The Ruins at the Astor in Astoria, Oregon.

If you are searching for a wedding venue that is unique and experiential, check out The Ruins at the Astor in Astoria, Oregon may be just what your looking for.

Back in August, I was lucky enough to be a part of a styled shoot at The Ruins at the Astor. (If you don’t know, a “styled shoot” is essentially a faked wedding for the sake of photos, so it’s like make believe and dress up, with real stuff.) It was an amazing day!

The venue is a wonderful old ballroom in downtown Astoria, Oregon – “shabby chic” style at it’s finest. There is so much character everywhere you look. The grandeur of yesteryear is still there, but also, there’s a reason they call it “The Ruins” at the Astor. I don’t know how they make peeling paint and crumbling plaster look so good, but they do! Jamie Wertman was a beautiful “bride”, modeling a breathtaking gown, courtesy of Charlotte’s Weddings and More, along with a ring from MiaDonna Portland. Her hair and makeup were done by The Union Knot, and the flowers for the event came from Bloomin’ Crazy Floral. Under the Veil coordinated everything, and NW Event Rentals and The Party Pros supplied the decorations and reception items, including everything from candelabras to dinnerware. The cake from the Next Dimension Bakery was astounding, and mimicked the colors and architecture of The Ruins.

It was a great day in a great space. So, if you’re looking for someplace for your wedding and/or reception, and are thinking you want something a little “different,” The Ruins may just be your spot. And I have to say that all of the other vendors that I worked with that day were great. Everyone was very professional and I had a good time working with all of them.