Wedding Venue Highlight: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

If you are dreaming of a wedding venue that feels equal parts timeless, romantic and unmistakably Spokane, look no further than Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. Arbor Crest is a venue that truly delivers on all fronts. Perched above the Spokane Valley with sweeping views and rich history, it’s a venue that feels special from the moment you arrive. And one that I have the pleasure of knowing very well from the years of planning weddings there. I can confidently say this is a venue where thoughtful logistics meet unforgettable atmosphere.

Why Couples Love Getting Married at Arbor Crest

Historic Character Meets Elevated Experience

The Estate brings old-world charm and character without feeling dated. Stone walls, architectural details and the surrounding grounds give couples a setting that feels established, intentional and full of story. Perfect for couples who value meaning as much as aesthetics.

The Cliff House and courtyard offer panoramic views that stretch for miles, creating a backdrop that needs very little enhancement. As the sun sets, the light shifts beautifully across the valley and vineyard. One of those stunning venues where the natural scenery truly does the heavy lifting!

 A Ceremony Setting That Feels Like a Hidden Escape

Most wedding ceremonies take place in their enchanted forest, and for good reason. Tucked among towering trees, this ceremony space feels intimate, romantic, and transportive… like you’ve stepped away from the city entirely. It’s especially loved by couples who want a natural, grounded setting that feels warm and immersive rather than wide open and exposed.

For more intimate guest counts, couples also have the option of the croquet court next to the Cliff House. This space offers those stunning views of the Spokane Valley and a more classic, estate-style feel. Knowing which space works best for your guest count, timeline, and overall vision is key. And something I help couples confidently decide early in the planning process.

Distinct Spaces with Natural Flow

One of Arbor Crest’s biggest strengths is how well the day progresses from one moment to the next:

• Ceremony in the Enchanted Forest, or on the Croquet Court (for more intimate ceremonies)
• Cocktail hour in front of the Cliff House on the patio and courtyard
• Reception under the canopy tent

There is no awkward downtime or excessive room flipping. Just a smooth, intuitive flow that keeps guests engaged and relaxed.

The Logistics – Where Experience Really Matters

Vendor Load-In & Set Up Timing

Because of the venue’s layout, popularity, and daily ‘open to the public’ hours, vendor coordination is key here. It is important to be familiar with and understand:

• Where and when vendors can load in
• How to stagger setup so everyone has what they need
• How to keep the day on schedule without anyone feeling rushed or in the way
• How to work with and around tasting room patrons to keep the wedding group center focused and private

Parking and Guest Arrival

One of the things couples and guests can appreciate about Arbor Crest is the ample, free, onsite parking, making arrival straightforward and stress-free for the majority of weddings. Guests aren’t left wondering where to go or navigate complicated drop-off situations. They arrive, park and can immediately feel welcomed into the experience.

Arbor Crest is open to the public daily from 12-5pm, so most weddings begin at 5pm or later, allowing for a clean transition from daytime visitors to private event use. That said, I have planned and executed plenty of weddings that start earlier (4pm or 4:30pm ceremonies), and with the right planning, those timelines work out beautifully and still feel privately yours.

When shuttles are incorporated, which they so often are with downtown Spokane a short 30-minute drive, it is important to account for the venue’s cliffside location. Coordinating shuttle arrivals, vendor access and guest flow takes intention and clear communication. This is where experience matters. I work closely with vendors and transportation teams to ensure everything move smoothly up the hill… no confusion, no congestion, and no disruption to the guest experience.

The result? Guests arrive calm, on time and ready to enjoy the celebration ahead. Without every seeing or worrying about the coordination happening behind the scenes.

Weather and Backup Plans

Spokane’s weather is beautiful, but we must always plan smart. One of Arbor Crest’s standout features is its large 5,000 sq ft canopy tent, where the majority of receptions are hosted. This tent is truly a staple of the venue because it feels intentional, elegant, and thoughtfully integrated into the overall experience.

Even better? It serves as an automatic Plan B for ceremonies and cocktail hours in the event of rain or unpredictable weather. There’s no scrambling, no last-minute pivots that feel like a downgrade. Everything transitions smoothly, and guests often never realize a backup plan was even in place.

Design That Truly Shines Here

Arbor Crest is versatile in the best way. I’ve planned weddings here that leaned:

• Romantic and classic — Mack Lloyd Photography

• Elevated garden party with Tuscan vibes — Kyrah Maddy Photography

• Modern and clean lines — Film Moods

• Rich, moody fall palettes — Looyenga Photography

Because the venue already has so much character, the design works best when it enhances, not overwhelms, the space. I help guide couples on florals, layouts, and rentals that feel cohesive with the venue rather than competing with it or making it something it is not.

Final Thoughts

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is one of Spokane’s most iconic wedding venues for a reason. It offers beauty, history, and an experience that feels elevated without being inaccessible. With the right planning and logistics behind the scenes, it becomes a place where couples can fully relax and soak in every moment.

If Arbor Crest is on your shortlist, or already booked, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life in a way that feels purposeful, seamless, and true to you. Or, if you are still in the venue comparison phase, trying to decide what space is going to best support your priorities, guest experience and overall vision, I highly recommend starting with my Wedding Venue Comparison Worksheet. It’s designed to help you look beyond the pretty photos and evaluate the details that actually shape your wedding day, side by side.