The couple has spent most of their summer weekends in the Gorge for the past 10 years — windsurfing, biking, hiking and enjoying the breweries, wineries and restaurants in the area. “It’s one of our favorite locations on earth,” Chelsea said. They got engaged in the Gorge and immediately knew they wanted to get married here, too. “Besides the significant spot the Gorge holds in our hearts,” she added, “how can you beat the backdrop? The Columbia River, surrounding hillsides and Mount Hood — it doesn’t get much better.”

Christie Clarke and her company The Perfect Pour provide professional bartending services at weddings and rehearsal dinners, as well as fundraising events and corporate and private parties in the Gorge.

The couple frequently drives through the Gorge on their way to and from Idaho (Ethan is from Philomath, Ore., and Jacqueline is from Yakima, Wash.) and love its beauty. “We considered other locations, but none really compared,” Jacqueline said. “We found Wahclella Falls and knew immediately this was where we wanted to celebrate our special day.” It was close enough to both families so that everyone could attend.

The couple is originally from the Portland area, and they love the scenery and general vibe of the Gorge. They first visited Gorge Crest Vineyards in the dead of winter and it was covered in snow.

The Columbia River Gorge is filled with a bounty of catering options for weddings.

The couple wanted to get married in the Gorge because they love the outdoors, but most of the options seemed out of their price range. They were looking at other locations when they discovered a wedding package giveaway at Mt. View Orchards. They entered and won!

Allison and Isaac both grew up in the Gorge — Allison’s father is a fourth-generation wheat farmer in The Dalles — and they wanted to get married at a venue that was close to family and friends. They wanted to meld country and farm elements with a classic and elegant setting, and The Dalles Country Club proved to be the perfect venue.

Beautiful fresh flowers personalize your wedding in a big way. Go for a pop of color or monochromatic elegance.

Ryan is originally from Missoula, MT, and Katherine is a city kid from Chicago. While they considered both of their home locations, they settled on one of their favorite places — Oregon. Katherine’s dad is from Oregon and she fell in love with it while spending part of every summer at the family’s coast cottage. “Hood River was everything we wanted — a great and manageable little town with breweries, restaurants, coffee shops and beautiful scenery,” Katherine said. “The Gorge allowed us to have a less formal, naturally beautiful, easy-going wedding.”

Blaine and Bethany Franger work as a wedding, portrait, and commercial photography team based in Hood River but available for travel worldwide. Contact them at (541) 716-6008 or go to BlaineandBethany.com

Rhyne’s parents had discovered Skamania Lodge while on an anniversary trip to Washington and Oregon. The couple knew they wanted a unique destination wedding, and after exploring several options, they decided the Gorge was the best place for their rustic, outdoor tastes. “We love the Pacific Northwest, and knew the lodge was a perfect spot for a destination wedding,” Rhyne said.

The couple moved to Oregon four years ago, With Laura’s family in the Southeast, Joe’s in the Midwest, and friends all over the country, they wanted to get married in a place that would make for a beautiful destination for all of their guests and give them a little “taste of Oregon,” according to Laura. “We decided on the Gorge because of its beauty and abundance of activities for our guests to enjoy.”

Wedding planner Debbie Dennis, owner of Hitched in the Hood, shares her knowledge of planning a destination wedding in the Gorge. She had her own destination wedding in the Gorge several years ago. She and her husband loved the area so much, they ended up moving here and soon after, she launched her business to help other couples create their own perfect destination wedding.

After taking numerous vacations in the Pacific Northwest (where Marla grew up), the couple was looking for a venue that captured the beauty and dramatic mountain views they’d come to love over the years, and wanted to share with friends and family. They loved the Gorge so much, they ended up moving here from New York City shortly after their wedding.