Hoyt Arboretum Wedding in Portland, OR

Katrina and Saeed had the most beautiful micro wedding located in the beautiful Portland, OR park, Hoyt Arboretum, this past fall. I love the intimacy of micro weddings and the emphasis couples put on having their closest friends and family in attendance! Katrina and Saeed specifically traveled all the way from Dallas to Portland, Oregon to get married in such a beautiful location. And even better, one that had special meaning to them as a couple.

If you’re contemplating having a smaller wedding, take this as a sign to do it! Katrina and Saeed mentioned how they were pretty shy and private people. So a big, traditional wedding just wasn't right for them. Instead, they opted for a small ceremony with only their closest friends and family members. It was just as special and memorable as any large wedding! They chose one of the most stunning locations in Portland - the Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum. I talk more about this spot in my 50 Best Wedding Venues in Portland blog, so be sure to check that out!

Seeing everyone gather under the canopy of ancient redwoods at Hoyt was a beautiful sight to see. The weather was just right for them - it was a rare, warm and sunny October day. The sunlight shone through the trees and provided the dreamiest of lighting, it was like Portland knew they were getting married and decided to show off just for them. It was super important to Katrina and Saeed to tie the knot in Portland because this is the place where it all began! The city held such a special meaning for them, and they both knew they needed to return when it was time to seal the deal.

Katrina & Saeed’s Redwood Deck Ceremony in Hoyt Arboretum

These two still knew they wanted to do a first look, despite their wedding day being only a few hours long. I always encourage couples to take that extra time for themselves to have just a few moments together before their ceremony. They opted for a private vow reading as well before everyone arrived, which always gets me teary eyed! After their vows, we explored Hoyt Arboretum a bit to get a few couples portraits in. Then, it was time for their intimate ceremony on the Redwood Deck!

Ever since Katrina was young, she knew she wanted her Godfather Doug to marry her and her fiance. It was important to both her and Saeed that he be the one to officiate them and not someone they weren’t already familiar with. It made their ceremony that much more special, having someone so close to them be a huge part of it! Katrina’s sister, Kari, and one of Saeed’s sisters, Farah, each did a reading during the ceremony as well. The inclusion of their family members added a layer of depth to their day that was so special to witness.

Information for a wedding at Hoyt Arboretum:

Capacity for the Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum is 40 people standing or 25 people seated
The cost of a wedding on the Redwood Deck: Half-day (8am-2pm or 3pm-9pm) – $300.00
OR Combined with Wedding Meadow Rental – $485.00
Onsite public parking lot, no reservations allowed
BYO catering
Alcohol at permitted events only
Permits are issued by the Portland Parks & Recreation Customer Service Center. They hold a lottery every year for the upcoming weddings. It is well worth it if you can snag a spot at these beautiful locations for a wedding in Portland!

*If you’re planning on getting married at Hoyt Arboretum, this is an important tip to know: Unfortunately, there’s a high amount of car-break-ins that are pretty exclusive to events being held at this Portland wedding venue. Since no one is typically near their cars during the ceremony, that’s when a break-in is most likely to occur. I always suggest to my couples and their guests to come with a completely empty car for safety purposes.

How to have your wedding at Hoyt Arboretum:

To start the process of booking your wedding in Hoyt Arboretum or any Portland Park, CLICK HERE!

A permit must be obtained for any legal union ceremony in a public park when guests are invited. This includes ceremonies consisting of more than the couple, officiant, and two witnesses. However, If you are only wanting your wedding reception (no ceremony) to take place in a Portland Park, you can book that event as a picnic. To book, Start the application and reserve a parks facility with this link!

Where is The Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum Located?

the Redwood Deck is located off the Wildwood Trail approximately 1/3-mile from the Visitor Center. Set among towering redwood trees in the heart of Portand!

Hoyt Arboretum Portland Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Sarah Olivia Photo

Florist: Linens and Fleurs

Venue: Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum

Stationery: Minted / Papel&Co / Splendid Moment

Rentals: The Party Place

Makeup + Hair: Shelby Renee

Dress: The Label by A&Be

Jewelry: Untamed Petals

Rings: The True Gem

Wedding Photos Examples from The Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum:

Are You Ready to Plan Your Portland Micro Wedding?

Sarah Olivia Photo: Preferred Hoyt Arboretum Wedding Photographer

I would love to hear from you! To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out my 50+ Best Wedding Venues in Portland blog!