Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are behind us, and Valentine’s Day is closing in… which means there is a whole new group of engaged couples out there looking for vendors and venues for their weddings! This is an exciting time for those planning, as well as for wedding vendors! We can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your big day!

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing some beautiful wedding ceremonies in some gorgeous locations… and I’d love to share some of those with you. Maybe you’ll find your place among the list, or maybe just some inspiration and ideas… either way, it’s a win!

So here we go, in no particular order… except my absolute favorite, which is at the top. **wink**

The Beach

I love the beach… it’s my happy place. When I was a kid, I used to sit next to a busy road with my eyes closed and pretend that I was listening to waves crashing. My own wedding was on the beach (at Governor Patterson Memorial State Park in Waldport, OR). We were barefoot in the sand and it was amazing. I was so excited when Alexis and Brenton booked me to photograph their beach wedding in Florence, Oregon They said “I do” with the Pacific ocean behind them outside of Driftwood Shores, then headed inside the banquet room for food, dancing, and so much fun!

Oaks Pioneer Church

Grace and Brian were one of my first weddings… and I totally lucked out with this ceremony location! The Oaks Pioneer Church is a beautiful little wedding venue in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. With its vintage chapel, wood interiors, big doorways, and colorful stained glass detailing… it pretty much just made my day! Several photos from this wedding are still among my all-time favorites!

Redgate Vineyard

I will forever remember Melissa and Jason’s wedding as “The time that I got stung in the armpit during group formals”… LOL! But, I will also remember the beautiful sunset, the lush greens of the vineyard, and the open air (but still covered!) reception venue. Redgate Vineyard in Independence, Oregon was the perfect location for this couple’s Parisian themed wedding. Guests ate, danced, had cake, and then hung out to watch the sun set and cast beautiful colors over the horizon.

Three Goats Lodge

Want to have an intimate wedding with 60 of your closest friends and family and stay together for the ENTIRE weekend? Then you REALLY have to check out the beautiful Airbnb venue, Three Goats Lodge, in Oregon City, Oregon! Sonnet and Jonathan traveled all the way from Idaho to exchange vows on the back lawn of this amazing venue. Then everyone headed inside for the reception… and out on the beautiful deck… and in the yard… and pretty much anywhere they could find a comfortable spot to hang out and relax! This venue offers overnight accommodations for your guests as well, with various rooms and an outdoor “sleeping porch”. The trees and remote vibe make this the quintessential Pacific Northwest wedding locale!

Grant Park Church

I’m not going to lie… I love outdoor weddings. BUT, here in the Pacific Northwest, the outdoors don’t always work in your favor. So, indoor options are key! Grant Park Church in NE Portland, Oregon is a great weather-proof option! I pretty much fell in love with the balcony above the sanctuary… both for the gorgeous light coming through it, but also because it made a great vantage point for ceremony and reception photos. My second shooter and I got some great angles of Sonja and Trevor and their guests. The church also has a full kitchen, “getting ready” areas, and a park just a couple blocks away for group photos if the weather is on your side.

Green Villa Barn and Gardens

It sure looks like I spend a lot of time in Oregon… and honestly, I kind of do. I grew up there and lived there for many years. It seems like Oregon brides really like me. =) Back to Oregon, and back to Independence even, another beautiful venue is the Green Villa Barn and Gardens. The weather had been wet, and the garden lawns were a bit damp, so Kayla and David’s event was moved into the barn but, honestly, I don’t think I would have had it any other way! The twinkle lights were amazing, the barn was gorgeous, and there was so much room for everyone to move around and enjoy themselves! The bridal suite was beautiful, the décor was on point, and the gardens were still available for the first look, family portraits, and bridal party photos. I would love to photograph another wedding there one day!

Your Home

And, finally, one of my absolute favorite wedding venues is your own home! What tells the story of you and your partner better than the place where you live and where your relationship grew? Jessica and Matt had their wedding ceremony at Laurelhurst Park, but then came home for a BIG backyard reception at their home off of SE Division. They closed down the street, brought in food trucks, and had a “cookie potluck” in lieu of a traditional wedding cake. In true Portland, Oregon fashion, they even brought in extra racks for bike parking for their guests!

I hope this little list of mine has given you some ideas and inspiration for your big day! If you have any questions for me about these venues, or would like to chat about your wedding photography, I’d love to meet you for a warm beverage and conversation! Reach out and let’s set something up.

Blog

Some of My Favorite Venues!