The Carey Gardens Wedding | Adventure-Themed Garden Wedding in Snohomish
Monica and Mitch's wedding at The Carey Gardens in Snohomish was one big adventure, and honestly, it couldn't have been anything else. These two met working at REI and spend just about every free minute exploring the outdoors, so their wedding was a love letter to the mountains. The centerpieces were maps folded into little mountain peaks, each table was a custom carved wood piece with a mountain's name and elevation burned into it, and the cake was topped with a wooden silhouette of mountain peaks and their last name. I mean, come on. Being a Snohomish wedding photographer who lives just down the road, I've been waiting for an excuse to spend a whole day in these gardens, and this crew did not disappoint.
This wasn't our first adventure together, either. For their engagement session, we headed to Mount Rainier and rode the gondola to the top of Crystal Mountain, so I already knew these two were game for anything.
And then there was Maulkin. Every great adventure needs a sidekick, and theirs came with four paws and one very specific talent: this dog will do anything if you ask him if he wants to go to the bar. (More on that later. Trust me, you'll want to steal this trick.) If you're dreaming of including your dog in your wedding day, Maulkin just set the bar. Pun fully intended.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at The Carey Gardens
The Carey Gardens is one of those Snohomish venues that makes my job ridiculously easy. It's got that perfect mix of open space and tucked-away garden corners, so we can go from big, sweeping portraits to quiet, intimate moments without ever leaving the property. For a couple like Monica and Mitch, who met at REI and spend every spare minute on a trail somewhere, it was the perfect place to trade the mountains for a garden without losing any of that outdoorsy magic. And with plenty of room to roam, Maulkin was in heaven.
My favorite photo spots at The Carey Gardens:
The putting green
Yes, The Carey Gardens has its own putting green, and it's always a hit with guests of all ages. Grandpa showing off his swing, flower girls who've never held a putter in their lives, groomsmen taking it WAY too seriously... it's candid photo gold. Grab your new spouse for a quick "hole in one" shot, then let your guests take over during cocktail hour.
The dance floor lit with twinkle lights
A cozy space for an intimate dance party, your first dance, or parent dances. The twinkle lights give everything a warm glow that looks magical on camera.
The fire pit
Everyone loves a s'more, and the fire pit gives guests a cozy place to just hang out. Some of the sweetest candids of the night happen right here.
The deck overlooking the fountain in the pond
About half of my couples hold their ceremony here. Others save it for sunset photos with the mountain views in the background. Not a fan of the powerlines that run through some of these shots? We can build removing them into your wedding collection, so you're not paying a per-photo editing fee.
The fountain garden
Tall grasses and florals in front, the fountain spraying away in the background. Even at midday with harsh summer sun, this spot hits. It's my go-to for first looks.
The Stone Steps
The steps leading from the ceremony site to the reception tent are one of my favorite spots on the property. One of my brides used a mobility chair to get around and wanted as many photos without her chair as possible, so we scouted spots together ahead of time. These steps were one of our favorites. She could settle in comfortably, spread out her dress, and just be with her new spouse. Planning the day around what matters most to my couples is my whole thing, and it shows in the photos.
The blue hydrangeas
These beauties are taller than most of my couples. Maybe I'm part East Coast girlie, but hydrangeas are my all-time favorite flower, and nothing says summer quite like them.
The big tree
Excellent open shade that gives the prettiest light, even at midday. When the sun is doing the most, this is where we go.
The lawn at sunset
Golden light on the two of you, with your joyful reception happening in the tent behind you. It's the kind of photo that makes you feel the whole day in one frame.
The upper lawn
One of my favorite ceremony spaces on the property, because the couple and wedding party are always in gorgeous, full shade, even in the middle of the day. No squinting, no sweating, just soft, dreamy light.
Timing tip: Summer is peak season at The Carey Gardens, and I've got the light here dialed in. For midday portraits, we'll head to the fountain and put the sun behind you, which gives you soft, even lighting on your faces (no squinting, no raccoon-eye shadows). If your ceremony is mid-afternoon in the upper garden, you and your wedding party will be in full shade and your guests will have their backs to the sun. It's IDEAL lighting for photos and so comfortable for everyone watching.
Rain plan: I'll be honest, The Carey Gardens is a tough venue in the rain. It's mostly grass, and it gets soggy QUICK. My number one tip: bring two pairs of shoes, one for photos and one for the ceremony and reception. You'll be so glad you have dry footwear to swap into. And clear umbrellas are a must. Skip the colored ones, since they shade your face and can throw a weird color cast onto your skin. Clear umbrellas keep you dry and glowing.
The Carey Gardens Wedding FAQ
Is The Carey Gardens dog friendly?
Yes! The Carey Gardens is pet friendly, and Monica and Mitch's pup Maulkin is living proof that dogs belong at weddings. Here's the thing about Maulkin: thanks to a very dedicated brewery lifestyle, this dog knows exactly what "Do you want to go to the bar?" means. So every time I needed Maulkin to look at the camera, I'd ask the magic question, and BOOM. Ears up, eyes on me, perfect shot. Every. Single. Time. If you're bringing your dog to your wedding, find out what their "bar" phrase is before the big day (a treat word, a favorite toy, a walk cue). It's my secret weapon for getting doggo to look at the camera. I have a whole guide to dog-friendly weddings if you want more tips.
How far is The Carey Gardens from Seattle?
The Carey Gardens is in Snohomish, about 45 minutes from Seattle. Close enough for your city friends to make the drive, far enough to feel like you've escaped to the countryside.
How many guests does The Carey Gardens hold?
The venue can accommodate up to 250 seated guests, so there's plenty of room for your whole crew (and their plus-ones, and Great Aunt Linda's new boyfriend).
Does The Carey Gardens provide catering?
No, there's no in-house catering, so you'll bring in your own caterer. My two favorite Snohomish caterers are 12 Baskets Catering and Trails End Taphouse. Both know how to feed a hungry wedding crowd, and your photographer will be very happy too.
When is the best time of year for a wedding at The Carey Gardens?
Summer is peak season at The Carey Gardens, and for good reason. Long, sunny PNW evenings mean golden hour lands late, so you get more time to celebrate in the gardens before the sun goes down. Summer dates book up fast, so if you've got your heart set on July or August, start your search early.
Who is a good photographer for The Carey Gardens?
It’s me, hi, I’m the Snohomish wedding photographer, it’s me. (Swifties, please tell me you caught the reference.) I live just down the road & I'd love to photograph your Carey Gardens wedding. Let's plan something amazing.
Want proof I'm the one for the job? At another Carey Gardens wedding, the sweetest flower girl joined the bridal party photos...
...and here's how that photo happened. This little one's mama was a bridesmaid, and she was NOT about to be put down. So I scooped her up, kept her happy between shots, and kept the whole bridal party moving. Photographer, hype person, part-time toddler wrangler. It's all part of the job, and honestly? My favorite part.
