During the COVID summer, they simplified things a bit, but still kept a lovely wedding ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in front of Zoom attendees (from nosebleed seats in the balcony, premium seats for masked guests only), followed by dinner and Columbia Gorge magic at Menucha Retreat Center. Their style was super classic, with a nod to the formality of a downtown church wedding, matched with their admiration of Portland’s access to the outdoors. Honestly, that’s not supposed to work, but it did, so I’m going to stop demanding that people pick one or the other. Menucha Retreat Center is also a new venue to weddings and I think it was such a serene, gorgeous match for their smaller party. The views are incredible both upriver and downriver, with an even better overlook than the Women’s Forum viewpoint! They have a labyrinth, gardens, and if you’re obsessed with frogs, they have those too.

Interested in eloping or going for a smaller wedding celebration? Check out some of my advice here!