host at these locations. However, there are so many interesting venues within the greater Seattle area you’ll be sure to want to check out our resource guide to see an all-encompassing list!
