The Heart of the Valley: Wedding Venues in Corvallis

Nestled in Willamette Valley 80 miles south of Portland, Corvallis is a former sleepy college town that’s emerged as the home of Oregon’s largest research university, a burgeoning foodie culture and gateway to outdoor recreation at nearby Marys Peak, Alsea Falls and the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge. Couples looking forward to walking down the aisle in this small town need not look any further for a wedding venue that will speak volumes without gouging a hole in their wallets. From modern rooftop venues to its intimate and authentic countryside to its vibrant parks, Corvallis offers more than a handful of venues for couples planning a wedding to remember.

Take in the View

With panoramic views of Corvallis at its helm, the Vue is a popular choice for the contemporary couple. Located in downtown Corvallis, the 150- person-capacity tower on the fifth and sixth floors features modern architectural interior design with sleek glass structures, indoor water features, double-sided fireplaces and a sleek modern staircase with glass walls, which is a popular go-to for photo ops. Two separate bars and furnishings offer added convenience for those planning a wedding. Covered outdoor balconies furnished with patio heaters and fiber-optic lighting allow the party to spill outside regardless of the weather. Vows and I do’s can be declared not only in front of loved ones but also to all of Corvallis atop the balcony.

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Lover’s Lane near the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State University Campus || Photography by: Chris Becerra

Outdoor Beauty

Dozens of parks scattered across the Corvallis area bolster the small-town community feel with festivities such as farmers’ markets and an annual Festival of Lights. Central Park in downtown Corvallis is no exception. Tapping in at 3.75 acres, the park can play host to medium-size and intimate outdoor affairs. In the center of the park is a white gazebo, which doubles as a charming stage where newlyweds can say their vows and guests can dance the occasion away during receptions.

The Beazell Forest Education Center is a quaint renovated barn situated in Philomath’s Beazell Memorial Forest, 15 miles northwest of Corvallis. Built in 1930, the dark stained barn was renovated in 2005 and transformed into a forestry education center. Surrounded by 600 acres of rich greenery, couples can create their own fairy tales while walking along the wooden footbridge in the middle of the forest. Giant oak trees stand outside the barn, while inside the massive barn doors, couples will find a main assembly room capable of holding up to 80 guests. Some of the original beams, ropes and wooden panels are still intact and help the barn maintain its timeless and historical aura. Although the barn does not offer exclusive catering, the center does offer a separate catering room.

True (Beaver) Believers

Of the many hats Corvallis wears, home of the Oregon State Beavers is the most visible. The CH2M Hill Alumni Center at the Oregon State University campus is nearly as enormous as the pride of its students. Couples who bleed orange and black can tie the knot on a campus full of special memories. Wedding portraits can be taken on the “lover’s lane,” a row of 200-year-old trees on campus. For couples looking to host epic nuptials, the alumni center is spacious enough to hold up to 998 people. The carpeted Cascade Ballroom has subtle yellow walls with white trim, as well as the space and equipment for photo slideshows and video, rendering it a blank canvas for couples who are eager to customize their wedding with personal flavor.

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Rustic Paradise Springs in Monroe || Photography by: Chris Becerra

Winery Weddings

Sixteen miles west of Corvallis in the tiny town of Wren, Lumos Wine Company hosts a select number of events at its 80-acre farm. Wedding photographer Amanda Long of Amanda Photographic calls the Lumos vineyard her favorite wedding location and describes it as “spectacular—it’s in the coastal foothills, and the view really captures the valley.” Couples can imagine they are tying the knot in a private Oregon oasis as they enjoy sustainable, organically grown local wines.

Alongside the Mary’s River and fourteen miles west of Corvallis, Harris Bridge Vineyard in Philomath takes its name from the historic and perfect-for-photo-ops covered bridge nearby. Adjacent to the bridge, rows of grapevines bordered by lush greenery provide a classically beautiful backdrop for intimate gatherings, elevating the occasion with a country-vintage style. Guests can sip the vineyard’s many dessert wines in the property’s tasting room for a cozier ambience. Bigger parties can utilize the outdoor reception areas with bucolic views from every angle.

Rustic Refined

Twenty miles south of Corvallis in Monroe, Paradise Springs is a family-owned venue with a lot of heart built into it. The only steam-powered lumber mill on the West Coast, this private 7-acre park holds up to 200 guests and includes a refreshing reception hall lined with cedar walls and a rock fireplace. Six-foot-tall glass windows line the walls and showcase the wooded area that surrounds the lodge and reception space. Couples can walk hand in hand through the woods with the sun coming through the trees for beautiful wedding photographs. “It’s private enough to feel like you are at your own destination,” Corvallis wedding photographer Chris Becerra says. “It’s the best of both worlds.”

The charming town of Brownsville, 27 miles south of Corvallis, is home to not only the film location of the 1986 film Stand By Me but the charming Atavista Farms, a venue for couples who desire the ultimate garden wedding. A family-owned 1876 Victorian farmhouse and manicured lawns mix country-vintage style and with a panoramic Willamette Valley landscape. The venue, which can hold up to 400 guests, features a vintage gazebo and open fields, which can be the romantic spot to exchange vows. ✵

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Amelia’s Flowers || Photography by: Nakalan McKay Photography

Resource Guide

by Natalie Wheeler

CATERING

Forks and Corks Catering: From cocktail receptions to traditional buffets, Forks and Corks Catering expands the possibilities of contemporary cuisine. Spanning the taste buds from traditional to international, Forks and Corks menu includes a wide range of menu options from beef medallions to vegetarian chana masala using locally-grown ingredients.

DESSERTS

New Morning Bakery: In addition to traditional eats, this bakery has a long list of treats such as coconut macaroons, vegan muffins and creamy New York–style cheesecake.

RENTALS

Special Occasions: Since 1986, Special Occasions has been curating a warehouse full of rentals including altar accessories, flatware, and a rustic wagon wheel. Customers can select rentals from the website or on site at their Corvallis showroom.

COORDINATION

It’s Your Day: Large gatherings to intimate weddings and everything in between, It’s Your Day provides full service and day-off coordinating along with design consultations.

FLORALS

Celebration Florals: Celebration Florals creates personalized bouquets for events throughout the Willamette Valley using blooms sourced from local growers when possible.

Amelia’s Flowers: Embracing the “wild and free” nature of flowers, floral designer Amelia Vaage’s bouquets have fresh-from-the-farm beauty.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Becerra Photography: Photographer Chris Becerra has a reputation for connecting with his couples, which is expressed in his photography.

Thistledown Photography: Reflecting the Corvallis vibe that’s anything but stuffy, photographer Ali Smith’s sunny images are casual yet focused on the emotion-filled moments of a wedding day.

Amanda Photographic: Amanda Long uses visual storytelling by capturing weddings, from “the engagement portraits to the last dance.” Long also offers expert advice on what to wear during the engagement session.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS

The Retreat Day Spa and Salon: The Retreat has multiple professionals including stylists, nail technicians, estheticians and massage therapists to meet bridal parties’ needs. The “Here Comes the Bride” package includes a practice session for hair and makeup, manicure, pedicure and a facial before and the day of the wedding.

Epic Day Spa: Clients are encouraged to indulge in a variety of body and beauty treatments at this full-service salon in downtown Corvallis. Brides and grooms can work with the staff to build a personalized spa wedding package and prepare hair, skin and makeup for the big day.