Oregon has some pretty incredible wedding venues.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most significant decisions a couple will make during the wedding planning process. Oregon boasts an array of breathtaking venues that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, and it can be hard to narrow down which one is the best fit. As a wedding photographer, I get to see a lot of venues, and have a few that I really love. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of my favorite venues, and why I would recommend them for your wedding.
Pictured is my favorite venue, The Columbia River Gorge Hotel, & me with a bride and groom.
01
The Columbia River Gorge Hotel and Spa
Hood River, Oregon
Nestled on the edge of the magnificent Columbia River Gorge, this venue blends nature’s beauty with luxury. Imagine exchanging your vows on a terrace overlooking the majestic river, surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls. The Columbia River Gorge Hotel and Spa offers an exquisite backdrop for a romantic and intimate wedding. With its elegant ballroom and top-notch spa facilities, this venue promises an enchanting experience for both you and your guests.
Why I love it: This venue is the epitome of artsy and historic. There is a tower that is AMAZING for couples’ portraits. The architecture and decor are stunning, and the view is incredible.
Why I love it: This venue is the epitome of artsy and historic. There is a tower that is AMAZING for couples’ portraits. The architecture and decor are stunning, and the view is incredible.
02
Abernethy Center
Oregon City, Oregon
A historic gem nestled in the heart of Oregon City, the Abernethy Center boasts stunning indoor and outdoor spaces to celebrate your special day. This picturesque venue offers a selection of charming gardens and beautifully restored buildings, including an iconic Victorian-era chapel. Whether you dream of a garden ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, the Abernethy Center is sure to create cherished memories for you and your loved ones.
Why I love it: I’ll admit– I’m a bit biased. This venue is only ten minutes from my house. The layout and parking are great, and it’s an overall fantastic space. The people who own and designed this thought through it well. (The food was great too!)
Why I love it: I’ll admit– I’m a bit biased. This venue is only ten minutes from my house. The layout and parking are great, and it’s an overall fantastic space. The people who own and designed this thought through it well. (The food was great too!)
03
Aurora Colony Vineyards
Aurora, Oregon
For wine enthusiasts and nature lovers, Aurora Colony Vineyards provides an idyllic setting for a romantic vineyard wedding. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, this venue offers an intimate and rustic atmosphere. Say “I do” under a canopy of grapevines, followed by a reception in the vineyard’s elegant event space. The breathtaking views and delicious wines will ensure a celebration to remember.
Why I love it: This was about as classic as you can get for a vineyard wedding venue. The property is laid out well, and felt spacious and private. If you want a BIG wedding, this is the place! The venue can host more people than most that I’ve seen.
Downsides: There’s an airport nearby, so you can’t fly drones 🙁
Why I love it: This was about as classic as you can get for a vineyard wedding venue. The property is laid out well, and felt spacious and private. If you want a BIG wedding, this is the place! The venue can host more people than most that I’ve seen.
Downsides: There’s an airport nearby, so you can’t fly drones 🙁
04
Melody Ballroom
Portland, Oregon
If you’re looking for a touch of old-world glamour, the Melody Ballroom in Portland is an excellent choice. With its classic architecture and elegant décor, this historic venue exudes charm and sophistication. Its spacious ballroom provides ample room for dancing the night away, and its ornate details add a touch of grandeur to any wedding celebration.
Why I love it: Want to feel like urban royalty? This is the place for you! I loved that this venue felt like old Hollywood, but also like a palace. The grand staircase was pretty incredible.
Downsides: Parking sucks. You’ll probably want to hire a shuttle service for guests.
Why I love it: Want to feel like urban royalty? This is the place for you! I loved that this venue felt like old Hollywood, but also like a palace. The grand staircase was pretty incredible.
Downsides: Parking sucks. You’ll probably want to hire a shuttle service for guests.
05
The Griffin House
Hood River, Oregon
Located in the heart of Willamette Valley, The Griffin House is a captivating venue that blends history with modern elegance. This stately mansion offers a captivating backdrop for your wedding, with its sweeping lawns, vineyard views, and beautifully appointed rooms. Whether you opt for an indoor affair or an outdoor celebration in the estate’s gardens, The Griffin House will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
Why I love it: The Griffin House shares many of the geographic elements that I love about The Columbia River Gorge Hotel (they’re neighbors!) but it is a more intimate setting. The view is AMAZING, and the commute from Portland wasn’t bad.
Why I love it: The Griffin House shares many of the geographic elements that I love about The Columbia River Gorge Hotel (they’re neighbors!) but it is a more intimate setting. The view is AMAZING, and the commute from Portland wasn’t bad.
06
Leach Botanical Garden
Portland, Oregon
A hidden oasis in Portland, the Leach Botanical Garden is an excellent choice for nature-loving couples. With its lush greenery, blooming flowers, and tranquil streams, this botanical garden offers an enchanting setting for exchanging vows. The natural beauty of the gardens creates a sense of serenity and harmony, making it a perfect choice for a romantic outdoor wedding.
Why I love it: This venue felt intimate and connected with nature. The tree walk was pretty incredible! I loved the historic nature of the building and the property.
Why I love it: This venue felt intimate and connected with nature. The tree walk was pretty incredible! I loved the historic nature of the building and the property.
07
Sandy River Airport
Sandy, Oregon
For the adventurous and aviation enthusiasts, Sandy River Airport presents a unique and unconventional wedding venue. Exchange your vows amidst vintage airplanes and enjoy a reception in a hangar with a distinctive, industrial-chic atmosphere. This venue will undoubtedly appeal to couples seeking a wedding experience that sets them apart from the traditional.
Why I loved it: I mean… airplanes! I’ve photographed several weddings here, and I like the outdoor ceremony option better. It was cool seeing small planes take off and land, and the view of Mt Hood was lovely!
Why I loved it: I mean… airplanes! I’ve photographed several weddings here, and I like the outdoor ceremony option better. It was cool seeing small planes take off and land, and the view of Mt Hood was lovely!
08
Silver Falls State Park
30 minutes outside of Salem
Nature lovers looking for a wedding venue amidst Oregon’s stunning landscapes need to look no further than Silver Falls State Park. This breathtaking location offers a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and picturesque canyons. Choose from a selection of scenic spots to tie the knot, and let the beauty of the great outdoors create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Why I love it: This venue is hidden in the woods. It was one of the most lovely forest venues I’ve ever been to. The main wedding venue is in a clearing with trees all around, and there are cool waterfalls just a short drive away that we used for portraits.
Why I love it: This venue is hidden in the woods. It was one of the most lovely forest venues I’ve ever been to. The main wedding venue is in a clearing with trees all around, and there are cool waterfalls just a short drive away that we used for portraits.
09
The Orchard
Hood River
Another Hood River venue! The Orchard is a combination of cultivated gardens, and luxury in a classic setting. With views of Mt Hood from the ceremony space, and Mt Adams in the north, this venue is breathtaking. The onsite catering is remarkably good, and the vendor team is skilled.
Why I love it: THE FLOWERS. Oh my goodness this place has incredible flowers. They have cultivated many native varieties, and have orchards and lavender onsite. The meticulous attention to detail makes this an incredibly stunning venue. It was so fun to photograph here!
Why I love it: THE FLOWERS. Oh my goodness this place has incredible flowers. They have cultivated many native varieties, and have orchards and lavender onsite. The meticulous attention to detail makes this an incredibly stunning venue. It was so fun to photograph here!
10
Jupiter Hotel
Portland, Oregon
For a trendsetting urban wedding, look no further than the Jupiter Hotel in Portland. This stylish and contemporary venue boasts a modern, industrial-chic aesthetic that sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind celebration. With its versatile event spaces, including a chic courtyard, you can personalize your wedding to reflect your unique style and create lasting memories in the heart of the city.
Why I loved it: The wedding I worked here was very well planned. She did a disco/pink/modern theme, and it was such a good match to the space! This is a very modern hotel with lots of natural light, and was a fun space for the reception. It had indoor/outdoor reception spaces.
Why I loved it: The wedding I worked here was very well planned. She did a disco/pink/modern theme, and it was such a good match to the space! This is a very modern hotel with lots of natural light, and was a fun space for the reception. It had indoor/outdoor reception spaces.
Oregon’s wedding venues cater to a wide range of tastes, from the majestic allure of the Columbia River Gorge Hotel and Spa to the rustic charm of Aurora Colony Vineyards and the natural beauty of Silver Falls State Park.
Each venue offers its own unique ambiance, promising an unforgettable celebration of love and romance. Whichever venue captures your heart, rest assured that Oregon’s natural beauty and warm hospitality will make your wedding day a truly magical and cherished event for all involved. Having lived in Oregon for over 15 years, I always enjoy seeing the lovely venues that we have here.
If you have any questions as you are planning your wedding, feel free to send me an email below!
Each venue offers its own unique ambiance, promising an unforgettable celebration of love and romance. Whichever venue captures your heart, rest assured that Oregon’s natural beauty and warm hospitality will make your wedding day a truly magical and cherished event for all involved. Having lived in Oregon for over 15 years, I always enjoy seeing the lovely venues that we have here.
If you have any questions as you are planning your wedding, feel free to send me an email below!
About the Author
Kathrine Birch | Owner and Lead Photographer at Aspen & Birch
Hey there! I've been serving my clients in the Greater Portland area as a professional photographer since 2019.
I believe that photography is an art process designed to show the best parts of you. My goal with photography is to embrace and showcase the natural beauty of others. I am confident in posing all body types and cultivating an environment where people look and feel their best. All people are beautiful, and it is an absolute joy to display your natural beauty through my photography.
I also enjoy creating meaningful content in the form of writing and educational resources for both photographers and couples in the wedding planning life stage.
When I'm not behind my camera, you can often find me taking business classes, hanging out with my family and friends and church, listening to a random conglomeration of music, and vanquishing the hobo spiders that like to invade my basement.
I look forward to connecting with you !
