Bachelorette Party in Portland, OR? We’ve Got Tips for the Perfect Celebration
Planning a bachelorette party in Portland, OR? You’re in the right spot! We’ve got all the tips and tricks to make your celebration unforgettable. Portland is a city full of life and fun spots perfect for your group.
Whether you’re looking for chill vibes or an adventure, we have the lowdown on what’s what. Why? Because we took it to the experts. We’ve got firsthand recommendations from those in the know: Ashley Lachney, the one and only wedding planner with Alston Mayger Events, LLC in Portland.
Let this be your guide for Portland bachelorette party planning. So grab your bachelorette party survival kit and get yourself to Oregon. You’re in for an amazing time with your bride tribe!
Meet the Expert Ashley Lachney is the wedding coordinator behind Alston Mayger Events in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys assisting couples on their special day and believes that weddings should be stress-free, drawing from 14 years of event planning experience to make that happen. She takes great pride in her work and is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with clients, helping bring their vision for their special day to life.
Planning Your Portland, OR Bachelorette Party
Planning your Portland, OR, bachelorette party? Here’s what you need to know! The best time to visit is June to August. The warm weather will let you and your gal-pals enjoy outdoor activities and see the roses bloom at the International Rose Test Garden.
Expect to spend around $180 per day, not including bachelorette fun. The quickest way to get there is to fly into Portland International Airport. Looking for a budget-friendly option? Consider a Greyhound bus.
Consider Portland’s mix of nature and city life for a memorable theme. Maybe an “Urban Adventure” or “Garden Party” theme.
Ashley says, “Portland is a dream city for a bachelorette party because there’s something for everyone. Foodies will enjoy Portland’s renowned restaurants, many of which have been awarded the prestigious James Beard Award. Day spas abound for the perfect facials and massages, and fun activities are only a quick map consult away.”
Whether you’re into fine dining, relaxing, or exploring, Portland has it all!
Headed to a Bachelorette Party in Portland? Here’s Where to Stay
Heading to Portland for the perfect bachelorette party? Picking the right place to stay is a must! Laura has some top hotel recommendations. “The Ace Hotel looks super fun, and I’ve heard great things about it,” she says. Although she hasn’t stayed there herself, it comes highly recommended.
For her own pre-wedding stay, Laura chose the Sentinel Hotel. “We stayed at the Sentinel Hotel the night before my wedding and LOVED it!” she shares.
Ashley adds, “Portland’s newest hotel is a great choice for a bachelorette trip — The Ritz Carlton is located downtown on SW Washington, and within walking distance to Pioneer Courthouse Square, Powell’s City of Books, and more.
If you opt for a more laid-back weekend, about thirty minutes outside of Portland, Newberg, OR, is home to The Allison Inn & Spa in Willamette Valley. This resort is truly full-service, with an on-site restaurant and a world-class spa. You never have to leave, but if you do, hundreds of wineries are within an arm’s reach!”
Portland is Perfect for a Bride-Tribe Full of Foodies
Portland is a foodie’s dream, perfect for a bride-to-be and a tribe that loves to eat! Start your day with brunch. Check out Mother’s Bistro, Pips Doughnuts, Voodoo Donuts, or The Hazel Room (Thursday through Monday). For lunch or something light, head on over to Por Que No, Cheese and Crack Snack Shop, or Papa Haydn.
Want to get fancy? Try Andina, Janken, Kann, or Republica PDX. Don’t miss Portland City Grill’s amazing happy hour! If you want something more relaxed and laid-back, explore the city’s breweries like Deschutes Brewery and 10 Barrel Brewing. Craving burgers, wings, or pizza? Fire on the Mountain and Apizza Scholls are amazing.
PS… Portland is known for biscuits and gravy. So, if you are up to carb-loading before a day on the town, be sure to give these a try. Check out Milk Glass Mrkt or Mother’s Bistro. And, be on the lookout for Portland’s famous food carts. You can find them at Pioneer Courthouse Square The Cart Blocks, or on Third Avenue.
Where to Drink: Portland Bachelorette Style
Portland knows how to drink in style! For the best cocktails, head to Teardrop Lounge. Love a good dive bar? Low Brow Lounge and Ground Kontrol, a barcade, need to make your list.
If dancing is your thing, check out Ponderosa Lounge & Grille for country line dancing or The Barrel Room for dueling pianos.
Ashley’s favorite cocktail spots include sousòl, Multnomah Whiskey Library, and Meadowrue.
Don’t forget about craft beers, a Portland staple. The city is packed with breweries serving up unique and tasty brews.
Want to sip with a view? Try The Xport Rooftop Lounge or Departure for some of the best rooftop bar experiences.
And for a moving party, consider party bus rentals to keep the fun rolling from one spot to the next. Portland’s drink scene has something for everyone!
Nightlife: Dance the Night Away in Portland, OR
Oregon’s nightlife and dancing, especially in downtown Portland, offer unforgettable experiences for you and your guests. Stag PDX and Darcelle XV are great if you want to take in a drag show. Dixie Tavern and the gay nightclub CC Slaughters are top spots where the dance floor will keep you out until the latest of hours.
Want to go where the locals go? The Goodfoot Lounge is a local favorite for those who love live music. It’s the perfect place to celebrate with your closest friends. So let loose and get your dance on!
What to Do When You’re Not on the Dance Floor
When you’re not dancing the night away, there are so many super cool destinations for your Portland bachelorette party. For art lovers, the Portland Art Museum needs to make your list of things to do. Want to be one with nature and let Oregon take your breath away? Pay a visit to the Columbia River Gorge and then make your way to Multnomah Falls to experience the foot bridge.
Another great spot you can’t miss is the Portland Japanese Garden. Plus, don’t forget about the top attractions like the Portland Saturday Market, International Rose Test Garden, and Powell’s Books. If your group loves to hike, consider Mt. Tabor or Forest Park up to Pittock Mansion.
Looking for the best place to snap a group photo? Portland is full of Instagrammable spots. Try capturing the iconic Portland White Stag sign from the Burnside Bridge. Pose in front of the Portland sign outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for that perfect shot of all your bachelorette party.
Experience the Best in Portland Wines
Experience the best in local wines by bringing your Portland bachelorette party to visit wine country. To truly appreciate the area, consider taking a tour. The North Willamette Valley Winery Tour and the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route are both great choices, complete with wine tastings for the win.
Coordinate a limo service to take you around, especially if you’re planning a long day of wine tasting. Trust us, Portland wineries rival some of the best in nearby Napa and Sonoma.
While exploring, Ashley suggests stopping for a bite at some top spots. For brunch, give Jory a try. Lunch at Red Hills Market is a must for delicious, local flavors. For dinner, The Painted Lady serves exquisite meals that pair perfectly with the region’s wines.
Getting Your Portland Bachelorette Party Around Town
Getting your bachelorette party around town in Portland, OR, is easy. To start, Portland is known for having a compact, walkable downtown. When you’re not walking, the TriMet bus system makes things quick. It’s affordable, friendly, and fully accessible.
The MAX Light Rail is at the heart of public transport here. With over 90 stations and 60 miles of track, it connects the city, the airport, and the greater Portland area. There are five lines: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, and Orange, all running through downtown frequently, every 15 minutes or less.
Don’t forget the Portland Streetcar, introduced in 2011. The original NS line takes you from Portland State University through downtown to the Nob Hill neighborhood, passing directly through the Pearl District.
Extra Tips and Suggestions
For your Portland bachelorette party, think comfy but stylish attire. Don’t forget themed party accessories to spice things up! Pack light, but remember essentials like walking shoes, cute shoes that won’t destroy your feet after a night on the dance floor, and a spring coat should it get a bit windy.
Want to plan for some bachelorette party games? A scavenger hunt is a great way to walk the city and get in all those selfies. Check out our FAQ later in our guide with some perfect hashtags to go with your fun photos.
Wondering who pays for the bachelorette party weekend in Portland? Traditionally, the maid of honor and bridesmaids cover their own travel expenses and share accommodation costs equally. They also split costs for decorations, favors, and accessories. Typically, the bridal party covers most of the bride’s expenses.
However, with parties now extending over a weekend rather than just one night, it’s important to consider the practicality of this tradition. For destination parties or larger groups heading to Portland, taking on those expenses might be a bit much. In these cases, sharing the cost more broadly or choosing the lesser expense to split is the better way to go.
Portland, OR Bachelorette Party Planning for an Amazing Experience
Want some help planning the ultimate bachelorette party weekend? Consider hiring a professional planning service. Ashley at Alston Mayger Events is always happy to lend a hand. Other options include Treadway Events & Entertainment and Perfectly Planned Moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland, OR, a good place for a bachelorette party?
Yes! Portland is an amazing destination for a one-night bachelorette party celebration or a weekend-long celebration. From amazing food to gorgeous scenery and seriously fun nightlife, you and the bride squad will have the time of your lives.
What great hashtags can I use for my Portland bachelorette party Instagram posts?
For your Portland, OR bachelorette party posts, spice up your Instagram with these hashtags:
- #PortlandBachelorette
- #BrideTribeInPDX
- #RoseCityBach
- #PDXParty
- #BachPartyVibes
- #PortlandAdventures
- #FoodieBride
- #CraftBeerBachelorette
- #VoodooDoughnutDate
- #PearlDistrictParties
- #PortlandEats
- #LastFlingInPDX
- #PDXNightlife
- #BridalBashPDX
- #SipSipHoorayPDX
What are all these murals in Portland, OR?
We’ve mentioned the cool Portland murals a couple of times in our Portland bachelorette party guide. But what’s up with these, anyway? Local Portland artists and street artists from around the globe fill the community with some of the best graffiti art in the world. Portland has everything from massive art deco pieces to old-school graffiti letters. Whether you’re into graffiti, wall art, or murals, add some of these photo spots to your Insta-worthy pic list.
Final Thoughts on a Portland Bachelorette Party
Wherever you decide to go for your bachelorette party, the key is to make memories. This is a special time for the bride, getting ready to spend her forever with the one she loves. And what better way to send her off to wedded bliss than with a Portland, OR bachelorette party. So get packed and get you and your girls to Portland. You’ll be glad you did.