Here’s Where You Should Shop for Wedding Dresses in Portland, OR
Bridal shops in Portland—much like many of the small businesses in other sectors there—tend to have a sustainable or charitable bent; there are a lot of consignment, vintage and sample store options, and one boutique that even donates proceeds to organizations benefiting women. But that's not to say the wedding dresses in Portland, OR, are any less stunning or dramatic. At Brides for a Cause—the above-mentioned charitable boutique—brides are shopping top-tier labels like Justin Alexander, Pronovias and Watters; at Stephanie Mai Atelier, they're having a one-of-one gown custom made to fit their body. There are boutiques that offer the more traditional dress-shopping experience (with upgrades!) as well, and styles and sizes for every bride and every budget. So, explore our hand-picked list below and dive into The Knot Vendor Marketplace for more. Happy dress hunting!
a&bé Bridal
While the bridal collection at a&bé Bridal is incredibly elevated, the shopping experience is fully relaxed. "We're not the stuffy bridal salon you see in the movies," shares marketing specialist Jax Dwyer. "One of our taglines is 'home to a good time and a good dress'—and this cozy, home-like feeling is a focus of every bridal shopping experience we curate. Our Portland shop location is in a rich community, your expert bridal stylist will feel like a close friend by the end of the appointment, and our interior design is welcoming, almost like sinking into your couch after a long day." On the racks? Chic labels like Saint, Made With Love and Alena Leena Bridal, among others. "We pride ourselves on curating a designer bridal collection that has something for everyone," she adds. "Whether you're looking for an ethereal lace wedding dress with coordinating fingerless gloves, a two-piece bridal corset ensemble or even a dramatic black wedding dress, a&bé Portland has you covered."
Size Range: 8-24, additional sizes orderable
Price Range: $1,200-$3,500+ (the majority between $1,500 and $2,500)
Review Spotlight: "Highly highly recommend! I had the most amazing experience trying on dresses. Rae is an incredible stylist, she has such a warm and kind presence. I really appreciated her time and expertise. The trying on process was relaxed and comfortable, I tried on dresses that I had picked out from their Pinterest but also tried on some wild cards. Definitely bring your support team with you, my crew had so much fun being in the shop and looking at all of the wonderful dresses. I ended up finding the one and there were many tears shed :) I can't wait to wear my dress!!" –Ellie R., Google Reviews
Ania Bridal
At Ania Bridal, "we pride ourselves on personalizing the experience for each bride and being there for them throughout the process," says store manager Izzy Bils. "We start with an interview call where your stylist will introduce themself and get a feel for your style. They will be with you every step of the way, from pulling gowns you'll love to scheduling your alterations appointments." (Appointment upgrade options include a Diamond Package with charcuterie, top-shelf Champagne and more.) The shop recently added Sophia Tolli and Martin Thornburg to its impressive inventory of designers, which also includes Maggie Sottero, Lazaro, Ines by Ines di Santo and Madi Lane, among others. In-house alterations are a major perk, and if you don't find exactly what you're looking for, the team can help you custom-create it. "We offer fully custom-designed bridal gowns made right here in Portland by Fyn Apparel," Bils says. "Our brides come to us for a relaxed, personal experience in a luxury environment."
Size Range: 10-26 in-store samples; 00-32 orderable depending on designer
Price Range: $1,500-$7,000+
Review Spotlight: "I worked with Izzy, and she was phenomenal! I booked the Pearl Suite, which was SO worth it, for a private feel with my friends and some Champagne. Izzy spent time talking with me before pulling the most beautiful gowns. The first gown was almost the ONE but we went on a journey through about 10 gowns, each one with Izzy taking notes about what I liked and didn't like. We arrived at my dress and the tears started flowing. Izzy was right there to take me to the big stage, try on veils and a headpiece, and helped my friends capture photos. The store itself is also beautiful and inviting, I immediately felt at ease when I walked in." –Kayla N., The Knot Vendor Marketplace
Brides for a Cause
Are you interested in shopping for a gown—and doing some good at the same time? At Brides for a Cause you can do both and get a great deal. "Brides for a Cause is unlike most bridal stores," says Erin Scharf. "We carry hundreds of wedding dresses donated by designers, bridal stores and brides from around the country, which are sold at discounted prices and available off-the-rack to help raise funds for women's causes. Since our inventory is entirely donation-based, we feature a little of everything from brand names to emerging designers. At any given time, brides can find [dresses by] Allure, Anna Campbell, Azazie, Calla Blanche, Grace Loves Lace, Jenny Yoo, Justin Alexander, Made with Love, Pronovias, Stella York and more." The gowns are listed at up to 80% off the retail price, and sold off-the-rack so brides can bring them home the same day. And your purchase does good: "With the dress sales, we invest in various organizations that provide support, services and opportunities for women, such as women's health, education and teen empowerment" Scharf says. Brides are encouraged to make a reservation for their own designated fitting room, but shop the store at their own pace. Size Range: 0-20+
Price Range: $150 -$1,200 (average price is $400)
Review Spotlight: "I found my wedding dress at Brides for a Cause in Portland for my August 2023 summer camp wedding, and I am so glad I went there. First, it felt so good to spend money at an organization that was doing such great work. But I really thought I would have to sacrifice my ideal dress to make it work and that was not the case at all. I got one of their last available appointments while I was home in Portland for Christmas (I live in Chicago now) and I found my wedding dress with my best friend/MOH on Facetime giving me advice as I furiously tried them on. The dress was exactly what I wanted and it was originally $2,750 but I got it for $450, all of which went to support great causes. I cannot recommend Brides for a Cause more." –Valerie R., The Knot Vendor Marketplace
Blue Sky Bridal
In buying a wedding dress, you're inherently thinking about the future—of your life, your family and the world. At Blue Sky Bridal, you're encouraged to think about the Earth's future, as well. In an effort to combat the pollution and consumption of natural resources caused by the clothing industry, this bridal shop in Portland offers recycled, organic and otherwise eco-friendly options for your big day. They partner with bridal stores and designers across the country to consign or purchase sample dresses, and also consign once-worn gowns from individuals looking to make back some of the money they spent on their own dress. The gowns are all in stellar shape and are marked down around 50% off the retail prices. Appointments are free (reservation required), or, for $75, brides can "book the boutique" and have the whole shop for themselves and their crew. It makes for a really fun and intimate experience—and the booking fee gets credited toward the gown of choice, so it's win-win.
Size Range: 00-28
Price Range: $800-$6,000 (majority between $1,000 and $3,000)
Review Spotlight: "I am so glad that I chose the Book the Boutique appointment and that Madison was my stylist! I had an ambitious day with some of my most important people and she made me feel so at ease. She is incredible, easy to get along with and a beautiful person inside and out! She knew that we had a long day but was passionate AND knowledgeable about the selection of amazing bridal gowns. Time flew by here but this is where I found my wedding dress and I am so glad I worked with Madison! Please consider booking the boutique! It is SO worth it!" –Kimea H., The Knot Vendor Marketplace
Charlotte's Weddings
Of all the Portland bridal shops, Charlotte's Weddings boasts the longest history: The store has been in business for more than 30 years. Now, owner Krysta York is carrying on the legacy of the original namesake owner. "Not only have we been in business for over 30 years, our mission is to help all brides feel comfortable, confident and at ease while creating a personalized and memorable gown shopping experience," York says. "We pride ourselves on creating a very inclusive shopping experience for all brides." Inclusive, indeed. Charlotte's carries all the labels under the Justin Alexander brand—a designer famous for dressing brides of all shapes and sizes—plus Allure and the store's own private label, Julia Leigh. "This allows us to have a variety of styles and price points for our brides, and we carry one of the largest selections of plus-size gowns." Leading up to the appointment, brides fill out a style form and meet with a stylist via Zoom or over the phone to talk through any concerns or wishes and share more about their upcoming wedding. That way, when they arrive in the store, the experience is completely customized for them. "If brides are looking for a welcoming, fun and personalized gown shopping experience," York adds, "we are the place to go."
Size Range: 0-38 orderable
Price Range: $1,500-$4,000 (majority between $1,800 and $2,500)
Review Spotlight: "My experience at Charlotte's was so fantastic! Had a wonderful time working with Abby who helped me find my dream dress. After going to a couple other places first, Abby pulled a great variety of dresses that I hadn't seen anywhere else which made me more confident in saying yes. I especially liked that you try on the dresses in a room separated from your group so you can take a minute to form your own opinion and chat with your stylist before getting other people's opinions involved. Once my dress arrived (earlier than expected!), Abby also helped me choose the perfect accessories to match. The whole team was kind, welcoming and supportive both times I was there." –Abigail R., The Knot Vendor Marketplace
Stephanie Mai Atelier
If you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind for the big day, opting for a custom dress is the way to go. A unique alternative to the bridal shops in Portland, Oregon, Stephanie Mai Atelier is a custom design house for wedding gowns and other formal occasion wear. "I am inspired by nature, women's silhouettes, fabric textures and beautiful art and architecture," Mai says. "[My designs] cater to modern brides who prefer elegant and simple designs with unique details." Through the custom design process, brides work directly with Mai on a sketch, fabric selection, mock-ups and fittings over the course of six to 10 months. The goal is to "ensure our brides feel special," Mai says. If starting from scratch feels too overwhelming, Mai also offers her own stunning collection of gowns that brides can customize to their liking, whether through adding or removing sleeves, changing the fabric or any other personalized alterations.
Size Range: 2-14
Price Range: $1,300-$6,000
Review Spotlight: "I had a phenomenal experience with Stephanie at her atelier. The first day, we were made to feel special and truly welcomed in her studio, and I tried on several wedding dresses from her sample rack while my friends looked on. The dress I chose was stunning, and Stephanie spent the next several months creating that same design into a new dress, using a pattern specially fitted to me. I was thrilled to discover that her prices are very fair, and highly competitive when compared with other bridal shops. She was incredible throughout the design process, giving attention to the smallest details and searching everywhere for the perfect lining fabric for my dress. I went back to her studio for multiple fittings, each time given a sincere welcome. She even let me bring in a large group of friends and family when they were all in town at one point! The end result was a dress that is a work of art, that fits me so perfectly. I received so many compliments on my wedding day, and many were about my gown. I highly recommend her!" –Lorraine S., The Knot Vendor Marketplace
True Society by The White Dress Bridal
Locally owned by a husband-and-wife team, this wedding dress shop in Portland welcomes all brides. "We strive to cater to all different types of brides and are totally inclusive," says director of retail operations Natalie Annas. "All we care about is giving every bride who walks into our store the ultimate bridal experience, and we cater and personalize that experience based on what the bride's needs are." Appointments are preceded by a personal call with the stylist, then brides can try on pieces by Essense of Australia, Stella York, Martina Liana, Martina Liana Lux and All Who Wander (Annas' personal favorite). "We work directly with the designers to make sure our dresses are perfectly curated to what our brides are looking for," Annas adds. "Every bride gets to work one-on-one with one of our highly trained stylists, and each stylist is dedicated to making sure their brides have the best experience possible while shopping with us."
Size Range: 2-34 available for order
Price Range: $1,500-$10,000
Review Spotlight: "True Society exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From the moment I walked it, my friends and I were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. Emilee's attention to detail, consideration of my budget and knowledge of the inventory made the selection process a breeze. Emilee's impeccable service created a fun and stress-free environment. I never felt pressured and would highly recommend True Society." –Eroya S., The Knot Vendor Marketplace
Xtabay Vintage
While it certainly isn't your typical bridal boutique, we love Xtabay Vintage for unique and magical wedding pieces. The shop's vintage bridal selection is stellar from a chainmail Paco Rabbone mini perfect for the afterparty to an antique bonnet veil to an organdy lace dress from the 1940s with a "something blue" sash. Inventory changes constantly and you never know what you might find, but that needle in the haystack might just be "the one." If you've already found the gown, Xtaby also has perfect pieces for the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or finishing touches—at great prices, to boot.
Size Range: Varies
Price Range: Varies
Review Spotlight: "If you are looking for a classic dress in a small sweet boutique, this is the place for you. It is so dreamy and magical!" –Jeannette R., The Knot Vendor Marketplace