McMenamins Edgefield Wedding
McMenamins Edgefield Wedding Guide | Diana + Michael
Planning a wedding at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon is one of those decisions that just feels right. It’s got history, character, and enough variety in one place that you don’t have to overcomplicate things. We’ve photographed quite a few weddings here over the years, and it’s one of those venues that consistently delivers—whether you’re planning something big or keeping it more low-key.
Diana + Michael’s wedding is a perfect example of how to do Edgefield in a way that feels personal and stress-free. Their day was intimate, intentional, and centered around the people who mattered most. Diana had two dresses (which we love—highly recommend if you’re on the fence), starting with a more formal look for the ceremony and changing into a lighter summer dress for the reception. It felt like a natural shift in energy as the day moved from ceremony into celebration.
One of the most memorable moments was their reception entrance, where two fellow military members honored them with a military saber salute. It was meaningful, emotional, and still felt very “them”—not performative, just real. The whole day had that vibe. No pressure, no overproduction, just a really good day with really good people.
If you’re considering a McMenamins Edgefield wedding, here are some actually useful tips (not fluff) to help you plan a day that feels good and photographs even better.
1. Pick the Right Space for Your Wedding Style (Not Just Guest Count)
Edgefield has multiple ceremony and reception locations, and they all feel very different. This is one of the biggest strengths of the venue—but it also means you need to be intentional about what you choose.
Blackberry Hall Lawn → great for larger weddings, open space, more traditional flow
The Administration House → smaller, more intimate, great indoor option
The Gardens → ideal for couples who want that lush, outdoor, slightly whimsical feel
A lot of couples pick based on guest count alone, but we’d encourage you to think about how you want the day to feel. Do you want something more private and contained? Or something more open and social?
Diana + Michael leaned into a more intimate setup, and it worked really well for them. It allowed them to spend actual time with their people instead of feeling like they were bouncing around all day.
Also worth noting: Edgefield is technically a public space. That means there will be other people around, especially in peak season. If that’s something that stresses you out, choosing a more tucked-away ceremony spot or adjusting your timeline can make a big difference.
2. Build Your Timeline Around Light (This Matters More Than You Think
If you care about your photos (and we’re guessing you do), timing is everything.
Edgefield has a mix of open lawns, tree coverage, and indoor spaces, which means lighting can change fast. Midday sun can be harsh, especially in the summer, while late afternoon and early evening give you that softer, more flattering light.
Our general recommendation:
Ceremony: Late afternoon if possible
Couple photos: Right before sunset (golden hour)
Family photos: Before or after ceremony
Diana + Michael planned their day in a way that gave them flexibility. They didn’t overpack the timeline, which meant we had time to step away for a few minutes and get some really solid couple photos without pulling them away from their guests for too long.
Also—this is important—you don’t need an hour of couple photos. If you’re not into that, we can get what you need in 5–10 minutes and let you get back to your day. Your wedding shouldn’t feel like a photoshoot.
3. Use the Weird, Artistic, Very Edgefield Details
One of the best things about a McMenamins Edgefield wedding is that it doesn’t feel like a blank canvas venue. It has personality built in.
Stained glass
Murals
Brick textures
Random little corners that somehow look amazing in photos
Lean into that.
You don’t need to bring in a ton of extra decor to make your wedding feel unique here. The venue already does a lot of that work for you. Instead, use what’s already there to create variety in your photos without adding more to your plate.
Some easy ideas:
Do your first look somewhere quiet in the gardens
Grab a few portraits near the artwork or textured walls
Use indoor spaces for a completely different vibe if the weather shifts
Diana + Michael kept things simple, which actually made everything feel more cohesive. Nothing felt forced or overstyled—it just worked with the space instead of against it.
4. Have a Weather Plan (But Don’t Stress About It)
It’s Oregon. The weather is going to do whatever it wants.
Even in the summer, you can get random rain, cloud cover, or temperature shifts. The good news is Edgefield is one of the easier venues to pivot at because there are solid indoor options that still look good.
A few practical tips:
Ask your coordinator about backup ceremony spaces ahead of time
Consider clear umbrellas (they photograph well and don’t block your faces)
Build a little flexibility into your timeline
Also—real talk—some of the best photos happen when the weather isn’t perfect. Overcast skies = soft light. Light rain = interesting, moody images. Wind = movement.
You don’t need perfect weather for a good wedding day just a back up plan.
5. Do the Dress Change (If You’re Thinking About It)
We’re big fans of outfit changes, and Edgefield is a great venue for it because the day naturally has different phases.
Diana’s two dresses worked perfectly:
A more formal look for the ceremony
A lighter, more relaxed dress for the reception
It allowed her to move, dance, and actually enjoy the reception without worrying about managing a heavier dress.
If you’re on the fence, here’s when it makes sense:
You want a more comfortable option for dancing
Your ceremony look is more formal than your overall vibe
You like the idea of switching up your look without a full second outfit commitment
It’s not necessary—but it’s one of those things couples rarely regret.
6. Plan for Movement (Edgefield Is Bigger Than It Looks)
One thing couples don’t always realize until the day of: Edgefield is spread out.
Depending on where you’re getting ready, having your ceremony, and hosting your reception, you (and your guests) might be walking a bit.
Not a huge deal—but worth planning for.
Leave buffer time for transitions
Let guests know if they’ll be moving locations
Consider accessibility for older guests
From a photography standpoint, this can actually be a plus. Those in-between moments—walking, talking, moving from one space to another—often end up being some of the most natural photos of the day.
7. Keep the Day Focused on People (This Is What You’ll Actually Remember)
This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to lose sight of it when you’re deep in planning.
The reason Diana + Michael’s wedding worked so well wasn’t because of a specific detail or timeline choice—it was because they prioritized being with their people.
They didn’t disappear for long stretches of photos.
They didn’t overpack the day with events.
They gave themselves space to actually experience their wedding.
That’s what made it feel good.
And honestly, that’s what makes your photos better too. When you’re relaxed and present, everything looks more natural. You don’t have to force anything.
8. Trust Your Vendor Team (Especially at a Venue Like Edgefield)
Edgefield weddings run smoother when your vendor team knows the space.
There are a lot of moving parts:
Multiple locations
Public areas
Lighting changes
Timing constraints
Working with vendors who have experience at McMenamins Edgefield can save you a lot of stress because they already know how to navigate it.
We’ve shot here enough to:
Know where to go for quick, solid portraits
Help adjust timelines on the fly
Avoid crowded areas when possible
Whatever team you choose, make sure they’re aligned with how you want your day to feel—not just how it looks.
Final Thoughts on Planning a McMenamins Edgefield Wedding
A McMenamins Edgefield wedding is one of those rare setups where you can keep things simple and still end up with something that feels unique and visually interesting.
You don’t need to overdesign it.
You don’t need a packed timeline.
You don’t need perfect weather.
What you do need is a plan that supports how you want to experience your day.
Diana + Michael did that really well. Their wedding wasn’t about checking boxes—it was about creating a space where they could celebrate with their people, in a place that already had so much character built in.
If that’s the kind of wedding you’re going for, Edgefield is a solid choice.
And if you’re in the early planning stages and want help figuring out what that could look like for your day, we’re always down to chat and answer questions—no pressure, just helping you figure out what actually makes sense for you.
Vendors
Flowers: Hilary Horvath Flowers
Officiant: Melissa Coe Ceremonies
Planner: Gather Events
We’re Eric and Amber — a husband and wife photography team based in Portland, Oregon. We document weddings with a photojournalistic approach, capturing the real, in-between moments that tell the full story of your day. We’ll also guide you through a few timeless, fine art portraits to round it out.
Our style is true-to-life, intentional, and focused on what matters most: you, your people, and the energy of the day. We believe your photos should feel like you — not a version of you that was overly posed or filtered.
We celebrate all couples, bodies, styles, and traditions, and we’re here to help tell your story exactly as it unfolds.