Waverley Country Club Wedding- Nik and Kathy’s Wedding
For Kathy and Nik, the Waverley has always been more than just a picturesque venue—it’s a place filled with cherished memories. Over the years, they’ve spent countless afternoons golfing on the club’s pristine course, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Willamette River. So, when it came time to choose their wedding venue, it was no surprise that they couldn’t imagine saying “I do” anywhere else.
For couples planning their big day, a Waverley Country Club wedding offers everything from stunning ceremony spaces to grand reception areas, all designed to create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a local or traveling to Portland for your wedding, this venue’s attention to detail and breathtaking views make it an ideal choice.
As a Portland wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing several weddings at Waverley Country Club. From the lush green lawns overlooking the Willamette River to the stately indoor spaces, this venue offers countless opportunities for stunning, timeless photos.
Venue: Waverley Country Club // Planning and Coordination: Danielle DeMarco Events // Rentals: Arden Events // Entertainment: Blue Wave Band // Spring Quartet: Columbia River Strings // Florals: Blum Floral Design // Stationery and Signage: Letters and Dust // Hair and Makeup: Whitney Stassi Artistry
Ceremony and Reception Spaces at Waverley Country Club
Waverley Country Club provides an exceptional setting for both ceremonies and receptions, with a variety of spaces that cater to intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Whether you prefer an outdoor affair surrounded by scenic beauty or an elegant indoor setting, this venue offers something for every couple’s vision.
Outdoor Spaces
- Riverside Lawn
- A stunning location for both ceremonies and receptions, the riverside lawn features lush greenery and breathtaking views of the Willamette River.
- Perfect for outdoor ceremonies with a serene, natural backdrop or tented receptions under the stars.
- Capacity: Accommodates up to 200 guests for ceremonies and 250 for receptions.
- Features:
- Opportunities for open-air setups or tented events with customizable lighting and décor.
- Gentle river breezes and golden hour light for a magical ambiance.
Photographer’s Tip: The combination of natural light and river views creates incredible photo opportunities throughout the day and evening.
- Garden Courtyard
- Ideal for smaller ceremonies or cocktail-style receptions, this secluded space is surrounded by seasonal blooms and manicured hedges.
- Capacity: Best suited for up to 75 guests.
- Features:
- A romantic and intimate atmosphere perfect for personalized events.
- Built-in seating and opportunities for creative lighting, such as lanterns or string lights.
Indoor Spaces
- Grand Ballroom
- The Grand Ballroom is a timeless choice for couples seeking elegance and sophistication for their ceremony or reception.
- Capacity: Holds up to 200 guests for seated dinners or ceremonies with room for a dance floor.
- Features:
- Classic architecture, high ceilings, and polished hardwood floors.
- Stunning chandeliers and large windows that offer views of the grounds.
- Flexible layouts for various event styles, from formal ceremonies to lively receptions.
- Photographer’s Tip: The ballroom’s neutral tones and elegant lighting make it easy to capture timeless, sophisticated photos.
- Fireside Room
- This cozy indoor space is perfect for intimate ceremonies or smaller receptions, especially during the cooler months.
- Capacity: Accommodates up to 50 guests.
- Features:
- A charming stone fireplace serves as a focal point for ceremonies or cocktail hours.
- Comfortable and inviting atmosphere for close family and friends.
My hot tip: The warm glow of the fireplace adds a romantic touch to evening photos.
Special Highlights of Waverley Country Club
- On-Site Coordination: Experienced event staff help ensure seamless transitions and flawless execution for both ceremonies and receptions.
- Weather Backup Plan: The venue provides indoor alternatives for outdoor events, offering peace of mind regardless of the forecast.
- Accessibility: All spaces are wheelchair accessible, making the venue inclusive for all guests.
- Catering Excellence: Waverley Country Club’s in-house catering team specializes in customizable menus featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From plated dinners to buffet-style receptions, every dish is crafted to perfection.
- Bar Services: Premium bar packages include craft cocktails, wine pairings, and non-alcoholic options to suit every guest.
- Entertainment Ready: Spaces are equipped with AV technology to support live bands, DJs, or other entertainment needs.
- Décor Flexibility: Couples can personalize each space to match their wedding vision, whether it’s through elaborate floral arrangements or minimalist designs.
Waverley Country Club’s ceremony and reception spaces provide the perfect balance of elegance and versatility. From the scenic riverside lawn to the timeless grand ballroom, this venue ensures your wedding is unforgettable from start to finish.
Why Choose Waverley Country Club for Your Wedding
Waverley Country Club stands out as one of Portland’s premier wedding venues, offering a seamless blend of elegance, history, and exceptional service. Whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this venue provides a stunning backdrop for your big day. Here’s why couples like Kathy and Nik, who have a deep connection to the club, choose Waverley for their wedding:
1. Breathtaking Location
- Situated along the Willamette River, Waverley Country Club offers unparalleled views that add a touch of natural beauty to your wedding day.
- The lush, well-maintained grounds provide countless photo opportunities, from the riverside lawn to the vibrant gardens.
- Proximity to Portland makes it easily accessible for local and out-of-town guests while still offering a tranquil, private setting.
2. Versatile Event Spaces
- With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, the venue can accommodate weddings of all sizes and styles.
- Whether you dream of an outdoor ceremony with scenic views or an indoor celebration in the grand ballroom, Waverley has a space that fits your vision.
- Flexibility in layout and décor allows couples to personalize their event, ensuring their wedding feels uniquely theirs.
3. Historic Charm and Timeless Elegance
- Established in 1896, Waverley Country Club carries a rich history that adds a sense of tradition and sophistication to every event.
- The classic architecture and meticulously designed interiors create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
4. Exceptional Service and Support
- Waverley’s dedicated event staff work tirelessly to ensure every detail is taken care of, from ceremony coordination to reception logistics.
- Their experience in hosting weddings ensures a smooth, stress-free planning process.
- On-site event coordinators provide valuable support, helping couples focus on enjoying their day.
5. Gourmet Dining Experience
- The in-house catering team delivers a dining experience that’s both memorable and customizable.
- Couples can work with the chefs to create a menu that reflects their tastes, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Bar packages are available, offering everything from signature cocktails to carefully selected wine pairings.
6. All-in-One Convenience
- Hosting your ceremony and reception at the same venue simplifies logistics for you and your guests.
- Amenities such as bridal suites, ample parking, and accessibility features make the day even more comfortable and convenient.
- The venue’s seamless indoor and outdoor transitions ensure that weather is never an issue, offering peace of mind no matter the season.
7. Stunning Backdrops for Photography
- As a Portland wedding photographer, I can’t say enough about the beauty of Waverley Country Club as a backdrop for wedding photography.
- The riverside lawn, grand ballroom, and garden courtyard provide endless opportunities for stunning, timeless photos.
- Whether capturing romantic moments by the river or group shots in the ballroom, every corner of this venue is picture-perfect.
8. A Venue That Reflects Your Story
- For couples like Kathy and Nik, Waverley Country Club is more than just a venue—it’s a place filled with personal meaning and cherished memories.
- Whether you have a long-standing connection to the club or are discovering it for the first time, Waverley creates an environment where your love story can truly shine.
Choosing Waverley Country Club for your wedding means more than just selecting a beautiful venue—it’s about creating an experience that you and your guests will remember forever. With its stunning location, versatile spaces, and unmatched service, this historic club is the perfect place to start your forever.
Does the venue provide event coordination or require outside planners?
Waverley Country Club offers on-site event coordination to assist with many aspects of your wedding planning and day-of logistics. Their experienced staff works closely with couples to ensure a seamless experience, from setup and vendor coordination to timeline management during the event.
While the venue’s team handles many essential details, couples are welcome to hire an external wedding planner for additional support, particularly for full-scale planning or highly customized events. Partnering with a professional planner can help bring your unique vision to life while ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Check out all my tips for hiring an Experienced Wedding Planning.
Where to Stay Near Waverley Country Club
For couples and guests attending a Waverley Country Club wedding, there are several nearby accommodations that match the venue’s elegance and style. Here are a few excellent options:
1. The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Location: Downtown Portland, approximately 15 minutes from Waverley Country Club.
- Style and Amenities: Opulent hotel in the historic Meier & Frank Building featuring sophisticated décor, fine dining, a rooftop bar, and a fitness center.
2. Hotel deLuxe
- Location: Downtown Portland, about 20 minutes from Waverley Country Club.
- Style and Amenities: Boutique hotel inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, with elegant Art Deco design, classic cocktail bar, and luxurious rooms.
3. River’s Edge Hotel
- Location: Along the Willamette River, just 10 minutes from Waverley Country Club.
- Style and Amenities: A tranquil riverside retreat offering spacious rooms and suites, on-site spa services, and riverside dining.
4. Sentinel Hotel
- Location: Downtown Portland, approximately 15 minutes from Waverley Country Club.
- Style and Amenities: Historic boutique hotel with modern luxury, spacious rooms, and curated art collections.
Things to Do in Portland for Couples and Guests
Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, here are four must-do activities to enjoy during your stay:
1. Explore the Pearl District
- Stroll through this trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and some of Portland’s best restaurants.
- Don’t miss Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, for a unique and memorable experience.
2. Visit Washington Park
- A short drive from the venue, Washington Park offers attractions like the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden.
- Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or capturing additional photos with stunning natural backdrops.
3. Take a Foodie Tour
- Portland is famous for its culinary scene. From food trucks to farm-to-table restaurants, there’s something for every taste.
- Popular picks include Pine State Biscuits, Salt & Straw for artisanal ice cream, and any of the city’s local breweries.
4. Discover the Waterfront
- Spend some time along the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a great spot for a morning jog or an evening stroll.
- Guests can also enjoy seasonal events like the Portland Saturday Market or a relaxing river cruise.
Whether you’re drawn to its versatile event spaces, gourmet dining options, or the unparalleled attention to detail provided by its staff, Waverley Country Club ensures that your wedding day is as seamless as it is unforgettable. For couples like Kathy and Nik, who hold a deep connection to this stunning venue, Waverley becomes more than a location—it’s part of their story.
If you’re considering a Waverley Country Club wedding, I’d love to help you capture every moment of your day. As a Portland wedding photographer, I know how to make the most of this incredible venue’s beauty and charm to create timeless memories you’ll treasure forever. Let’s connect and make your dream wedding a reality!
Check out some other Waverley Country Club weddings that I’ve had the honor of capturing here. Kristin and Mile’s Wedding day // Dan and Rachel’s Wedding day
