A smiling couple standing together in a lush green garden, with the woman holding a vibrant bouquet of flowers.

Wedding at McMenamins Edgefield | Diana + Michael

Planning your wedding at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon, is an exciting journey. As photographer’s who has captured many beautiful weddings at this venue, We’re here to share five essential tips to help engaged couples make the most of their special day in this enchanting location. These tips are not only aimed at ensuring a picturesque celebration but also at easing the stress of wedding planning.

A couple sharing a kiss in front of a lush green ivy-covered wall with windows partially visible in the background.

A couple standing together in front of a vibrant green leafy background, both smiling warmly, with the woman wearing a detailed lace dress and the man in a dark blazer and white shirt.

A black and white photo of a couple holding hands and smiling at each other, surrounded by soft, natural light and blurred foliage in the background.

A smiling woman in a detailed lace dress holding a vibrant bouquet of colorful flowers, standing in front of a lush green background.

A man in a dark blazer with a boutonniere, smiling softly and standing against a lush green background.

A black and white photo of a couple, with the man embracing the woman from behind and kissing her cheek as she smiles warmly, surrounded by a natural outdoor setting.

Four people playfully holding colorful bouquets of flowers up to their faces, smiling and peeking out in front of a lush green outdoor background.

A joyful group photo of eight people, dressed in elegant attire, holding colorful bouquets, and smiling warmly in a lush green outdoor setting.

A rustic arrangement of peach and pink roses with sprigs of fresh greenery displayed on a wooden barrel in an outdoor garden setting.

A vibrant bouquet of peach, pink, and purple flowers, including roses and ranunculus, resting on a white tablecloth in an outdoor setting.

A centerpiece featuring a vibrant bouquet of colorful flowers in a rustic vase, accompanied by a hammered silver pitcher and glasses on a white table with a lavender napkin.

A vibrant floral arrangement with roses, dahlias, and greenery in a textured stone vase, placed next to white chairs on a brick patio in an outdoor ceremony setting.

A round table set with lavender napkins, rosemary sprigs, name cards, silverware, a centerpiece of colorful flowers, and a hammered silver pitcher, in an outdoor garden setting.

Guests interacting at a table with a basket, photo supplies, and a small camera, set up in an outdoor garden area with lush greenery in the background.

Diana + Michael had a stunning intimate summer wedding with family and friends. Diana had two beautiful dresses, one more formal one for the ceremony and a second summer dress for the reception. When they entered the reception they were honored by two fellow military members with a Military salute. They had a laid back heartfelt day with the people who mattered the most. We were so honored to work with them and the amazing vendor team.

1. Choose the Perfect Spot on the Grounds

McMenamins Edgefield offers a variety of stunning locations for your ceremony and reception. From the lush gardens to the historic buildings, each spot has its own unique charm. Consider the time of year and the size of your guest list when selecting your location. For instance, the beautiful Administration House is perfect for an intimate indoor ceremony, while the expansive lawns at Blackberry Hall are ideal for a larger, outdoor celebration.

2. Timing is Everything: Plan for the Light

The quality of light can dramatically affect your wedding photos. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, the soft, golden light of the late afternoon is ideal for photography. Discuss with your photographer the best times for ceremonies and portraits to take advantage of the natural lighting. Additionally, if you're planning an evening event, the ambient lighting of the venue's indoor spaces can create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

An officiant holding a folder stands alongside the groom and wedding party members, all dressed elegantly, in a lush green outdoor ceremony setting.

An outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs, the couple exchanging vows under a canopy of greenery, surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements.

A smiling bride in a lace dress and a groom holding hands during an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by greenery and a colorful bouquet.

A groom smiling warmly at the bride as they hold hands during their outdoor ceremony, with the officiant and wedding party standing nearby, surrounded by greenery.

A couple holds hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by lush greenery, with the officiant and wedding party nearby.

Bridesmaids in navy dresses hold colorful floral bouquets while standing outdoors surrounded by lush green foliage during a wedding ceremony.

The bride smiles warmly while holding hands with the groom during their outdoor ceremony, as the officiant reads from a book surrounded by lush greenery.

The bride and groom exchange joyful smiles while holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with the officiant and lush greenery in the background.

The groom smiles brightly at the camera while holding hands with the bride during their outdoor ceremony, surrounded by greenery and an officiant in the background.

The bride reads her vows into a microphone during an outdoor ceremony, standing across from the groom, with the officiant and bridesmaids in the background surrounded by greenery.

The bride reads her vows with a microphone while the groom listens attentively, holding his own vows, during their outdoor ceremony surrounded by greenery and wedding party members.

The groom places a ring on the bride’s finger during their outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by greenery and witnessed by the officiant and a groomsman.

The bride and groom exchange rings during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with the officiant reading and a bridesmaid holding a colorful bouquet in the background, surrounded by lush greenery.

The bride and groom exchange heartfelt looks while holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with the officiant and lush greenery in the background.

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with a bridesmaid holding a colorful bouquet and lush greenery in the background.

Couple sharing a kiss outdoors, with lush green foliage as the backdrop, dressed elegantly for a special occasion.

Bride and groom standing with their wedding party during an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by guests seated on white chairs and lush greenery in the background.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle together, smiling warmly, with vibrant floral bouquet and guests seated outdoors amidst lush greenery.

3. Incorporate the Venue’s Unique Features

McMenamins Edgefield is known for its quirky and artistic décor, including stained glass windows and unique artwork. Use these features to add a special touch to your wedding photos. For example, pose for a few shots in front of a piece of art that resonates with you as a couple, or have your first look in one of the beautifully landscaped gardens.

4. Plan for Oregon Weather

Oregon's weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to have a contingency plan for rain. McMenamins Edgefield has several beautiful indoor options that can serve as a backup. Umbrellas can also make for fun and romantic photos if the weather decides not to cooperate. Embrace the elements – sometimes, the most memorable photos are taken in unexpected weather conditions.

The couple and their wedding party share a moment on the porch of the Administrator’s House, surrounded by greenery, during a sunny day.

Guests mingle under white canopies during the wedding reception, sharing hugs and laughter while enjoying drinks on a sunny day.

The bride and groom enjoy a lively conversation with guests during the outdoor wedding reception, surrounded by greenery and white table setups.

A candid black-and-white moment of the groom sharing a laugh and a heartfelt conversation with a guest during the wedding reception.

The groom shares a warm handshake and smile with a guest during the outdoor wedding reception, surrounded by other attendees enjoying the celebration.

The bride and groom walk together through a colorful garden, smiling and enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by vibrant flowers and greenery.

Wedding guests sit at round tables adorned with floral centerpieces, enjoying an outdoor reception surrounded by lush greenery under soft string lights and a golden sunset.

A groomsman delivers a speech with a microphone in hand, holding a glass of water, during the outdoor wedding reception surrounded by lush greenery.

The bride laughs while the groom playfully covers his face during a lighthearted moment at the wedding reception, surrounded by greenery and colorful floral decorations.

A guest gives a cheerful speech with a microphone, raising her hand, during the outdoor wedding reception surrounded by greenery and colorful floral centerpieces.

The bride and groom share a heartfelt laugh together during the wedding reception, surrounded by greenery and colorful floral arrangements on the table.

5. Personalize Your Day

Finally, personalize your wedding to reflect your journey as a couple. McMenamins Edgefield is a venue that embraces uniqueness and creativity. Whether it's through custom decorations, a signature cocktail inspired by your relationship, or a playlist that tells your story, infusing personal touches will make your day and your photos even more special.

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake together, adorned with a ‘Mr. & Mrs.’ topper, during an outdoor reception under the warm sunlight.

The groom feeds a bite of wedding cake to the bride as they share a joyful moment together during their outdoor reception.

The bride feeds a bite of wedding cake to the groom as they share a playful moment together during their outdoor reception.

The bride and groom share a sweet kiss while holding a plate of wedding cake during their outdoor reception under the warm sunlight.

Family dancing joyfully together on a brick path surrounded by lush green foliage in an outdoor setting.

Your wedding at McMenamins Edgefield is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories in a setting that combines history, art, and nature. By selecting the right location on the grounds, considering the lighting, utilizing the venue's unique features, preparing for the weather, and adding personal touches, your wedding will not only be a dream come true but also a picturesque event captured beautifully in your wedding photos. Remember, each choice you make adds to the story of your day, creating a celebration that is uniquely yours.

Vendors

Flowers: Hilary Horvath Flowers

Officiant: Melissa Coe Ceremonies

Planner: Gather Events

Your Dream Wedding at McMenamins Edgefield

Wedding at McMenamins Edgefield | Diana + Michael

Vendors

Downtown Portland Proposal Photos

Painted Hills Family Photos