Despite its reputation as a city constantly covered in rain clouds, Portland is a stunning place to have an outdoor wedding. And in any weather too – rain or shine, this city has amazing options for wedding venues. I travel to Portland from Tacoma, Washington for weddings, elopements, and engagement sessions a lot, so I’ve come across quite a few favorites when it comes to venues in Portland. (I also have a fantastic network of associate photographers in the area, which gives you more options for travel cost and availability with me as you plan your wedding!) Here are my choices for the top Portland outdoor wedding venues:
Nordia House
Nordia House is Portland’s Nordic cultural center. It has traditional Nordic design elements like floor-to-ceiling windows and natural materials, creating a minimal and elegant look that puts the focus on the outdoor landscape around the main building. They have two indoor halls and a back lawn that can be used for your wedding, which is perfect in a city where the weather can turn quickly! This is a venue to consider using for both the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Capacity: 75-100 on the lawn, 30-50 in the exhibit hall, and 175 in the great hall.
Other Unique Features:
– catering options
– an event planner
– lighting and audio equipment
– a dance floor
– tables and chairs
– bar services
Domaine de Broglie
Technically, this vineyard venue falls outside Portland city limits, so including it on a list of top Portland outdoor wedding venues may be cheating a little. But it’s so beautiful that I couldn’t leave it out! Domaine de Broglie is owned by the Coppola family (yes, that famous movie guy!). It’s located in the Dundee Hills southwest of Portland. Using the vineyard as a backdrop for your outdoor ceremony creates a stunning experience. I love capturing weddings on the grounds here!
Contact the vineyard to get all the details about capacity and what’s included when you book this venue.
Gray Gables Estate
Both the mansion and the grounds at Gray Gables Estate are otherworldly. This is a historic location. The mansion was built in the 20th century, and the gardens are a lush paradise that make any wedding here extra memorable.
Capacity: outdoors, you can have up to 300 people. There is also a ballroom inside!
Other Unique Features:
– on-site chefs to cater your wedding
– flexible weather backup options in case of rain on your outdoor wedding day
Lewis and Clark College
It might seem strange to hold your wedding on a college campus, but Lewis and Clark has two really beautiful venue spaces! You can have your wedding outside in the Estate Gardens, or use the indoor venue, the Agnes Flanagan Chapel. You can get married at this location in the summer or fall, which is especially ideal for outdoor ceremonies. Portland summers are historically fairly mild, which means you’ll get all the sunny weather without extreme heat.
Capacity: the chapel has a limit of 460 people
Other Unique Features:
– a getting-ready suite is available
– a pet-friendly venue!
Leach Botanical Garden
If you’re looking to ditch the urban feel of a city wedding without having to travel far, Leach Botanical Garden is perfect. This venue has an adjoining indoor-outdoor space for your wedding, which is perfect for a Portland wedding in any season. The manor has hardwood floors and open-beamed ceilings, and a set of French doors that lead to the terrace. The terrace features a beautiful trellis and fountain.
Capacity: 45-85 people
Other Unique Features:
– parking available for you and your guests
– a dressing room for the wedding party
– a venue rep will be present for the entirety of your wedding to address any venue-related questions or issues that arise
Lucy’s Garden
This is another venue that isn’t exactly in Portland, but I’d be sad to leave it off the list of top Portland outdoor wedding venues! Lucy’s Garden is in Ridgefield, Washington. It’s an expansive 5-acre venue with beautiful gardens, a gazebo, and a classic red barn.
Capacity: can accommodate over 200
Other Unique Features:
– getting ready/changing spaces for the wedding party
– on-site parking for up to 200 vehicles
– trash disposal service
– yard games setup available for summer weddings
McMenamins Edgefield
Edgefield is a really unique historic venue. Built in 1911, this is a blend of classic McMenamins whimsy and Pacific Northwest vibes. McMenamins has a distillery, brewery, winery, spa, golf course, and movie theater in addition to their event spaces. This venue is about a 25 minute drive from downtown Portland, making it a convenient location for a Portland wedding.
Capacity: between 40-225 depending on the exact event space
Other Unique Features:
– catering
– handcrafted ales and wines exclusive to McMenamins
– flexible location options for both indoor and outdoor weddings
Columbia Gorge Waterfall Elopement
This last recommendation isn’t a traditional Portland outdoor wedding venue. But I’d be remiss not to mention the beauty of a wedding or elopement ceremony held in the Columbia Gorge region. There are dozens of waterfalls tucked away here, and each one of them is gorgeous. Even if you decide to have a traditional wedding at one of these other Portland venues, then steal away with your partner to the Gorge for some alone time or a portrait session the day after, the Columbia Gorge is so worth it to see as part of your wedding experience.
Which of these top Portland outdoor venues do you like best? You can reach out to me here to begin the process of having me capture your day. If you’re looking for more PNW adventure before your wedding, consider an engagement session in Seattle!