Wedding Stories to Take to Heart

Of course we intend to honor your individual dreams and desires when planning your big event, and we thrive off personalizing every wedding in creative and beautiful ways. That said, we thought you might like to borrow some ideas from couples who’ve gone before you in this big planning game. Get to know our RiverPlace Hotel romantics learning stories about how couples met, why they chose our Portland waterfront wedding venue and how they went about pulling off the biggest party of their lifetime. If you wish, simply consider these helpful tidbits and pearls of wisdom for your “something borrowed.”

An outdoor wedding ceremony on a deck with the bride and groom at the aisle, while guests sit on both sides.

Evi & Michael

This California-born groom and Finnish bride gathered guests from all over the globe for their informal, alfresco celebration at our welcoming Portland venue. The couple wove together Scandinavian traditions, their own musical tastes and memories old and new to create a magical evening.

A bride and groom stand by a waterfront railing beside a river and a steel bridge, smiling as they pose for photos.

Lindsay & Bruce

Although the sparks first flew for these two lovebirds in 8th grade, the flames continue to gleam. Lindsay and Bruce call their wedding celebration more fun than they could’ve ever anticipated, combining a dreamy courtyard ceremony with a lively, dance-centric reception.

A bride and groom in white wedding dresses lounge on a blue outdoor couch, cuddling in the sunshine, outdoors.

Machi & Theresa

This American-Japanese wedding celebration proved that love knows no borders and that modern technology is truly an amazing thing. The couple planned the event from abroad, realizing their dreams of marrying in an intimate, open-air space in a convenient location.

A wedding couple in formal attire share a hug outdoors by a waterfront, with the bride holding a bouquet near an altar.

Eric & Olga

Having been from different parts of the world (Olga from Russia and Eric from Washington state), this couple proved that distance is no barrier to love. Eric and Olga desired a wedding location in the heart of Portland where their guests could stay onsite, and the Riverplace Hotel provided just that.

A bride in a white dress and veil dances with a groom in a dark suit at a reception, smiling at each other.

Erin & Brandon

When this karaoke-loving duo had their venue back out three weeks before the wedding, they had to switch to plan B and fast. Thankfully, the RiverPlace Hotel came to the rescue, and a beautiful wedding materialized; the couple deems the day “perfect.”