Renee and Hudson’s West Coast River Lodge Wedding | Port Alberni’s Riverside Wedding Venue

Unforgettable West Coast River Lodge Wedding: A Scenic and Serene Celebration

Renee and Hudson’s West Coast River Lodge wedding in Port Alberni was the perfect mix of family, romance, and fun. Set against the backdrop of lush forests and ferns, their ceremony felt like something out of a fairytale, with guests seated on long wooden benches for a rustic, yet intimate feel.

The reception followed under a stunning clear-roof tent, a unique feature included in the lodge’s wedding packages. This allowed guests to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery while staying cozy and comfortable.

The West Coast River Lodge is the ideal location for a getaway wedding. The house comfortably accommodates 23 overnight guests, with room for up to 120 at the wedding itself. Highlights of the venue include a year-round hot tub, an inviting pool, a wine cellar, and a spacious back porch that overlooks the Somass River—perfect for relaxing or enjoying a drink with loved ones. And this was exactly what Renee and Hudson were seeking- a space to host their destination wedding, where their family and friends could stay the night and celebrate with them.

Bridal Party Preparations and the Cameron Lake Wildfire

Thanks to the ample lodging at the West Coast River Lodge, Renee and Hudson’s wedding day started with ease and convenience for the bridal party. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were able to get ready in separate spaces, ensuring they wouldn’t accidentally catch a glimpse of each other before the big moment!

The guys prepared in the Pool House, a cozy building near the pool with a loft and small kitchen. It was heartwarming to witness a special moment when Hudson’s infant daughter was brought in to see her dad- she greeted him with the biggest, sweetest smile! Meanwhile, the ladies got ready in the main house, with a stunning view of the Somass River through large, beautiful windows.

However, there was an unexpected challenge the day before. Due to the Cameron Bluff Wildfire of 2023, the main route into Port Alberni-Highway 4-had been closed for nearly a month and was prone to sudden closures due to wind or rain. The timing couldn’t have been worse, as the road shut down just the day before the wedding! This unexpected disruption led to some stress for Renee and her bridal party, as their makeup artists had to cancel due to the road closure. Other vendors threatened to cancel as well. Guests were informed of the detour route, a +4 hour detour through the backroads that is not the most pleasant experience when in a rush! Luckily, the road reopened the day of her wedding, and Renee was able to source a couple of local hair and makeup artists to save the day.

A Forested Ceremony

Renee and Hudson saw each other for the first time as Renee was walked down the aisle by her father. Their daughter arrived first though, carried in buggy with a sign that read, “Here comes the bride”. The look on Hudson’s face was priceless! Heartfelt vows were exchanged, and the two sealed it with a kiss!

Renee and Hudson saw each other for the first time as Renee was walked down the aisle by her father. Their daughter arrived first though, carried in buggy with a sign that read, "Here comes the bride". The look on Hudson's face was priceless! Heartfelt vows were exchanged, and the two sealed it with a kiss!

Wedding Photos at West Coast River Lodge

West Coast River Lodge is a photographer’s blank canvas, offering an endless variety of stunning backdrops for wedding photos. From lush forests and serene river views to charming architecture and even a wine cellar, there’s no shortage of beautiful settings to capture wedding photos.

One of the standout spots for photos is the staircase leading down to the Somass River. This location offers a breathtaking perspective: the photographer can position themselves one level above the couple, with the river flowing below. The result is a striking shot where the river appears almost within arm’s reach, adding a sense of depth and beauty to the photos. Also, I highly suggest coming back here at sunset- golden hour is stunning at this spot as well! At the end of the staircase, you reach the riverbank. When the water level is low enough, you can walk out onto the rocky outcrops, and maybe catch some river tubers floating down stream!

West Coast River Lodge Wedding

A Reception to Remember

The remainder of the day was spent sharing a meal with their guests, listening to heartfelt speeches, playing the shoe game, and sharing first dances. Hudson pulled at everyone’s heartstrings when he danced with all three of his mothers. And again, when the newlyweds embraced their daughter between them for a sweet moment. We snuck off momentarily to a nearby Sproat Lake dock, where we took some blue hour photos before returning to continue the party. I’ll never forget Hudson’s patience and perseverance teaching a group of 20 people to do a choregraphed country dance. About 3/4 of the way through the song, people were just getting the hang of it!

Adding a Bottle to the Wine Cellar

At West Coast River Lodge, couples are encouraged to stow away a bottle of their wedding wine in their on-site wine cellar. Maybe they’ll come back one day for an anniversary stay, and can share a glass of wine over the memories.

Learn more about West Coast River Lodge weddings here: https://www.westcoastriverlodge.com/