Snap-Worthy Scenes: Five Oregon-Based Professionals Share Their Favorite Locations For Wedding Photography

Trends
Written by
Susannah Bradley

Sunset Magic
“For couples who want an urban, industrial vibe, a sunset shoot in the Pearl District is essential for capturing a gritty feel. This photo of Galen Fairbanks and Carl Sciacchitano was shot just after their ceremony near Castaway Portland, the couple’s wedding venue, and the reflection on the side of a building captured the golden hour light and the area’s industrial architecture. Galen and Carl just remodeled their beautiful home near this award-winning venue, and love it.”– Jos Woodsmith, JOS Studios



Sign of the Times
“The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is quintessential Portland. It is one of the most iconic buildings in our city with its bold ‘Portland’ signs and historic architecture, and it makes a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos. When we know our couples are getting married in downtown Portland, we always try to incorporate a stop here before the ceremony or later in the evening for those romantic dusk shots.”– Natalia Barwegen, Powers Photography Studios

Scenic Spot
“Cathedral Park under the St. Johns Bridge is a unique location, with breathtaking architecture and incredible lighting on almost any day. It offers a very Portland backdrop, with a bridge, the Willamette River and Forest Park in the distance. It’s wonderful as a quick stop, or you can spend some time wandering closer to the water or up to the top of the bridge.” – Maggie Kirkland, Honeysuckle Photography


 
Bridge Together
“The Portland waterfront is one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of town, with multiple bridges and beautiful cherry blossoms in the springtime. I like to photograph couples there because it provides multiple looks, and the uncluttered expanse of the river with bridges in the background creates visual interest.” – Evrim Icoz, Evrim Icoz Photography



Street Smart
“Thanks to the Portland Street Art Alliance, which promotes the work of muralists and other street artists in Portland, the city is filled with stunning murals that make for amazing wedding-day photo backdrops. This couple had their wedding reception at Hotel Eastlund, and behind the hotel was a mural promoting the Portland Trail Blazers, the city’s NBA team. We took advantage of it during the couple’s sunset portrait shoot to bring quintessential Portland into their photos.” – Deyla Huss, Deyla Huss Photography