An Elopement at the Griffin House in Hood River, Oregon, in the Columbia River Gorge

January 7, 2026

two lgbt brides embrace on a cliffside overlooking the columbia river gorge at sunset

Say “I Do” as you watch the sun set over the mountains

The Griffin House is a 120-year-old historic home that blends timeless charm with breathtaking natural beauty. With sweeping views and unforgettable sunsets, it’s a stunning location for an intimate elopement in the Columbia River Gorge.

Hunter & I were honored to capture Shelby and Z’s elopement here on a warm August evening, surrounded by golden light and scenic river views.

wedding invitation suite and rings laid out on a table

black and white elopement details with menu and rsvp on a table with the brides earrings and rings

The Griffin House is more than just a wedding venue—it’s a historic landmark that has stood strong through decades of wildfires and changing seasons in the Columbia River Gorge. For couples dreaming of an intimate wedding surrounded by the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, this iconic home offers sweeping views, unforgettable sunsets, and a sense of raw, timeless romance.

A Windy Day

A word to the wise: it can get very windy here. Brides planning to wear a veil should make sure it’s securely fastened—we lost one to a powerful gust about halfway through the day!

A white dress hanging in front of a modern black cabin in the columbia river gorge in Hood River Oregon

Close-up of an ivory lace wedding dress on a hanger in front of cafe lights and a black cabin

A colorful wildflower wedding cake and utensils on a wooden table

Getting Ready Spaces at the Griffin House

We were even able to capture moments like this without Shelby and Z seeing each other before the ceremony.

Two brides getting ready in separate spaces but captured at the same time

A black and white photo of a bride in a brown suit getting ready for their elopement in the columbia river gorge

A lgbt bride wears a brown suit and open collar white shirt and puts the finishing touches on their hair for their columbia river gorge elopement

a detail shot of the bridal bouquet and two vow books for an elopement in the columbia river gorge

Private Vows Overlooking the Columbia River

The Griffin House really shines during Golden Hour and Blue Hour. I highly recommend trying to time your day so that the wow factor comes in and allows this venue to really shine. As the sun dips below the horizon, it transforms the Gorge into a soft, glowing landscape with 270 degree views down the whole valley.

It means that during your ceremony, you get to exchange your vows backlit by golden rays in movie-quality lighting. These are the moments we wedding photographers would kill for!

Two female brides holding hands on a cliffside during a romantic Columbia River Gorge elopement at sunset

Two female brides holding hands on a cliffside moments before their first look Columbia River Gorge elopement at sunset.

Black and White photo of two LGBT brides in their bridal attire framed by the columbia river gorge at sunset

Same-sex couple walking hand in hand along a beautiful stone pavillion with golden-hour light in the Columbia River Gorge

Two brides grabbing a drink before their reception begins in the Columbia River Gorge

Two brides share a toast in front of their classic european bar cart at the Griffin House in Hood River, Oregon

Why the Griffin House is Perfect for Intimate Weddings

Before the ceremony, Z and Shelby tucked themselves away for private vows overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. They had a rare, quiet pause in the day—no timelines, no guests, just the two of them. It was a grounding moment filled with honest words, steady breaths, and the kind of connection that reminds you why this day matters. By the time they rejoined their guests, they felt centered, present, and ready to step into their ceremony together.

Two female brides hold each other on an elegant couch in a field of ferns during their romantic columbia river gorge elopement

Wedding altar floral arch detail shot at the Griffin House in Hood River Oregon

Wide shot of two brides posing in front of their flower arch in the Columbia River Gorge

Two brides share a kiss in front of their flower arch in the Columbia River Gorge

Two brides exchange private vows as the sun peaks over the mountains behind them

Bride wipes tears away from her partners face during emotional private vow moment

Thoughtful Ceremony Details with Gorge Views

The ceremony itself was simple, intentional, and deeply felt. Thoughtful details framed the moment without distracting from it—soft florals moving in the breeze, the Columbia River Gorge stretching endlessly behind them, and their people gathered close. Nothing felt rushed or overdone. Every choice reflected who Z and Shelby are, allowing the focus to stay exactly where it belonged: on the promises they were making and the quiet, powerful emotion of the moment.

I will add that the videographer may have a bit of work cut out for them for the audio of their speeches, the wind was loud.

A bride swishes her wedding dress around as she laughs with her partner in Hood River, Oregon

Closing Thought: This was probably the most beautiful scenery we’ve seen at a wedding venue so far. The florals done by Wildflower Hill Floral were gorgeous.