The blunt truth about the word “wedding venue” is that it usually throws people (couples included) for a loop.
For most people, when they hear “venue,” it conjures up images of traditional weddings–great halls, large churches, or event spaces created to fit hundreds of people inside.
So, for couples intentionally seeking out something different than a large or traditional wedding (like a micro wedding, for example), those images don’t usually inspire a ton of confidence.
The good news? A wedding venue is any space that can accommodate your wedding–no matter what your vision of a wedding day might be.
If you’ve always dreamed of a micro wedding that blends the beauty of the outdoors with an artfully designed reception space, there’s a venue out there for that.
If you’ve pictured an indoor venue big enough for your 20-person guest list but intimate enough that every inch of the space can be adorned in the floral scape of your dreams, there’s a venue for that.
So, of course, a great hall or church could be a wedding venue. But so can a garden in a vineyard, a lodge overlooking Mt. Hood, or a seaside meadow with perfect views of the Pacific Ocean.
It all comes down to finding the venue that creates the feeling, aesthetic, and atmosphere you’re chasing on your wedding day. And to do that, there are a few specific considerations to keep in mind on your search.
Pictured: An intimate dinner reception in the backyard of a family cabin in the North Cascades Washington.
The Ins & Outs of Booking a Luxe Elopement or Micro Wedding Venue
What to Keep in Mind Before Booking a Luxe Elopement or Micro Wedding Venue
Choosing a venue should be a balance of logistics, aesthetics, and gut feelings. A place can be perfect on paper, but if you don’t get a sense of excitement or awe when you see it–if you can’t envision your wedding day there–it might not be the right fit.
There are a few questions you should ask yourselves about a wedding venue before you book to ensure you’re choosing the one that feels right for you.
- How does the space feel? When you walk in, what does your gut tell you? Do the pictures of the space stir up certain emotions for you? Don’t ignore this part. You should have goosebumps, feel excited, and have some sort of reaction to the place that could be where you say your vows. Does this space feel right for you?
- Does this venue capture the aesthetic we’re chasing? It’s as much about how a space looks as it feels. You have a vision for your wedding day–and nothing, especially not the venue–should stand in your way.
- Can the space accommodate the guest list? Whether it’s just the two of you or your closest 30 people, it’s important to make sure the logistics of everything check out.
- Does this venue allow you to work with your preferred vendors? Some venues are sticklers for working with their approved vendors. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it can change the game if you have other vendors you want to work with.
- Does it have lodging included? Do you plan to stay on-site? Would you prefer your guests stay on-site, too? Many venues offer lodging, and if that is important to you, it should be part of the consideration process
- Does the location work for us? And, taking it a step further, how does that work with the flow of your day, weekend, or week? Is it near places you’d like to explore? Spots you’d like to eat? Are there areas nearby that your guests might want to see and experience? Try to consider the big picture of your whole experience.
Must-Consider Luxury Elopement & Micro Wedding Venues
Choosing the right venue for your micro wedding or luxury elopement comes down to more than just the logistics–it’s got a little bit to do with how a space feels when you see it.
If you’re seeking a little inspiration, this section is the perfect place to start. I’ve listed out a few of my favorite (and must-consider) venues in Washington and Oregon.
Any of these spots could help you create the luxury elopement and micro wedding of your dreams–it all depends on what that feels like.
Pictured: A private elopement ceremony in the Columbia River Gorge.
Oregon Micro Wedding & Luxury Elopement Venues to Consider
Thinking Oregon might be the place for your wedding day? Here are a few of my favorite venues perfect for two-person, luxury elopements or micro weddings.
Pictured: Couple eloping at Crook Point wedding venue on the southern Oregon Coast.
Crook Point
WHERE: Brookings, Oregon
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings + luxury elopements
A personal favorite of mine, Crook Point is directly on the southern Oregon Coast (and close to the California border). I had the pleasure of capturing Rachel & Jacob’s luxury elopement in this very spot–they spent their morning among the Redwoods in northern California and a dreamy afternoon exploring the remote coastline of Oregon. Crook Point has epic views, secluded beaches, six coastal venue locations, and access to over two miles of remote coastline. The best part? You and your guests can stay on-site in any of the property’s eight gorgeous rental homes.
Pictured: A wedding portrait captured in Oregon amongst trees and wildflowers.
Mt. Hood Organic Farms
WHERE: Mt. Hood, Oregon
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings
Just 20 minutes from the Hood River and The Columbia River Gorge lies Mt Hood Organic Farms, a property at the base of Mt. Hood that’s been around since 1904. this spot has stunning views of Mt. Hood and feels straight out of a storybook. All across the property are different, beautiful spaces that would make for incredible ceremony spots. Whether you favor a garden setting or the open space of PNW farmland (all with views of Mt. Hood), this space is perfect for a little PNW magic.
Pictured: A small wedding reception dinner on the deck of a cabin tucked in the Oregon forest.
River Cabaan
WHERE: Tillamook, Oregon
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings + luxury elopements
Picture it: a secluded, mid-century cabin in Oregon surrounded by larger-than-life Balsam and Maple trees situated directly on the river–and it’s all yours. River Cabaan is a private cabin on the Wilson River that’s a perfect spot for luxury elopements and micro weddings. Each year, the property books out a limited number of elopements and micro weddings that include a two-night stay (plus the option to add more nights). It’s aesthetic, it’s secluded, and it’s incredibly romantic.
Pictured: Couple eloping at sunset with Mt. Hood as their backdrop.
The Orchard
WHERE: Hood River, Oregon
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings
Situated on an active, working farm and just a five-minute drive from downtown Hood River is The Orchard. This space brings the PNW magic to life with epic views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. This space is secluded, has lush gardens, open-air dining, and even includes options for locally sourced food grown and prepared just a few miles away from where you’ll enjoy it on your wedding day.
Pictured: Couple heading out on to an Oregon mountain lake for a paddle on their wedding day.
Suttle Lodge & Boathouse
WHERE: Sisters, Oregon
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings + luxury elopements
Suttle Lodge sits on the shore of Suttle Lake and is peacefully tucked into the Deschutes National Forest. This historic lodge is surrounded by massive forests, lakeside beaches, and scenery that’s stunning season in and season out. It’s not just the perfect spot for a luxury elopement ceremony; it’s also an incredible place for lodging for you and your guests and is just down the road from Sisters, Oregon, an adorable town filled with things to do, places to eat, and sights to see.
Washington Micro Wedding & Luxury Elopement Venues to Consider
Does Washington sound like the right place for your wedding? These venues might just convince you to tie the knot here.
Pictured: A micro-wedding dinner reception in the garden.
Bella Luna Farms
WHERE: Clearview, Washington
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings
Bella Luna might be close to the bustling city of Seattle, but it feels worlds away. Surrounded by 12 acres of forest on every side, Bella Luna feels like a Washington fairytale. Organic gardens, open fields, ponds, and European-inspired stone and timber structures, Bella Luna was created to reflect the natural beauty and magical feeling of the PNW.
Pictured: Fairytale-like elopement amongst ferns, moss, and old growth trees.
Fern Acres
WHERE: Forks, Washington
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings + luxury elopements
Secluded, magical, and near the stunning coast, Fern Acres venue sits on 5, forested acres. Covered in beautiful moss, old-growth ferns, and Maple trees draped in vines, Fern Acres offers couples a glimpse into the forested, fairytale setting of their dreams. Quaint gazebos, Asian and English-influenced gardens, and untamed beauty just outside the doors–this spot is truly a wild and wonderful place to marry the love of your life.
Pictured: Walking the shore on after their micro wedding ceremony.
Captain Whidbey
WHERE:Whidbey Island, Washington
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings
Captain Whidbey is a location that blends all the fun of a camp-style wedding with the aesthetics and magic of the PNW. Nestled among the old growth firs on the shores of Whidbey Island, this space offers 30 guest rooms and cabins, six acres of grounds, event laws, and even its own on-site restaurant. This spot is the perfect place to host a micro-wedding with your loved ones–there’s plenty to do, lodging on-site, and beauty everywhere you look.
Pictured: Micro wedding ceremony set up surrounded by trees.
Kingston House
WHERE: Kingston, Washington
PERFECT FOR: Micro weddings
Kingston House is crafted from timbers felled and milled on-site, carefully designed to reflect mid-century design and mirror influence from Norway and Japan. This beautiful spot sits on 27 acres made up of a working lavender firm, Maple groves, pondside arbors, courtyards and more.
Pictured: A micro-wedding ceremony on the shore of a lake on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
The Feelings of Your Wedding Day–Captured Forever
Whether you get married in an open-air chapel, among the Redwood trees, or in a mid-century modern cabin looking out at a stunning mountain vista, your wedding venue should reflect the emotions and aesthetics you’re chasing. You know what else should do that, too? Your wedding day photos.
Your wedding day is more than just a day–it’s a moment in time you’ll want to relive forever. The images you capture on that day are time capsules, a way to reopen and feel that rush again.
That means every image deserves the care and craft only an experienced micro-wedding photographer can offer. When you’re ready to chat more about your wedding day–and how we can capture every beautiful moment–I’m here.
