Hunting for the perfect wedding reception spot can be quite the exercise. Especially when you’re looking for a place that’s romantic, spacious, as well as convenient for your guests. Enter Portland, Oregon — a city known for its tasty food and high-spirited celebrations against a scenic backdrop. Here are the best wedding reception venues in Portland to help you say ‘I do’ at a wedding venue you will remember forever.
About Portland
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is an urban playground filled with greenery. Being close to the mountains, the weather here is pleasant all year round, while its proximity to the waters provides plenty of recreational opportunities for any visitors.
You’ve got several reasons to pick Portland as your dream wedding destination. First, you get stunning photo opportunities, thanks to the beautiful topography of this place. Second, you have comfortable weather, and lastly, you’ve got the craft brewing and tasty local food that Portland is known for.
Iconic wedding locations like the blooming rose gardens in Washington Park and Pittock Mansion are also part of the city sphere. Furthermore, the city also has period architecture from multiple eras, modern art galleries, and panoramic rooftop spaces. Portland is also known as the ‘City of Roses, ’ adding to its charm as the perfect wedding destination.
Why Portland is the Best Destination for Wedding Receptions
A good venue should be easily accessible, full of entertainment options and tasty food, and most importantly; close to what you had envisioned for your dream wedding. Wedding venues in downtown Portland have the perfect combination of all these traits, and then some! Here’s why Portland is the best destination for wedding receptions:
Versatile Venue Selection
Weddings are highly specific to each person. While some couples want an urban wedding in a luxury hotel, others may look for an older mansion with a regal feel to it. Pittock Mansion and The Sentinel Hotel are perfect for weddings like these. On the contrary, if you want a unique location, consider modern architectural marvels like the Portland Art Museum, Union/Pine, and the Zenith Vineyard in the Willamette Valley.
For those looking for an outdoor wedding, natural backdrops like the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Portland Japanese Garden are some idyllic options. All of this, coupled with the mild climate with slight sprinkles of rain year round, makes this city quite the ‘I-do’ paradise.
Incredible Local Flavor
They say marriages are made in heaven… but the menu is surely decided on Earth, which is why you need to choose wisely. Thankfully, when you already have a location brimming with world-class dishes and drinks, things become easier for you.
Portland’s catering companies are known for their farm-to-table catering, fresh produce and plethora of beverage options. You can take your guests to wine and coffee tastings at Stumptown Coffee Roasters or Urban Crush Vineyard. Alternatively, you could also book a food cart consisting of miniature snacks.
Excellent Guest Experience
Most Portland vendors are now incorporating eco-friendly elements and themes in their weddings. You also have special menu options in case you are hosting a vegan or vegetarian group or prefer any other special diet.
This city is also known for its welcoming community which is all-inclusive. Places like ‘Castaway Portland’ and ‘Equally Wed’ are known for their LGBTQ+ friendly wedding planning, ensuring all your guests feel celebrated and welcomed.
Portland International Airport is centrally located. The city has plenty of public transit options, eliminating the need/possibility of expensive car rentals or navigation mishaps later on.
Extensive List of Fun Landmarks
Portland wedding venues are filled with iconic spots like the Portlandia statue, the second largest copper repulse statue in the U.S., right after Lady Liberty. Then there’s Powell’s City of Books, Mill Ends Park, and Washington Park for those looking for a minimalistic theme with plenty of light.
Other iconic wedding locations include the St. John’s Bridge in Cathedral Park and the International Rose Test Garden. All in all, you will have no issues finding a fun spot for your guests to gather and celebrate the memorable day with you.
Wedding Reception Companies in Portland
The right wedding reception company can truly bring your vision to life. When deciding on who to go with, consider things like the amount of support offered, themes they have previously worked with, catering options, and, of course, your budget. Here are some of the best wedding reception companies in Portland:
Sassy Onion
Originally from Salem, which is a short drive from Portland, Sassy Onion is known for their flexibility and unique twists that they bring to any event they manage. Whether you want a classic wedding or some modern charm, you get all options starting from a modest budget of $2,500.
As You Wish
If you want a wedding company that treats you like family, gives ample time on-site, and is even ready for those mid-night calls and queries, this is the pick for you. Apart from wedding receptions, they are also well-known for day-of-coordination services, managing weddings live, and personalizing every aspect of the wedding from invites to clean up afterwards.
BlueLark Events
If luxury is where you want to dock your boat, BlueLark Events is the wedding company you should go to. Attention to detail, high-end decor, and unique arrangements catered to each couple make their beautiful wedding venues stand out from the rest. They also offer unlimited communication, Zoom calls, and meetings as part of all their packages.
Everlasting Events Co.
Everlasting Events Co. by Juliana Rose has been in the business for nearly a decade. Being one of the highest rated wedding reception companies in Portland, they are quite the expert on local venue scene, food options, and niche selections that others simply might not know about.
Customize Your Event: Wedding Reception Trends in Portland
As a modern couple, it’s important for you to stay up to date with the latest and most unique wedding venue trends in Portland, helping you celebrate your day in the best manner possible. From trends like sustainable fashion and maximalism to funky attire ideas for outdoor weddings, here are the latest wedding reception trends in Portland:
Floral Veils
Since Portland is known for its artsy touch, floral veils are quite trendy here. There are plenty of florists in Pearl district, known for adorning their veils with native flowers and unique floral designs inspired by the Oregon countryside, often matching with the beautiful wedding venue.
Sustainable Celebrations
Giving back something to Mother Earth is probably one of the best things you could do on your special day. Check if the vendors you hire have the LEED certification, along with adapting healthy practices like organic food menus, zero-waste kitchens, and flower recycling after the event.
Maximalism
Contrary to Portland's love for minimalism and functionality, maximalism is all about having an extravagant wedding where you go all in on everything. Things like bright colors, a cocktail style reception, grand designs and larger venues with dedicated spaces for each activity are also in trend this year.
Extended Experiences
Contrary to a traditional 1-day event, why not go beyond the regular wedding vision and plan entire weekends of activities ranging from site visits, wine tastings, and a post-wedding brunch, all the way to a luxury cruise that your close ones can start right after. A day trip to the Oregon coast, or a group hike in the Mount Hood National Forest are some good ideas to start with.
Annual Events in Portland
When hosting your wedding ceremony at a picturesque wedding venue, one often picks a date that falls around a certain occasion or celebration, simply because the entire vibe of the place is elevated amidst those days. With more than a dozen annual events attracting footfall from all over the country, here are the best events you can weave into your own breathtaking wedding venue:
Portland Rose Festival
Flowers and weddings go hand-in-hand. With its first iteration in 1907, this festival occurs usually in the early days of June. Guests can see things like boat races, feature parades and also visit the famous Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Those looking for a floral themed wedding can also take inspiration from this event.
Oregon Brewers Festival
Taking place in July at the Waterfront Park, this festival is all about craft beer culture. You can take your guests to wine tasting stations that offer more than 80 kinds of beers each year.
Waterfront Blues Festival
July 4th weekend brings the Waterfront Blues festival to celebrate the sweet notes of top-tier blues musicians all over the country. You can also hire a live artist or a band to play at your special day during this event.
Feast Portland
Culinary events are the best kind of gatherings for every food fanatic, and Feast Portland easily takes the cake when it comes to the best food-centric events in the city. Chef competitions, small food stalls, free tasting sessions, the list goes on and on!
Top Neighborhoods in Portland
Each neighborhood in Portland offers its own distinct charm, helping you shape your special day in the way you desire. Here are the top neighborhoods in Portland you can keep on your watchlist.
Pearl District
This place is full of old warehouses that have been transformed into stylish neighborhoods with an urban chic. You can use unique elements like exposed brick walls, high ceilings and large lofts and galleries for a gorgeous wedding venue that looks sleek and modern.
Nob Hill
Nob Hill brings the luxury appeal of Victorian homes and combines it with Portland architecture. The result is a romantic setting with cozy cases, boutiques and old buildings that give off 50s charm. Located nearby, and named America’s most beautiful university campus, Lewis and Clark College is also an incredible Portland wedding venue.
Sellwood-Moreland
Located right across the Willamette River, this location will let you use natural scenery, tucked away from the bustle of the city center. You also have places like Dance Pavillion and Oaks Amusement Park nearby, providing ample recreational opportunities for everyone.
South Waterfront
This location has the most modern and high-tech venue options in the city, offering state-of-the-art interiors with a modern twist. You have various high-rise buildings with rooftop venues, along with places that give you a view of the Willamette river. Lastly, you can also find the yacht clubs in this area that host events right in the middle of the riverfront.
Find the Best Wedding Reception Venue in Portland with Giggster
Celebrate your union in a venue as unique as your love story. Secure the perfect wedding venues in Portland and make magic happen on your special day with Giggster.
