Schmidt House
Historic 1904 Colonial Revival mansion with stunning gardens, ideal for DIY events and steeped in Olympia history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rose garden in full bloom
Schmidt House
Best Time
Rose garden in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1904 Colonial Revival mansion with stunning gardens, ideal for DIY events and steeped in Olympia history.
"Highly recommend this gorgeous venue! A great slice of Olympia history."
DIY Event Planning
Embrace the DIY aspect! Source your own vendors for a personalized and potentially more affordable event. :wedding:
Check Accessibility
Inquire about disabled access due to stairs if needed. Confirm current accommodations. :wheelchair:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Rose Garden
Rear grounds
A breathtaking rose garden that blooms beautifully in late July, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and events.
Historic Colonial Revival House
Main building
Explore the elegant interiors of this 1904 mansion, filled with Olympia history and classic architectural details.
Expansive Grounds
Entire property
Spacious lawns and gardens provide ample room for ceremonies, receptions, and guest activities, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
DIY Venue with Historic Charm
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
DIY Event Planning
Embrace the DIY aspect! Source your own vendors for a personalized and potentially more affordable event. :wedding:
Check Accessibility
Inquire about disabled access due to stairs if needed. Confirm current accommodations. :wheelchair:
Explore Olympia History
Take a tour to delve into the rich history of the house and its connection to Olympia. :scroll:
Book in Advance
Popular for events, especially weddings. Secure your date early! :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
DIY Event Planning
Embrace the DIY aspect! Source your own vendors for a personalized and potentially more affordable event. :wedding:
Check Accessibility
Inquire about disabled access due to stairs if needed. Confirm current accommodations. :wheelchair:
Explore Olympia History
Take a tour to delve into the rich history of the house and its connection to Olympia. :scroll:
Book in Advance
Popular for events, especially weddings. Secure your date early! :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Schmidt House is a highly recommended venue for events, particularly weddings, praised for its beautiful historic grounds, especially the rose garden, and its reasonable rental price. While the DIY approach offers flexibility, guests should be aware of potential accessibility issues due to stairs. Overall, it's a charming and well-maintained slice of Olympia history.
"The Schmidt House was the perfect venue for our wedding!! The grounds are large and beautiful (the rose garden is in full bloom in late July!!!), the house is very nice and full of Olympia history, and Karen was a pleasure to work with.
The sticker price of the venue is super reasonable (~$4k), although putting everything else together is DIY. They provide tables, chairs, and access to everything in the house, but we sourced our own linens, decor, food, drinks, plates/cutlery, flowers, lighting, sound system, lawn games, etc. We loved planning everything, so not a problem for us, but something to keep in mind.
We used the back lawn as our ceremony area, the front lawn for dinner and cocktail hour, inside the house for the buffet line and getting ready, and a part of the front lawn for games. We loved having so many spaces available, and our 175 guests had plenty of space to spread out!
Overall, we highly recommend this gorgeous venue!!! Working with Karen was very smooth, and we liked being able to walk around the grounds whenever we wanted. It’s a great slice of Olympia history, which was perfect for our very Olympia wedding!"
Hope Thompson
"I was honored to officiate a wedding on the property, what a beautiful setting and stunning rose garden as well.
We didn't go inside this time, but years ago my brother had his wedding inside and the property is fabulously maintained.
Nice place for a wedding or a holiday event, plenty of space for everyone."
Jen Procick
"Nice that they maintained but fundamentally boring .... though pleasant place ..."
David Rahfeldt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Schmidt House is located in Olympia, Washington. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Parking is generally available on-site for events.
Yes, parking is typically available on the grounds, especially for events. It's advisable to confirm parking arrangements when booking or attending an event.
For events, driving is recommended. Consider carpooling with other guests to ease parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Schmidt House is primarily known as a venue for events like weddings. For general tours or to visit outside of an event, it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for availability and any associated fees.
Opening hours vary depending on whether there is a scheduled event or a public tour. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them for the most up-to-date information.
The venue rental price is considered reasonable, around $4,000, but this is just for the space. You'll need to budget for all other DIY elements like catering, decor, and rentals.
Historically, tours have been available. It's best to inquire directly with the Schmidt House management about current tour schedules and booking procedures.
Entry is typically for ticketed events or scheduled tours. Be aware of potential accessibility limitations due to stairs.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Built in 1904, the Schmidt House is a historic site with Colonial Revival elements, offering a glimpse into Olympia's past. It's a well-maintained historic property.
Key attractions include the beautiful rose garden, the historic house interiors, and the expansive, well-maintained grounds perfect for events and leisurely strolls.
Absolutely! The stunning rose garden, historic architecture, and beautiful grounds make it a fantastic location for photography, especially for events like weddings.
While primarily an event venue, guided tours have been offered in the past. It's recommended to contact the Schmidt House directly to inquire about current tour availability and schedules.
The atmosphere is described as tranquil and quiet, offering a peaceful escape even though it's located within the city. It's a beautiful and well-cared-for historic site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the Schmidt House operates on a DIY basis for events. You will need to arrange your own catering, food, and drinks.
Yes, as it's a DIY venue, you are responsible for bringing in your own food, drinks, plates, and cutlery.
Being in Olympia, there are likely numerous dining options nearby. It's advisable to research local restaurants in Olympia for post-event meals or pre-event catering pickups.
📸 📸 Photography
The rose garden is a prime spot, especially when in bloom. The historic house exterior and the expansive grounds also offer beautiful backdrops.
Yes, the venue is ideal for professional photography, particularly for weddings and events. The scenic beauty provides ample opportunities for stunning shots.
Generally, photography is encouraged, especially for events. However, it's always good practice to confirm any specific rules or regulations with the venue management.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For events, the DIY nature means families might need to consider child-friendly catering options and entertainment. The tranquil atmosphere of the grounds can be a pleasant escape, but ensuring children have safe areas to explore is key. It's a lovely setting, but requires parental vigilance regarding the historic structure and its potential hazards for little ones.
💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
Be prepared for a DIY wedding experience. Couples will need to coordinate all vendors, from catering and decor to linens and entertainment. This offers immense flexibility for personalization but requires diligent planning and organization. The ability to utilize various spaces on the property—from lawn ceremonies to indoor reception areas—adds to its appeal for creating a unique and memorable day.
🌳 History Enthusiasts
The meticulously maintained grounds and gardens also speak to the historical care of the property. It's a place where you can appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era and imagine life in early 20th-century Olympia. Even if attending an event, taking a moment to absorb the historical ambiance is highly recommended.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Event Venue Experience
However, potential renters should be aware that the Schmidt House operates on a DIY model. While tables, chairs, and access to the house are provided, all other aspects of event planning—including linens, decor, catering, drinks, and even plates and cutlery—must be sourced independently. This approach appeals to those who enjoy hands-on planning and potentially a more budget-conscious event, but it requires significant organizational effort.
Despite the DIY nature, the venue offers ample space across its various areas, including the back lawn for ceremonies, the front lawn for dining and cocktail hours, and the interior of the house for buffet lines and preparation. This flexibility allows for a well-spread-out and enjoyable experience for guests, accommodating up to 175 people comfortably.
Historic Significance and Architecture
The property is deeply intertwined with the history of Olympia, Washington. For those interested in local heritage, a tour of the Schmidt House provides insights into the region's past. The well-maintained grounds, including the famed rose garden, are not just visually appealing but also reflect a commitment to preserving the historical integrity and beauty of the estate.
While the primary draw for many is its use as an event venue, the historical and architectural aspects are significant in their own right. It represents a piece of Olympia's heritage that is carefully looked after, offering visitors a chance to appreciate historical architecture and landscaping.
Accessibility and Considerations
It is strongly recommended to contact the Schmidt House management directly to inquire about current accessibility features and any accommodations they may have implemented. While the grounds offer open spaces, navigating the interior of the historic house might be restricted for those with mobility concerns.
For those planning events, it's crucial to consider the guest list and communicate any potential accessibility issues proactively. While the venue offers a unique and charming experience, ensuring all guests can comfortably participate should be a priority.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit