Venue Spotlight: Imperia at Lake Union, Seattle, WA

If you're dreaming of a wedding venue that blends rich character with modern convenience, Imperia at Lake Union is a standout choice in the heart of Seattle. With its moody, romantic ambiance and a highly curated all-inclusive approach, this venue is ideal for couples who want a distinctive, stylish celebration without the stress of starting from scratch.

At a Glance

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Max Guest Count: 200-225 (188 seated)
• Typical Guest Count: 100–150
• Estimated Total Wedding Spend: Around $30,000 (including rental, catering, service charge, and taxes), with many couples budgeting around $60,000-$70,000 all-in.

Decor and Aesthetic

Imperia’s aesthetic leans Art Deco and moody with vintage touches, rich textures, and dramatic lighting. From the oversized chandeliers to the built-in wall mirrors, the space feels romantic and bold without being overdone. The design is so cohesive that you don’t need to bring in much additional decor, though Imperia’s Full Candle Package is a popular way to elevate the ambiance even further.

One of the most memorable details at Imperia is its unique getting-ready suites. The Cadence Suite is tucked behind a full-length mirror in the lobby and includes thoughtful amenities like a private bathroom, lounge seating, a steamer, and a Bluetooth speaker.

The Rhapsody Room, typically used as the groom's suite, is just as well appointed and includes its own private bathroom. Keep in mind when preparing for your wedding day that both suites are reserved exclusively for in-house catering—no outside food or beverage is permitted.

If you’d like to host your ceremony onsite, you have both indoor and outdoor options. Indoor ceremonies are held on the dance floor, which has a built in platform that functions beautifully as an altar.

While the venue itself doesn’t include an outdoor ceremony location, you have the option to hold your ceremony in nearby Fairview Park, two blocks away. Imperia will handle the park reservation for you, but be aware that the walk includes a fairly steep hill (or an alternative route with stairs)—flats are a smart move if you're headed there on foot. Given Seattle’s notoriously fickle weather, your venue team will be ready to move your ceremony indoors if needed! Hosting your ceremony at Fairview park includes 100 chairs, an outdoor arch, light beverages, staffing, and park permit fees for $1,800++ (in addition to standard venue rental).

Outdoor ceremony availability adds flexibility, while the dramatic indoor space provides a cozy, atmospheric reception setting afterward.

Pricing & Fees

Pricing varies pretty widely depending on the day and time of the week. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Ceremony Fee: $1,800++ (if held at Fairview Park–otherwise included in standard rental)
• Reception Rental: Ranges from $2,900++ (weekdays) to $7,200++ (Saturdays)
• F&B Minimum: Ranges from $3,000++ (weekdays) to $13,500++ (Saturdays)
• Service Charges & Taxes: 22% service charge + 10.35% sales tax

Rental fees may be negotiable with food and beverage spend. Imperia also offers in-house decor packages, which will increase your venue rental cost. However, with an onsite florist and coordination services, these packages could help consolidate a lot of costs in the long run!

What’s Included

Imperia offers a highly inclusive wedding experience. Most packages include:

• Ceremony and reception space
• In-house catering and bar service
• Staffing and servers
• Tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, and glassware
• Coordination (Imperia's own onsite coordination team)
• Florals and décor
• Optional add-ons like a 240-candle package (stunning with the mirrored decor)

They handle just about everything onsite, and the aesthetic is already so thoughtfully styled that many couples find they need very little additional decoration. Tasting events are hosted seasonally rather than scheduled for individual couples.

Venue Policies and Restrictions

• Vendor Flexibility: Preferred vendor list available, but no strict requirements

• Outside Catering: Permitted on a case by case basis for specialty cuisines or desserts only; outside catering fee required.

• Restrictions:

  • No glitter or confetti
  • Only painter’s tape may be used on walls
  • Open flames allowed only in hurricane vases
  • No outside food or drink in getting-ready suites

Basic day-of coordination services are provided onsite and don’t typically extend to managing offsite vendors, so if you’re bringing in your own team, it’s worth clarifying roles and expectations early on.

Parking and Accessibility

Imperia has 10–15 parking stalls onsite, and couples can rent a lot across the street for about $300. There is also street parking available in the area, but it can be limited, especially on weekends. Guests should be prepared to walk a short distance.

Final Thoughts

Imperia at Lake Union is an incredible venue for couples who want a unique, fully styled space that takes much of the planning off their plates. With its luxurious atmosphere, comprehensive packages, and memorable details (like the hidden Cadence Suite and candle-filled reception setup), it’s a venue that combines function and flair. For couples with a mid-to-large guest list and a love of bold, romantic design, Imperia offers something truly special in the heart of the city.

Ready to see if Imperia is the right fit for your celebration? I’d love to help you navigate the options, set up a tour, and talk through how this unique space could bring your wedding vision to life. Get in touch and let’s start planning a day that feels just as unforgettable as this venue looks!