Around the Columbia River Gorge, you can find some unbeatable views of Oregon’s legendary landscape. The Orchard in Hood River offers the rare opportunity to have Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Columbia River Gorge as the backdrop for your ceremony. For adventure-loving couple Jolene and Jesse, the Orchard was the perfect place to celebrate their love of the outdoors and each other.

A couple kisses in front of wildflowers at the Orchard Hood River

The Orchard in Hood River

The Orchard in Hood River didn’t take that name for its rustic appeal. It’s a working farm! Rows of pear trees border the ceremony and reception area. Whether they’re in bloom or weighed down with fruit, the trees are a whimsical addition to wedding portraits. The clover between the trees adds a touch of wilderness to the manicured garden and lawn where ceremonies take place.

The bridal party helps the bride prepare

The bride leaves her suite at The Orchard Hood River

The couple sees each other before the wedding

This Hood River wedding venue has made additions to the ceremony space that make it comfortable for guests. White umbrellas can be added to the benches used for ceremony seating to keep off the sun. Market lights overhead provide light and a little touch of magic as night falls. For small weddings like Jesse and Jolene’s, guests can spread out and get comfortable on the benches so that they can really be present for the ceremony.

The couple poses with their dogs at The Orchard Hood River

The couple walks their dogs through the garden

The couple stands in front of hydrangeas at The Orchard Hood River

the bride and groom hold hands among the pear trees

Of course, the biggest appeal of The Orchard in Hood River is the landscape. The Cascade Mountains are at their best in this part of Oregon. Mount Hood forms the backdrop for ceremonies. In the opposite direction, you can see Mount Adams. The beauty of the Columbia River Gorge is all around.

the orchard hood river wedding ceremony begins

The bride and groom smile during the ceremony

the orchard hood river wedding under floral arch

The Orchard at Hood River makes planning fairly straightforward. Receptions are held beside the ceremony area in a barn that is open on two sides. The wedding venue can provide furniture, including benches, tables, and chairs. They also have on-site catering.

The happy couple leaves the orchard hood river wedding ceremony

The couple gets a drink after the wedding ceremony at the orchard hood river

the bride and bridesmaids pose with parasols

Although this wedding venue doesn’t include lodgings, it’s only a few minutes’ drive from several hotels. Hood River has all kinds of entertainment to fill a wedding weekend. Sip on a glass from a local winery or hike the many trails through the gorge.

wedding guests play lawn games at the orchard hood river

Since The Orchard is an outdoor venue with open-air dining, it’s most enjoyable for spring and summer weddings. The fruit trees bloom in spring for row upon row of pink and white blossoms. The summer has just as much secret garden charm with tall wildflowers, fragrant lavender, and abundant hydrangeas. A floral installation on the ceremony arch blends seamlessly with the gardens around it.

the couple and guests dance in the grass

The couple holds hands at the orchard hood river wedding

the couple embraces as the sun sets at the orchard hood river

An Adventure Elopement before the Big Day

Before their wedding at The Orchard, Jesse and Jolene actually had already tied the knot. When the pandemic pushed back their big wedding plans, Jolene and Jesse decided to elope! They took a couple friends and their beloved dogs into the mountains for an adventure elopement. The couple spends a lot of time taking epic backpacking trips with their sweet pups. The mountain elopement felt perfect for them. I was so honored to document the intimate day amid the breathtaking scenery.

Guests blow bubbles at Oregon adventure elopement

Jolene and Jesse’s Perfect Wedding

A year later, Jolene and Jesse threw a bigger wedding for friends and family. Somehow it also felt exactly right for them. Their whole family was so happy to celebrate Jolene and Jesse in a big way. The couple was surrounded by love from near and far with people unable to attend reaching out by phone and prerecorded video during the reception.

the couple watches a video recorded speech

guests gather for the reception at the orchard hood river

The whole party paid tribute to their love of the outdoors. In many ways, Jolene and Jesse’s day felt like the ultimate Oregon wedding. Everything, including the tables, was named for national forests and landmarks.

custom sign for the wedding reception table

Jolene and Jesse included images from their elopement at their wedding at The Orchard in Hood River. The display included their hiking boots from their elopement. It was very touching and felt like a metaphor about how these two will travel through life together. Rather than let the pandemic ruin their wedding, they celebrated twice!

a display from the couple's adventure elopement

In addition to creative signage and displays, Jolene and Jesse celebrated nature with their wedding favors. They created custom terrariums for their guests. The bottles were all unique shapes with different plants inside. They enchanted the guests!