Vows in the Valley

The rustic romance of Oregon wine country is a magical backdrop for tying the knot. Nestled between Salem and McMinnville, Kimberly Farms & Venue is surrounded by gently sloping pastures and peaceful vineyards — the perfect spot to gather with friends and family to celebrate the union of a lifetime. It’s also won gold and silver awards for Best in the Willamette Valley in the event venue category for the last four years, and with the new improvements they’ve been adding each season, the winning streak is certain to continue!

Len Updike grew up in Amity and raised his boys, now in their early 20s, in rural Oregon. He and his family moved to the picturesque property in 2009 and began offering it as a wedding venue over nine years ago. “The reason I moved here is the two giant oaks in the back — that’s where people usually have their ceremony. It overlooks the wide-open fields bordered by groves of trees,” he says.

“Off to the east, you can see Mt. Hood on a clear day.” …or a radiant sunset, depending on the time.

Apart from the breathtaking views, Kimberly Farms’ flexibility is undeniably one of their biggest draws. There’s plenty of room to work with, so guest count is open for discussion, and vendors are the couple’s choice, from food to music — you name it. “I like to work with people and let them pick their preferences,” says Len. “It’s their wedding, after all.” Couples take their vows under the sprawling oak trees, with rows of stark white chairs gazing upon an old-fashioned wooden gazebo.

The venue features a covered area for food with oak-barrel furniture, cake and dessert displays and custom wood dining tables. The farm is sprinkled with photo-ready elements of charm like a historic barn, an antique milk cart and a wooden wagon with hay bales and country swag. “Last summer, I added a giant outdoor stamped colored concrete dance floor,” says Len. It’s extra enchanting in the dimmer hours with glittering string lights adorned throughout. The parking area is in a separate field where couples and their guests can bring trailers and tents to sleep under the shining stars! That way, those over 21 can indulge in alcoholic beverages without getting behind the wheel.

The colorful flowers and trees blossoming about the property add an elegant touch, and Kimberly Farms also happens to be an organic nursery. This is Len’s 5th year, and he’s grown his stock to over 1,000 trees, 60% of them fruit trees of all varieties, including multiple cultivars of blueberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, apple, fig, asian pear, apricot and more! A healthy selection of shade trees, flowering trees, evergreens and shrubs is also available. Len will even educate you on caring for your plant and give a hands-on pruning lesson.

The venue hosts couples from all over, including Washington, Idaho and California, who come just to get hitched in the heart of Oregon wine country. Anyone looking for wedding venues is welcome to book a tour, and even if it’s in the off-season, a large gallery of photos is available so visitors can get a sense of how the property looks in the thick of summer.

As an outdoor venue, Kimberly Farms generally books weddings from June through September with a bit of flexibility on each end. Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, so reserving in advance is recommended, though Len always accommodates when he can. “I’ve had a lot of last-minute bookings – if the date is open, we’ll make it work. The soonest I’ve had was a week’s notice, and we were able to do it,” he says. The relationships formed with couples over the years have been a rewarding part of the business. “I get to know the people, and usually come away with a few new friends every season.”

Kimberly Farms & Venue is located at 13225 Se Finn Ln in Dayton. Please give them a call at (971) 241-4314 or visit the Kimberly Farms & Venue Facebook page.