When you think of “destination wedding,” a warm, sandy beach usually comes to mind. Now, try to picture everyone on your guest list joining you in the tropics—your aunt who hates humidity, your budget-challenged cousin, your food-snob sibling, your antsy dad. As tempting as it is to build your wedding around such a dreamy locale, it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all destination.
But there is a place, right here in Oregon, that offers something for everyone—dreamy backdrop included. It’s the Columbia River Gorge, a region as spectacularly beautiful as it is crowd-pleasing.
“The Gorge is perfect for a destination wedding,” says Debbie Dennis, owner of Hitched in the Hood wedding and event planning in Hood River. “It offers a variety of unique venues with epic mountain and river views. And unlike other popular destinations, it’s easily accessible with only a short drive along the Columbia River from Portland airport.”
With its wide river framed by dramatic basalt cliffs rimmed in evergreens and ribboned with waterfalls, and snow-capped Mount Hood standing tall in the distance, the Gorge definitely deserves its National Scenic Area status. And in addition to all this natural beauty, there is a patchwork of lush rolling hillsides and fertile valleys that are home to some of the most prime farmland and orchards in the West. Scattered through the landscape, you’ll find small towns sporting heaps of historic buildings, excellent food and charming boutiques. It all adds up to options—lots of them—when it comes to finding the perfect venue.
“There is such a range of places where you can get married here,” says Heather Sullivan, wedding planner and proprietor of Love Notes. “You can get married in an orchard, you can get married in a vineyard, you can get married at a historic hotel.”
The grand Skamania Lodge, with its luxe accommodations, full-service spa and sweeping grounds, is one of the most popular options for hosting a big event. But even small-scale parties have plenty of choices in the Gorge. “Sometimes [what’s] most popular is doing elopements at waterfalls,” says Sullivan. “People can hike into a waterfall with a few friends and family and have a dinner reception in downtown Hood River.”
Those who want to dive deep into a farmhouse vibe have tons of choices, too. “The Tin Roof Barn in Husum is really cool,” says Sullivan. The century-old barn opened as an event space just a couple of years ago and it quickly became one of the most popular spots in the area. “I’ve been doing this for 14 years and I don’t know how many people called me wanting a barn. It was something we were really missing.”
Places like Mt. Hood Organic Farms and Mt. View Orchards are working family farms where the fruit trees provide the most bucolic backdrop imaginable. Even better, they might even be growing the ingredients for your menu.
“That’s another aspect about getting married here—everything is so farm to table, even the wine and beer,” says Sullivan.
“It’s definitely an ethic that gets supported in this region,” agrees Ben Stenn, head chef at Celilo Restaurant, which is also one of the area’s top caterers. “It’s a special thing. In some cases, we’ll be at a venue that’s also a functioning orchard. We’ll be in this beautiful area surrounded by fruit trees, and that fruit is on the menu. That’s a one-of-a-kind experience we can [offer] here in the Gorge.”
Another big bonus? A wide range of activities to keep your guests busy, no matter how adventurous—or mellow—they might be.
“There are endless activities for wedding guests,” says Dennis. “There’s wine tasting and beer tasting, tours, and lots of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to rafting.”
Sullivan agrees that this is one of the biggest perks of a destination wedding in the Columbia River Gorge. “I’ve had some couples who said, ‘We were going to get married in Hawaii but there’s just more stuff to do here.’ Plus, it’s not a big travel commitment.”
Just remember, the Gorge isn’t considered the windsurfing capital of the world for nothing. “Wind is a factor, that’s just how it is,” says Sullivan. So, think twice about those adorable little place card holders you found on Pinterest, lest they end up gone with the wind. “Being realistic with your decor is really important. Listen to the advice of your local vendors. They know what works here.”
Gorge Vendor Guide
Catering
Celilo Restaurant: One of Hood River’s most acclaimed restaurants is also one of its most acclaimed caterers. The chefs are dedicated to local farmers and always work within the seasons.
Boda’s Kitchen: This popular gourmet deli and market in downtown Hood River can put together a simple and delicious cheese tray, or cater a full-service sit-down dinner.
Cake
Windflower Cakes: Baker-owner Paula Block, an alum of farm-to-table restaurants such as Chez Panisse, festoons her beautiful, on-trend cakes with fresh flowers and greenery. And she makes everything from scratch, including the fruit preserves and crème fraîche in the fillings.
Flowers
Wildwood Farm: This working farm grows its own flowers and creates beautiful arrangements that have a rustic-chic, free-spirited vibe.
Tammy’s Floral: If you’re going for a highly elegant or traditional look, try Tammy’s. Established in 1932, it’s the oldest and largest florist in the region.
Photography
Blaine and Bethany Photography: This husband-and-wife team is a favorite among the area’s wedding planners. “They’re the kind of people who would hike to a waterfall with you,” says Heather Sullivan of Love Notes event planning.
Party Rentals
Riverhood Rentals: Just about anything you can think of to outfit your reception, you can rent at Riverhood Rentals. Blue-tinted Ball canning jars? Check. Rustic fruit crates? Check. Birdcages and typewriters? Yep, they’ve got those, too.
Event Planning
Union Event Co.: Owner Stephanie Laur leads a committed team at this award-winning event planning company.
Hitched in the Hood: Owner Debbie Dennis had her own wedding in the Gorge, and now specializes in helping others do the same.
Love Notes: Owner Heather Sullivan is a Gorge native, and brings her strong ties and insider knowledge to every event she plans.
Venues
Skamania Lodge: Excellent for large formal weddings as well as small intimate parties, Skamania has a range of places to hold the ceremony, from an amphitheater to a lawn shaded by evergreens.
Tin Roof Barn: This rustic wood barn was built in 1915 but has been revamped into one of the most popular wedding venues in the Gorge. The shady orchards nearby offer even more excellent photo ops.
Bridal Veil Lakes: Here on these lush, private grounds, you can enjoy both the stellar Gorge views and the serene beauty of a mountain lake. There’s even a canoe and a dock, so you and your guests can go for a paddle.
Springhouse Cellar: If you’re going for a slightly rough-urban vibe, you can get it here at this winery in downtown Hood River. It’s situated next to an old cannery and offers a great “romantic ruins” look.
Mt. Hood Organic Farms: Get jaw-dropping views of snowy Mount Hood alongside sweeping farmland at this working farm. The beautiful, well-kept grounds offer everything from orchards to a lake, and there’s even lodging to boot.