Dream Summer Wedding at The Griffin House | ONE OF Oregon’s DREAMIEST WEDDING VENUES ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE.

Planning a wedding in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge? The Griffin House in Hood River is one of Oregon’s most sought-after wedding venues, offering breathtaking views, intimate settings, and a magical atmosphere—especially during the summer months. As an Oregon wedding photographer, I’ve captured beautiful weddings at The Griffin House, and this venue never disappoints. In this post, I’ll guide you through what makes this location so special for your big day and how to make the most of your summer wedding here while you also get to enjoy photos from a lovely wedding day at this venue.

Why Choose The Griffin House for Your Summer Wedding?

The Griffin House is a hidden gem nestled along the Columbia River Gorge, offering panoramic views of the water, lush gardens, and cozy outdoor spaces. Its prime location in Hood River means you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of Oregon, making it an ideal spot for couples who want a stunning backdrop for their wedding day.

• Gorgeous Views: One of the standout features of The Griffin House is the spectacular view of the Columbia River and the surrounding gorge. Whether you’re exchanging vows under a clear summer sky or enjoying a golden-hour photo session, the scenery is unbeatable.

• Exclusive and Intimate: The Griffin House offers a private, intimate setting, perfect for couples who want an exclusive celebration with their closest friends and family. The venue feels secluded, yet it’s easily accessible from Portland and surrounding areas.

• Perfect Summer Vibes: Summer weddings at The Griffin House benefit from Oregon’s beautiful, warm weather. The gardens are in full bloom, the skies are blue, and the outdoor ceremony spaces make the most of the season’s natural light.

Tips for Planning Your Griffin House Summer Wedding

Planning a summer wedding at The Griffin House takes some careful consideration to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of your big day:

• Timing is Key: For outdoor weddings, timing is everything. Plan your ceremony for late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and take advantage of the beautiful golden hour for your portraits. The lighting around sunset at The Griffin House creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for both photos and the reception.

• Embrace the Outdoor Spaces: The Griffin House has some of the most picturesque outdoor spaces in Hood River. Use the terrace for your ceremony, the lawn for cocktail hour, and the patio for dining under the stars. Make sure to add some cozy lounge areas so guests can fully enjoy the views.

• Incorporate Seasonal Florals: Summer weddings offer a wide variety of local, seasonal flowers to choose from. Opt for vibrant, colorful blooms that complement the lush greenery of the venue. Florals like dahlias, sunflowers, and peonies are perfect choices for a summer celebration.

• Keep Guests Comfortable: Summer weddings can sometimes come with warm temperatures, so make sure your guests stay comfortable. Provide shaded seating areas, have plenty of cold refreshments available, and consider offering fun, personalized fans or parasols as wedding favors.

Capturing Your Wedding at The Griffin House

As a seasoned Oregon wedding photographer, I can’t say enough about how incredible The Griffin House is for wedding photography. Every corner of the venue offers a beautiful photo opportunity, from the intimate ceremony spots to the breathtaking river views.

Here’s are just a few ideas of what you can expect when capturing your wedding at The Griffin House:

• First Look and Portraits: The Griffin House’s surrounding gardens and cliffside views create the perfect backdrop for a romantic first look. You’ll have a variety of scenic options for portraits, whether you prefer the dramatic Columbia River Gorge or the lush garden pathways.

• Ceremony Photos: With the river as your backdrop, the ceremony site feels like something out of a fairytale. The natural beauty of the space means minimal décor is needed, allowing your love and the landscape to be the true focal points.

• Golden Hour Photos: As the sun sets over the gorge, the golden hour light at The Griffin House is absolutely breathtaking. This is the perfect time for those intimate, glowing portraits that every couple dreams of.

• Reception Photos: The outdoor dining and dance spaces at The Griffin House offer plenty of opportunity for fun, candid photos. Whether your guests are enjoying dinner under twinkling lights or dancing the night away with a view of the gorge, these moments will be unforgettable.

Making the Most of Your Wedding Day at The Griffin House

To truly enjoy your summer wedding at The Griffin House, here are a few final tips:

• Relax and Take It All In: The Griffin House offers such a serene, peaceful setting. Take moments throughout the day to step away with your partner and soak in the incredible views together.

• Let the Venue Speak for Itself: One of the biggest advantages of The Griffin House is its natural beauty. You don’t need to over-decorate—let the stunning scenery be the star.

• Consider a Weekend Event: If you’re hosting a destination wedding at The Griffin House, why not turn it into a weekend celebration? Hood River offers plenty of fun activities for your guests, from wine tasting to hiking the local trails.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re dreaming of a summer wedding at The Griffin House, I’d love to help you capture every unforgettable moment. As an experienced Oregon wedding photographer, I know how to make the most of this stunning venue and create photos that reflect your love story in one of the most beautiful settings Oregon has to offer.