The Gorgeous Charms of the Gorge

Stretching over 80 miles west to east from Troutdale to Biggs Junction, Oregon (and from just west of North Bonneville to Maryhill on the Washington side), the Columbia River Gorge is the land that time forgot. A natural wonderland with towering mountain ranges, waterfalls, rich farmland, forests and the steep walls of the gorge itself created from millennia of geological activity, it’s a dramatic backdrop for a wedding. “I’ve traveled all over the world, and there is no place like the gorge,” says Hood River wedding photographer, Jim Semlor. “It’s just grand on every level.” And, just an hour’s drive from Portland and its airport, the area feels like a destination spot without the requisite travel time. From vineyards and farms, to historic hotels, quaint towns, ranches and more, the Columbia River Gorge provides an array of backdrops for a stunningly romantic celebration.

“The gorge bride is a multifaceted bride who loves the outdoors and is down-to-earth,” says Mari-Beth Guenther, owner of Gorge Events in Hood River. “She wants her guests to have a mini-vacation alongside the celebration.” Nationally known for its Columbia River windsurfing, the gorge is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to partake in everything from kayaking to hiking. Leisure is also encouraged with wine tasting at area vineyards, drives along the scenic highway, and exploration of the quaint towns of Hood River and Mosier.

All-Inclusive Reception Sites
Built in 1921, the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River is one of the most popular venues along the gorge. Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Columbia River, the hotel is a historic yet swanky venue for couples looking for some Jazz Age pizzazz complemented by the area’s natural beauty. Trina Serdar, the hotel’s event manager, says the hotel “has been kept to its original grandeur” by restoring and retaining many of the original architectural elements. The hotel accommodates up to 150 guests indoors or 250 guests in one of the spectacular outdoor settings. The Pointe Lawn, a favorite for many brides, has a paved walkway and manicured gardens overlooking the Columbia River and a 208-foot waterfall. For a more intimate ceremony, consider the Valentino Lounge named after the Silent Screen lothario Rudolph Valentino, rumored to have once stayed at the hotel. Along with its richly romantic vibe, Gorge Hotel is also known for its the service-oriented staff and their attention to detail—from personalized menus created at Simon’s Cliff House, the award-winning restaurant, to the hotel’s new spa that provides hair and makeup services for the bridal party.

For a truly unique-to-Oregon wedding, consider the , which showcases its namesake, the spectacular 620-foot, must-see destination waterfall for out-of-town visitors. “The lodge provides a nice place for the aesthetics of the wedding and also entertains guests while they are here,” says general manager Mark Davenport of the variety of hiking and sightseeing opportunities around the falls. A short hike to the Benson Footbridge is an ideal spot where couples can get married in full view of the falls. Back at the lodge, the outdoor wedding space framed by rod-iron fencing on the main plaza has a view of the waterfall and can hold 50 guests. Inside, the Great Room reception area accommodates up to 125 guests. With high vaulted ceilings, rustic stone walls, historic photography from the Pacific Northwest, a large wood burning fireplace and view of Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River, this is truly a Pacific Northwest experience. In addition, the Lodge provides full-service setups, with table and chair rentals and catering from their on-site restaurant, Multnomah Falls Dining Room.When it comes to celebrating in the great outdoors, simplicity is often the best policy. At least this is the policy of (pictured right; photo by ) owner Brady Jacobson, whose 200-acre secluded organic orchard and farm is surrounded by the Mount Hood National Forest and features views of Mount Hood. “It feels a million miles away,” Jacobson says. A working farm since the turn of the 20th century, the farm hosts only one event per day on both Saturday and Sunday, giving guests full rein of its extensive gardens, orchards and water features with many of the original farm buildings now converted into reception areas. Catering and rentals are available on site (outside vendors are welcome as well) with a maximum of 200 guests. When it’s time for the reception feast, consider using the farm’s Apple House that sits on a plateau with Mount Hood in the background. Jacobson loves how weddings at the farm bring people together. “Put people in a natural setting and feed them good food, and you’ve never seen people so happy.” The natural beauty of Mt. Hood Organic Farms lends itself to more minimalist décor, Jacobson says, so couples can achieve their own spectacular vision of a wedding without doing much at all. Nature is in its own element at the farms, a romantic getaway for couples wanting a down-to-earth celebration.Venue variety is not an issue in the gorge as two more favorites can attest. in Underwood, Washington, showcases a spectacular view of Mount Hood and acres of vineyards, orchards and forest. Event areas (for a maximum of 150 guests) are extensive, including a newly renovated traditional winery building, an indoor space with a stone fireplace, an outdoor dance floor, manicured lawns and cobblestone patios—all with a mountain view. , just south of The Dalles, is an elegant wilderness retreat providing a low-key, rustic wedding experience surrounded by Ponderosa pine trees, ponds and Mount Hood. Cedar decking and ledge stone walls complement this mountain romance spot that can accommodate 150 guests outdoors and 75 indoors with camping facilities available.