The CGP Blog
Follow Along On My Photo Adventures
All posts
Weddings
Engagements
Family & Kids
Planning resources
36 Most Unique Wedding Venues in Portland
This is a list of my top 36 Most Unique Wedding Venues in Portland and the surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a small intimate venue or a larger location to fit the masses, you can find it on this list. From a colorful and rustic outdoor venue to a modern warehouse in the city, Portland has so much to offer! There is even a spot where you can pronounce your love to each other next to a 150-year-old pine tree! How cool!
No. 36 – Lavender Owl Farm
No. 36 – Lavender Owl Farm – This is such a unique farm located in Canby, just South of Portland. This venue used to be a tree farm and nursery. Because of this, there are mini groves of various trees growing throughout the property. The new owners now use it as a wedding venue and as a Disc Golf Course. The wedding lawn is perfectly manicured and gets the prettiest light and contrast of color, especially in the fall. There is also a huge barn on the property, with large garage doors that can be opened to give it a very airy and open feel.
No. 35 – Shakespeare Garden
No. 35 – Shakespeare Garden – The Shakespeare Garden is tucked away in one corner of the International Test Rose Garden. It’s a beautiful space, underneath a towering tree, and enclosed by large hedges that make it feel like a private outdoor room. It is easy to block off during the ceremony because of this, which helps ensure the public can’t walk through during the big moment!
No. 34 – Opal 28
No. 34 – Opal 28 – This is the sweetest little venue located in the Kerns neighborhood in NE Portland. In addition to a few indoor spaces, their courtyard tucked behind the storefronts gives some warm and inviting vibes. For some reason to me it feels like a quaint set from Sesame Street. A perfect blend of city meets neighborhood.
No. 33 – Oswego Hills Vineyard & Winery
No. 33 – Oswego Hills Vineyard – Oh, this space is GORGEOUS. It should actually be higher on the ratings, if we’re putting these in weighted order. But since this one is getting added on during an update to this list, it’s getting tacked on at No. 33. This is the most ginormous gazebo I’ve ever seen. It sits high above the vineyard and gets gorgeous backlighting that makes for a stunning ceremony backdrop.
No. 32 – Cape Horn Estate
No. 32 – Cape Horn Estate – A little further outside of Portland, Cape Horn Estate overlooks the gorge from Stevenson, WA. It’s an easy drive with breathtaking views. Cape Horn is perched on the side of a hill, nestled among some trees, with a large lawn and a few rustic buildings providing indoor options as well.
No. 31 – The Foundry
No. 31 – The Foundry – If sweeping views of the river is your scene, The Foundry may be for you! They have a round deck that sits over the river, or an area of the Promenade, both with excellent views of the water. Indoors, there are floor to ceiling windows that also offer a great view of the river, plus high ceilings and a large dancefloor.
No. 30 – Rossi Farms
No. 30 – Rossi Farms – Rossi Farms has an entire Western town replica on property. It makes a fun space for portraits, or an even more perfect backdrop for an Old-West themed wedding! In addition, they have a large rustic barn on the grounds for plenty of indoor activities. There are also 2 old homesteads that are used for the wedding party getting ready quarters.
No. 29 – Blockhouse
No. 29 – Blockhouse – Blockhouse is tucked away inside Pomarius Nursery, which also shares a courtyard with No. 13 Castaway. This is a chef inspired kitchen and is very cozy and unique, surrounded with natural light and live plants!
No. 28 – Abigail’s Garden
No. 28 – Abigail’s Garden – Abigail’s Garden is part of Abernethy Center, a wedding property in Oregon City. This garden is so dreamy, with its brick courtyard, gazebo, and giant willow tree.
No. 27 – Weddings On The Hill
No. 27 – Weddings On The Hill – I’m pretty sure I’ve photographed more weddings at this venue than any other in Oregon. And I always love it! The lovely team that runs it put their heart and soul into making sure everything runs seamlessly. And it always does. It is the cutest house on a hill right in West Linn, just a bit South of Portland. The backyard is beautifully manicured and always has the prettiest colors, no matter the season. Whether you’re looking for a backyard vibe, or a cozy indoor Winter space, it is a great option!
No. 26 – Troutdale House
No. 26 – Troutdale House – The Troutdale House is right off of Main St in quaint downtown Troutdale. While the property boasts 7 different options for your ceremony location, my favorite is the Wisteria Courtyard. It always has perfect light, is heated and covered, and looks pretty magical with all the wisteria vines growing overhead. The property sits along the Sandy River, has 3 levels, one of the cutest bridal suites I’ve seen, and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
No. 25 – Horning’s Hideout
No. 25 – Horning’s Hideout – Horning’s Hideout is probably the most rustic of the locations on my list, and that’s why I love it! This huge property is located right outside of Portland in North Plains. There is plenty of room for camping for all the guests, a small lake, and 3 different spots you could utilize for your wedding. It also boasts a creekside area, a lakeside area, and even a stage! Depending on the spot you choose, it can accommodate 300-700 guests. Although there are no bridal suites on-site, this is a location that would be perfect for renting a mobile bridal suite!
No. 24 – Jupiter | NEXT hotel
No. 24 – Jupiter | NEXT hotel – The Jupiter hotel is connected to the Doug Fir Lounge, a local and popular concert location in Portland. Located Right off E Burnside, the Jupiter is a hip and colorful boutique hotel. This location offers plenty of bright colorful rooms to get ready in, which I love, and the ceremony/reception area has tons of natural light! The hotel has recently built another property next door called NEXT Hotel, reflecting its neighbor in its amazing design.
No. 23 – Urban Studio
No. 23 – Urban Studio – The Urban Studio is located in Portland’s trendy Pearl District and has been a historic building on the corner of 10th and Davis since the early 1900’s. Before it became an event space, it was used as a warehouse for the Denby Motor Truck Company. The space boasts original features, large windows, exposed ceilings, and an open floor plan creating plenty of natural light. This venue has a spot for each of your wedding activities allowing a great flow of events.
No. 22 – Saint Irenes
No. 22 – Saint Irenes – With plenty of inviting vibes, Saint Irenes is a great location to host your wedding. Located in Tualatin off of Tualatin Sherwood Road, this venue is filled with modern and industrial elements that can be customized for any type of theme or style. The building includes two rooms, The High Dive (colorful and modern) and The Venue Room (neutral-toned and modern), which can be rented together or separate, and depending on the size, both rooms together can accommodate 120 guests. I really enjoy the pops of modern art deco found here.
No. 21 – Scholls Valley Lodge
No. 21 – Scholls Valley Lodge – This breathtaking property overlooks the Scholls Valley in Hillsboro and has plenty of character. The lodge was originally built as a barn in the 1960s and was remodeled into a home in the ’80s by the Vial family. Today, the property is still used as a working farm, however, the home is now used only as a lodge rental. There are several lawn areas, a lower patio, and even an open barn to have your ceremony, cocktails hour, and reception.
No. 20 – Caswell Sculpture Garden
No. 20 – Caswell Sculpture Garden – This is such an awesome modern venue, just outside of Portland in Troutdale. It expanse across 3 acres that include a ton of neat bronze and stone sculptures and is a short walk to the Sandy River. The best part is that this venue also has a pond with a rowboat, lots of pretty flowers and greenery, and even a cute little cabin that has separate suites for the bride and groom.
No. 19 – Tanner Springs Park
No. 19 – Tanner Springs Park – Tucked away in the middle of the Pearl District in NW Portland, you’ll find a cute little park called, Tanner Springs Park. This location is another great city park option for hosting an intimate wedding or elopement. It is slightly below street level, creating some privacy from the surrounding cars and people nearby. This lovely park has overgrown foliage, a sweet Koi pond, and modern urban elements such as a sculpture wall. The Fields Park is also just a block away, providing a few more options for photos.
No. 18 – Mcmenamin’s Kennedy School
No. 18 – Mcmenamin’s Kennedy School – Another awesome Mcmenamins venue, the Kennedy School is located in NE Portland, right off 33rd and Killingsworth. I absolutely love quirky old buildings like this one, and like most Mcmenamins, this location incorporates weird and colorful art throughout the property. At the Kennedy School, you can pronounce your vows in an outdoor courtyard, or in the old school gymnasium, or even both!
Click here to read more about a wedding at Mcmenamins Kennedy School
No. 17 – Cathedral Park
No. 17 – Cathedral Park – You got married under a bridge?! Only the prettiest bridge and most beautiful park in all of the land! It is almost impossible to miss Cathedral park and the bridge when visiting St. Johns. Take a quick detour next time and at least check out the cool view created by the beautiful arches, and you don’t even need to get out of your car to see it. Although Cathedral Park is a public space, a wedding ceremony here can still feel very private and intimate. This park is definitely worth checking out!
No. 16 – Leach Botanical Garden
No. 16 – Leach Botanical Garden – This beautiful garden venue is a hidden gem in outer SE Portland for the perfect outdoor wedding. The large outdoor patio can host both the ceremony and reception and has a smaller outdoor patio for the cocktail hour. It has lovely indoor rooms and a fabulous bridal suite… everything you could need! The best part, it also comes with breathtaking gardens and trails throughout the woods and along a stream. It is certainly a magical place!
No. 15 – Mcmenamin’s Edgefield
No. 15 – Mcmenamin’s Edgefield – I absolutely love the Mcmenamins properties and have photographed many weddings at a variety of them over the years. Edgefield is certainly one of my favorites. The numerous locations on the property that you can implement for your ceremony and reception, offer plenty of variety depending on the size and style of your wedding. It offers hotel rooms for out of town guests, and they can explore the grounds before and after the event, or even in place of a cocktail hour.
No. 14 – The Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum
No. 14 – The Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum – Ever since I moved to Portland back in 2012, I have been a huge fan of the Hoyt Arboretum. Its lush grounds have a great variety of foliage and trees. No matter how often I visit or photograph here, I never get bored with it. Nestled away on one of the many trails is a beautiful redwood deck, covered by massive redwood trees. This location is truly a magical place that is perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement.
No. 13 – Castaway PDX
No. 13 – Castaway PDX – Castaway is a large warehouse that was built in 1929 which features beautiful large wrap-around windows and high ceilings. It is located in NW Portland, on the edge of the Pearl District, is surrounded by colorful industrial buildings, and has a great view of the Fremont Bridge. In the back is a patio and garden that can be used for an outdoor event, and backs up to an adorable plant shop, Pomarius Nursery. Castaway also owns a chef-inspired event space that is a little more intimate and located on the other side of the Nursery called Blockhouse.
No. 12 – Coopers Hall
No. 12 – Coopers Hall – Coopers Hall is an urban winery located in central SE Portland dedicated to wine on tap. It is an industrial space that boasts very tall ceilings and a ton of natural light, creating a warm and modern ambiance. This venue has a large main room that can accommodate up to 225 guests, a smaller barrel room that can hold up to 70, and a mezzanine that can be used for a variety of activities. After having a drink at the huge bar, taking a photo near the wine barrels provides a unique backdrop of the day.
No. 11 – Polaris Hall
No. 11 – Polaris Hall – Polaris Hall is located in NE Portland, just behind Killingsworth St and off Mississippi Ave. This classic spot was built in 1930 by Odd Fellows and is now an event space and music hall. I’ve spent many nights watching concerts here and just love its unique old charm! The venue has a great suite for the bride to get ready in, the main level ballroom with a bar to hold the reception, and a bottom level that could be used for a number of wedding activities or events. The venue is filled with tons of natural light, providing plenty of fun spots for portraits inside, outside, and surrounding streets.
No. 10 – Bridal Veil Lakes
No. 10 – Bridal Veil Lakes – Bridal Veil Lakes is one of my favorite locations to photograph at. Nestled in the lush forest, just outside of Portland, this venue is truly a magical wonderland. Each part of the wedding day is set up in a different area of the grounds, so you really get to see the location from all angles! I love how the guests can wander from location to location as if it were their own secret space in nature. To top the evening off, there is a spot that looks over the Columbia Gorge, which provides a breathtaking sunset viewpoint.
No. 9 – Victorian Belle Mansion
No. 9 – Victorian Belle Mansion – The Victorian Belle Mansion is one of my favorites from this list. Tucked away in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland. The mansion is so beautiful and elegant with a bit of quirky charm, making it a perfectly unique location. The gardens surrounding the mansion are so gorgeous and lush, creating a variety of colorful backdrops. The garden is why I love this place. The thousands of twinkle lights illuminate the venue at night, making it a truly magical location. Portland weather can be unpredictable so this venue sports a giant gazebo fit for a dance party or plan B in the case of rain.
No. 8 – Abigail’s Hideaway
No. 8 – Abigail’s Hideaway – Abigail’s Hideaway is nestled in the middle of Downtown Portland, and is definitely hidden from the hustle and bustle of the streets. The hideaway is located on the rooftop of The Duniway Hotel and is perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement! The gorgeous hotel bar is also connected to the Jackrabbit restaurant, allowing the opportunity and option to host a cocktail hour there or rent space for the reception. At any rate, if you are looking for an edgy and lush outdoor location, this venue is worth checking out!
No. 7 – Ironlight
No. 7 – Ironlight – Ironlight is located in Lake Oswego, just outside of the Portland area. This venue has both inside and outside options for your special day and can welcome up to 250 seated guests inside. Wood design elements and large windows are found throughout the venue creating plenty of natural light. My favorite part of this venue is the 2 separate rooftop terraces with great views of the surrounding area, creating a perfect setting for cocktail hour or the reception.
No. 6 – Easton Broad
No. 6 – Easton Broad – The Easton Broad is a sleek modern venue located in NE Portland, just blocks from the Moda Center. Huge floor to ceiling walls creates a ton of natural light and adds a feeling of warmth to the venue. The reclaimed wood and subway tiles lend to the industrial feel. This location provides an open layout and can accommodate up to 220 guests.
No. 5 – Black Pearl on the Columbia
No. 5 – Black Pearl on the Columbia – Located across the river in Washougal, WA, Black Pearl On The Columbia is a modern industrial space, perfect as a blank canvas for your wedding. This venue has both indoor and outdoor space, with large floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge and a view of Mount Hood. This large venue can accommodate up to 1,000 guests depending on your theme and design. It has a wonderful mezzanine overlooking the first floor and a wrap-around deck for more activities.
No. 4 – The Evergreen
No. 4 – The Evergreen – The Evergreen is located in one of the beautiful and unique historic buildings of Central SE Portland. It boasts original architecture and floors, with several skylights and oversized windows, allowing natural light to take over the venue. Guests are greeted by the wrap-around bar on the main floor. If that’s not enough, the venue is also located above two well-known restaurants/bars, Loyal Legion and Voysey, so you won’t have to search too far to find the after-party! The Evergreen can accommodate anywhere between 25-350 guests comfortably. There are also several built-in hanging points for displaying anything ( up to 250 lbs) your heart desires, may it be flowers, hanging cake, or even a circus act!
No. 3 – Ainsworth House & Gardens
No. 3 – Ainsworth House & Gardens – The Ainsworth House & Gardens is located in the historic town of Oregon City. The house is large and boasts a lovely ambiance, but the real treasure rarely goes unnoticed. A giant pine tree aging over 150 years old creates the perfect backdrop for this location. Most people choose to get married under the tree, and for good reason, because the tree is so special, it’s protected by the state! The venue is pretty large and has the most beautiful landscape offering a variety of backdrops. The venue includes nearly everything for your special day, from allowing outside catering, to providing a wedding coordinator.
No. 2 – Portland’s White House
No. 2 – Portland’s White House – Located in Portland’s historic Irvington district this luxurious B&B is perfect for a small intimate wedding. Built-in 1911, this elegant home was built for a wealthy lumber baron and his family. This venue boasts a beautiful grand entry staircase and a courtyard perfect for photographs. Portland’s White House takes out most of the hard planning and includes amazing fine dining catering, and a 2 night stay for the couple in one of the fabulous guest suites.
No. 1 – The Griffin House
No. 1 – The Griffin House – Topping this list of 25 Most Unique Wedding Venues in Portland is The Griffin House. This is a magnificent venue perched on the cliffs above the Columbia River Gorge. Located in Hood River, about an hour’s drive from Portland, this breathtaking location has both the scenery and space to accommodate up to 200 guests for your wedding. This venue has more than just an epic view, it comes with 3 different lawns for your wedding activities, a beautiful terrace for cocktail hour, and bridal suites located inside the house. This is the perfect outdoor venue for your wedding!
Thanks for reading! I hope you have enjoyed this list of the top 35 Most Unique Wedding Venues in Portland and the surrounding areas! If you would like to read more about my favorite venues in Oregon, for venues further away from the Portland area, visit my blog HERE!
