5 Reasons to Have a Hoyt Arboretum Wedding or Elopement in PDX

One of the things I love most about Oregon is the incredibly diverse scenery the state has to offer. Oregon has some of the most breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged coast and snow peaked mountains (volcanoes!) to lush green forests and the vast high desert. In just one state, you have so many different landscapes to choose from if you’re looking to elope, have an adventure wedding, or host your event in the great outdoors. I recently shared an elopement location spotlight, iconic Cannon Beach, located on Oregon’s northern coast.

Newlywed couple elopes in the PNW forest

Top 5 Reasons to Have an Elopement or Wedding at the Hoyt Arboretum

Beautiful Scenery in the Heart of Portland

If you’re not as much of a beach person, and you’re more into the idea of getting married among the Pacific Northwest tree giants, the Hoyt Arboretum is a great option. Not only is it a beautiful location, but another thing I love about this spot is that it’s within a couple of miles (yes, your read that right: only a couple of miles!) from downtown Portland.

Not many large cities have such stunning nature within its boundaries. You do not need to hop on a plane or drive for hours and hours to find a beautiful location or wedding spot that has you surrounded by native flora and fauna. When you have your elopement or wedding at the Hoyt Arboretum, you’ll be in the midst of iconic Pacific Northwest scenery, while also being minutes away from the downtown attractions and action.

Space + Accessibility

It’s not always easy to find an incredible landscape that’s both surrounded by nature and able to handle a guest count that’s more than a handful of people. Another thing I love about Hoyt Arboretum weddings is that you can choose to either elope or have a larger wedding. Some wedding locations at the Hoyt Arboretum can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Additionally, it’s important to consider whether or not your guests have the ability to hike into the landscape you’re choosing to have your vows in. Each of the four outdoor Hoyt Arboretum wedding locations are just 1/2 a mile or less to get to on foot.

Proceeds Support Nature Conservation

An additional perk of having your wedding at the Hoyt Arboretum? When you rent out any of the four outdoor spaces for your event, the proceeds support the Hoyt Arboretum’s global tree collection and programs. And if you’re a true lover of nature, you’ll know the importance of nature conservation.

There’s something really special about knowing some of your wedding budget is going back to environmental protection efforts. National parks are other great locations where wedding permit fees go back to supporting public lands and nature conservation.

Budget Friendly

While you can’t have a “traditional” wedding reception at the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland (you can, however, plan to picnic at Stevens Pavilion), hosting your ceremony comes at a really reasonable price. Depending on which location you choose for your Hoyt Arboretum elopement or wedding, and how long you’ll be there, rental rates range between $204 and $595.75.

4 Outdoor Hoyt Arboretum Wedding Locations

The photos below were taken at the Redwood Deck, one of the most scenic parts of the Hoyt Arboretum. Surrounded by redwood trees, you can say your vows on the natural wood platform with your closest 25 (seated) or 40 (standing) people by your side.

Even in January (when these images were taken) the forest is as PNW-magical as it gets. The bouquet I designed for this event includes sweet peas, garden roses, anemones and textural elements and foliage.

If you’re looking for PNW elopement or wedding florist, you can find more about my services here.