Portland is a one-of-a-kind city full of moody forests, quirky and creative neighborhoods, industrial-chic spaces, and stunning wedding venues for every kind of celebration. As a Portland wedding photographer, I’ve explored and photographed many wedding locations around the city, and have learned what makes a venue truly unforgettable. Here are some of my favorites, each with beautiful light, endless photo potential, and a variety of styles and amenities.
Why Portland for Your Wedding Location
From historic estates to outdoor venues that put you right in the middle of nature, Portland offers a mix of creativity and charm you won’t find anywhere else. The city’s mild weather (even on its moodier days) comes with that unmistakable PNW atmosphere that just adds a little bit of magic to your wedding day. And with world-class food, craft beer, and eclectic neighborhoods for your guests to wander, you’ve got a wedding destination with it all.
Best Portland Wedding Venues in the City Center
Blockhouse PDX
If you’re looking for both the vibrancy of the city and the serenity of nature, Blockhouse PDX is one of the best wedding venues in Portland, if not all of Oregon. Tucked inside Pomarius Nursery, you’re surrounded by lush greenery and a calm, intimate atmosphere. That said, you’re still in the middle of Slabtown, a neighborhood filled with energy and excitement. Its capacity is 60 guests (120 with the Pomarius Nursery Orangerie), making it perfect for a cozy gathering. Even in winter, the greenhouse is full of life. I’ve photographed several weddings here, including Nikola and Zach’s, where we captured both the downtown skyline and the garden’s dreamy greenery.
Location: 1988 Northwest 18th Avenue, Portland, OR
Capacity: 120 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes
EcoTrust Building
The EcoTrust Building is ideal when you want a venue with plenty of history and character. This 1890s warehouse is now a Portland wedding venue in the Pearl District neighborhood that has over 125 years of heritage. It offers several indoor and outdoor spaces, including a rooftop terrace with skyline views and the Irving Street Studio with its exposed brick and natural light. As a bonus, all venue rental income supports EcoTrust’s nonprofit work.
Location: 721 NW 9th Ave. Suite 200, Portland, OR 97209
Capacity: 120-200 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Leach Botanical Garden
Just 20 minutes south of downtown Portland, Leach Botanical Garden feels like a hidden woodland escape. Once the home of Lilla and John Leach in the 1930s, the property is now a public garden alive with hummingbirds, butterflies, and vibrant plant life. Between May and October, you can exchange vows under the covered arbor or on the string-lit East Terrace. It’s a truly special option if you’re looking for an intimate garden wedding ceremony inside city limits.
Location: 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236
Capacity: 80 Guests
Pet-Friendly: No
The Evergreen
Formerly the historic Orient Lodge, The Evergreen has over 100 years of history and plenty of character, making it a favorite if you’re looking for wedding venues in downtown Portland. Here you’ll find lofted ceilings, exposed furnishings, and vintage charm. Plus, beer lovers will be happy to know Loyal Legion is right downstairs and available to rent out for cocktail hour. With space for 15–550 guests (200 seated), it’s a flexible and versatile venue you can make entirely your own.
Location: 618 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214
Capacity: 200 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Hoyt Arboretum
The Hoyt Arboretum has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years, and it also serves as one of the best wedding venues in Portland, Oregon. It’s home to thousands of plant species and miles of trails, making it an endless canvas for your wedding photos. The Redwood Observation Deck, tucked beneath towering redwoods and sequoias, is my favorite spot for a ceremony under the trees. And, even though it is just minutes from downtown, the secluded forest vibe makes it feel like a world away.
Location: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221
Capacity: 100 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Best Portland Wedding Venues in the Surrounding Area
Coopers Hall
In Southwest Portland, Coopers Hall combines the character of a winery with the versatility of a large event space. Housed in a mid-century quonset hut, it features soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and plenty of greenery. Still, there’s plenty of space for decorations to make the space feel truly your own. Plus, you’ll have access to their on-site wine bar to keep the good times going all night, whether you’re planning a small gathering or a full celebration.
Location: 404 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Capacity: 150 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Castaway Portland
Once home to the makers of Portland Streetcar’s yellow strand rope as well as a steel company, Castaway Portland now pairs its historic roots with modern amenities. On-site are old-growth beams and wraparound windows alongside polished concrete floors, centralized temperature control, and plenty of restrooms. With room for up to 400 guests, it’s an ideal Portland wedding venue for big, bustling celebrations.
Location: 1900 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Capacity: 400 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Victorian Belle Mansion
If you want a timeless and romantic estate wedding, then Victorian Belle Mansion is a magical wedding venue in Portland. Built in 1885, it’s surrounded by manicured gardens, a 1,200 square foot gazebo, and a rustic brick courtyard. Inside, you’ll find charming vintage rooms and period furnishings. Every corner feels like it belongs in a storybook with a true, old-world vibe.
Location: 1441 N McClellan St, Portland, OR 97217
Capacity: 200 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes
CedarVale Events
If you’re hoping for a wedding that feels deeply rooted in the PNW, then CedarVale Events is one of the best wedding venues near Portland, Oregon to bring that vision to life. Once a family farm, it now offers 21 acres of private woodland and open meadows for you to enjoy. The venue itself can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it the perfect size for a medium-sized celebration. To learn more about this wedding venue, check out my full CedarVale Events venue spotlight where I share even more insight into this incredible Portland wedding venue!
Location: 6486 S Sconce Rd, Hubbard, OR 97032
Capacity: 200 Guests
Pet-Friendly: Yes
How to Choose the Right Portland Venue: A Photographer’s Perspective
Choosing the best wedding venue in Portland, OR is no easy task! Here are three things I encourage couples to think about when choosing their venue, from the perspective of a Portland wedding photographer.
What time of year is the light the best (for you)?
With the light and weather shifting throughout the year, it’s worth planning your wedding around the season, weather, and vibe you’re envisioning. Mid-October through mid-May brings overcast skies, a little bit of mist, and soft, even light that gives that gorgeous moody, PNW feel. Late spring to early fall will give you longer days, golden hour glow, and a sunnier vibe. There is no best time of year, but considering how you want your day to look and feel will help you choose the right time for you.
How does a venue photograph?
Different venues photograph differently depending on the layout and access to light. Indoor venues with big windows feel different from darker, moodier spaces that require flash. Additionally, sunlight changes throughout the day, so it’s worth thinking about what parts of the venue look best at different points throughout the day.
Also consider the size of the venue and your guest count. Booking a larger venue with fewer guests may give everyone more space to move around, however, it can also make the space feel “empty”. Instead, look for a venue that aligns with the number of guests you plan to invite or ask for ways you can transform the space to create an atmosphere you and your guests will enjoy.
How easy is it to reach your wedding venue?
While I’m always happy to travel wherever your celebration takes you, it’s worth considering how accessible the location is for you and your guests. It’s important to think about things like parking, restrooms, and how simple it is for guests to get to the venue itself. You’ll also want to note its distance from a major airport and the lodging options nearby if you have guests traveling in from out of town.
Looking for more advice on how to choose a wedding venue. Check out my blog post below!
With so many incredible Portland, Oregon wedding venues for you to choose from, I’m confident you’ll find one that fits your vibe. If you’re planning a Portland wedding, then reach out! I’d be so excited to work with you to create some magic.
Not sure if these Portland wedding venues are right for you? The entire state is filled with gorgeous wedding venues. If you’re looking for venues that are a little closer to nature, then consider these wedding venues in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s only about an hour outside of the city but feels a world away, with rustic properties and magical river, forest, and mountain views. Or, if you want to explore more wedding venues throughout the state, check out this list of beautiful properties and venues in Oregon that can serve as magical backdrops for your wedding.
