Gorge Wedding
Considering a fall wedding? Have you considered the Columbia River Gorge? There is a reason the New York Times considers the Gorge as one of the top 5 places for fall color without the crowds and US News lists the Columbia River Highway as one of six best fall drives!
The Columbia River Gorge already boasts a setting that draws people from all over, but add cottonwood trees blazing in color, tumbling waterfalls, as well as jaw-dropping foliage slicing through the Cascade Range, and you have an ideal location for a scenic, outdoor wedding. With September being pear season and October the peak time for Heirloom Apples, couples not only find breathtaking backdrops for their nupitals, but they enjoy flavors from local caterers like Boda's Kitchen and dessert experts like Apple Valley Country Store -- who infuse their dishes with locally grown resources.
There are many venues that lend themselves to the fall beauty of the Gorge. Couples can choose from vineyards nestled among the Gorge cliffs like Garnier Yineyard, orchard rows boasting vibrant fruit and poignant blooms like the Gorge White House and even the Mount Hood Railroad -- who takes guests on a scenic ride through the valley set beneath snow-dusted mountains. Couples can also rest assured that the details of their special day are being done with perfection, because local, well-respected wedding planners like Hitched in the Hood have far more availability during the fall months to take on new brides.
While the Gorge towns become quieter due to fewer tourists, many of the outdoor activities so many tourists come for are still in full swing. Couples wanting to captilize on the area's countless outdoor activities, can sail, bike, hike and then finish the day with beer/wine tasting at local establishments. And the best part...all of these activities can be enjoyed in the sun since September and October in the Gorge boast over 23 sunny days per month on average with temps still in the 70’s!