HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT PORTLAND WEDDING VENUE

When you become engaged, you enter into a whirlwind of decisions. With untraditional couples opting for donuts instead of cake, motorcycles instead of getaway cars, and sparklers instead of rice, the one thing that remains necessary for all couples is choosing a venue. Whether you dream of eloping on a mountaintop above the city lights of Portland, or in the company of fine works of art at a local museum, your wedding venue will set the stage for your day.

As a Portland wedding photographer, I have visited many of this city’s most memorable traditional and nontraditional wedding venues. Drawing from my own experience, I’m eager to help you find your perfect Portland wedding venue.

(This article was updated in October 2023)

WHAT DOES YOUR DREAM WEDDING LOOK LIKE?

The search for the perfect venue begins by answering a few important questions.  

SMALL vs. LARGE

Do you want to include just your close friends and family in an intimate celebration or include your extended community in a big wedding?

Based on your budgetary constraints and your idea of the perfect wedding day, determine the size of your wedding before you shop for a venue. This will save you the headache of touring (and falling in love with) venues that are simply unrealistic. Start by estimating the size of your guest list, then research venues that can comfortably accommodate you.  

I am a big believer that there is as much magic in an intimate Pacific Northwest wedding as there is in a huge wedding. The only thing that matters is that you base your decision on what will make you and your fiancé most happy on your wedding day.

INDOOR vs. OUTDOOR

The viability of an outdoor wedding is entirely dependent on your wedding location, wedding date, and your willingness to accept risk. It’s no secret that Portland boasts a long and dramatic rainy season; if you plan your outdoor Portland wedding anytime between October and May, expect rain.

That said, if you dream of an outdoor wedding in the smack dab middle of fall, I fully support you. If this is your dream I encourage you to do your research, consider the comfort of your guests, and plan for the weather.

INDUSTRIAL vs. NATURAL

Do you feel most comfortable in a field of wildflowers or in the shelter of an architectural masterpiece?

While there are dozens of wedding venue types, most venues largely fit into one of these two categories: Industrial or Natural.

Industrial: Industrial venues are the perfect setting for couples with an affinity for minimalistic décor and gorgeous architecture.

Industrial venues are man-made, brick and mortar locations. They often feature weathered wood, exposed brick, ironwork, and minimalistic décor. From warehouses, to historic buildings, to art lofts, there are plenty of picturesque venue options available to you if you choose to host your wedding at an industrial venue in Portland.

Natural: These gorgeous venues are the preferred choice for dreamy couples that want a nature-inspired wedding

Natural venues are garden-esque settings such as parks, meadows, and farms. These venues often feature organic, earthy elements such as pretty blooms, weathered wooden structures, and natural landscape features. In the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of locations available if you choose to host your wedding at a natural venue in Portland.

 

FORMAL vs. CASUAL

What mood do you want to set for your guests? What are your non-negotiables?

If you want a setting that inspires your guests to kick up their heels in wild abandon or gracefully mingle in formal wear worthy of a James Bond cocktail hour, search for the venue that will naturally set the mood. Consider the vibe of each venue and your ‘non-negotiables’ (i.e. a big dance floor or an in-house gourmet caterer) as you search for the perfect venue.

A FEW OF MY FAVE VENUES

As a Pacific Northwest wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of attending weddings at some of the most incredible venues in Portland. Here are a few of my favorites.

Portland’s Indoor Wedding Locations

Castaway – Indoor – Industrial

• Features: Open floor plan, vintage industrial vibes, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor patio, high ceilings, wood beams, heating and cooling, and full catering kitchen.
• Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Blockhouse / Pomarius Nursery– Indoor/Outdoor – Industrial/Natural

• Features: Roll up door that opens the room during warm weather, natural light, local vibe, warm, creative environment, customizable dining area, the option to add on the Pomarius Nursery Orangerie.
• Capacity: 60-120 (Capacity increases with the rental of the Orangerie)

Union/Pine (2 onsite venues) – Indoor – Industrial

• Features: Open catering policy, a’ la carte services, open floor plan, natural light, modern details, and offers two unique venues for ceremony and reception capabilities.
• (Main) Capacity: 130-300
• (Loft) Capacity: 30-40

Holocene – Indoor – Industrial/Arts

• Features: Historic warehouse, 2-story music/arts venue, high ceilings, modern details, built-in A/V capabilities, ample parking, and removable wall for modular floor plan.
• Capacity: 100-200

Coopers Hall – Indoor – Industrial/Winery

• Features: Open vendor policy, vibe-y wood and metal details, wine barrel wall, indoor/outdoor garage door, and full service bar and kitchen.

• (Ceremony) Capacity: 120 – 150
• (Reception) Capacity: 180 – 225

 

Portland’s Outdoor Wedding Locations

Cathedral Park – Outdoor – Natural

• Features: Elegant steel suspension bridge, stunning outdoor amphitheater, low cost, BYO food/alcohol, outdoor lighting, and offers two unique venues for ceremony and reception capabilities.
• Capacity: Up to 300 guests (This gorgeous park setting is perfect for weddings of any size!)

Mt. Hood Organic Farm (near Hood River) – Indoor/ Outdoor – Natural/Farm

• Features: Views of Mount Hood, in-house farm-to-table chef, 200 acres of grounds and gardens with ponds and trails, secluded, historic architecture, and day-of event coordinator.
• Capacity: 75-200

Horning’s Hideout – Outdoor – Natural/Park

• Features: 3 sites to choose from, lush forest setting, natural trails, creeks and ponds, and outdoor stage area.
• (Venue) Capacity: 350
• (Stage area) Capacity: 700

The Old Schoolhouse (Newburg) – Indoor/Outdoor – Industrial/Historic

• Features: Historic schoolhouse with groomed grounds for indoor/outdoor wedding capabilities, 45 minutes from Portland, ballroom, gorgeous views of hills and orchards, on-site rentals, shuttle services, and hazelnut orchard
• Capacity: 300+

Leach Botanical Garden – Indoor/Outdoor – Historical/Garden

• Features: Historical white house with getting ready rooms, terrace & covered arbor, beautifully maintained garden and grounds, outdoor fireplace, walking trails, creek, and forest

• Capacity: Up to 80 guests

Crystal Sprints Rhododendron Garden – Outdoor – Natural/Garden

• Features: Three different sites to choose from (meadow, woodland, & waterfall), access to the garden after visiting hours for amazing portrait opportunities, ability to rent for just your ceremony or both ceremony and reception.
• Capacity: 15-250

 

Whether your dream wedding venue is big or small, natural or industrial, formal or casual, indoor or outdoor, or anything in between, I hope this guide helps you find a Portland wedding venue that truly makes your heart sing.

Can’t find what you’re looking for on this list? Describe your dream wedding venue in the comment section below and I’d be happy to send you a custom recommendation!