Your Guide to Getting Married at The Griffin House in the Columbia River Gorge

After spending several weekends this summer capturing celebrations here, I can say without hesitation—The Griffin House has officially stolen my heart. Perched above the Columbia River Gorge on a private cliffside, it’s one of those venues that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and whisper “wowwww” in your best Owen Wilson voice. As a Columbia River Gorge wedding photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of gorgeous backdrops—but this one? The Griffin House is something else entirely.

Tucked just outside of Hood River, this 120-year-old home turned wedding venue is a masterpiece of heritage, heart, and natural beauty. Built in 1900 and restored by Marlowe Griffin Lyddon, who grew up on the property, the estate is now run by an all-female team that treats every celebration like it’s their own. Between its history, the insane views, and the incredible women who pour their energy into every detail—it’s no wonder The Griffin House has quickly become one of my favorite venues in the Pacific Northwest!

About The Griffin House

Built in 1900, The Griffin House sits gracefully on the southern cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, just minutes from Hood River, Oregon and about an hour from Portland International Airport (PDX). The property has lived many lives—a dairy farm, a speakeasy, even a fox farm—before the Griffin family restored it in the 1980s. Today, it’s both a historic home and a luxury venue that blends vintage soul with modern refinement.

Where It’s Located

• 5 minutes from: Hood River, OR
  
• 1 hour from: Portland, OR
  
• Closest Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX) – 60 miles
  
• Google Maps: The Griffin House Directions 

From Portland, the scenic drive through the Gorge is an experience in itself—towering cliffs, waterfalls, and river views that set the tone for an unforgettable wedding weekend.

Why Choose The Griffin House for Your Wedding

Imagine saying your vows surrounded by sweeping cliffs, wild oak trees, and the kind of light that turns everything golden. That’s The Griffin House. It’s romantic and rugged, elevated yet effortless—the definition of laid-back luxury.

Here’s why couples fall in love with this place (and why I can’t stop dying to photograph it):

• Panoramic Columbia River views that stretch endlessly in both directions.
  
• A sense of intimacy even with up to 175 guests—every part of the venue feels personal.
  
• Historic architecture paired with modern comfort and curated design.
  
• All-day access from morning to night, so you can truly settle in and be present.
  
• Private furniture collection of stylish, cozy pieces (yes, those iconic Moroccan rugs and sheepskin lounges are included).
  
• A warm, all-female team dedicated to making your day flow effortlessly from sunrise to the last dance.
  

Whether you’re planning a full weekend celebration or a quiet, wind-swept elopement, The Griffin House is that rare kind of venue that looks like a dream and feels like home.

A Look Around the Property

Every corner of The Griffin House feels intentional—crafted to flow seamlessly from one part of your day to the next.

The House

The main house still carries its 1900s charm, complete with big, airy windows that overlook the Gorge. Inside, you’ll find two stunning getting-ready suites:

• The Griffin’s Wing – Soft, dreamy, sun-drenched, and perfect for hair and makeup mornings with your closest friends.
  
• The Griffin’s Den – A vintage-inspired space with a bar, kitchen, and private patio. Think laid-back and timeless, ideal for the guys or anyone who needs a quiet moment before the ceremony.
  

The Grounds

Outside, the grounds unfold like your favorite storybook. You wander past stone terraces, oak trees, and the original rock wall that hugs the bluff’s edge. There’s a serene stillness here—except for the wind, which dances through every photo and creates lived in photos.

• The Ceremony Lawn: Facing directly down the Columbia River Gorge, this is where the magic happens. The view alone feels like a real life painting.
  
• The Eastern Lawn: The panoramic dream—perfect for portraits, cocktail hour, or sunset toasts with all your favorite people.
  
• The Clear Tent: A 2,600-square-foot glass-topped tent that keeps you connected to the landscape while still feeling intimate. At night, it glows like a lantern against the dark Gorge sky.

What to Know Before Booking The Griffin House

• Venue Availability: The Griffin House is one of Oregon’s most sought-after venues, especially from May through October, so it’s wise to book early (sometimes over a year out).
  
• Guest Capacity: Up to 175 guests, though the space feels just as magical for smaller gatherings.
  
• Weather: Expect sunshine, golden light, and a bit of the Gorge’s famous breeze. The venue’s tented reception space is perfect for unpredictable weather shifts.
  
• Vendor Flexibility: You’re free to bring your own dream team of vendors! Your planner, caterer, florist—while the venue’s staff supports coordination and flow. I might be biased, but the ladies at The Griffin House are my dream team for a wedding day!
  

Best Times of Year for a Griffin House Wedding

The Columbia River Gorge truly puts on a show year-round. There are no wrong answers here, just truthfully depends on the vibe that speaks to your heart.

• Spring (April–June): Think lush blooming wildflowers, soft green hills, and gentle light.
  
• Summer (July–September): Golden sunshine, warm evenings, and perfect sunset portraits.
  
• Fall (October): Crisp air, fiery foliage, and those cinematic winds that make your veil dance.
  
• Winter (November–March): Ideal for intimate, cozy elopements or micro-weddings with moody skies and quiet calm.

Things to Do Nearby

If you’re turning your wedding into a weekend getaway (and I highly recommend it!), Hood River has so much to explore:

• Downtown Hood River: Boutiques, local coffee, farm-to-table restaurants, and cozy wine bars.
  
• Outdoor adventures: Hike Dog Mountain, drive the official “Fruit Loop” (especially during the summer and fall!), chase waterfalls, or go windsurfing right on the river. Hood River is the wind surfing capital for a reason!
  
• Wineries & Cideries: Stop by Marchesi Vineyards or The Gorge White House for a post-wedding day tasting with your people.
  
• Delicious Dining: Have breakfast at Betty’s or grab a bite at Hood River Commons just around the corner for a full Hood River experience.

Where to Stay

There’s no shortage of charming places to stay nearby:

• Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel – Luxury views just minutes away.
  
• Hood River Hotel – Vintage charm of a hotel right in town.
  
• Society Hotel Bingen – Modern and minimalist, with a spa and soaking pool for post-wedding relaxation.
  
• The Inn of White Salmon – A historic boutique hotel in the heart of the small town of White Salmon which is right across the Columbia River Gorge from Hood River.
  

How Much Does a Griffin House Wedding Cost?

While pricing can vary depending on your date and season, The Griffin House wedding packages typically range between $9,000–$12,000. You will want to inquire on their website here for an accurate quote.

What’s included:

• Exclusive access to the entire property from 9am–11pm
  
• Private getting-ready suites
  
• Luxury furniture and decor collection
  
• Venue coordination and support
  
• Full access to the grounds for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception
  

This is a worthy investment for couples seeking an experience that feels both intentional and deeply personal for their wedding.

My Favorite Vendors for The Griffin House

The local talent around Hood River is unmatched. A few I’ve loved collaborating with:

Planners & Coordinators

Florists

• Brier and Ivy
  
• Rachael Meader
  

Hair + Makeup

• Powder Inc. Beauty
  
• Blossom & Beauty
  

Videographers

• NW Film Co
  
• Benham Films
  

Catering & Bar

• Hunt and Gather Catering
  
• Devil’s Food Catering

Hiring Your Columbia River Gorge Wedding Photographer

If you’re dreaming of a Griffin House wedding, you deserve a photographer who sees the in-betweens: the wind-caught hair, the teary laughs, the last light spilling across the river. My approach is documentary-meets-editorial: way less posing, a lotttt more storytelling.

When I photograph here, I want you to remember how your wedding felt—not just how your day looked. From 35mm film to Super 8, I capture the raw, nostalgic beauty that makes this venue so unforgettable.

Inquire about your Griffin House wedding →

Final Thoughts

The Griffin House isn’t just another Oregon wedding venue to me. This is a living, breathing story perched on the edge of the Columbia River Gorge. Between its rich history, the bad a** all-female leadership, and its otherworldly setting, it offers couples something truly rare: a place where nature and nostalgia collide.

Every wedding I’ve photographed here has carried that same thread of wonder–the kind that stays with you long after the day ends. So if you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels romantic, real, and wildly beautiful… you might have just found your place!

More Griffin House Wedding Inspiration

Want to see more wedding inspo from venues similar to The Griffin House?

• All about weddings at Wind Mountain Ranch | Stevenson, WA
  
• Emily & Hunter’s Cape Horn Estate Wedding – A Columbia River Gorge Love Story
  
• Top 10 European Inspired Wedding Venues in Oregon

All weddings included here were second shot for my dear friend Ellie of Ellie Nisbet Photography.
Ellie has granted me permission to use these photos I took to write my blog post about The Griffin House***