Mt. Tabor Wedding Photographer | A Real Park Wedding In Portland

A Real Park Wedding in Portland

There’s something about getting married at Mt. Tabor that feels intentional.

It’s not flashy. It’s not over-produced. It’s just trees, sky, and the people you care about standing close.

This wedding took place in the fall, under the giant oak trees at the top landing of Mt. Tabor Park, and it felt exactly how the couple wanted it to feel.

Grounded.
Quiet.
Joyful.
Quick.

Why They Chose Mt. Tabor

They love walking there with their dog.

It wasn’t about booking a venue. It wasn’t about impressing anyone. It was about choosing a place that already held meaning.

Mt. Tabor offers nature within the city. It feels secluded without being remote. It’s budget-friendly. It’s easy to access. And it doesn’t feel performative.

Before heading to the park, we gathered in their backyard for drinks and snacks. That small decision shifted the entire tone of the day. It felt like a gathering with friends instead of an event with pressure.

The Ceremony Under the Oak Trees

The ceremony happened beneath the massive oak trees at the top landing of the park.

If you know Mt. Tabor, you know how beautiful that section is. Tall trees, soft ground, filtered light, and just enough openness to feel expansive without feeling exposed.

It was a fall day with soft overcast skies and intermittent rain sprinkles. The light stayed even and flattering. No harsh shadows. No dramatic glare.

Just calm.

And then there was the squirrel.

A big, bold squirrel perched in the tree directly behind them during the ceremony. Loud. Distracting. Absolutely committed to being part of the moment.

It even made it into the digital camera footage.

It’s one of those details that makes the day unforgettable.

A Ceremony I Didn’t Expect to Officiate

The couple asked me to marry them.

So I did.

I set up a small digital camera on a tripod to record the ceremony and stepped into the role of officiant.

It was quick. It was meaningful. It was deeply personal.

There’s something powerful about standing that close to a moment like that — not just documenting it, but participating in it.

It didn’t feel staged.

It felt real.

Digital, 35mm Film, and Super 8

This wedding was documented using digital, 35mm film, and Super 8.

Digital captured the full scope of the day with clarity.

Film added softness and texture — the kind that feels timeless without trying too hard.

Super 8 brought movement. The way the leaves shifted. The way they stood close together. The quiet in-between moments that don’t translate the same in still frames.

When all three formats work together, the story feels layered.

You don’t just see the wedding.
You feel it.

Why Mt. Tabor Works So Well for Small Weddings

If you’re considering a Mt. Tabor wedding, here’s what I can tell you honestly.

It’s beautiful year-round, but fall light under those oak trees is especially flattering.

There are multiple areas for portraits, from wooded sections to open overlooks.

It’s easy to get to. There’s ample parking.

Yes, there are usually people enjoying the park. But most simply let you have your moment. It doesn’t feel intrusive.

It feels like Portland.

Who Mt. Tabor Is Perfect For

Couples who:

Want nature without leaving the city
Prefer intimate gatherings
Care more about experience than spectacle
Have personal ties to the park
Want flexibility instead of a rigid venue

It works beautifully for small ceremonies and elopements.

It works for couples who want to move, explore, and let the day unfold naturally.

If You’re Planning a Mt. Tabor Wedding

Mt. Tabor is a perfect backdrop for a small wedding ceremony.

The views are beautiful. The trees provide natural framing. The light shifts softly throughout the day. And you don’t need elaborate decor because the landscape already carries so much presence.

Sometimes simple is exactly what makes a wedding meaningful.

If you’re planning a wedding at Mt. Tabor Park and want it documented in a way that feels natural, intentional, and true to your day, I would love to hear about it.

And if a squirrel joins your ceremony, we’ll document that too.

If you’re considering getting married at Mt. Tabor and want photography that feels grounded and true to the day, I’d love to connect.

Small weddings here are beautiful in their simplicity.

You can reach out here to start the conversation:
https://amandajae.com/contact