When Oregon transplants Ailie and Hunter started planning their wedding, they wanted to find a venue that showcased everything they love about their chosen home. They wanted their friends and family to fall in love with the landscape and cuisine like they had. The Griffin House in the Columbia River Gorge checked all their boxes. With its epic views, this Oregon wedding venue was the perfect setting for their joyful wedding.

The Griffin House: A Columbia River Gorge Wedding Venue 

The Griffin House is a 120-year-old estate with a very Oregon history. Situated on a cliffside overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the property was a fox farm then a Prohibition-Era speakeasy before serving as a private home. The current owners bought it in the 1980s and restored it. They took care to incorporate a lot of modern conveniences without losing the historic charm. 

Since The Griffin House is, in fact, a home, they’ve created two great getting ready suites. The house is bright with warm, inviting decor. I loved having the vintage details in the background of Ailie and Hunter’s getting ready photos.

The land and views are the real gems of The Griffin House. Your ceremony will have sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge as a backdrop. The sun sets in the perfect spot for golden hour photos along the stone wall. It’s absolutely stunning in the summer, but you can just imagine how the fall foliage can bring the gorge to life.

Although this venue offers elopement packages, it’s great for large celebrations too. Wedding packages cost between $5500 and $10500 depending on your number of guests among other things. This venue has capacity for up to 127 guests for a seated reception. 

Highlighting the Best of Oregon

Ailie and Hunter brought their guests to The Griffin House to show off the best of Oregon. Everyone’s jaws dropped at the views, but the wedding design took it a step further with the florals and catering. Isaflora Design Co created incredible florals that looked almost like part of the landscape. The earthy tones and creative touches, like grasses, gave everything an organic feeling. 

After the ceremony, the couple treated guests to a meal inspired by their favorite date night. Using ingredients from the Pacific Northwest, the caterer served a Mediterranean feast. Ailie and Hunter’s planner shared with me that everything should be “sweet and simple” and “not fussy.” Instead each part of the day (down to the dinner!) was focused on connection.

Sunset Photos and a Sweet Reception

For their wedding at The Griffin House, Ailie and Hunter wanted their photos to feel “more happy, less sappy.” I’d say we accomplished that! Even their dreamy golden hour photos are full of laughter and smiles. I loved their senses of humor. They were bubbly and always laughing. Their photos are so beautiful, too. It just goes to show that you don’t have to take everything super seriously to turn your wedding day into art. 

Ailie and Hunter’s community was so excited to celebrate with them. The story of Ailie meeting Hunter’s mom perfectly illustrates how much people believed in them from the start. Hunter’s mom was afraid to miss pronounce Ailie’s name. She remembered by saying to herself “eye-lee like wedding aisle.” How sweet is that?

As is typical at The Griffin House, it was pretty windy the day of Ailie and Hunter’s wedding. Ailie’s veil kept flying in her face, so Hunter switched sides with her for the ceremony. Instead of sweating the small stuff, they focused on what mattered. That is, in their words, “everyone we love together having the best time!”

Would you like me to photograph your Oregon wedding? I’m a Portland wedding photographer who specializes in nostalgic, cinematic photos on film. Inquire with me here! 

Thank you to the vendors who made this wedding epic.

Planner: Sarah at Arche Creative 

Catering: Art of Catering

Venue: The Griffin House

Florist: Isaflora Design Co

Paper goods: Letters & Dust