The Venue
The Wedding and Reception will be held at Thornewood Castle at:
8601 N Thorne Lane SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Nestled among towering fir trees on the shores of American Lake in Washington State, Thornewood Castle stands as one of the few authentic private castles in the United States and the only one on the West Coast. This magnificent English Tudor/Gothic mansion embodies a remarkable tale of devotion that began over a century ago.
In 1907, Chester Thorne, one of the founders of the Port of Tacoma, commissioned this extraordinary estate as a gift of love for his wife Anna. The castle's construction was an ambitious three-year project that merged Old World craftsmanship with New World dreams. Thorne purchased a 400-year-old Elizabethan manor in England, having it carefully dismantled and shipped piece by piece around Cape Horn. The red brick facing was imported from Wales, while the ornate front door, oak paneling, and grand staircase all originated from the English castle. Built on a three-foot-thick foundation with brick and concrete walls reinforced with steel, Thornewood Castle was truly designed to stand the test of time.
Perhaps the castle's most enchanting feature is the sunken English garden, lovingly known as Anna's "Secret Garden." Designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers—whose father famously created New York's Central Park—this garden remains largely unchanged from its original design over 100 years ago. The garden showcases the richness of Nisqually Valley topsoil, specifically hauled in to ensure spectacular plant growth, creating a timeless sanctuary that continues to captivate visitors today.
Adding to the castle's mystique are the original "wish bone sticks" carefully placed by Native American workers during its construction. These traditional tokens, meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, still hang in their original positions in the basement—untouched by each successive owner, preserving their protective presence for over a century.
From its steel-reinforced concrete floors to its meticulously crafted architectural details, Thornewood Castle offers a unique blend of historic grandeur and romantic charm. Whether viewed against the backdrop of Mount Rainier or reflected in the serene waters of American Lake, this architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to enduring love and craftsmanship.
Relevant Information
In case of rain, the ceremony will take place inside the Castle.
The venue is located on a quiet, residential street, and the entrance is through a gate. There will be attendants at the gate.
Directions to the venue can be found HERE.
Note that parking is limited. We recommend carpooling or using ride-share services to limit the number of vehicles.
Note that the 120 exit off I-5 to the venue is also the main gate to the JBLM Military Base, and on Friday could be very busy. Check traffic and plan accordingly.
If traffic is significantly delayed, we may start the ceremony as late as 6:00 pm.
Information about places to stay in the area can be found HERE.