10 wedding location ideas in portland, oregon

Oregon's Portland-Metro area offers a variety of wedding locations to suit any couple's needs, tastes, and style.

It's hard to find many places that rival Portland, Oregon for its unique blend of scenic beauty, cosmopolitan feel, and independent spirit. For couples who call the city and its surrounding area home - and even for those couples who don't - the Portland-Metro area offers a variety of wedding locales that satisfy every requirement for that special day.

Take the Scenic Route:

1) Multnomah Falls: This dramatic waterfall set against a backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge's awe-inspiring beauty is a wonderful location for an outdoor wedding. The falls is about 30 miles east of Portland, but locals find the beauty well worth the trip, and out of town guests will enjoy seeing one of Oregon's most popular tourist attractions. The historic Multnomah Falls Lodge is available for small group events as well. The Lodge was built in 1925 and offers excellent views as well as top-notch cuisine. For more information, call 503-695-2376.

2) The "Portland Spirit": Enjoy a scenic tour along the Willamette River while the Captain of the "Portland Spirit" conducts your wedding ceremony. This 150-foot yacht is available for weddings and receptions year-round. Its sister ships, the "Willamette Star" and "Crystal Dolphin," are also available for smaller weddings and receptions. For more information, call 503-224-3900 or 800-224-3901.

A Little More Traditional:

3) The Old Laurelhurst Church: This wonderful old church looks like it was transplanted directly from the Old World. With its stained glass windows and high ceilings, and nestled in the heart of a cherished Portland neighborhood, it lends an air of the traditional and romantic to any wedding. For information, call 503-231-0462.

4) The Old Church: As the name states, The Old Church is one of the oldest buildings in Portland. Built in 1883, it no longer houses any particular congregation, but is instead a unique historical site available for weddings, concerts, plays, meetings, and community events. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, and operates as an independent, non-profit historical society. For more information about weddings at The Old Church, call 503-222-2031.

5) Oaks Pioneer Church: Originally built in 1851 and known as St. Johns Episcopal Church, this charming church has been moved three times. In 1961 the church was transported by barge up the Willamette River to its new home in the Sellwood district. The name was also changed at that time to Oaks Pioneer Church, and renovations brought the building up to standards. It is now listed as a Portland Historical Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Reception space is available at the nearby SMILE Station, the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League neighborhood center. For more information, call 503-233-1497.



A Garden Setting:

6) The Washington Park Wedding Gardens: The Wedding Gardens in Washington Park are a wonderful setting for a small, outdoor wedding. There are two wedding gardens in the park: the Gold Medal Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden. Times and dates are limited and fill up quickly at these popular spots, so reserve your date well in advance. The Portland Parks Bureau begins taking reservations on a "first come, first served" basis at the beginning of each calendar year for that year. For more information, call 503-823-2525.

7) Leach Botanical Gardens: This beautiful garden set just far enough away from the bustle of city life provides a tranquil setting for either an outdoor or indoor wedding. The Manor House at the garden can accommodate about 70 people; in warm weather, the East Terrace can be used to accommodate up to 85. For more information, call 503-823-9503.

Elegance and Charm All Around:

8) McMenamin's Edgefield Manor: Edgefield is more than just a wedding locale - it's a retreat for couples and guests alike. A 38-acre former county "poor farm," the entire estate offers wedding and reception space, golf, accommodations, a movie theater, restaurants and pubs, and more. For more information, call 503-669-8610.

9) Governor Hotel: Possibly downtown Portland's most beautiful hotel, the Governor was built in 1909 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In recent years, it has been refurbished and updated to include all of the modern amenities travelers require - including an onsite health club and in-room high-speed Internet access. The Governor features two ballrooms and several smaller meeting rooms to accommodate any size wedding or reception. For information, call 503-224-3400.

10) Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom: An 8,000-square-foot Victorian ballroom set in the heart of downtown Portland, this site accommodates up to 300 guests. The ballroom was built in 1901, and Old World charm radiates from every corner. Especially unique is the U-shaped suspended balcony! And since it's in the heart of the city, lodging for out-of-town guests is close-by at any of the numerous downtown hotels. For more information, call 503-227-6285.

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