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Weddings

About

McMenamins Kennedy School is a wedding venue located in Portland, Oregon. This historic event space was built in 1911 and was once highly praised for its one-story architecture, which was considered quite original at the time. When holding your celebration here, you are guaranteed a memorable experience that you can treasure for many years to come.

Facilities and Capacity

This venue offers an array of indoor and outdoor event spaces to host your special day. The Gymnasium is a gym that has been converted into an ideal site for all kinds of celebrations, seating up to 112 guests. Here, you will find eclectic lighting, an expansive dance floor, and an accessible courtyard. The Gymnasium Courtyard is a lovely spot to say “I do” while enjoying the fresh air, and it can also accommodate up to 112 people. If your wedding calls for a more spacious area, the Movie Theater ensures a truly one-of-a-kind setting and room for up to 200 guests. This space features fixed seating in a theater style, with tables and comfortable couches and chairs for a cozy atmosphere. For smaller events, couples can use either the Mina Parsons Room or the Martha Jordan Room, both having space for 40 guests each.

Services Offered

McMenamins Kennedy School is able to provide event space for weddings and other special events of varying sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand affairs. The venue’s dedicated staff strives to offer each couple an unforgettable event that is as stress-free as possible. Your out-of-town guests will appreciate the on-site accommodations of 57 guestrooms, which were once classrooms, that are available to enjoy after dancing the night away.

Cuisine

Couples booking their celebration here can avail of a wide range of delicious on-site catering options. The skilled catering team is happy to accommodate special dietary restrictions, ensuring that you and all your guests can enjoy your wedding feast. The venue offers numerous McMenamins handcrafted ales, wines, and spirits. In addition, catering services here include the following services and items:

  • Bartenders
  • Servers
  • China
  • Flatware and glassware
  • Indoor tables and chairs
  • Linens
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$8

What months are included in your peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Reviews of McMenamins Kennedy School

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.9 out of 5 rating
4.9 out of 5 rating
58 Reviews
98% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Kennedy School is highly praised by wedding reviewers for its beautiful spaces like the courtyard and gymnasium, accommodating and professional staff, and seamless event setup. Guests enjoyed the natural charm of the venue, the flexibility of indoor and outdoor spaces, and the attentive service provided by the staff. Reviewers specifically mentioned the helpfulness of Mandy, the coordinator, and the delicious food served at the reception. Additionally, the venue's affordability and inclusive packages were highlighted as stress-free elements in wedding planning.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Kennedy School is highly praised by wedding reviewers for its beautiful spaces like the courtyard and gymnasium, accommodating and professional staff, and seamless event setup. Guests enjoyed the natural charm of the venue, the flexibility of indoor and outdoor spaces, and the attentive service provided by the staff. Reviewers specifically mentioned the helpfulness of Mandy, the coordinator, and the delicious food served at the reception. Additionally, the venue's affordability and inclusive packages were highlighted as stress-free elements in wedding planning.

L
Lt Sent on 10/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful Wedding Venue

My husband and I just had our wedding at the Kennedy School and could not be happier. We booked the space about a year ago and they have been very communicative with us about the logistics. One of the big reasons we chose this space was because it has affordable prices for events that cover the space as well as food and furniture/cutlery. The second reason is because McMenamins hotels are so special and unique in their style. Our photographer was able to get so many good photos of us around the school, with all its big windows, green areas and lighting. McMenamins helped us book a room that led straight to our private outdoor ceremony area that was lush and green and only needed our addition of a trellis for our ceremony. The gym itself is beautiful and large with star lanterns. They made up the tables for us and we just needed to plop a vase of flowers in the middle. We were on a budget so we just DJ'd with our spotify playlist and it worked great with the bluetooth on their speaker system.
R
Ryan Y. Sent on 07/24/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Knable Young wedding

We had a great experience at Kennedy School for our wedding. The reception in the gymnasium and ceremony in the courtyard were so beautifully set up and let us focus on our special day. The staff was so friendly and communicative we had an absolute blast. Our guest were so impressed with the space. You guys really made us look great, thank you so much for such a special day.
J
Jeff B. Sent on 04/02/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible Kennedy School Wedding!

We were married on March 29th, 2024 at Kennedy School, and honestly we can't even fit enough positive comments in this space. It was perfect. The Kennedy School staff were accommodating in every possible way - we didn't even have to think for a moment about the flow of events, nor the food and drink. Super professional and communicative leading up to the event and a perfect wedding day. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fairly budget conscious but still super intimate and well done in every way possible, wedding.

Professional Network & Endorsements

7 Endorsements
A Beat Above Entertainment, LLC A Beat Above Entertainment, LLC Wedding DJs

I always look forward to events at the Kennedy School. The staff is very accommodating, and the venue space is organized and has a beautiful outdoor patio for ceremonies.

Your Personal Ceremony Your Personal Ceremony Wedding Officiants

McMenamins Kennedy School is an easy place to be married - it's easily accessed by public transportation, provides a hotel for guests to stay at, provides several possible venues. Great location, ease of getting there, and, hey, we live in walking distance - so having Your Personal Ceremony as your officiant works great!

Stumptown DJs Stumptown DJs Wedding DJs

This venue is another popular wedding venue in the McMenamins deck of cards. Their gym is usually where most receptions take place. It hold about 110 to 120 people seated with room to have the ceremony and cocktail hour outside in a really cool courtyard. The ambience and staff is what make this place great. Don't be fooled by the restaurant menus. They have a lot more to offer if you are having a wedding here. You also get a lot for you money at the Kennedy School. They have a movie theater, a soaking pool, several restaurants, and even a hotel all on premise. All, your friends and family can stay at the hotel after your wedding reception ends so no one needs to drive home. Before you leave this place, make sure you hit up the boiler room, it's quite a treat.

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