There is no question that Oregon is best known for their natural features, with evergreen-covered hills and towering mountains. Okay, and maybe Darth-Vader-dressed-unicyclers and micro breweries. It’s no surprise that so many couples prioritize getting married in an outdoor wedding venue in Portland.
The beauty of Portland’s outdoor wedding venue variety is that there seems to be an option for everyone looking for any backdrop for their big day at any price range. Here are a few that I love.
Top Outdoor Wedding Venues in Portland, Oregon
1. The Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum
The Redwood Deck, tucked away at Hoyt Arboretum, surrounded by giant redwood trees, feels like your own personal treehouse. And who doesn’t want to get married in a treehouse? Hoyt Arboretum is home to thousands of plant species from all over the world. If the guest list for your ceremony is too big for the Redwood Deck, opt for the Wedding Meadow — it can accommodate a much larger group. The best part of this outdoor wedding, it’s just minutes from downtown Portland this ceremony location pairs perfectly with any venue in the city!
What we love about The Redwood Deck:
- Feels like you suspended in the air, surrounded by trees
- Perfect for a small, intimate ceremony
- Minutes from downtown
Some considerations:
- Although it may feel private you may still encounter visitors hiking along the trails.
2. Leach Botanicals
If an outdoor garden wedding is your dream, check out Leach Botanicals. This wedding venue runs along Johnson Creek in SE Portland and truly feels like a secret garden. Leach Botanicals offers never ending lush and vast photo opportunities. For those of you wanting to celebrate your love and your love of the PNW, host your cozy, romantic wedding among native northwest plants and other unique florals and ferns.
What we love about Leach Botanicals:
- Romantic & Lush
- SO many photo opportunities/backdrops
- Tucked away in SE Portland, feels private
Some considerations:
- Intimate wedding venue, guest capacity is 100
3. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Another unique garden wedding option in Portland, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is 9-acres of pure magic. There is a spring-fed lake, three waterfalls, rare species of plants, trees and florals. It’s tranquil, romantic and it’s hard to believe that downtown Portland is just minutes away. Super dreamy
What we love about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden:
- 9-acres of lush greenery and florals
- Unlimited ceremony and photo backdrops
- Minutes from downtown Portland
Some considerations:
- I would only consider Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden for a summer wedding. OR have a rainy day Plan B.
4. Hornings Hideout
Horning’s Hideout is technically 35- minutes outside of Portland but it’s such a great outdoor wedding venue I had to include it in my list. Horning’s Hideout has three unique wedding venues for you to choose from, Creekside (up to 250 guests), Lakeside (up to 350 guests) and the Main Stage (up to 700 guests). A perfect venue for a warm summer wedding in Oregon!
What we love about Hornings Hideout:
- Three unique wedding venues
- Can accommodate up to 700 guests!
- Each venues feels private and secluded
Some considerations:
- 35 minutes outside Portland
5. Lewis & Clark Historic Estate | Fir Acres Estate Venue
Lewis and Clark College is known as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. It’s no surprise that they are home to one of the most stunning outdoor & indoor wedding venues in Portland. From Fir Acres Estate Gardens to Agnes Flanagan Chapel every corner is stunning. They only allow a few weddings per year due to the nature of their landmark property. But if you can somehow snag your wedding date here email me immediately. It’s a bucket list location for me, for sure!
What we love about Fir Acres Estate Venue:
- One of a kind, old world charm estate
- Indoor and outdoor venue options
- Feels like you have traveled outside of Portland, but are just minutes from downtown.
Some considerations:
- Limited availability
6. Cathedral Park
An urban park located under the iconic St. Johns Bridge, along the Willamette River in Portland. With over 21 acres of space Cathedral Park is a uniquely Portland wedding venue. The iconic cathedral- like view under the bridge can be reached on the corner of N. Edison street & Pittsburg Avenue. You’ll find a long stone staircase under symmetrical, gothic arches mimicking the arches in the bridge above. Bonus: it’s incredibly close to Occidental Brewing — a perfect landing pad for post-wedding German-style beers and food (just make sure and call ahead).
To rent the space for your wedding you can enter into a lottery through Portland Parks.
What we love about Cathedral Park:
- An iconic Portland landmark
- 21- Acres of space from lush greens to waterfront on the Willamette River
- Historic charm
Some considerations:
- Lottery system through Portland Parks to book this venue.
7. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Unlike many of these other outdoor wedding venues, Lan Su Chinese Garden wedding is located in the heart of downtown Portland. Winding walkways, a bridge over a small lake and a semi private garden surrounded by plants, stone and Chinese architecture. Lan Se Chinese Garden can accommodate anywhere from an intimate 20 person dinner to a reception of up to 250 guests. Definitely one of the most unique wedding venues you’ll find in Portland, Oregon.
What we love about Lan Su Chinese Garden:
- Secluded garden in the heart of downtown Portland
- Unique Chinese architecture, unlike any other venue in the city
- Semi Private garden surrounded by plants and a small lake.
Some considerations:
- Located in downtown Portland, parking can be tricky.
Whether you’re hoping to have an indoor wedding or outdoor wedding, there is no question you’ll be able to find your perfect wedding venue in Portland. There are options to match any and every aesthetic. If one of these piqued your interest, or you’ve got questions, let me know! After being in the wedding industry for the past 8 years, I’ve seen it all and done it all. Whether you have a big wedding or a small wedding, indoor or outdoor, elopement or planned out in the far future, I’ve got ya.
Looking for recommendation on florists, planners or other local wedding vendors? Check out my list of favorite Portland, Oregon wedding vendors.
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