Skamania Lodge Wedding

A Summer Wedding at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson Washington

I’ve photographed weddings at Skamania Lodge more times than I can count over the years, but this particular wedding really showcased just how beautiful this venue is. In all the years I’ve been photographing weddings there, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the light come together quite like it did for Julie and Ian’s wedding.

Julie and Ian had friends and family come from all over the world to attend their wedding, and I can’t think of a better place to welcome out-of-state and international visitors to the Pacific Northwest than the Columbia River Gorge. Skamania Lodge gives guests a chance to experience the area while also being a beautiful and convenient setting for a wedding.

About Skamania Lodge

About 45 minutes from Portland, in Stevenson, Washington, sits Skamania Lodge. As a destination resort, the property is a getaway for those looking to enjoy the many activities in the Gorge, as well as everything the lodge itself has to offer. The 175-acre property is filled with forests, a spa, golf course, disc golf course, aerial obstacle courses, and ziplines.

The lodge itself has a warm and somewhat rustic vibe without being too rustic. At the center of the resort is an iconic large stone fireplace, sitting in front of floor-to-ceiling windows with the Columbia River Gorge as the backdrop.

Skamania has undergone many changes over the years, especially over the last decade. Originally offering 195 guest rooms inside the lodge, they now have some pretty unique accommodation options, including treehouses, glamping tents, villas, and cabins.

Getting Married at Skamania Lodge

One of the best things about weddings at Skamania Lodge is how much variety the property has to offer. There are now multiple options for ceremonies and receptions, making it a great fit for everything from large celebrations to smaller, more intimate weddings.

The property also gives you a lot of variety throughout the day without having to go far. There are wooded areas, open spaces, the lodge itself, the Gorge, and plenty of spots for portraits. Depending on the time of year and the weather, you can really make use of the entire property and get a completely different look from one part of the day to the next.

And for couples having guests travel from out of town, having the ceremony, reception, accommodations, and so many activities all in one place makes Skamania feel more like a wedding weekend destination than simply a wedding venue.

Ceremony & Reception Options

Skamania lodge offers many options for both large and small weddings both indoor and outdoor. Below you can find description of each type of space and how it is used.

Ceremony Spaces for Larger Weddings

  • Amphitheater- This ceremony space offers dramatic views of the Columbia River Gorge as the backdrop while you say “I do.” Tucked away from the main lodge, it offers more privacy and a more intimate feel for your ceremony.
  • Moonlight Lawn– Located right off the golf course, this space offers incredible mountain views surrounded by towering forests. It’s a beautiful option if you want an open-air ceremony with a classic Pacific Northwest backdrop.
  • Stevenson Ballroom– The original indoor space Skamania Lodge offered for weddings, the Stevenson Ballroom is a great option for couples who want an indoor ceremony. It can also be used for the reception, making it easy to keep the entire celebration in one space.

Reception Spaces for Larger Weddings

  • Riverview Pavilion– A 2,500-square-foot open-air pavilion featuring sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding mountains. The covered space can accommodate up to 180 guests, making it a great option for couples who want an outdoor reception without having to worry as much about the weather.
  • Moonlight Pavilion– A slightly smaller 2,100-square-foot open-air pavilion that can accommodate up to 80 guests. Located right off the lodge’s golf course and surrounded by trees and mountain views, it offers a more intimate setting for dinner and dancing.
  • Stevenson Ballroom– The largest indoor reception option at Skamania Lodge, with room for up to 300 guests. With its warm lodge-inspired feel, it’s a great choice for larger celebrations or couples looking for a fully indoor reception space.

Intimate Wedding & Reception Options

  • Glacier Hall + Boulder Terrace – A combination of indoor and outdoor spaces that works well for an intimate ceremony and reception. Boulder Terrace features a private patio surrounded by the natural beauty of the lodge, creating a beautiful setting for a smaller guest count. Glacier Hall can also be used separately if you choose a different location for your ceremony.
  • Garden Patio – A charming outdoor space surrounded by trees and flowers, making it a beautiful option for intimate ceremonies, cocktail hours, or smaller gatherings.
  • Atrium – An intimate indoor space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant natural light. It would be a beautiful option for a smaller ceremony or cocktail hour, especially if you want to bring the outdoors in.

Planning a Skamania Lodge Wedding


As you can see, Skamania Lodge is a great venue option because it offers a variety of spaces for different wedding sizes and styles, along with on-site lodging for your guests. With both indoor and outdoor options, the venue is incredibly versatile and can work beautifully throughout the year.
Depending on the vision you have for your wedding, whether that’s a cozy lodge-style celebration, a glamping-inspired weekend, or an outdoor experience surrounded by the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll want to plan the time of year accordingly. Think about the experience you want for yourselves and your guests, and choose your wedding season based on the activities, scenery, and outdoor spaces you want to enjoy.

Tips for Your Wedding Photography at Skamania Lodge

Because of the the options and some of the logistics of Skamania, there are definitely some things to keep in mind when it comes to your wedding day photography.

  1. Timeline Considerations
    Skamania Lodge is a large property, so you’ll want to build a little extra time into your timeline for getting from one part of the property to another. Getting to your first look location, wedding party photos, and family photo locations may require some walking. Make sure to factor that into your timeline so you aren’t rushing from one part of the property to the next and can enjoy a more relaxed day.
  2. Second Photographer Considerations
    A second photographer can be especially helpful at Skamania Lodge. Because the property is so large and different photo locations require additional walking and time, having a second photographer can help the day run more seamlessly. While you’re off taking photos with your primary photographer, your second photographer can stay behind and capture your guests, cocktail hour, or other moments happening around the lodge.
  3. Time of Day Considerations
    June and July have some of the longest days of the year, with sunset around 9pm. The outdoor ceremony spaces can be incredibly bright in the middle of the afternoon, especially around 3pm. If you’re planning to take photos before the ceremony, the bright afternoon light may also limit which locations work best.
    For this reason, I recommend considering a ceremony start time of 4pm or later, with 4:30pm being even better for a June wedding. This gives you softer light later in the day and allows you to take advantage of the beautiful evening light for portraits. And yes, those sunset photos will be very close to actual sunset time, but they will absolutely be worth it!

Looking for a Wedding Photographer for your Skamania Lodge Wedding?

If you’re looking for a photographer for your Skamania Lodge wedding, I’d love to hear more about your plans! I know this property incredibly well and absolutely love photographing weddings here. From helping you plan your timeline to finding the best photo locations and making the most of the light, I’d love to help you have a relaxed, beautiful wedding day. Check out my website or feel free to contact me with any questions 🙂

You can also check out another visually inspiring wedding I photographed at Skamania Lodge that was featured on Rock and Roll Bride.

A big thanks to all the vendors who participated in making this day amazing!

Planner: Your Perfect Bridesmaid
Hair & Makeup: Blush and Braids Beauty Bar
DJ: Stumptown
Florals: Bloomsbury
Catering, Bar & Venue: Skamania Lodge


  • Wide view of the entrance of Skamania Lodge
  • The villa at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson Washington
  • A close up of a hand pouring a shot of whiskey
  • A groom about to take a shot of whiskey
  • A groom placing his cuff links.
  • A groom stands in a field of queens lace at Skamania Lodge
  • A bride smiles and holds a glass of champagne while her mother zips the back of her wedding dress.
  • A bride's mother fixes the brides dress in a field.
  • A groom reacts to seeing his bride during their first look at Skamania Lodge
  • A groom and bride embrace and smile at each other in a field.
  • A bride stands in a field of queens lace at her Skamania Lodge wedding.
  • A bride and groom stand in a field with the Columbia River gorge in the backdrop.
  • A bride and groom stand in field on their wedding day.
  • A closeup of a bride holding her flowers and looks directly ahead.
  • A close up a a bride and groom laughing together.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand towards the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Wide view of a bride holding her flowers and looking down at them.
  • A close up of a bouquet of flowers.
  • A bride and groom stand together and look straight ahead in a field.
  • A wide view of the Columbia River Gorge with a field in the foreground.
  • A black and white of a bride and groom walking down a sidewalk.
  • A wide view of the floor to ceiling windows and the view from inside Skamania Lodge.
  • Rocking chairs by a fireplace.
  • A wide view of the wedding ceremony space at Skamania Lodge
  • A close up of floral arrangements at a wedding ceremony alter.
  • A wide view the backside of Skamania Lodge framed by trees.
  • Wedding guests walk across a lawn.
  • A closeup of queens anne lace.
  • A wide view of the Riverview Pavilion Reception area.
  • A wide view of mountains with seating in the foreground,
  • Wedding guests walk to the wedding ceremony area.
  • A wide view of wedding guests walking down a path.
  • Guests begin to take their seats at a wedding.
  • A groom reacts with tears as his bride walks to him.
  • A bride walks down the aisle with her parents and smiles.
  • A brides veil flys in the wind during a wedding ceremony.
  • A wide view of the Riverview Amphitheater during a wedding ceremony at Skamania Lodge.
  • A groom looks lovingly at his bride during their wedding ceremony.
  • A wedding guest wipes a tear from her eye during a wedding ceremony.
  • A bride reads her wedding vows to a groom at their wedding.
  • A wedding guest wipes a tear from his face.
  • A guest laughs during a wedding ceremony.
  • A bride and groom face their guests with dramatic light and clouds once their ceremony ends.
  • A bride and groom walk away hand in hand after they are married.
  • Wedding guests walk towards Skamania Lodge.
  • A bride and groom stand hand in hand looking away from each other.
  • A bride and groom walk hand and smile at each other.
  • A wide view from the outside of Riverview Pavilion at a wedding.
  • A wedding guest smiles as she fills in a guest book.
  • Newlyweds enter their cocktail hour.
  • A bride and her mother in law engage in an emotional embrace.
  • Guests of a wedding take photos of each other with the Columbia River Gorge in the backdrop.
  • Wedding guests walk with a lodge in the backdrop.
  • A close up of a wedding guests tie.
  • A couple poses for the camera with the Columbia River Gorge in the background.
  • Wedding guests stand in dramatic light at a wedding reception.
  • A bride looks at her groom and smiles as the sit together on their wedding day.
  • A close up of a seating chart.
  • Guests at a wedding in line to go through a buffet.
  • Landscape of the mountains from Skamania Lodge.
  • Wedding guests give speeches at a wedding.
  • A bride and groom listen to wedding speaches.
  • Guests say cheer and clink glasses together.
  • A bride and groom share their first dance with guests.
  • A bride and her dad laugh together while they dance.
  • Wedding guests dance on the dance floor.
  • Landscape of Skamania Lodge with mountains.
  • Wedding guests dancing.
  • Friends and family on the dance floor at wedding.
  • A mom spins her young daughter around on the dancefloor.
  • A bride and groom walk towards the mountains.
  • A groom watches his bride walk through a field of tall grass.
  • A bride runs through a field.
  • A bride ang groom embrace in a field with mountains in the backdrop.
  • A bride and groom stand in dramatic light and look at each other.
  • A bride and groom at their Skamania Lodge Wedding during sunset photos.
  • A closeup of a bride and groom hugging.
  • A groom leads his bride out of a field at their Skamania Lodge wedding.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand in a large open field.
  • A bride and groom run together in a feild.
  • A couple stands together hand in hand in a field.
  • A man and woman run together in a field on their wedidng day.
  • A bride and groom walk towards their reception and guests.
  • Wide view of mountains at sunset.
  • Mountains at sunset.
  • A wedding guest on the dance floor.
  • A bride on the dance floor.
  • A groom lifted up in the air by friends on the dance floor.
  • The brides dress on the dance floor.
  • A bride is thrown into the air on the dance floor.
  • A bride laughs on the dance floor.
  • Wedding guests dance on a dark dance floor.
  • A wide view of all the guests of the dance floor.
  • Wedding guests dancing energetically.
  • A wide view of Skamania Lodge at night.

Planning Your Oregon Engagement or Wedding? I Can Help

Make sure to check out my Best Nature Wedding Venue Guide to see some of the best that Oregon has to offer! Whether you’re envisioning mountain views, an oceanfront ceremony, or exchanging vows beneath a canopy of towering trees, this state offers an incredible variety of scenic wedding venues to match your vision.

If you are on the search for your wedding photographer and like what you see, contact me to say hello or check out my reviews on google!

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two grooms stand hand in hand overlooking the columbia river gorge from the griffin house.

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