This review comes a little late, considering we got married here in August 2013, but I couldn't stand to see the review ratings so low!
Let me say first off, if you're getting married- fully review each and every contract (and ask questions) BEFORE signing anything! I say this because it seems the other reviews were due in part to issues with breaking a contract. Who knows, I obviously was not there for their specific situation, but I can say that every detail in their contract (as of 2013) was clear, concise, and easy to understand.
We started out by attending an open house. They had Seattle Bride staff (they run the Robinswood House), a caterer, and a table full of information. You could walk the grounds, check out photo albums of events for inspiration, and there were very helpful people there to answer any questions and give general wedding planning pointers.
We decided to go for it, as the pricing was absolutely affordable considering the prices of other venues with similar or lesser amenities/decor were wayy higher. I was put in contact with Cate through the entire process-she was AMAZING! I emailed plenty of times with questions and details and she replied quickly and professionally. I was able to schedule visits with my girls to help plan throughout the process and double check design, etc. Cate was flexible and such a great asset to the Seattle Bride team, as she made the experience such a delight! A bride knows it's important to feel like things are under control- Cate didn't let me stress out about a thing. She also offered to leave the tent up from the event prior to ours if we wanted for no extra charge (they can cost around $1000 depending on size) and she was awesome with our time concerns and let us know before our wedding that time had opened up (for a fee) before our time so we wouldn't be so rushed with setting up. That was outside of her responsibility and shows that she cares!
The staff helping to set up tables/chairs, bartend, etc. Were also awesome! They catered to us, went the extra mile to help, and the bartender kept my glass of champagne full throughout the evening without me having to approach the bar even once! If you know me, you know that champagne was a necessary as the bride!
As for the actual property: the main house is beautiful! It has a rustic/vintage feel but in a simple and not gaudy way. Fireplace and red velvet Hollywood style fainting sofas set the scene inside the warm log cabin like interior that fit perfectly within my vintage Parisian theme. They have a meeting room upstairs for the guys to use, and a smaller room for the girls. Large bathrooms with little amenities, full length mirrors, vanity area, tons of counter space, and even seating! Keep in mind they are not fancy bridal suites and pretty plain, but we got ready at a fancy hotel in downtown Bellevue for that experience and for photos.
Outside, there were flowering baskets, green foliage and vines, flowers, wood beams, couple archways, etc. We seriously hung tealight lanterns from one of the larger trees outside and set up the ceremony area with the altar and that was it. The gardens are so pretty that you don't need to focus on decor really at all.
The sunken ceremony area was perfect, plenty of room to put dj, bar, cocktail tables, reception seating, room for events like the garter toss, and a dance floor but still keep it intimate. Its possible to separate some of the events a bit (cocktail area from dinner seating) thanks to a small picket fence and smart landscaping.
There are restrooms outdoors and indoors. There is a fairly large cabana on a raised platform in which can hold I think maybe 65 people seated if necessary (don't quote me on the number) but held our buffet, photo booth, and dessert tables beautifully. We were able to do the cake cutting at the top of the steps at the cabana entrance and it was perfect for people to watch and photographs were awesome!
We didn't have an issue with parking, but I would check to see if the neighboring park is having a sporting event or something. If so, there is overflow parking a bit down the street I think.
Also, for photo opportunities there is a small old log cabin/ barn type structure out back past the grounds and near the basketball courts. You have to know where to look but it's a beautiful backdrop. Also there is a pond/forested area across the small field where photos could also be taken. Special Note- if the bride and groom are taking photos out there or the bride wants to stay hidden, there is a separate back entrance near the vendor entrance that leads indoors and to the bridal area upstairs.
Long story short, our wedding turned out just as we had imagined with great service from Seattle Bride. Our guests are still talking about Robinswood House and how perfect it was almost a year later!
If you're still reading this (haha) and planning an outdoor wedding on a smaller budget-it's worth your time to check it out! read more