The Ruins Seattle Wedding: Kristen & Chris’ Enchanting Day

There’s no place quite like The Ruins Seattle. From the outside, this 1909 building in Lower Queen Anne is pretty unassuming. But step inside and it’s like crossing into another world—a whimsical, historic, and otherworldly beautiful one.

Think: dramatic chandeliers, giant statues, full-wall murals, deep jewel tones, a sitting library, and a hidden speakeasy bar. It’s opulent, eclectic, and moody in all the best ways. Glitz, glamour, and a little bit of dark magic.

As a documentary wedding photographer, The Ruins is hands-down one of my favorite venues to photograph in Seattle. It’s a space made for emotion-rich storytelling, full of unique character and layered moments that unfold organically throughout the day.

Kristen & Chris: Savoring the Day, Not Performing It

From the very first phone call, I knew Kristen and Chris were my people.

When I asked what they were most excited to relive in their wedding photos, they didn’t mention the first kiss or the cake cutting. What they really couldn’t wait to see were the in-betweens—the getting ready chaos with all their favorite people, the hype and emotion before the ceremony, the hugs and laughter during cocktail hour in the library.

They were drawn to the small, authentic moments: their people being themselves, spontaneous reactions, quiet joy. That’s the kind of day they wanted—real, unscripted, full of feeling. And that’s exactly how I told the story.

Honest Photographer Tips for Planning a Wedding at The Ruins Seattle

After photographing multiple weddings at The Ruins—including Kristen and Chris’s—here are a few of my go-to recommendations to help you make the most of this stunning Seattle wedding venue:

Get Ready On-Site—You’ll Thank Yourself Later

The getting ready suites at The Ruins are not just convenient—they’re gorgeous. The library is ideal for a cozy, in-home vibe, especially if you’re getting ready together. If you’re staying separate, the suites are on opposite sides of the venue, so staying hidden is a breeze.

This setup makes for incredibly rich, emotional storytelling and eliminates the stress of travel logistics. Kristen and Chris chose to get ready on-site, and the photos from that part of the day are some of the most meaningful.

Use the Whole Venue—Not Just for Photos

What sets The Ruins apart is how every room feels distinct and alive. You’re not just moving from point A to point B—you’re moving through chapters of your story.

Host your ceremony beneath the chandelier room’s soaring ceiling. Dance and dine in the velvet-draped ballroom. Share a cake-cutting moment in the lounge or sneak away for a celebratory drink in the speakeasy. Each space brings a different mood and moment.

And yes—if you want a few portraits together in those incredible rooms, we can absolutely make that happen. I love taking a 15-minutes-here, 15-minutes-there approach so you can enjoy your day AND get a few stunning portraits without missing the party.

Want a Breather After the Ceremony?

The library and speakeasy make the perfect hideaways if you want a little break to soak it all in. Kristen and Chris shared a quiet moment in the library after their ceremony before joining the celebration—and it ended up being one of their favorite memories.

The Ruins Ballroom = Built for Dancing

This isn’t your average ballroom. With velvet walls, moody mirrors, and just the right amount of glam, it’s the ultimate dance party backdrop. And with the right lighting approach (I use off-camera flash carefully and intentionally), your dance floor photos will feel as magical and immersive as the night itself.

Want 100% Documentary Coverage—Plus a Few Portraits?

That’s exactly what Kristen and Chris wanted, and we made it happen.

We stayed fully documentary throughout the day, but took a few short breaks to step into some beautiful spaces for creative portraits. We also had the option to explore nearby Seattle icons like MoPOP, Chihuly Garden, or the Space Needle for a quick photo session earlier in the day—The Ruins is just minutes away from them.

Final Thoughts: The Ruins Is Built for Real Moments

If you’re planning a wedding at The Ruins Seattle, you don’t need a long shot list. What you need is someone who can anticipate the moments that matter and document them honestly, as they happen.

This venue is rich with texture, emotion, and soul. It practically begs for a documentary approach. From chandelier-lit ceremonies to intimate moments in the speakeasy, golden hour courtyard portraits to wild dance floors—it’s a space where stories unfold naturally. You just have to be present for them. I’ll take care of the rest.

Planning a wedding at The Ruins? Reach out here —I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Or if you’re still exploring how documentary wedding photography works, check out this post about my approach or browse my FAQ page to get a better feel for how I work.