With the Cascades to the east and the jaw-dropping Oregon coast to the west, there’s something special about the fruitful space between the slopes of both of these incredible attractions. Though this swath of land known as the Willamette Valley generates lots of (wine) buzz, it’s worth focusing on options contained to the single county of Yamhill. With Portland only about an hour away, the area’s lush offerings are ripe with everything needed for a dreamy wedding, but within reach of the city’s amenities.
The temperate climate mixed with the exceptionally fertile Missoula Floods soil is what provides rewarding conditions for winemakers. The wine glasses do indeed overflow here and there’s enough goodness to go around—especially with the wedding-perfect, wine-centric bucolic settings.
Hardwood trees and conifers alike dot the hilly landscape, while historic old towns throughout—like McMinnville and Newberg—add some variety to the otherwise rural roads that meander through the county. A love for wine might be what brings a couple to consider this area as a wedding destination, but the scenery and local offerings are what will seal the deal.
The Maysara Winery provides wedding accommodations that are straight out of a storybook. With an Old World atmosphere accentuated by cobblestone floors and live-edge wood accents on tables and railings around the property, this space is downright enchanting. Surrounded by more than 500 acres of the Momtazi Vineyard, this standout location in McMinnville is worthy of consideration. Be sure to check out the two balconies on site and note the presence of both bridal and groom suites.
Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn is also in McMinnville and offers nine tasteful guest rooms with breathtaking views. Its event venue on the grounds is an easy fit for weddings, overlooking rolling slopes.“From the moment you arrive, the views will take your breath away,” says Nicolette Bailey, owner of Youngberg Hill.
According to her, the appeal of the region in the fall is largely due to the autumnal color palette, which creates striking natural backgrounds. One of the reasons why couples choose the region for winter weddings, however, is also because of the palette—relatively subdued but popping with vibrant shades of green. Plus, diffused lighting is great for photography.
For anyone wanting to go with rustic aesthetics, there are a variety of simple but picturesque options in the region. Abbey Road Farm in Carlton has transformed grain silos into guest rooms and allows couples to pick any location on its grounds for the ceremony. It also includes plenty of extras with its event packages—even parking attendants!
Whatever you’re envisioning, Yamhill County has it. As a bonus, the local emphasis on agriculture means farm-to-table eating is the norm. You’ll have catering options for these venues (some of which do have an exclusive catering list, but the choices are stellar), which use fresh ingredients and are influenced by Portland’s impressive culinary scene.
If you want to choose a wedding location that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, Yamhill County ensures that guests from anywhere won’t be at a loss for how to spend their time. With area activities ranging from year-round skiing to stellar hiking, your friends and family will be thrilled to have an excuse to explore this pocket of the Pacific Northwest.
A word of advice, though: Embrace the potentially moody weather. If you’re prepared for it, raindrops can make for a lovely backdrop, instead of an inconvenience.
