Top 5 Wedding Planners in Portland
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Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 5, 2026
- 19 min read
- Events
Portland is a city defined by its captivating contradictions—it’s a place where rugged, moss-covered forests meet industrial chic architecture, and where refined culinary experiences coexist with a laid-back, “come as you are” attitude.
For couples planning a wedding in Portland, the Rose City offers a stunning array of backdrops, from the sweeping views of the Willamette River to the historic charm of the Pearl District. However, hosting an event in the Pacific Northwest also means navigating unique challenges, such as the infamous “Juneuary” rains, complex bridge traffic during rush hour, and a competitive market where prime summer dates are booked years in advance.
With so many high-quality options available, the competitive landscape actually works in your favor. It means you can find a professional who doesn’t just coordinate timelines but truly specializes in your specific aesthetic—whether that is an eco-conscious gathering in Forest Park or a modern, art-forward celebration in a converted warehouse.
We curated this list of the top five wedding planners in Portland to help you find a partner who demonstrates the creativity, consistency, and operational excellence required to turn your vision into a flawless reality.
How we curate our list
Finding the right planner is about more than just a Google search or scrolling through social media feeds. We developed a strict selection process to ensure every company on this list represents the best of Portland’s event industry.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction and high service levels.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and wedding publications who are acknowledged by their peers.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are often held by our planners.
Best wedding planners in Portland
1. Mattera Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Mattera Events / Lisa Mattera
Specialty/niche: Mattera Events specializes in creating refined, seamless wedding experiences that prioritize guest comfort and logistical precision. Lisa focuses on comprehensive planning and design, catering to couples who want a sophisticated celebration without the stress of managing complex details. Her niche is the “peace of mind” client—couples who value clear communication, transparent processes, and a structured planning timeline that leaves no stone unturned. She excels at producing weddings that feel timeless and elegant, often working with clients who appreciate a classic aesthetic infused with modern, personal touches.
Notable projects or signature style: Lisa’s work is characterized by a timeless aesthetic that blends classic elegance with modern sensibilities. Her portfolio showcases weddings where the design elements—from floral arrangements to table settings—feel intentional and cohesive. She’s transformed downtown lofts into softened, romantic sanctuaries using draping and candlelight, and turned vineyard estates into polished, high-end event spaces. Her style often incorporates soft, romantic color palettes and tailored details that reflect the couple’s personality while maintaining a high standard of elegance.
Pricing: The “Coordination Deluxe”—ideal for couples who want to handle planning but want a little extra expert support—starts at $2,500. Partial planning starts at $5,600 and full-service planning starts at $6,800.
Why we love them: We appreciate Lisa Mattera’s dedication to the “peace of mind” aspect of wedding planning. In a city where logistics can get complicated due to weather or traffic, having a planner who is known for no-nonsense organization is invaluable. Lisa brings a calming presence to the process, ensuring that you feel supported from the initial consultation to the final send-off. Her ability to balance the creative design with the nitty-gritty of vendor management makes her a standout choice for couples who want to enjoy their engagement as much as their wedding day.
Connect with them: Follow Mattera Events (@lisamattera.events) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Jaime Ta Creative
Company name and founder/lead planner: Jaime Ta Creative / Jaime Ta
Specialty/niche: Jaime Ta Creative focuses on design-forward weddings that tell a visual story. Jaime specializes in working with couples who view their wedding as an artistic expression, blending event planning with high-level creative direction. Her niche lies in curating aesthetically striking events that feel personal and unique, often appealing to modern couples who want to break away from cookie-cutter traditions and explore new design territories. She’s particularly adept at working with non-traditional venues, such as industrial warehouses, art galleries, and raw spaces that require a full-scale transformation.
Notable projects or signature style: Jaime’s portfolio is a testament to her eye for color, texture, and composition. Her projects often feature bold floral installations, unique furniture rentals, and custom signage that creates a cohesive brand for the wedding day. She is known for her ability to mix textures—velvet, wood, acrylic—to create depth and interest in a space. Whether it is an intimate gathering in a converted warehouse or a large-scale celebration outdoors, Jaime’s signature style involves a keen attention to lighting and atmosphere. Her work frequently highlights the interplay between the venue’s architecture and modern design elements.
Pricing: Month-of coordination starts at $2,800; partial planning starts at $6,000; and full-event design and coordination starts at $8,500. Jaime also offers elopement packages that start at $2,300.
Why we love them: Jaime Ta stands out for her dual strength in logistics and creative vision. It is rare to find a planner who is as passionate about the visual impact of an event as they are about the timeline. We love how she encourages clients to take risks with their design choices, resulting in weddings that feel fresh and memorable. Her approach ensures that the “look” of the wedding is not just decoration, but an integral part of the guest experience. If you are looking for a wedding that feels like a work of art, Jaime Ta Creative is an excellent partner.
Connect with them: Follow Jaime Ta Creative (@jaime.ta) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Blue Lark Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Blue Lark Events / Ashley Carfine
Specialty/niche: Blue Lark Events specializes in authentic, nature-inspired weddings that celebrate the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Ashley focuses on planning events that feel organic and grounded, often working with couples who prioritize sustainability and natural beauty. Her niche includes outdoor weddings, private estate gatherings, and celebrations that incorporate the lush greenery and landscapes that Portland is famous for. She is an expert at “al fresco” dining experiences and managing the infrastructure required to host comfortable events in remote or outdoor locations.
Notable projects or signature style: Ashley’s work often features a “bringing the outside in” aesthetic, utilizing local flora and natural materials to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Her signature style is relaxed yet refined, avoiding overly stiff formalities in favor of genuine connection and celebration. Notable projects include weddings set against the backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge or within the canopy of Oregon’s forests. She excels at managing the unique challenges of outdoor venues, such as lighting, power generation, and weather contingencies. Her designs frequently use earth tones, wood accents, and ambient lighting to complement the natural surroundings rather than compete with them.
Pricing: Wedding coordination starts at $2200 for up to 200 guests. Full wedding planning and coordination starts at $4,400.
Why we love them: We love Blue Lark Events for their genuine connection to the local environment. Ashley understands that a Portland wedding is often about the setting, and she knows how to enhance that setting without overcomplicating it. Her focus on creating a relaxed flow allows guests to truly connect with one another. Furthermore, her expertise in navigating outdoor logistics is a massive asset in a region where the weather can be unpredictable. She brings a sense of adventure to the planning process that is perfect for couples who love the PNW.
Connect with them: Follow Blue Lark Events (@bluelarkevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. Rose & Fern Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Rose & Fern Events / Kaila Searl
Specialty/niche: Rose & Fern Events specializes in wedding management and day-of coordination for the hands-on couple. Kaila Searl caters to clients who have done much of the planning themselves but need a professional to execute the vision on the actual day. Her niche is bridging the gap between DIY planning and professional execution, ensuring that hard-working couples can actually relax and be guests at their own wedding. She’s particularly skilled at stepping into a planning process that is already in motion, quickly auditing the details, and identifying any gaps before they become problems.
Notable projects or signature style: Kaila’s style is defined by efficiency and adaptability. Her portfolio includes a wide range of wedding types, from backyard micro-weddings to larger celebrations in established venues. Because she often steps in to manage plans created by the couple, her signature skill is her ability to quickly understand a client’s vision and troubleshoot issues before they arise. She is known for her calm demeanor under pressure and her ability to organize complex details into a coherent run-of-show. Her work ensures that personal touches—like handmade favors or family heirlooms—are displayed and handled with care, honoring the effort the couple put into the planning process.
Pricing: Day-of services start at $1,500. They also offer rehearsal dinner coordination starting at $600, welcome event/day-after celebration planning also starting at $600, and other services like venue searching and venue walkthroughs.
Why we love them: Rose & Fern Events fills a critical need in the market. Not every couple needs full-service planning, but every couple needs a stress-free wedding day. We love Kaila’s commitment to empowering couples who want to be involved in the process while providing the safety net of professional coordination. Her ability to step in and seamlessly take over the reins allows you to let go of the clipboard and pick up a champagne glass. She represents the supportive, community-focused spirit of the Portland wedding industry.
Connect with them: Follow Rose & Fern Events (@roseandfernevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
5. House of Lilly Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: House of Lilly Events / Andrea Lilly
Specialty/niche: House of Lilly Events specializes in boutique wedding planning with a deeply personal touch. Andrea Lilly focuses on building strong relationships with her clients, creating events that are true reflections of their love stories. Her niche involves intimate to mid-sized weddings where the emphasis is on hospitality, guest experience, and meaningful details that resonate on an emotional level. She is an excellent match for couples who prioritize the “feeling” of the event—the warmth, the flow, and the emotional resonance—just as much as the visual aesthetic.
Notable projects or signature style: Andrea’s signature style is warm, romantic, and detail-oriented. Her projects often feature personalized elements that tell a story, such as custom cocktail menus named after pets or interactive guest books. She has a talent for creating intimate atmospheres even in larger spaces, using lighting and layout to foster conversation. Her work demonstrates a strong command of color and texture, often producing weddings that feel cozy and luxurious simultaneously. Whether it is a modern city celebration or a rustic countryside gathering, Andrea ensures that the event feels distinctly like the couple, rather than a generic template.
Pricing: Day-of coordination starts at $3,000; partial planning starts at $6,500; and full-service planning starts at $8,500.
Why we love them: We are fans of House of Lilly Events because of Andrea’s relationship-first approach. She invests time in getting to know her clients, which translates into weddings that feel incredibly authentic. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she acts as a true advocate for her couples throughout the planning journey. In a city full of options, Andrea helps you narrow down choices to those that truly align with your values and style. Her presence on platforms like TikTok also shows she stays current with trends while keeping her planning grounded in timeless hospitality.
Connect with them: Follow House of Lilly Events (@houseoflillyevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right Portland planner
With so many talented professionals available in the Rose City, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The key is to look beyond the portfolio photos and assess how they handle the specific realities of planning an event in this region. Here is how to evaluate your options.
1. Assess their crisis management for rain
Don’t just ask “What if it rains?” Ask prospective planners: “Can you walk me through a specific time you had to activate a rain plan less than 24 hours before a wedding?”
The right answer involves specifics. They should mention tent vendors by name, explain how they handled the transition of the ceremony space, and discuss how they managed guest comfort (umbrellas, walkways, heating). If they give a vague answer like “we just moved inside,” dig deeper. You want a planner who has relationships with tenting companies and knows exactly how long it takes to erect a sidewall when the wind picks up. Their confidence in discussing bad weather is a direct indicator of your future peace of mind.
2. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
If you’re planning a wedding in the Pearl District, Downtown, or Central Eastside, you need someone who knows how to get around. Portland is a city of bridges and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own quirks. Ask specific questions:
- “How do you handle vendor load-in for [Venue Name] given the lack of street parking?”
- “What is the plan for guest transportation if the bridges are backed up during rush hour?”
- “Are there specific noise ordinances in [Neighborhood] that require the music to stop by 10:00 pm?”
A planner with real local experience will know that loading into a loft in the Pearl District is different from a venue with a dedicated lot in Beaverton. They should offer immediate solutions, such as hiring a valet service or adjusting the timeline to avoid peak traffic on I-5.
3. Evaluate their vendor network depth
If you have a specific vision (e.g., sustainable, vegan, vintage), you need to know if that planner can achieve it. Ask something like: “Which florists or caterers do you work with who specialize in [sustainability/local sourcing], and why do you recommend them?”
Strong Portland planners will name 3-5 vendors immediately and explain the relationship. They might say, “We love working with [Florist X] because they source entirely from local Oregon farms.” Then ask: “What happens if they are booked?” The depth of their backup list matters. Portland is a tight-knit community; you want a planner who is well-connected and respected by other vendors. This chemistry translates to better service and priority scheduling on your big day.
4. Test their timeline expectations for the market
This is crucial if you’re planning a summer wedding (July-September)—a busy season for weddings in the city. Ask something like: “How far in advance do we need to book a venue and caterer for a Saturday in August?”
The answer reveals their market knowledge. For Portland, the “dry season” is short and intensely competitive. A knowledgeable planner will tell you that prime dates often book out 12-18 months in advance. They should reference city-specific factors, such as the Rose Festival or major conventions, that might soak up hotel block availability. If they suggest you can easily book a prime venue three months out, they may not be in tune with the current demand in the city.
5. Verify their permit and regulation expertise
This is essential if you’re planning a ceremony in a public park like Washington Park, Mt. Tabor, or Cathedral Park. Ask something like: “What permits would we need for a ceremony in [Park Name] with 50 guests and amplified sound?”
A knowledgeable planner will outline requirements without hesitation: photography permits, sound permits, and reservation windows. They should know that Portland Parks & Recreation requires specific forms and fees, and that reservations open on a specific schedule. Red flag: “We’ll look into that.” Green flag: “Here’s the exact department to contact, the forms you’ll need, and the timeline.” Ask them if they have secured a permit for that specific park before; their experience navigating the city’s bureaucracy is crucial for avoiding fines or shutdowns.
Tips for planning an event in Portland
Successful event planning is all about timing and logistics. In Portland, the environment plays a massive role in how your event feels and functions.
Factors to consider
Weather patterns and seasons
Portland has a distinct wet and dry season. The most reliable weather for outdoor events is from early July through mid-September. If you plan an event between October and May, indoor venues are the safest bet, or you must budget significantly for high-quality tenting and heating. We recommend consulting the National Weather Service Portland office for historical climate data to help you choose the best date.
Traffic and bridges
The Willamette River divides the city, and crossing it can be a bottleneck. When planning your timeline, consider which side of the river your ceremony and reception are on. If guests have to cross a bridge during Friday rush hour (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm), add at least 30-45 minutes of buffer time. You can monitor real-time conditions via Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) traffic updates to keep your timeline on track.
Permit requirements
Portland has beautiful public parks, like Washington Park and Mt. Tabor. However, Portland Parks & Recreation requires permits for specific uses, including photography and amplified sound. These permits must be applied for months in advance. Contact Portland Parks & Recreation to find the specific forms and fee schedules for your chosen location.
Neighborhood differences
- Pearl District/Downtown: Urban, chic, industrial lofts. Great for accessibility but difficult for parking.
- Central Eastside: Gritty, artistic, warehouse spaces. Good food scene access.
- West Hills/Forest Park: Lush, green, residential. Strict noise ordinances and winding roads.
Major events to avoid
Portland hosts several major events that take over the city, filling up hotels and making transportation difficult. Avoid these dates unless your event is related to them. Consult the Travel Portland’s official events calendar to avoid conflicts.
- Portland Rose Festival: Late May to early June (Parades close streets).
- Waterfront Blues Festival: July 4th weekend (Traffic congestion downtown).
- Hood to Coast Relay: Late August (Impacts traffic from Mt. Hood to the coast).
- Portland Marathon: Early October (Street closures).
Expert advice
While Portland is laid back, the logistics are not. Non-locals often underestimate the impact of the rain or the bridge traffic. We strongly recommend deferring to local planners who understand these nuances. They know that a “light drizzle” in the forecast means you need a plan for muddy hemlines and frizzy hair.
FAQs: Portland wedding planning
When should I hire a Portland wedding planner?
You should aim to hire your planner 9 to 12 months in advance. If you are targeting a date in the peak summer season (July-August), 12 to 18 months is even better. The best planners book up quickly because the window for reliable outdoor weather is relatively short.
How much does a wedding planner cost in Portland?
Costs vary based on experience and service level. Generally, you can expect to pay between 15% and 20% of your overall wedding budget for full-service planning. Day-of coordination packages are typically flat fees that range widely depending on the complexity of the event. While it is an investment, a planner often saves you money by negotiating with vendors and preventing costly mistakes.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes, usually. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to protect the property, unlock the doors, and ensure the restrooms are stocked. An independent wedding planner works for you. They manage your timeline, coordinate all your outside vendors (florist, DJ, bakery), and handle personal details. They are your advocate, whereas the venue coordinator is the property’s advocate.
Why hire a local Portland planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local knowledge is critical in Portland. A local planner knows which caterers use the best local produce, which rental companies have the best rain tents, and how to navigate the specific permitting processes for city parks. They also have established relationships with vendors, which can be a lifesaver if you need a last-minute favor or substitution.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
An extraordinary wedding is the result of a perfect partnership between a unique environment and a skilled professional. Portland offers endless possibilities, from industrial warehouses in the Eastside to historic homes in the West Hills.
The expert planners on this list know how to harness the city’s creative energy and natural beauty, ensuring that every detail reflects your specific vision. By pairing one of these top-tier professionals with a distinctive Portland wedding venue, you set the stage for a celebration that is authentically yours.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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