20 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Venues in Portland

Six months of the year Portland is a rainy, down right gloomy place but when summer time hits the sunshine lights up the city and warms my soul. I’ll take any chance to be outside and as a wedding photographer there’s nothing I love more than natural light and beautiful spaces. With so much rain, the wedding scene is well prepared for indoor wedding ceremonies and there are so many beautiful halls to get married in. If you’re like me though and you love sunshine, here’s a list of some of the best outdoor wedding venues (and places that have outdoor ceremony options) in the Portland, Oregon area (updated for 2024).

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Exchange Ballroom

Eastside Exchange, 123, NE 3rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 9 minutes.

The Eastside Ballroom is located on the east side of the Willamette River and it’s Cascade Rooftop over looks the Downtown Portland skyline. If the weather is right, the rooftop makes for the perfect setting for your Portland wedding. The rooftop can accommodate 150 people and works great for smaller ceremonies or cocktail hours. Afterwards you and your guests can transition into the Exchange Ballroom for an evening of fun.

(503) 334-8624

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Ecotrust Rooftop Terrace

721 NW 9th Ave. Suite 20
Portland, OR 97209
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 9 minutes.

Another rooftop wedding venue because who doesn't love a rooftop? The Eco Trust Rooftop Terrace is a beautiful setting for smaller events but can also accommodate up to 150 people for a ceremony and dinner or 225 for a cocktail style reception. There's a wood burning fireplace, a wet bar, and an indoor atrium. On top of all that you will also be supporting a wedding venue with a social and environmental mission.

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Blockhouse

1988 NW 18th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 10 minutes.

Blockhouse is an intimate event space somewhere between secret garden and private greenhouse. If you’re planning on a smaller wedding, depending on your event style, Blockhouse can accommodate 48 people but can increase to 60 people for fully seated events and 75 for cocktail style. There is also the option of adding more space by renting the beautiful Pomarius Nursery next door. If you love plants and want a wedding focused on intimately connecting with your guests, Blockhouse is for you.

(971) 271-7636

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Crystal Springs Rhododenron Garden

5801 SE 28th Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 12 minutes.

Crystal Springs is a favorite place of mine. In the Spring my niece and I walk to feed the ducks and look for cute little ducklings. The gardens also make for a lovely wedding venue. Ceremonies at the garden can take place on the meadow overlooking Crystal Lake or in the woodland site surrounded by old growth rhododendrons.

Check out photos from a Crystal Springs Rhododendron wedding here.

(503) 975-6743

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Lewis and Clark College

0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd.
Portland, OR 97219
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 12 minutes.

Named one of America’s most beautiful campuses, Lewis and Clark College is an incredible Portland wedding venue. The Fir Acres Estate Gardens, with it’s wisteria arbor terrace and reflection pool, are beautifully landscaped and remind me of something right out of a 20th century period piece.

(503) 768-7000

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Peninsula Park

700 N Rosa Parks Way
Portland, OR 97217
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 13 minutes.

Peninsula Park is Portland's oldest rose garden and with it's historic gazebo makes a beautiful location for a simple outdoor wedding ceremony Portland. Both the rose garden and the gazebo are available for a 2 hour rental through the Parks & Recreation Department. Following your ceremony, have your reception at one of the park's picnic sites or take your reception to one of Portland's many tasty restaurants.

Check out photos from a Peninsula Park Wedding here.

(503) 823-2525

Website

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Waverley Country Club

1100 SE Waverly Dr.
Portland, OR 97222
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 14 minutes.

I've never wanted to take up golf more than when I first saw the grounds at Waverley Country Club. The club has one of the nicest stretches of riverfront property there is in Portland and what better place to enjoy it than by celebrating your wedding there on a warm summer evening. Waverley offers a classic, elegant aesthetic with a crisp-white clubhouse, stunning interiors, and professional club-level service.

(503) 654-6521

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Photo Credit: Waverley Country Club

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Rossi Farms

3839 NE 122nd Ave
Portland, OR 97230
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 15 minutes.

Rossi Farms is a fifth generation working farm located within Portland city limits. The farm features a beautiful barn that doubles as a reception hall and indoor ceremony site, as well as a large lawn, and vintage homestead homes.

(503) 253-5571

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Cathedral Park

6635 N Baltimore Ave.
Portland, OR 97203
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 16 minutes.

What better way to get married in Bridge City than under one of it’s most iconic spans. Cathedral City Park is located on the eastern banks of the Willamette River underneath the St. John’s Bridge. Named after the gothic cathedral-like arches, the park is a unique and popular wedding location. Couples have their choice of exchanging vows on the steps below the bridge or in the amphitheater on the edge of park.

(503) 823-7529

Website

Unfortunately the staircase and deck at Cathedral Park are unavailable in 2024 due to bridge construction.

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Leach Botanical Garden

6704 SE 122nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97236
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 23 minutes.

Once the residence of a local botanist and pharmacist couple, this 16 acre property was left to the City of Portland. Today the garden is home to many northwest native plants and is the perfect place for your garden wedding. Outdoor ceremonies take place on the East Terrace next to the beautiful Carriage House.

(503) 823-1671

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Outdoor Wedding Venues near Portland

If you’re open to traveling outside of the immediate Portland metro area the options for wedding venues with outdoor ceremony setups are wide open. You can pretty much take your pick of Oregon landscapes within an hour drive of the city. Whether you’re looking to tie the knot under a canopy of trees, say I do in front of Mt. Hood, or exchange vows on a farm the possibilities are endless. These are my favorite wedding venues outside of Portland with beautiful outdoor setups.

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Langdon Farms

24377 Airport Rd. NE #3
Aurora, OR 97002
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 23 minutes.

I don’t often think of golf courses when I consider wedding venues but Langdon Farms is so much more than the location for your next tee time. As a wedding venue, Langdon Farms has multiple outdoor ceremony locations to pick from. Their Orchard location has an old Sycamore tree to provide shade on a summer day and features a rustic, white barn. Langdon Farms is a bit of countryside just outside of the city.

(503) 776-5211

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Abernethy Center

606 15th St.
Oregon City, OR 97045
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 24 minutes.

Abernethy Center has it all. The venue has two beautiful garden spaces for outdoor weddings, a classic white wedding chapel, and an elegant ballroom to boot. Abigail’s Garden features a white gazebo underneath a beautiful weeping willow and a spacious reception tent. The Veiled Garden and Abernethy Chapel are great options to consider as well.

Check out photos from an Abernethy Center wedding here.

(503) 722-9400

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Vernonia Springs

54658 Nehalem Hwy S
Vernonia, OR 97064
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 40 minutes.

Vernonia Springs is a private park, glamping campground, and beautiful wedding venue all in one. It’s the perfect setting for a wedding weekend with friends and family. The large property has hiking trails, a small lake, plenty of yurts, and of course all you need to have a wedding ceremony and reception.

Check out photos from a Vernonia Springs wedding here.

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Bridal Veil Lakes

Henderson Rd.
Corbett, OR 97019
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 40 minutes.

Old growth forests, lush greenery, wildflowers, and a spring fed lake. Bridal Veil Lakes is a serene, dreamy, wedding venue that feels like a summer getaway in the countryside. Your guests are going to love this enchanting spot. Oh, did I mention there are canoes?!

(503) 981-3695

Website | Facebook

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Wonser Woods Estate

24250 S Raney Ln
Estacada, OR 97023
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 43 minutes.

Wonser Woods Estate is 622 acres of Oregon natural beauty. The venue can do it all from intimate indoor weddings to large outdoor celebrations. The estate has several outdoor ceremony options from beautiful lawns, rose gardens, or acres of Christmas Trees and wine grapes. Take advantage of their massive outdoor tent and their outdoor fire pit for your evening reception under the starry sky.

(503) 260-3703

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Clackamas River Farm

26700 SE Samuels Rd.
Eagle Creek, OR 97022
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 44 minutes.

Clackamas River Farm is, you guessed it, on the banks of the Clackamas River. The 45 acres of peaceful property has a 130 year old Victorian Farmhouse, a big red barn, and a garden full of flowers. The venue only books one event per weekend leaving couples ample time to setup and enjoy the property.

(503) 784-9965

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Cape Horn Estate

81 Woodard Creek Rd.
Stevenson, WA 98648
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 45 minutes.

Ceremonies at Cape Horn Estate take place beneath a beautiful stone arch that frames the dramatic cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. Receptions take place on their lush lawn surrounded by colorful hydrangeas and greenery. The venue has both indoor and outdoor options available in the event of weather.

See more wedding photos from Cape Horn Estate here.

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The Oregon Garden

879 W Main St.
Silverton, OR 97381
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 55 minutes.

The Oregon Garden is an 80 acre botanical garden with 20 themed specialty gardens sure to provide beautiful backdrops for your outdoor wedding. Beyond the manicured gardens, the venue features a classic white gazebo, a beautiful refurbished barn, and ballroom. The Bosque and Market Garden spaces perfect for summer ceremonies and magical evening receptions.

(503) 874-8100

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The Griffin House

The Griffin House, Westcliff Dr.
Hood River, OR 97031
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 58 minutes.

Wedding ceremonies at The Griffin House take place on the spacious lawn with sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge below. The property has a beautiful house for getting ready and the large lawn accommodates a covered tent for receptions.

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Noble Ridge Tree Deck

1212 Snag Mountain Rd.
Washougal, WA 98671
Drive time from Downtown Portland: 1 hour and 9 minutes.

Holy smokes this place is cool! If you love the Redwood Deck at the Hoyt Arboretum but were hoping to have a ceremony with more guests, this is your spot. Following your forest ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy the view from the wedding lawn before transitioning back to the deck for an evening in the treetops. Since the the deck is at 2500’ elevation their event season is mostly limited to July through September.

(360) 772-1478

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Additional Wedding Resources

Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

Portland Engagement Photo Locations

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About Chris Brodell

I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade and I love what I do. Documenting milestone moments in my client’s lives is such a rewarding job and I love sharing my experience and resources whether it’s about wedding venues, timeline tips, or fun things to do in Portland.

My wedding coverage starts at $3600. Check out my wedding packages here.

Mention this article and receive $200 off your photography at any Portland wedding venue.

Check out more of my wedding photos or learn more about me here.

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Complete the form below with any questions you might have

Cannon Beach Elopement Guide

I put together a comprehensive guide on where, when, and how to elope at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast (Updated for 2023). Intimate weddings and adventure elopements are becoming more popular these days but picking your special place and coordinating how to do it isn’t always easy. There are so many wonderful, beautiful places to elope in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest but none easier than Cannon Beach. Below you will find some location tips for your Cannon Beach wedding ceremony, recommendations for what times are best, and suggestions for places to celebrate afterwards.

Learn more about my elopement photography packages here and see more of my wedding work here.

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Cannon Beach Elopement Packages

4 hours: $2800| 6 hours: $3200

6 hours + Essentials (Bouquet, etc.): $4000

Unlimited photography planning and consultation for your day.

Includes my travel to and from Portland.

Final, Edited High Resolution Digital Files and Full Printing Rights.

Book Now

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Where to elope at Cannon Beach

CHAPMAN POINT

This is one of my favorite places to elope at Cannon Beach. Located on the northern stretch of the beach, across from Ecola Creek, is Chapman Point. Depending on the tide you can access the cove at the tip of Chapman Point which can be a quiet place for your ceremony. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scramble up the rocks and have your ceremony on the bluff above. There is a small parking lot with a restroom on 5th St and for closer access to the point there is a small amount of street parking on Oak St. Thanks to its distance from the more popular areas of Cannon Beach, Chapman Point can sometimes be a little less busy.

HAYSTACK ROCK

The focal point of Cannon Beach is undoubtedly Haystack Rock and what better place to get married than at the base of it. Getting close to the mammoth sea stack is a short walk from either the town of Cannon Beach or a slightly longer walk from Tolovana. Both of these areas have ample parking and access to restrooms. The most convenient public parking is located at the intersection of S. Hemlock St. and E. Gower Ave. Once parked you can walk down Gower Ave. to Ecola Ct. and get right on the beach. To get even closer to the big rock you can head further south down S. Hemlock St. but services (parking and restrooms) are tricky.

SILVER POINT

At the southern end of Cannon Beach is a location called Silver Point. It’s a rocky stretch of beach with a smaller, yet still impressive sea stack. This part of the beach is definitely not as popular as the other spots and is a little tricky to access but it could be the perfect place for your elopement. Use Google Maps to find a side street that has access to the beach otherwise be prepared for a long walk on the beach from Tolovana.

HUG POINT

This isn’t technically Cannon Beach but it does deserve a mention. Drive south down Highway 101 about 10 minutes and you'll find a small state park called Hug Point. It’s a beautiful rocky part of the coast with craggy ledges and coastal caves. There is a small parking lot that fills up fast in the Summer months and restrooms are on site too.

Ecola State Park

The view from Ecola State Park is breathtaking (and if you’re a fan of the Goonies probably familiar). It looks down on to Crescent Beach with Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock in the distance. Depending on the size of your elopement and what you’re looking for it could be great. There is a decent sized parking lot that is $5 for the whole day. Unfortunately due to erosion some of the lookouts and several of the trails are closed.

Bonus Locations and TIPS

When you hire me to photograph your Cannon Beach Elopement, you will receive a full list of North Oregon Coast locations which includes photos and videos of each ceremony location, info about accessibility, and other helpful tips.

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When to have your ceremony

The best time to elope at Cannon Beach is definitely during the week and in the morning or early evening. Cannon Beach in the Summer is a busy place and unless you want your wedding party to include hundreds of out-of-towners it’s best to stick to the weekdays. Exchanging your vows in the morning or early evening can work lovely for photos too as light is at it’s best. Be sure to check sunrise and sunset times and work with your photographer to pick the best time for photos.

Another important thing to keep in mind is what the ocean will be doing when you’re out there. Be sure to check the weather forecast as well as tide tables. At low tide you can access some pretty great places especially near Haystack Rock and Chapman Point but conditions can change quick so be safe out there!

Weather

The Oregon Coast can be a wet place. All that moisture is what makes Oregon so lush and magical (did you know there are 238 waterfalls in Oregon?!). It also means that there is a good chance your wedding vows may get a little soggy. Embrace it! If you’re looking for sunny beach weather, you might not get it. However, picking a wedding date in July, August, or September will probably increase your chances of sunshine. These are the driest, warmest months of the year but also the most popular. If you do luck out and get a sunny day, avoid having your ceremony in the afternoon when light is at its strongest. Nobody wants squinty photos in hard light and on a warm sunny day that sand gets hot!

Cannon Beach Wedding Permits

Unless you’re planning on having a big wedding ceremony (more than 50 guests) you probably won’t need a special use permit for your Cannon Beach elopement. Most intimate gatherings that don’t prohibit the public from also accessing the area are in the clear. That being said review the rules by Oregon State Parks and see if they may apply to you and your wedding.

If you plan to use tables, chairs, or any structures that require assembly with nails or screws you will need a permit. However, if you work with an expert like Pacific Coast Floral Design they can help design a ceremony structure that may not need a permit.

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Cannon Beach Wedding Photos

Check out some of my recent work and get inspired for your wedding!

Sunrise Elopement

Hug Point Elopement

Beach House Wedding

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Vendor Recommendations

Cannon Beach and the Portland metro have some amazing wedding vendors from hair and makeup artists, florists, and officiants. Below are some of my personal favorites who are sure to make your day beautiful and stress free.

Cannon Beach Wedding Officiants

You may have the perfect, most well spoken friend who comes to mind immediately when thinking about your wedding day. That’s so awesome! Alternatively, you might want a professional to take care of all the logistics. Zachary of Old Ways Ceremonies, Carolyn of Oregon Beach Ceremonies, and Emily of Rooted and Wild are all wonderful officiants who help couples create ceremonies that are authentic and unique. They’re well-versed in elopements, the Oregon Coast, and Oregon marriage law.

Cannon Beach Wedding Hair and Makeup

The Union Knot is a full service bridal salon that specializes in bridal hair and makeup. They’ll have you looking your best on your wedding day.

Tiffanie Chante' is also a very experienced hair and makeup artist located in Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach Florists

Nicole at Pacific Coast Floral Design makes incredible bridal bouquets inspired by the Oregon Coast. They offer a variety of beautiful, colorful, and fun arrangements for your day. Her team can also assist you with wedding ceremony structures.

Robin of Anderson Florists is located in Tillamook but works in the Cannon Beach area regularly. She can provide bridal bouquets for elopements or full service floral design for larger beach weddings.

Cannon Beach Wedding Catering & Dining

After your perfect day at the beach you’ll probably be hungry and ready to celebrate over a good meal and drinks.

For smaller elopements and micro weddings, I highly recommend The Bistro in Cannon Beach. Chef Jack and JJ are the sweetest people to work with and make incredibly tasty food.

If you want to stay on the beach for a smaller meal or if you are interested in a full-service intimate dinner at your beach house rental, Sage Bleu Catering can work with you to create an unforgettable experience.

Don’t forget desert! For more traditional Cannon Beach weddings or for some elopement sweets, check out Cannon Beach Bakery. They are a full service bakery that’s been operating for over 80 years.

Cannon Beach Hotels

Thinking about staying the night or making a weekend out of it?

If you’re looking for a romantic place to unwind, here are a few places that are worth checking out:

• The Ocean Lodge

• Surfsand Resort

• Inn at Cannon Beach (Bunnies! So. Many. Bunnies.)

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Additional Resources

Still not convinced that Cannon Beach is the place for you? Check out some other locations and tips on when and how to elope in Oregon.

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About Chris Brodell

I’m a wedding and elopement photographer located in Portland, Oregon. I photograph weddings and elopements in both the Pacific Northwest and the SF Bay Area in a candid and photojournalistic style and create images that are full of love, light, and vivid colors. To learn more about pricing and my approach, visit my adventure elopement photography packages below or complete the contact form.

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Now Booking 2023 Cannon Beach Elopements

Complete the form below and I will get back to you within 24 hours. Please let me know if your date is fixed or flexible and I can share my availability with you. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Best Places to Propose in Portland

Portland is full of beautiful and romantic spots perfect for popping that big question. Whether you and your loved one live in Portland or you’re just visiting for the weekend, these are some of the best places to propose in Portland, Oregon. From unique city parks to scenic viewpoints, one of these locations is sure to inspire your marriage proposal plans.

Where to Propose in Portland

1. Redwood Deck

The Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful wooden deck surrounded by tall trees and nature. The deck is relatively private, depending on the season and day of the week, and makes for an intimate and peaceful place in the forest. It’s the perfect place to go for an easy nature walk and take a break and pop the question on the deck.

To get a sense of the space, check out this small wedding I photographed there.

2. Rose Garden 

Like the Redwood Deck, this location is also in Portland’s Washington Park. The International Rose Test Garden is home to a huge amount of roses, more than 10,000 blooms! Typically the garden is in bloom from May to October. Just about anywhere here would make for a romantic proposal but keep in mind that this is a popular destination among tourists so you might end up in a few tourist photos.

Cathedral Park under the St. Johns Bridge

3. Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park, located under the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland, is one of the more unique city parks in the city. The bridge columns create such a cool atmosphere with scale and depth.

Unfortunately due to bridge construction the staircase and deck may be impacted throughout 2022. I’d recommend visiting the park before moving forward with your plans.

4. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

This garden and city park is one of my favorite parks nearby and one of my favorite wedding venues in Portland. It’s 9.5 acres are full of Pacific Northwest flora and fauna and the space is perfect to find a private little nook to propose.

Photo credit: Portland Aerial Tram

5. Portland Aerial Tram

In practice this one might be a little tricky but I think it’s worth the mention just because it’s fun. The Portland Aerial Tram goes between the OHSU medical campuses and treats travelers to beautiful views of the city and Mt. Hood. It’s a four minute trip so you’ve got to be quick!

Unfortunately the tram is closed currently due to covid.

6. Holman Swim Dock

The Holman Dock is located just south of the Hawthorne Bridge and can be accessed via the Eastbank Esplanade. It’s a great spot to get down to the water and have the twinkly city lights from downtown set the romantic mood.

7. Portland Spirit

Set sail on the Willamette River with a sightseeing or dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit.

Want something a little more private on the river? Book a Yacht Tub…it’s a hot tub boat.

Foggy sunrise on Mt. Tabor in Southeast Portland

8. Mt Tabor

Mt Tabor Park is natural gem in the middle of Southeast Portland with dense forested areas and nice views of the city at the top. What I also love about Mt Tabor is that you can find your own little quiet spot to have a picnic and propose.

9. Portland City Grill or Departure

For that classic restaurant proposal with city views, Portland City Grill is the perfect spot. It’s located on the 30th floor of Big Pink in Downtown Portland. Another option is the rooftop of Departure.

10. Waterfall Proposal

Multnomah Falls is the largest waterfall in Oregon and probably the first waterfall that comes to mind as a breathtaking spot for a waterfall proposal. It’s a popular attraction though but definitely worth considering if you're ok with a few onlookers.

Latourell Falls isn’t too far away from Multnomah Falls but often feels a lot less busy. The coolest thing about Latourell is it’s an easy walk from the parking area and you can walk right up to the bottom of the falls for a misty, windy, romantic marriage proposal.

"Abiqua Falls, Oregon" by Thomas Shahan 3 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Abiqua Falls is located about 1.5 hours outside of Portland and it’s truly a unique experience. Getting down to the waterfall usually involves a bit of rappelling down a rope but once you’ve arrived you’ll be in a breathtaking rock amphitheater.

Marriage Proposal at Hug Point State Recreation Area

11. Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a magical place and a favorite weekend destination for many Portlanders. There are countless beaches and scenic viewpoints that I think would work great as the setting for your marriage proposal. Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park, or Hug Point are just a few places near Cannon Beach that would be perfect.

Check out some photos from this Hug Point proposal I helped coordinate.

12. Vista House

The Vista House is a beautiful location and has sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge.

13. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Each Spring the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm transforms into a scene straight out of Holland with fields full of colorful tulips and if you’re lucky a view of Mt. Hood. They even have a wooden windmill too. It’s a beautiful place to visit and a perfect spot to propose. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop a ride on a hot air balloon and propose in mid air!

14. Mt Hood 

Trillium Lake is one of the most easiest viewpoints to access, at least in the summer months.

Timberline Lodge puts you higher up on the mountain and provides a great place for celebratory meal afterwards.

If you and your partner are hikers, you can get stunning views of Mount Hood from the Timberline Trail near the Top Spur trailhead.

Portland Proposal Ideas

While any of the above Portland locations would make for a beautiful place to propose, I think the best location is the one that is most meaningful to you and your partner. Maybe that location is at your favorite park or maybe it’s just in your own backyard.

Proposal picnic setup on Cannon Beach

1. Plan a picnic

Many of these Portland places would work great for a picnic spot. Team up with your friends or family to set up a little magical spot beforehand and put together some of you and your partners favorite snacks. “Stumble” upon it while you’re taking a neighborhood walk and I’m sure your partner will love it.

2. Revisit your first date

A great proposal idea is to revisit your first date location. Head to that coffee shop where you first met, your old high school, etc. If you met out of state, try to include significant pieces that remind you of that first impression.

3. Take a hike

If you and your partner love the outdoors, you probably also love hiking to scenic vistas and taking in the view. Luckily in the Pacific Northwest we have no shortage of impressive nature nearby. You could include a picnic in this one too or even include your friends and family all waiting at the viewpoint when you arrive.

4. Scavenger hunt

If you’re feeling a bit more creative, design a scavenger hunt around the city that your partner will enjoy solving or include their friends and assorted activities along the way which all lead back to you.

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Portland Proposal Photographer

Need some help documenting your perfect Portland marriage proposal? Contact me and we can work together. Since proposals are a unique, personal experience I recommend you come ready with a plan. I’m then happy to provide feedback as it relates to photography.

Getting Married in Portland, Oregon

Congratulations! If you’re reading this you probably just got engaged and are stepping foot into the exciting and overwhelming world of wedding planning. It’s a lot to take in at once so I put together this useful guide to getting married in Portland, Oregon. I hope it helps to answer questions and provide tips on when to book your wedding venue, Portland wedding vendor recommendations, where your out-of-town guests should stay, how to organize your wedding timeline and family groupings, and so much more.

Think I missed something or have a question? Use the contact form below and I’ll help any way that I can.

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When to book your venue and hire your wedding vendors

Wedding Venues in Portland

Choosing your wedding venue and booking a date for your wedding is the first thing you should start to think about. If you have a date in mind for your wedding you will want to make sure that there are wedding venues available. Many venues will be booked at least a year or two in advance so make sure you keep that in mind when choosing your date.

Since it’s more common to have a wedding on a Saturday or Sunday some wedding venues may offer discounts for weekday weddings and have greater availability.

Getting married at a city park or other city managed properties may also be cheaper than a traditional wedding venue.

These are some of my favorite outdoor wedding venues in Portland. I’m also a big fan of backyard house weddings.

Photographers

Once you have your wedding date set and your venue picked you can begin to reach out to other wedding vendors to see if they have your date available. As a wedding photographer, I’m usually booked within 6 months to 1 year of a wedding date but sometimes I’ll have events booked 2 years in advance. Every booking season is a little different so it’s always a good idea to connect with vendors early and start exploring the next steps. Here is a list of questions to ask your photographer. You can view my wedding photography work here.

Portland Wedding Planners

I love working with wedding planners! They are such a great part of the team and I’ve seen how helpful they can be for couples in planning their day. Hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator lets you enjoy your day without having to manage a thing.

EJP Events

Portland Wedding Videographers

Chase with Forest & Ivory Films creates beautifully cinematic wedding videos.

Portland Florists

Jordan with Blum Floral Design is super nice and designs beautiful floral arrangements.

Portland Wedding Officiants

Emily with Rooted & Wild works with you to plan a wedding ceremony that is full of intention and true to you and your partner.

Portland Wedding Catering

Wedding food doesn’t have to be boring.

White Pepper

Pearl Catering

While you’re planning out your reception, how cool would it be to have a bartender serve your guests drinks out of an old milk truck? Booze Trucks can totally do that.

Portland Wedding DJ

Having a great DJ / MC that keeps the evening rolling and the dance moves coming makes all the difference. Spencer or DJ Crum strikes a great balance between keeping the party going but not stealing the show by hopping on the mic all the time. He has loads of great reviews too!

Desserts

Johannah at Dreamcakes makes some beautifully delicious wedding cakes. Follow her on Instagram and you’ll get hooked.

Not going the traditional wedding cake route? The Pips Mobile doughnut truck is the best!

Wedding Attire

A&BÉ Bridal Shop has a handful of shops around the country with stellar reviews.

Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit that resells gently used wedding dresses for charity.

The Black Tux is a great place for a suit rental in Portland. If you can’t visit their showroom they also have the option for home try-on.

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Should we take Engagement Photos?

Taking engagement photos is a great way for you and your partner to get comfortable being in front of the camera and for you to get to know your wedding photographer. The photos themselves can also be used to announce the day to friends and family. One way that people do this is to send out Save the Dates. These are typically sent 6 months before the wedding day which means if you want to do an engagement session you should schedule that with enough time to get your photos back and printed before you have to mail your Save the Dates out.

My normal turn around from engagement shoot to final edited photos is 3 to 4 weeks and I’m always happy to turn around a handful of images for you to pick from if you are in a hurry and short on time.

Booking an engagement session is of course not a requirement to build rapport with your wedding photographer and get great wedding photos. I meet many of my clients for the first time on their wedding day and still get great photos.

Check out my list of great Portland engagement photo locations. These are some of my favorite spots for sessions in town.

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Portland Hotels where wedding guests should stay

Here are 3 cool hotels that are right downtown and sure to be fun spots for your guests to hangout.

The Hoxton

Woodlark Hotel

Ace Hotel

What to do in Portland with your wedding guests

Portland is full of fun things to do during their stay whether your wedding guests are into the outdoors and nature or ready to fill their bellies with fantastic food and drinks.

The internet is full of trip itineraries that hit all of the hot spots like Powell’s, Voodoo Donuts, Multnomah Falls, etc. I made a post about things to do in Portland.

Rehearsal Dinner Restaurants in Portland

Portland is pretty well known for it’s food scene and a lot of great restaurants have spaces for rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding private events. Check out these for your rehearsal dinner:

Serratto

Departure

Cooper’s Hall

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When and How to get a Marriage License in Portland

Multnomah County (the county that Portland is in) issues licenses for ceremonies that take place anywhere within the State of Oregon. Normally licenses need to be arranged in person at least 3 days before your wedding date but due to Covid licenses can be arranged via mail. Your license is valid for 60 days.

If you won’t be in the Portland area prior to your wedding, check with the county clerk where you will be getting married to make sure you know all of their requirements beforehand.

Your officiant will need to return the license to the county within 5 days of the wedding ceremony.

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How to build your wedding day timeline to get the best wedding photos

Seeing as your wedding photos (and video if you’re going that route) are the things that you will have leftover after all the festivities are done, it makes sense to setup your day in a way that gets the nicest results for your photos but also lets you enjoy your day in a stress-free way.

If possible try to have your ceremony in a shady spot so that you and your partner aren’t in the bright, hot sun. This keeps you comfortable and also makes for more flattering photos. Alternatively you can wait until the sun is a little lower and behind your ceremony location.

I work with all my clients to help pick the best time for certain photos and I can be as hand-on as wanted in helping to build your timeline.

Sample Wedding Timeline

I put together a blog post that breaks down each part of the wedding day as it relates to wedding photography. I included how long each of those parts of the day take me and the best time of day for them to take place. Check out this sample wedding timeline and access an editable copy.

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Formal Family Photo Groupings

Below is a list that is by no means comprehensive but serves as a good start for most wedding day family photo groupings. The larger the groupings the longer this time of the day will take. Keep in mind that time has a way of slowing down when people who haven’t seen each other for awhile get together and start catching up. With years and years of experience photographing weddings, I’m comfortable taking charge in a direct but not pushy way to make family portraits happen easily and quickly. I can finish most family photo lists in 20 to 30 minutes.

Example Family Photo List

Partner A with Partner A’s parents

• Add in Partner B

Partner A with Partner A’s siblings (include individuals and all siblings)

Newlywed Couple with Partner A’s immediate family

Partner A with Partner A’s Grandparents

• Add in Partner B

Newlywed Couple with Partner A’s extended family

Partner B with Partner B’s parents

• Add in Partner B

Partner B with Partner B’s siblings (include individuals and all siblings)

Newlywed Couple with Partner B’s immediate family

Partner B with Partner B’s Grandparents

• Add in Partner A

Newlywed Couple with Partner B’s extended family

Newlywed Couple with Officiant

Newlywed Couple with Ring bearer and/or Flower person

Want to access an editable copy of this list? Click here.

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Couple Portraits on your Wedding Day

What if my partner and I aren’t comfortable in front of the camera?

It’s gonna be ok! Most couples feel this way. Being in front of a camera can be a weird place to be and it’s completely normal to feel awkward. I work with all my couples to provide plenty of direction and I never put you in poses that feel super posey or uncomfortable. If you think you might need more practice, an engagement session is a great way to have a trial run. You can also let me know if you have a “better side” or if there are things about yourself that you’re not super comfortable with in photos. We all have those and we’ll work together to get photos you’re into.

How long do couple portraits take on a wedding day?

How much or how little time you spend taking couple portraits on your wedding day is completely up to you. Some couples want multiple round of portraits throughout the day and in different locations. Other couples want to focus on enjoying their time with friends and family. Over the years I’ve gotten really good at maximizing time and shooting great couple portraits in 15 to 20 minutes. To me photographing weddings is a balance between taking beautiful photos and not making your entire day feel like a photoshoot. I never want you to miss out on wedding day moments.

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How long does it take to get wedding photos back?

Following your wedding day I know that you’re excited to tell the world about your day and share photos on social media. This is why I go home and edit a small handful of photos to share with you as a sneak peek within 24 hours. I then deliver your remaining edited wedding photos to you through an online gallery within 3 to 4 weeks of your wedding day. I know that you are excited to see them and I’m excited to share them with you. Waiting 6 to 8 weeks or even longer just doesn’t cut it.

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That’s a wrap.

Phew. That was a lot of info but I hope that it was helpful! As I mentioned above, if you have any questions about any of this info please complete the contact form below and I’d be happy to chat.

Timeline Tips for Getting the Best Wedding Photos

In the months leading up to the big day my clients frequently ask how they can organize their wedding day timelines to get the absolute best from their wedding photos.  Over the many years that I’ve been shooting weddings, I’ve definitely learned a lot along the way. I’ve decided to put together a resource with some tips that I feel are essential to making your wedding photography flow as smoothly as possible and help to provide you with lasting moments that you can look back on for years to come. Please note these suggestions take into account photography coverage lasting anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.

Getting Ready PHOTOS

(Recommended Time: 45 mins to 1 hour)

Getting ready is such a fun part of the day to shoot!  It’s a great opportunity to capture some really nice candid moments of the couple surrounded by their family and friends as they anticipate the day ahead.  This time also helps to re-connect my clients and I to one another and let folks know that I’m there to have fun and help out however I can.  This is also a great time to document all of the details before they've been exposed to the long day.  I love shooting wedding dresses, shoes, bouquets and boutonnieres, programs, and all of the little decorations that you've worked so hard on.

For the best getting ready photos, I recommend picking a well organized room that is basking in natural light.  If you’ve added a second photographer, we’re happy to split up and document both of you during this time.

First Look Photos

(Recommended Time: 15 to 20 minutes)

First looks are super popular these days.  It's an amazing moment to capture candidly and a nice way for the couple to relieve some pre-ceremony jitters.  It also provides the chance to capture the joy of seeing one another for the first time away from all the guests.  It also can help free up your timeline a bit and allow you and your partner to take portraits with family your wedding party before the ceremony. Although first looks are nice they are definitely not necessary, I love shooting the traditional approach too.

Wedding Party Portraits

(Recommended Time: 20 to 25 minutes)

These photos can happen at a number of different times throughout your day.  Depending on where final preparations are happening, these photos can take place once you're all ready to go.  If you opt for a second photographer, we can split up and save time and shoot both sides independently. If you are opting for the first look, these portraits can happen after we've spent some time with just the two of you.  Alternatively, these portraits can also take place after your family portraits and before your reception.

Family Portraits 

(Recommended Time: 30 to 40 minutes)

Formal family portraits are that part of the day that most couples know needs to happen but often fret about how it will happen.  I always encourage couples to set aside anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes for this portion of your day.  If we're able to keep the groupings to an essential minimum (immediate family) then this part of the day can go smoothly and often be wrapped up before our allotted window of time.  I try my best to expedite this process in order to get you and your guests back to celebrating.  Before your wedding day, I'll ask you to provide me with a list of family groupings that are important to document.  More often than not family portraits happen immediately after the ceremony. Keep in mind if you do opt for a first look, family portraits can happen before the ceremony too.

Couple Portraits 

(Recommended Time: 20 to 30 minutes)

Beyond the first look it’s always nice to take some time with you and your partner to shoot some portraits of just the two of you.  Best case scenario is that we are given a minimum of 20 minutes around sunset.  Some couples look at this as a quick mini session that takes place around the venue.  If a couple is looking to create something really special I’m always down to travel nearby to a designated spot to work away from the bustle of the event and really focus on the couple.  Obviously if we travel elsewhere a more generous time window will be needed.

Dance Floor Photos

I love being there when the dance floor opens up and people start to really cut loose and have fun. Taking photos of your friends and family getting low with Lil’ Jon makes my day and my clients are always so pumped to see photos of their grandma on the dance floor. I find that an hour or so of dancing coverage usually does the trick.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

When building your timeline it’s important to think about light and how it will look on your wedding day. I often suggest to check out what time sunset is on your wedding day and build your timeline around that. This helps to ensure that nice golden light (“magic hour”) for your couple portraits. Of course, I’m always flexible when it comes to timeline logistics. If we can’t quite get the timing right, that’s OK. We’ll still get great photos. Depending on your venue and the weather, we might need to make adjustments.

It’s also important to consider light during your ceremony. How does the light hit your ceremony location? Will you and your guests be in bright sun or a mix of half shade and half sun? If you can pick a time when your ceremony takes place in the shade that’s awesome otherwise aim for when the sun is up and behind you and your ceremony location.

Below is a basic summer timeline for 8 hours of wedding photography coverage. For more details and logistics and for an easy to edit wedding day timeline download one from me here.

1:45pm	Photographer arrives	Chris Brodell
2:00pm - 2:30pm	Getting Ready Photos	Photographer
2:30pm - 2:45pm	First Look	Photographer
3:00pm - 3:30pm	Wedding Party Photos	Wedding Party
4:00pm - 4:30pm	Ceremony	Officiant
4:30pm - 5:30pm	Cocktail Hour	Catering
4:30pm -5:10pm	Immediate Family Photos	Photographer
6:20pm	Dinner begins	Catering
7:20pm	Toasts	DJ
8:00pm	Couple portraits	Photographer
8:30pm	Sunset
9:45pm	Photographer departs	Photographer

Every wedding is different and every couple has different priorities.  These are simply some things to think about.  As you begin to plan your wedding day, please don't hesitate to ask me any questions you might have or check out my wedding guide. I want to help you make your day enjoyable and stress free!