Mountains, a sparkling river and wide open sky surround Wind Mountain Ranch, and our Portland wedding photographers were so happy to head out to the Columbia River Gorge for CJ and Rachel. This private estate sits near Stevenson, Washington, on the north side of the river. It is about an hour from Portland, and every mile of the drive gets more beautiful.

The ranch is named after Wind Mountain, which rises right beside it. The mountain was formed by ancient lava flows millions of years ago and has been shaped by wind and water ever since. It is also a meaningful place for Native Americans, who have long treated it as a Spirit Quest destination. Standing beneath it, you can feel how old and special this land really is.

For ceremonies, couples can say their vows at a floral altar facing the mountains or in front of a shimmering pond. Receptions often happen outside under a big tent with string lights that glow all night. There is also a Ranch House where close family and friends can stay. It truly captures the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in one peaceful spot. Guests always seem to slow down and soak it in.

CJ and Rachel’s Love Story

CJ and Rachel’s story is a true adventure. In April of 2023, CJ flew across the country to Portland for the very first time, drawn by the city’s amazing food. That evening she wandered into a bar called Doc Marie’s. Not long after, Rachel walked in for karaoke. When CJ heard Rachel sing, she just had to say hello. The two spent the whole weekend together.

A month later, CJ came back to the West Coast, and soon Rachel made her first trip east. A year of long distance love followed, with countless flights back and forth. Then, in April of 2024, CJ packed up her life, including her dog Calvin. They drove across the country together to start a new chapter in Ridgefield, Washington. Their wedding style was rustic, with sage green, black, white, ivory and exposed wood.

Mountain and river weddings are a dream for our team. The light changes all day long, and the views give us so much to work with. As your wedding photographer team, we look for honest moments, like a shared laugh or a hug from someone who flew in for the day. Their photos were edited in our Rustic style, which adds warm, earthy tones that fit the Gorge so well. Our wedding videography team loves these big, beautiful settings too.

Our team is based in Portland, and we photograph weddings across the entire state of Oregon. We also travel across the river into Washington for spots like the Gorge. Thinking about your own celebration? Get in touch with us anytime, or browse our blog for more Pacific Northwest weddings.

When you are ready to plan, take a look at our wedding photography packages. Our prices are simple to view and compare online. You can also read reviews from couples who trusted us with their wedding day. We would love to be part of your adventure!

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 Wind Mountain Ranch

Original Weddings is a team of Portland wedding photographers who love capturing couples all over the Pacific Northwest. Portland is our home base, and we regularly photograph weddings in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Salem and the Willamette Valley. We also travel to Vancouver, Hood River and Stevenson, and we never pass up a chance to work in the Columbia River Gorge. The drive along the river is one of our favorites, with waterfalls and cliffs at every turn. Wind Mountain Ranch was such a stunning place to spend the day with CJ and Rachel. It felt like a true Northwest adventure, and we loved every minute.

Our photographers know how to work with mountain light, from bright afternoon sun to soft cloudy skies and glowing sunsets. We plan portraits for the best light and keep the day relaxed. Original Weddings keeps every wedding fun and stress free. We give gentle prompts, then step back so couples can enjoy each other and their guests. That approach leads to honest photos that feel just like the day did. We never rush a moment. We also capture family, friends and the details couples worked so hard on. Those are the images that become treasures over time.

Portland Wedding Videographers at Wind Mountain Ranch

Original Weddings also has a team of Portland wedding videographers who love telling stories with sound and motion. Our filmmakers are based in Portland and travel across Oregon and into Washington, from Salem and Hood River to Vancouver and the Columbia River Gorge. Filming at Wind Mountain Ranch gives our team such a dramatic backdrop, with the mountain and river in nearly every shot. We love filming out there.

A wedding film keeps the parts of a day that a photo cannot fully hold. It saves the vows, the toasts, the laughter and the music that fills the night. Our videographers stay calm and quiet, so couples can focus on each other and their guests. We record clear audio during the speeches. We watch for every sweet reaction. Afterward, we shape the footage into a personal film with music that fits the mood. Original Weddings wants every couple to press play and feel that same joy again and again.