Picture a castle on a hill, wrapped in tall evergreens. That is The Empress Estate in Woodland, Washington, and we think it is pure magic. As Portland wedding photographers, we love that this spot is an easy drive north on I-5 from the city. Yet once you arrive, it feels like you stepped into a fairytale in the woods. Couples fall for it the moment they pull up the drive.

The estate sits high on a hilltop with views of the valley and the Lewis River. The star of the property is a grand, French inspired mansion with five suites, each with its own charm. Many couples stay the night there with family and friends. For bigger parties, The Empress Estate also has the Woodland Chateau, a reception hall set among tall trees. It gives off a cozy cabin feel with plenty of room to dance. Each mansion suite has its own touch, like a balcony, a fireplace or a garden view.

Ceremonies happen outside under an arbor, surrounded by forest and fresh mountain air. Guests can wander the gardens, the Forest Terrace and the open hay field during cocktail hour. The team on site handles setup, service and cleanup, so couples can just enjoy the day. You can read more about this venue and see why it is a Pacific Northwest favorite. For photos, we get castle walls, golden fields and deep green woods. It truly has a little bit of everything.

Alexis and Lucas’s Romantic Marsala Wedding

Alexis and Lucas met online. At first, they worried that almost two hours between them would be too far. Then came the first date, and that was it. They clicked right away and never looked back. Today they call each other best friends, and you can feel that easy bond in every photo. Sometimes the best stories start with a simple message, and theirs is proof of that.

Their wedding theme was Romantic Marsala, with burgundy and blush as the main colors. Those deep, warm shades look amazing against evergreen trees and soft evening light. It is such a cozy match for a couple who loves quiet nights at home. They enjoy watching movies and anime, playing video games together and playing with their pup, Panda. Burgundy flowers and blush accents feel right at home in a place like this.

Our studio is based in Portland, and we photograph weddings across the entire state of Oregon. We also cross the river often for weddings in southwest Washington. Every wedding photographer on our team gets excited about a setting with this much variety. We chase warm light, real smiles and the small moments couples sometimes miss. We also love adding video so you can hear every word of your vows again.

Getting ready to plan your own celebration? Check out our wedding photography packages and prices to see what fits your day. You can also read reviews from couples who trusted our team with their memories. Have a question or a date in mind? Contact us anytime, and look through our blog for more real weddings and fresh ideas.

Original Weddings is a team of Portland wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Portland photography and videography services. This wedding was edited in our Rustic editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy, and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.

Wedding Photos | Portland Wedding Photographers

Portland Wedding Photographers at The Empress Estate

Original Weddings is all about photos that feel natural and full of life. Our photographers keep things fun and easy, so you never feel stiff in front of the camera. We give gentle direction, then let you laugh, hug and just be yourselves. We pay close attention to light, especially that warm glow near sunset in the woods. We also make time for the little things, like your rings, flowers and the details you spent months choosing. We bring backup gear and a calm attitude, too. Our goal is photos you will want to frame and share for years.

Our home base is Portland, and we travel all around the region. We often photograph weddings in Vancouver, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Salem and Longview. We are always happy to hit the road for a beautiful wedding. Wherever you say yes, we plan ahead so the day feels calm. We help build a simple timeline, scout photo spots and keep family photos quick and organized. After the wedding, you receive a full online gallery edited in the style you love. Original Weddings wants you to feel relaxed on your day and thrilled when your photos arrive. That is the goal every single time.

Portland Wedding Videographers at The Empress Estate

Original Weddings also creates wedding films that feel like a short movie about your love story. Our videographers capture the vows, the toasts and every happy tear with clear sound. We arrive early, plan our shots and work quietly, so your guests can relax and enjoy themselves. We mix sweeping shots of the setting with close, emotional moments, then edit everything with music that fits your style. Every film tells your story in a way that photos alone never could.

Many couples tell us video was their favorite purchase. Booking photo and video together keeps planning simple. Our photographers and videographers work as one team, so nobody steps on anyone else. We film weddings in Portland and travel to Vancouver, Salem, Hillsboro and beyond. Original Weddings would love to help you remember your day exactly as it felt. Reach out with your plans, and we will put together coverage that fits your day and your budget perfectly.