Wedding Reservations

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Portland Parks & Recreation is the proud steward of more than 200 parks, gardens, and natural settings that can be reserved for weddings and/or receptions. These lovely settings are the perfect locations for ceremonies and celebrations. A few things to know:

  • City code requires that a permit be obtained for any legal union ceremony in a public park where guests are invited. This includes ceremonies consisting of more than the couple, officiant, and two witnesses. Permits are issued by the Portland Parks & Recreation Customer Service Center. 
  • If your wedding ceremony will not take place in a Portland park and you only need a permit for the wedding reception, your event will fall into the category of a picnic - please see Picnic Reservation.
  • Weddings are not permitted at the Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion and surrounding acres, or Portland International Raceway.
  • Only wedding ceremonies can be booked in the wedding gardens; receptions are not allowed in the gardens.
  • Check the wedding brochure for locations, fees, policies, insurance, and reservation information.
  • Weddings may be booked at picnic sites.
  • Park area maps are located on our website and online reservation system.
  • Wedding permit requests must be made at least 45 days in advance to avoid rush fees.

2023 Wedding Reservations

PP&R will once again be holding a lottery for 2023 wedding locations and dates. The wedding lottery will establish a list of who will be contacted first to receive their desired wedding date and location at one of Portland's parks or natural areas. The wedding lottery is only for wedding events taking place March 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.  If your wedding will take place January or February 2023, please contact the Customer Service Center directly at 503-823-2525 at this time.

2023 Wedding Reservation information:

  • Monday, November 21 - First day to submit a Wedding Lottery application. 
  • Thursday, December 8 - Last day to submit a Wedding Lottery application. 
  • Thursday, December 15 - Wedding Lottery drawing results will be posted online at 8:00am.
  • Tuesday, January 3 - PP&R will begin taking general wedding reservations for 2023

Applicants will need to submit a wedding reservation request to enter the lottery. In the request, they will need to provide basic contact information, provide preferred location/date information, and pay a $121.25 non-refundable application fee. All complete requests will be entered into the lottery.

Only one entry per couple is allowed. Duplicates will be removed without refund.

Entry into the lottery does not guarantee reservation of the requested location(s) or date(s). However, staff will do their best to find a suitable alternative if necessary.

Customer Service Center staff will start processing reservation requests in the order they were drawn starting Thursday, December 15 at 8:00am. When it is time for your request to be processed, staff will contact you on the primary phone number provided in the application. If they are unable to reach you, they will leave a voicemail (if possible) and call the second phone number listed. If they are still unable to reach you, they will contact the individual you designated using the third phone number - it is extremely important for you to provide reliable contact information, as this designated individual will be authorized to make reservation decisions on your behalf. If staff are unable to reach you, they will wait 1 hour and 30 minutes before processing the next reservation request. If you call back after the hour and a half hold has passed, your request will be processed immediately.

Once a request has been processed, the reserved location and date will be posted on our website. All requests will be processed by December 30, 2022.

How to apply for the Wedding Lottery

Online
To access the online reservation system, click here. (How to Submit a Wedding Reservation Request Online)

By phone
Call the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525 and select option 1. 
Phone hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00pm (closed from 12:00pm-1:00pm)

By fax
Send the Portland Parks & Recreation Wedding Worksheet Application to 503-823-2515.

By Mail 
The Portland Parks & Recreation Wedding Worksheet Application and payment may be mailed to Portland Parks & Recreation Customer Service Center at 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 858, Portland, Oregon 97204. Please make checks payable to the City of Portland.


2023 Wedding Lottery - Results  

Lottery Drawing Order Reservation Number Confirmed Day, Date & Location
1R74075Saturday, April 1, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
2R74092Sunday, July 30, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
3R74165Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
4R74295Saturday, July 29, 2023 - Cathedral Amphitheater
5R74073Sunday, August 13, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
6R74113Saturday, October 7, 2023 - Meadow/Deck
7R74068Friday, August 11, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
8R74127Friday, July 7, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
9R74065Sunday, May 28, 2023 - Stevens Pavillion
10R74108Sunday May 21, 2023 - Peninsula Gazebo 2pm-4pm
11R74131Saturday, September 16, 2023 - Stevens Pavillion
12R74109Saturday, August 19, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
13R74292Saturday, July 8, 2023 - Laurelhurst Staircase 2pm-4pm
14R74062Friday, June 9, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
15R74327Saturday, October 7, 2023 - Redwood Deck 8am-2pm
16R74122Saturday, September 9, 2023 - Cathedral Amphitheater
17R74282Application Withdrawn 
18R74094Application Withdrawn 
19R74287Saturday September 23, 2023, Secret Garden 2pm-4pm
20R74161Tuesday, August 1 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
21R74110Saturday, October 14, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
22R74081Saturday, July 15, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
23R74178Sunday, October 8, 2023 - Redwood Deck
24R74072Saturday, June 17, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
25R74294Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Redwood Deck
26R741451.5-hour time limit has passed. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525
27R74151Friday, October 13, 2023 - Redwood Deck
28R74144Saturday, July 8, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
29R74070Thursday, July 20, 2023 - Steven's Pavillion
30R74301Saturday, June 3, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden 2pm-4pm
31R74247Saturday, August 26, 2023 - Redwood Deck 8am-2pm
32R74091Saturday, September 2, 2023 -Redwood Deck
33R74104Saturday, October 21, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
34R74332Saturday, August 5, 2023 - Cathedral Ampitheater
35R74107Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Steven Pavillion
36R74284Saturday, August 19, 2023 - Council Crest Summit 3pm-5pm
37R74328Saturday, May 20, 2023 - Mt Tabor Amphitheater - Site A
38R74078Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden
39R74074Sunday, October 15, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
40R74087Sunday, May 7, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
41R74079Saturday, April 22, 2023 - Peninsula Gazebo 2pm-4pm
42R74177Saturday, October 21, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
43R74153Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - Redwood Deck
44R74259Thursday, September 21, 2023 - Redwood Deck 8am-2pm
45R74123Saturday, July 1, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden 2pm-4pm
46R74106Sunday, May 28, 2023 - Redwood Deck
47R74124Friday, July 21, 2023 - Mt. Tabor Summit
48R74097Saturday, July 29, 2023 - Mt Tabor Picnic Site A
49R74155Saturday, September 2, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
50R74158Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
51R74061Friday, March 3, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
52R74293Saturday, October 14, 2023 - Redwood Deck 8am-2pm
53R74090Sunday September 24, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
54R74280Sunday September 10, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
55R74283Friday June 30, 2023 - Redwood deck
56R74248Saturday August 26th, 2023 - Peninsula Gazebo 6pm-8pm
57R74120Friday June 23rd, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
58R74154Saturday May 27th, 2023 - Secret Garden 10am-12pm
59R74246Saturday July 15th, 2023 - Meadow/Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
60R74066Application Withdrawn 
61R74303Application Withdrawn 
62R74291Saturday July 1, 2023 - Peninsula Picnic A
63R74331Sunday September 24, 2023 - Tanner Springs Boardwalk
64R74105Sunday July 23, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
65R74116Saturday June 24, 2023 - Wedding Meadow 8am-2pm
66R74275Friday July 7, 2023 - Peninsula Park Rose Garden 5pm-7pm
67R74229Saturday September 16, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
68R74063Friday October 6, 2023 - Hoyt Meadow & Deck 3pm-9pm
69R74143Saturday April 22, 2023 - Hoyt Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
70R74160Friday August 4, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
71R74167Saturday September 30, 2023 - Cathedral Amphitheater
72R741021.5-hour time limit has passed. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525
73R74115Saturday September 23, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden 2pm-4pm
74R74147Saturday July 1, 2023 - Cathedral Amphitheater
75R74152Friday October 20, 2023 - Hoyt Wedding Meadow/Redwood Deck
76R74126Sunday June 25, 2023 - Steven's Pavillion
77R74084Tuesday April 4, 2023 - Stone Circle 10am-12pm
78R741111.5-hour time limit has passed. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525
79R74162Thursday July 13, 2023 - Peninsula Rose gazebo
80R741751.5-hour time limit has passed. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525
81R74129Saturday August 5th, 2023 - Stevens Pavillion
82R74347Saturday June 3, 2023 - Gold Medal Garden 6pm - 8pm
83R74119Saturday June 10, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
84R74086September 28, 2023 - Redwood Deck
85R74228Sunday October 1, 2023 - Redwood deck
86R74329Thursday June 22, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden 2pm-4pm
87R74340Saturday June 24, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden 2pm-4pm
88R74157Saturday March 25, 2023 - Redwood Deck
89R74095Sunday June 18, 2023 - Shakespeare Garden
90R74085Saturday June 24, 2023 - Peninsula Park Rose Garden
91R74064Saturday April 22, 2023 - Council Crest summit
92R74077Saturday July 15, 2023 - Mt Tabor Summit
93R74330Saturday September 2, 2023 - Redwood Deck 8am-2pm
94R74156Friday September 22, 2023 - Hoyt Medow/ Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
95R74300Sunday, June 11, 2023 - Hoyt Medow 3pm-9pm
96R74071Application Withdrawn 
97R74311Saturday May 27, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
98R74098Monday June 12, 2023 - Redwood Deck 3pm-9pm
99R742431.5-hour time limit has passed. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525
100R74076Saturday April 22, 2023 - Redwood Deck 8am-2pm
101R74114Saturday August 5, 2023 - Redwood Deck
102R74069Saturday September 15, 2023 - Redwood Deck
103R74121Sunday July 9, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion
104R74112Sunday August 20, 2023 - Stevens Pavilion

Cathedral Park Staircase and Deck 

Please note the Cathedral Park Staircase and Deck will be unavailable for permit reservations beginning October 1, 2022, due to St. Johns Bridge repair work. If you will be having a simple wedding ceremony consisting of no more than the couple, officiant, and two witnesses and would like to use the location on a first-come, first-served basis, you may do so as bridge repair work allows. The Cathedral Park Amphitheater is available for reservations as usual.


Insurance Requirements

Insurance may be required for your permit and may be purchased from a variety of sources:

  • The City has arranged to make liability and property coverage available for those using city facilities or venues through Tenant Users Liability Policy (TULIP). This insurance is designed specifically for users of city facilities and venues so it meets our agreement requirements, and is often more cost-effective than the options listed below. Coverage is provided for the majority of events, however large-scale events, or events with dangerous or risky activities may be excluded.
  • Many homeowners’ policies offer coverage for an event, or a special rider can be purchased.
  • Many insurance agencies can put together what is called a special events policy.

Issued Permits

Upon approval and payment of all applicable fees, you will receive a link to your issued picnic permit via email. A permit confirms your reservation and must be on-site during the event to be valid. Please print out the permit and take it with you to your event, or have a digital copy available for viewing. You can access your permit online anytime by logging in to your online account.

You can request the following items to be sent to you through the mail:

  • Issued Permit and Site Map We can mail you a copy of your issued permit and site map so you can have it on-site during your event. Please remember a permit is required to be on-site during the event to be valid.
  • Reservation Signage We provide signs by request only. It is your responsibility to display signs on the day of your event to notify park users that the area is reserved. We do not allow signs to be attached to trees or placed on stakes in the ground (sandwich boards are recommended). A member of your group may wish to monitor the site prior to the beginning of your event.
  • Vehicle Access Pass If requested and approved for your Special Use Picnic, a vehicle access pass will be mailed to you. See the picnic brochure for more information on vehicles.

If a key is required for access or amenities as indicated in the Wedding Brochure, it may be picked up from our office Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The key may be picked up no more than two (2) business days prior to your event and requires a $100 refundable key deposit payable by cash, check, or Visa/MasterCard/Amex/Discover card. For a full refund of the key deposit, the key must be returned on the following Wednesday after the event. 

Please remember:

  • Smoking is not allowed on Portland Parks & Recreation property per Title 20.12.110.
  • You are required to remove all garbage generated by your activities from the park. We recommend you bring trash bags and/or cans.

If you need to cancel or make any changes to your issued permit, please contact our office as soon as possible. See page 3 of the Wedding Brochure for refund guidelines.


ADA Accessibility

Look for the ADA symbol in the tables on pages 4-7 of the Wedding Brochure. For more detailed information on accessible amenities, parking, and access points, please call the Customer Service Center.

Contact

PP&R Customer Service Center – Weddings and Picnics

phone number503-823-2525Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
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