While the “destination wedding” may be latest buzz in bridal salons, couples have traveled to the City of Stevenson for more than 60 years to tie the knot. (See Tracks of the Heart). With a history as old and as colorful as the Marrying Barber, it’s no wonder Stevenson remains a sought after wedding destination today. Surrounded by the beauty of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, situated on the banks of the Columbia River, Stevenson combines great views with good times.

The destination wedding rise in popularity is easily explained. Historically,most weddings are short affairs--the ceremony, the reception and a ride home. The destination wedding stretches the wedding day into several days and evenings. The family and guests actually have time to get to know each other and create relationships. Instead of “I wished I’d had more time to talk to. . .” there is time to talk, to walk and to dine together. The wedding becomes a special family reunion with the addition of a few close friends rounding out the gathering.

As this evolution in weddings becomes accepted, Stevenson lies perfectly situated to host destination weddings. For the large events, Skamania Lodge sits on a hill overlooking town with expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge. With 254 guest rooms, over 22,000 feet of interior meeting rooms and a number of woodsy garden settings, each year the Lodge hosts more and more weddings.

On the more intimate side, the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge, four log cabins right on the Columbia River in the heart of town, offers couples a small, casual spot surrounded by parks.

For the more traditional in traveling lodging, the AAA rated Econo Lodge offers guests a third lodging option with a close in convenience to Stevenson’s downtown core. As with the Riverside Lodge and the Skamania Lodge, the Econo Lodge provides guests free WiFi in most rooms.

While Skamania Lodge and the Riverside Lodge may be the most often used venues, the surrounding area holds a number of special places. On the waterfront, the Port of Skamania County’s Teo Park, a natural grassy amphitheatre, hosts everything from weddings to the noted Brew Blues and Barbeque. Adjacent to downtown, the Skamania County Fair Ground and Rock Creek Center offer an integrated outdoor setting and indoor reception area with a commercial kitchen. A few miles to the west, Beacon Rock State Park has several locations highlighting the natural beauty of this special place in the Gorge.

For the more formal wedding venues, the Stevenson community offers a choice of churches. The denominations range from Catholic, to Methodist to the Nazarene. Each church is unique carrying the history and character of the congregation.

Thus, a trend begun 60 years ago, hopping over to Stevenson to get hitched evolves into an established Stevenson tradition.

For help with a Stevenson Wedding contact the following:

Petal Pushers
509-427-9514

Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farm
509-427-4444
www.bloomsburyshop.com

Skamania Lodge
509-427-7700
www.skamania.com

Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge
509-427-5650
www.cgriversidelodge.com

Skamania County Parks and Recreation
509-427-9478

Port of Skamania County
509-427-5484
www.portofskamania.com

Other Links:

www.skamania.com
www.cgriversidelodge.com
www.econolodge.com
www.skamania.org