Blockhouse Portland Wedding

Blockhouse is one of my favorite venues for weddings in Portland proper.

It’s located right off NW 21st, in an industrial area that is central to downtown and all the hotels and restaurants (find the location of Blockhouse on google maps HERE)

The venue is the fusion of Blockhouse and Pmarius Nursery, the perfect blend of urban and nature and boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces.

I have photographed weddings at Blockhouse in every season: in the fall, the space full of color and leaves turning; in summer, everything is lush and green; and in the springtime the venue is full of blossoms.

It’s a picturesque spot that has endless possibilities for taking photos.

Click HERE for an example of a Blockhouse wedding that i shot in spring

This particular couple got ready at an Air BnB close to the venue—it was full of light and space for everyone to get ready and an easy drive to Blockhouse!

WHAT EVEN IS A BLOCKHOUSE

Blockhouse is on the same property as Pomarius Nursery, although they are two separate businesses.

Usually, the ceremonies are held in the large nursery greenhouse and then the reception takes place on the patio area, within the covered building and all around the nursery grounds.

There are great covered areas in case it rains (i have been at this venue in the rain and it makes for a magical ambiance and everyone also stays dry!) but there is a ton of outdoor space as well, where people can wander around and think about all the plants and trees they want to buy to put in their yards and gardens ;-)

PLACES TO SHOOT AT BLOCKHOUSE

There are so many great places to take photographs at this venue, and even though i have shot here multiple times, there are always new little corners that i find AND the plants and colors are always changing so there is a ton of variety

IN THE NURSERY: there are so many places right in the nursery to shoot: greenhouses backdrops of plants and blooming trees and so much lush greenery. There are endless possibilities and the plant backdrops are ever changing

OUTSIDE BLOCKHOUSE: there are a ton of cool spots right outside the venue, including brick walls and city streets and murals. Its fun to step outside the venue and gets a few other types of shots to add variety to the photos from the day

IN THE SURROUNDING URBAN AREAS: Within a quick car ride to Blockhouse are a ton of interesting urban areas, including NW 21st and 23rd (click HERE for an engagement session i shot on NW 21st and the surrounding areas)

CEREMONIES AT BLOCKHOUSE

This venue has SUCH a picturesque spot for wedding ceremonies—it doesnt get much better than saying I DO underthe canopy of a greenhouse, surrounded by lush plants and flowers.

It honestly doesn’t even need much decorating, because the flowers ARE the backdrop.

BLOCKHOUSE RECEPTIONS

During cocktail hour, the greenhouse is transformed into a gorgeous dining area for guests. The plants surrounding the structure already create a gorgeously lush atmosphere and coziness.

BUT SHOULD WE MAKE AN ENTRANCE?!

The answer is always: yes.

I always love capturing the newlyweds (and their bridal party if they have one) reentering the venue right before all guests are seated for dinner.

Its so much fun to capture the excitement and movement and I often encourage guests to swing thier napkins in the air because it creates a ton of great motion for photo-taking