The ViewPoint Inn

mary_heng

Need your advice. I have recently fallen in love with the wedding site the ViewPoint Inn. Beautiful View of the Columbia Gorge. It has also been known for the prom night of the movie "Twilight". However, the site was for sale a month ago and now is not. We fell in love with the site and would like to plan our wedding in Aug. 2010. I have heard mixed things from recent brides there some saying the have had wonderful weddings but that was at least a year ago I would like to hear from some recent brides who have had recent weddings. I have only read some blogs that said that couples were not happy. We are afraid that this place maybe under some financial uncertainty. They have one of the highest down payments by 3 times compared to any other place. Are there any recent bride that have had a wedding at this site? Thank you

jennylee753

My boss booked her wedding there.  To give you an idea of how horrible of an experience she had, they cancelled their wedding their one month before the wedding and scrambled to find a new location.Plus - she told me they were going to pay $75/person for an appetizer only reception with no booze.  WTF?  That is SO EXPENSIVE!!!!Also - have read several reviews where they do not return the refundable deposit.You've mentioned a lot of red flags here as well.  If your gut tells you to find another place then go with it.  I have found that in life if your intuition says to not do it... DON'T DO IT.

Rochelle&Matt

I do recall hearing a big to do about the Inn transitioning some staff about a year ago, and some choas resulting from all of that. I have never been up there myself, but I do follow my photographer on her website. Her MOST BEAUTIFUL wedding shots are from the Viewpoint Inn, and she herself hosted her wedding there last fall. If I would have known about this place last summer I would have hands down booked it for our wedding. Although I can't speak about the service, if you go to laurenbphoto.com/blog and scroll through the weddings you will see several at the Inn. Could give you an idea of the set up and potential. Good luck either way! Maybe you could get some refrences from the viewpoint, or if you check out Laurens blog of weddings you will find other neat venues around town. She always states where the weddings she shot were.

mayflymanitou

It's definitely a beautiful spot, but IMO it's not worth the headaches of dealing with the ownership and their shady business practices.  Maybe if it's under new ownership now things will get better, but if it's not, I would run, not walk, to a new venue.

mmmmmpage

From what I have heard from peers and from brides I have worked with, I'd only book this venue with a HUGE caveat emptor attached to it.

IAL

I say if in doubt, do without. There are plenty of beautiful locations in the area that don't have those same red flags. Its a huge commitment to book your venue and I say if there is any doubt, especially the financial troubles of the place, move to a different spot. I was looking at the View Point Inn earlier this year, but when I saw a blurb on their website asking for donations to "save the view point inn" and read that the building needed $1 million of repairs, I quickly crossed it off the list. That's a headache that a bride just doesn't need to worry about.

AmandaMarie711

You could also check out the Columbia Gorge Hotel. They re-opened Labor Day weekend under different management.

Rochelle&Matt

Good idea for the Columbia Gorge Hotel. I'm sure they have the same views and also offer great charm. It would be so cool at sunset!

mary_heng

Thank you all on your thoughts on the view point inn!!! My fiance and I just moved to the Portland area and we are also new to the Knot. I do appreciate all your advice. cheers Mary & Pete

mayflymanitou

You also might want to check out Bridal Veil Lakes if you're interested in Gorge views. www.bridalveillakes.com  

mmmmmpage

Ooh ooh! And Gorge Crest VIneyards in Washington- just across from Hood River- STUNNING!

gti87

I know this is really late in response ( I was on vaca) but I did have some experience with the view point. Like you, I fell in LOVE with the view point inn. Im getting married in January and wanted the ceremony in front of the fireplace. The building has soooo much charm and the views are to die for. We met with two different coordinators ( the first one had quit by the time our second appointment came around). Not only were their prices absolutely ridiculous, but they wanted a $3000 non refundable deposit, which is 3 times more than any other venue in the portland metro area! I asked the coordinator about this and they agreed to a 1500 deposit instead.As for the food, the portions you receive for the per person price are crazy small. It also does not include any tea, soda, punch, etc for your guests to drink. You have to pay $1-2 more per person for that. Cake cutting was extra, champagne toast extra,...you get the idea.The per person price is also just for the food. You also pay the site rental fee on top of that!!Then we heard at two seperate bridal shows to not go with them because they were not paying thier vendors or returning deposits. As much as everyone agreed that the site itself is gorgeous, they would not recommend it.So in the end, as much as I loved the building and the amazing views, it was NOT worth the cost they wanted. And with the building going up for sale, thats too much of an unknown for the most important day of our lives.Hope this helps.

gavinaus

UNLESS THE OWNERS HAVE CHANGED..avoid at all costs..
the most overpriced venue in Oregon..Look elsewhere..
Owner is an arrogant chauvanist..