Best Portland Wedding Venues: A Curated List

The hidden gems. The best kept secrets. The awe-inspiring.
We’ve found all the best venues for you.

Grab a glass of wine and settle in. We’re about to make your Portland, OR wedding venue hunt a whole lot easier!

If you’ve found your way here and are searching for the best wedding venues in the Portland area, there’s a good chance you’re recently engaged and beginning to plan your day! Let us be among the first to say congratulations! Marriage is an incredible blessing. We’ve been married since 2009 and shooting weddings as a husband/wife team since 2010. We couldn’t be more excited for you.

One of the first steps of wedding planning is picking the perfect venue! Oregon offers an incredible (read: overwhelming) variety of venues, from the classy, elegant, and refined to the rustic, industrial, and quirky! It can be difficult to navigate without a little help, which is why we’ve compiled this guide for you. After photographing hundreds of weddings in the PNW, we’ve seen most of what the Oregon/Portland area wedding venues have to offer, and we have our clear faves!

Before we dive in, let us say that we’re admittedly a bit particular in the venues we recommend, and our list below is highly curated! Every photographer and wedding vendor have unique preferences, which is why every list of “Best Wedding Venues in Portland” you’ll come across is different. “Best” is so subjective!

“We love venues with ‘good bones’, the ones that inherently create a refined atmosphere.”

So will our venue recommendations help you? The answer comes down to this: do we have similar tastes in a wedding location?

Here’s what we look for in the venues we love. Let’s see if this resonates!

• Elegance, beauty, & timelessness that set the stage for a classy wedding. We love venues with “good bones”, the ones that inherently create a refined atmosphere. We tend to gravitate towards classic over cheesy, and tasteful over trendy.

• Ideal natural light available to produce beautiful photos throughout a wedding day. Outdoor venues that offer a variety of shade and sun, and indoor venues with ample window light are where it’s at.

• Fine art quality. It’s a certain aesthetic our eyes are drawn to. Fine art wedding venues usually have neutral or muted colors, beautiful light, open space, and thoughtful design that values beauty over basic function. (PS – if that description just made your heart sing, you may just be what we’d consider a fine art bride or groom, and basically we should be your photographers! Just saying. No but really let’s talk!)

• Stunning backdrops for you and your guests to enjoy and to feature in your photos. Whether it’s a vast view of the horizon at sunset, sweeping vineyard rows, or a gorgeous estate, these types of elements feel unique and awe-inspiring.

• Nothing that you have to hide, overcome, or cover up to create your ideal wedding aesthetic (i.e. if you have to put up drapes to hide the kids’ play structure in the background, you mayyy want to keep looking… “nothing to see here folks, move along”)

• A setting that invites visitors into an experience. We love watching guests arrive at our favorite venues and hearing the gasps as they take in the sights of your day. Our favorite venues feel like an escape from daily life, something different than most people have experienced at past weddings, and places none of us will ever want to leave. Your guests will want to celebrate until the sun comes up!

So do we have the same taste? If so, my friend, you’ve found the definitive list of Portland’s Best Wedding Venues for you, and there’s a good chance your future wedding location is listed somewhere on this page. Eeek! You just felt those butterflies, didn’t you? So did we!

“…there’s a good chance your future wedding location is listed somewhere on this page. Eeek!”

Vineyards & Wine Country Venues

Villa Catalana Cellars (Oregon City, OR) – Imagine 12th century Romanesque stone architecture, a stunning garden landscape and vineyard, and a lake cut right out of the Spanish countryside. That’s Villa Catalana! This world-class venue is one of very few in the PNW to offer authentic, old-world European vibes. It’s pretty much a destination wedding without having to fly anywhere! See Stefanie & Kevan’s gorgeous wedding featured on Magnolia Rouge for a sample of our work at this stunning location, and listen to owner, Burl Mostul, tell the story of creating Villa Catalana here. It’s so interesting!

Maysara Winery (McMinnville, OR) – Stone and wood architecture blended to perfection among one of Oregon wine country’s largest vineyards! And when we say “wood”, we’re talking about the massive, iconic, show-stopping rolling doors on the face of the venue. They are a beautiful sight to behold! Maysara is grand, off-the-beaten-path, and truly unique. Bonus, the owners are willing to drive us high up into the vineyard for sunset photos! For a closer look at Maysara, our Portland wedding planner friends at Bridal Bliss have a beautiful wedding we did together featured on their website!

Ponzi Vineyards (Sherwood, OR) – If we were to say “modern meets vineyard vibes” and your heart skips a beat, then Ponzi is for you! The artfully crafted concrete + wood and clean lines of the tasting room set against the soft vineyard backdrop are what make this venue special. Check out Melissa & David’s wedding featured on Style Me Pretty for a look at this venue through our lens.

“It’s pretty much a destination wedding without having to fly anywhere!”

Durant Vineyards & Olive Mill (Dayton, OR) – The variety here is what we love! Beautiful architecture, silvery-green olive groves, rows of lavender, and a one-of-a-kind garden arch made of hops are just a few of the elements that make this venue a treat. Not to mention, the wisteria-covered pergola to house your ceremony! Have a peek at Brittany & Rob’s wedding here, and Laura & Devin’s wedding as a featured gallery on our website.

Saffron Fields Vineyard (Yamhill, OR) – Part art gallery, part winery, all beautiful! Saffron brings a modern aesthetic to wine country, and is especially pretty (we think!) when the surrounding fields turn to dry, golden hues.

Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard (Dundee, OR) – Talk about a hidden gem! This sweet little 9-room villa hosts intimate weddings up to 50 people max, and you get the whole inn for you and your guests to stay overnight and celebrate! You’ll swoon arriving on their cobblestone circle drive. You’ll feel swept away to French Provence by the light blue window shutters. You’ll wine and dine with friends and fam both morning and night, all with stunning views of the Willamette Valley clear to the horizon. Get up close and personal with this gorgeous property in our shoot featured on Trendy Bride. Truly one of our favorite Portland wedding venues for intimate weddings and elopements!

Zenith Vineyard (Salem, OR) – Every wedding we’ve been a part of at Zenith has felt sophisticated and classic! We especially love the sprawling ceremony lawn overlooking the rolling hills of vineyard rows. Also, with it’s large indoor reception space, Zenith can handle some of the largest weddings in wine country.

The Old Schoolhouse (Newberg, OR) – The cutest (and appropriately named) little old schoolhouse! See inside the venue in our shoot here (also featured on 100 Layer Cake), and don’t miss a look at their orchards too as featured in our work on Magnolia Rouge here!

Estate & Garden Venues

Monet Vineyards (Brush Prairie, WA) – Even though it’s over the state line, it’s close enough that we easily consider this a Portland area wedding venue! The owner of this glorious private estate, Luisa, grew up in various parts of Europe. When she moved to the PNW, she designed her home to incorporate authentic European elements inspired by the places she’s lived. The result is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind European estate covered in green ivy and surrounded by lush English gardens. Oh, and Luisa does the gardening too. She’s a remarkable lady who created a little piece of heaven on Earth! Fair warning though, Monet takes very few weddings so inquire early and tell ’em we sent you! Have a peek at our Monet Vineyards wedding shoot featured on Style Me Pretty and also as a featured gallery on our website!

“…a little piece of heaven on Earth!”

Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR) – A serene reflecting pool among a stunning English garden, and stone architecture set against a historic brick estate. Need we say more? If you’re looking for old-world charm and sophistication, Lewis & Clark is your jam. Like many venues on our list of faves, they accept limited bookings each year so inquire early. Check out Stephanie & Nyles’ wedding on Oregon Bride Magazine to see more. It’s no wonder Lewis & Clark was named one of the top “15 Beautiful College Campuses Where You Can Get Hitched” by Martha Stewart Weddings!

Country Clubs & Social Clubs

Waverley Country Club (Portland, OR) – Classic never goes out of style! Sitting on the bank of the Willamette River, historic Waverley hosts some of the most anticipated weddings in Portland each year. We love the neutral color palette offered by the white building surrounded by rich greenery. See Karine & Jack’s beautiful Waverley wedding featured on Ruffled!

The Town Club (Portland, OR) – Shhhhh. This historic women’s social club is one of Portland’s best kept secret wedding venues! The bad news: you have to be a member or have one in the family to have your wedding here. The good news: if that applies to you, this place is breathtaking! The red-brick architecture and sophisticated garden vibes here are unmatched in the Portland area. See Emma & Peter’s glorious day featured on our website. Just look for the gallery with the red brick arch.

Outdoor Venues

The Griffin House (Hood River, OR) – Perched along the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, The Griffin House is arguably one of the prettiest and most unique venues in or near Hood River! With the unmatched view of the Gorge behind the ceremony lawn, lush gardens throughout, and perfectly dappled light, this venue offers beauty at every turn. Cliffside romance meets garden party at The Griffin House, and it’s easily one of our tippy top faves on this list. See deep into this world-class venue with this real wedding on our blog.

Bridal Veil Lakes (Corbett, OR) – Ahhh so peaceful. Nestled high into the trees of the Columbia River Gorge, this is a serene getaway for your wedding. Think garden party meets mountain rustic and voilà, you have Bridal Veil Lakes. This is a popular Portland area wedding venue for couples wanting an outdoor setting while staying relatively close to the city. Pro tip: have your florist dress up one of the canoes with a garland or wreath for your sunset portraits! Knock on wood, all of our couples have gotten into a canoe, none have fallen into the lake, and it makes for some seriously beautiful photos.

Mt. Hood Organic Farms (Mt. Hood, OR) – Two main pieces at this mountain venue have our hearts: some of the best views of Mt. Hood that any venue has to offer (so close you could touch it!), and the super cute Apple House reception space with its checkered floor, wall-to-wall windows, and unique woodwork. And yes, we will climb their 30-foot ladder for a huge group shot of you with your guests! Don’t worry, we’re insured (#kiddingnotkidding). Browse our photos of Kathleen & Ryan’s Mt. Hood Organic Farms wedding featured by our good friend, Swoon Floral Design.

Barn Kestrel (West Linn, OR) – A 10-acre historic barn venue and it’s awesome. We love Barn Kestrel for its 1887 Victorian farmhouse, outdoor dining option under an old oak tree, and the 100+ year old barn where your guests will dance the night away. See all the lovely in Kathryn & Brandon’s wedding featured on Style Me Pretty and on Mod Wedding (also here on our own blog)!

Mt. Hood Venues

Silcox Hut (Government Camp, OR) – Get above the clouds for arguably the most unique and intimate wedding experience you’ll ever come across. Hands-down, none of your guests will have ever seen anything like this. A historic warming hut, Silcox Hut sits a mile above Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. At 7,000 feet, it’s one of the highest structures on the mountain. You and your guests (and your photographer gladly toting 50 lbs. of gear) will pile into snowcats to get to the hut, which is covered in snow most months of the year. Weddings here can accommodate up to 40 guests, with overnight lodging for up to 24. Okay how fun is that?! This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. To see the ins and outs of this mountaintop hideaway, check out Michelle & David’s Silcox Hut wedding featured (and planned!) by Your Perfect Bridesmaid and Rachel & Sergei’s engagement session on our blog.

“Hands down, none of your guests will have ever seen anything like this.”

Timberline Lodge (Government Camp, OR) – If the hut doesn’t suit you but you still imagine a Mt. Hood wedding day, look no further than Timberline Lodge. An escape, a getaway, that fresh mountain air. Ahhh. This is as close to Mt. Hood as it gets. See Lauren & Rich’s Timberline Lodge wedding day, again planned and featured by our friends at Your Perfect Bridesmaid.

Oregon Coast Venues

Stephanie Inn (Cannon Beach, OR) – There are few places to tie the knot as close to the beach as this one! Perfect for small weddings and elopements, you can literally take your vows with your toes in the sand and Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock in the background. See Heather & Michael’s wedding at this beachy spot as a featured gallery on our website.

Church Venues

St. Patrick Catholic Church (Portland, OR) – We have a serious soft spot for meaningful church ceremonies, and St. Patrick’s is one of our very favorites to photograph in the area! It’s beautiful inside and out. We love being able to use the historic stone exterior for portraits, and the interior gets just enough natural light to make us very happy photographers! Flash is often not allowed for a Catholic ceremony so natural lighting is key, and St. Patrick’s delivers every time.

The Grotto & Chapel of Mary (Portland, OR) – This 62-acre National Sanctuary offers an expansive garden to wander for portraits and two breathtaking ceremony options. The first is outdoors in front of “the grotto”, a serene man-made cave and stone altar carved directly into the 110-foot basalt cliffside. To us, it has an inspiring international feel, like an ancient place of worship you’d find somewhere in Italy (you may have noticed by now that we’re big fans of any wedding venues with an authentic European vibe). The second ceremony option is the Chapel of Mary, the beautiful and grand on-site church. The Grotto truly is one of the most peaceful and unique Catholic wedding venues in the Portland area. Catch a (little) glimpse inside the Chapel in Nini & Tommy’s wedding feature on Oregon Bride Magazine.

Indoor Venues

Coopers Hall (Portland, OR) – Glorious and plentiful window light, lots of cute hanging plants bringing the outdoors inside, and a barrel room framing the reception space. We love Coopers Hall for an indoor wedding! Okay and all business aside, the food you guys. Even vendors eat like kings and queens here. They do their own catering of course, and oh my my. So yummy!

Yale Union (Portland, OR) – An art gallery available for weddings, Yale Union is a beautiful blank canvas (see what we did there?). The key here is those “good bones” we mentioned before. Clean white-washed brick walls given added character by their many tall-arched windows. Then with the rustic wood floors, the stage is set for a beautiful wedding. Catch some peeks of Shyla & Aaron’s Yale Union wedding featured by our florist friend, Swoon Floral Design.

“For an indoor venue to make it into our faves, it starts with having plenty of natural light…”

The Evergreen (Portland, OR) – Historic and restored to perfection! We love the clean white bead board mixed with classic red brick. Our first wedding here was during the Portland Snowpocalypse of 2017 and we got to take snow portraits in the street outside…and well, it was just magical. We love The Evergreen! See a sampling from this wintery wedding on Swoon Floral Design’s website.

Sentinel Hotel (Portland, OR) – What happens here on the 4th floor is nothing short of indoor wedding perfection! The Governor Ballroom, the largest of the Sentinel’s event spaces, is grand with its towering ceiling, massive white columns and detailed molding! Although it’s easily our favorite space here, there are multiple other ballrooms at the Sentinel that are just as beautiful.

Leftbank Annex (Portland, OR) – Two words sum this one up for us: Window. Light! For an indoor venue to make it into our faves, it starts with having plenty of natural light, and Leftbank has some of the biggest windows in town! If you’re longing for an industrial, urban feel, Leftbank may be the wedding venue of your dreams! See Hannah & Lonny’s wedding on our blog, and Natalie & Matt’s wedding on Aisle Planner.

Exchange Ballroom & Cascade Rooftop (Portland, OR) – We’re here for the rooftop! To us, the Exchange Ballroom offers one of the best city skyline views of any Portland wedding venue. Especially during the rainy months, it’s a great option for getting to have beautiful outdoor portraits while hosting an indoor wedding. Guests can wander up there too! Evening cocktail with a view anyone? Exchange Ballroom and one of our rooftop bridal party photos were featured in Oregon Bride Magazine’s list of 6 favorite Portland rooftop wedding venues!

So what do you think? Did anything catch your eye? We sure hope this guide was helpful!

And you know, part of the reason we love these venues so much (and any that are similar) is because they’re a perfect pairing with our style of fine-art, natural, and true-to-color wedding photography! Think of it as a match made in heaven. We’d love to talk with you about photography for your day whenever you’re ready!

Visit our website to learn more about us and our work, and feel free to contact us any time.

~Jake & Anna