From Lodges to Ranches, McKenzie Pitches “I Do”
From Lodges to Ranches, McKenzie Pitches “I Do” Destination Weddings Seen as Growth Opportunity for Valley
The McKenzie Valley’s growing wedding industry took center stage February 21 as at least 32 engaged couples, along with family members and friends, toured 10 local venues during the “Marriage on the McKenzie” open house.
Guests boarded three shuttle buses at McKenzie Valley Presbyterian Church and traveled up the river corridor to Loloma Lodge, stopping at a range of venues that showcased the diversity of wedding settings available throughout the region. And, organizers are now tallying attendance from guests who drove directly to venues.
Participating locations included Millican Ranch and Timber Company, McKenzie Valley Presbyterian Church, Lloyd Knox Park, Gate Creek Ranch, Vida View Resort, The Wayfarer, Holiday Farm Resort and Horse Creek Lodge. Pricing options ranged from free public park settings to full-service packages starting around $20,000, all offering something for nearly every budget and style.
The event was designed as a collaborative marketing effort to position the McKenzie area as a destination wedding hub. Prospective clients had direct access to venue owners, along with introductions to the valley’s broader tourism infrastructure.
McKenzie Ambassadors Janet and Jeff Savage and Cliff Richardson joined project co-leader Gerry Aster aboard the shuttles, highlighting local points of interest and lodging options along the route. Co-leader Audrey Spencer coordinated logistics and behind-the-scenes preparations.
At each stop, venue owners led property tours and held one-on-one consultations with couples. Several also showcased local florists, caterers, bakers, wellness professionals, photographers, farmers and adventure outfitters, -underscoring the depth of services available within the valley.
Participating couples expressed surprise at the scope of options.
“We had no idea these wedding options existed – they are hidden gems!” one couple said.
Another added, “We not only want to be married here … we want to live here!”
Venue owners also gave the event high marks, citing strong interest from qualified prospects and praising the cooperative approach to destination marketing.
Leian DeLeon of Gate Creek Ranch said “It was a joy to talk with the many visitors interested in having weddings in the McKenzie area. It was a good turn out and an opportunity for growth for all the businesses who participated.
She and Andy McWilliams of the Wayfarer Resort both agreed in extending “thanks to all those who have organized this event.”
“It was a very positive experience according to Angie McVeigh, of the Vida View Resort. “And the bald eagles showing up made it even better! We would definitely participate again. It was just what we needed as we open our new venue.”
Transportation from Eugene and Walterville was provided by Best Oregon Tours and Horse Creek Lodge. The McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce, Willamette Valley Visitors Association and Eugene, Cascades & Coast supported the event as part of broader efforts to promote the McKenzie Valley as a wedding destination.
Organizers plan to repeat the tour November 2, with expanded outreach to engaged couples across the Willamette Valley and beyond. Future marketing efforts are expected to include digital campaigns and virtual tours targeting out-of-state markets, including areas such as Orange County, Calif., which has direct flights into Eugene.
Spencer said the February event provided valuable insights for future outreach. “We learned a lot and see potential for other markets that we can tap to draw out-of-state and overnight tourism to the McKenzie,” she said. “It is exciting to see positive responses from collaborative efforts across venues and vendors. We hope a rising tide will lift everyone’s boat.”
Project leaders are also tracking volunteer hours and in-kind contributions from community members, helping demonstrate Main Street readiness through the Chamber.
Updates on Marriage on the McKenzie are available on the organization’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. The McKenzie River Weddings guide can be found online at bit.ly/mckenzieriverweddings
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