Why Have Your Elopement in Bend, Oregon

Bend is an exciting city located by the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. Home to a few of the top-rated hikes in Oregon, Bend has a lot to offer when it comes to all types of outdoor lovers. If you are interested in eloping in Central Oregon but have not decided on exactly where yet, keep reading to find out more about the best elopement locations & wedding venues in Bend, Oregon!

If you have ever visited Bend Oregon or some of the surrounding spots, you already know how amazing the scenery happens to be! Filled with ponderosa pine forests that transition into the most awe-inspiring desert landscapes that you will ever see. There is an abundance of areas to explore.

Bend is one of the top destinations for gorgeous sunsets, phenomenal mountain bike rides, fun river activities, & enjoying the best of desert life. To the West are the peaks & lakes of the Cascade Mountains, with multi-use trails & ski resorts. To the South, the High Desert Museum displays the local environments packed with history & wildlife exhibits. In town, there is a trail that leads to Pilot Butte, one of the extinct volcanos, while the Newberry National Volcanic Monument has stairs that direct towards a massive lava tube known as the Lava River Cave.

Where Is Bend, Oregon?

Bend is situated in Central Oregon on the Deschutes River, just east of the Cascade Mountains. Since it is in the higher desert regions of Oregon, the weather is mild & sunny, there are many trails to bike or hike, & loads of outdoor activities to enjoy such as skiing, fishing, & climbing.

Portland International Airport PDX is one of the closest airports to Bend, Oregon, at around 3.5 hours away. I suggest that you to fly into PDX, rent a car, & make a little road trip to stay near or in Bend for your elopement. You can also fly into Redmond RDM at just 30 minutes away. If you are flying to Portland & renting a car, enjoy the stunning drive past Mt. Hood on Highway 26, followed by a drive through places such as the Kahneeta hot springs. Other nearby towns are Redmond (17 miles), Sunriver (17 miles), & Terrebonne (23 miles) which also have a diverse range of accommodations to choose from.

Best Time To Elope In Bend, Oregon

May through to October are some of the best months of the year to plan an elopement in Bend if you want sunny, warm days for outdoor adventures, & the comfortable dry heat that this high desert region brings.

If you prefer fewer crowds & cooler temperatures at a popular destination such as Smith Rock State Park, you can also plan your elopement around the winter months. Just prepare yourself for some snow & different looking landscapes than what you would have found in the summer, fall, & spring.

Best Places To Elope In Bend, Oregon

I think Bend, Oregon is a somewhat underrated place to elope. This relatively small area has a lot to offer! There are beautiful streams, rivers, & waterfalls, unique desert formations, & so many beautiful mountainous locations!

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State offers a stunning desert landscape, & it is one of the “must visit” areas for anyone arriving in Bend. It’s a great choice for a stunning, rocky elopement location. If a little more adventure is desired for your elopement day, Smith Rock State Park is known for its unique rock formations & opportunities for climbing & rappelling. A permit is only required if your group is large at over 50 or more.

Lava Lands

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument features an interesting area of caves, lava flows, buttes, & stunning mountain peaks. It is also a very underrated spot for having your elopement in Central Oregon. A permit is only required if you have a large group of over 75 people. A recreation pass (such as a national park pass) or park entrance fee is required.

Sparks Lake

Sparks Lake is one of the more popular elopement locations in Bend, Oregon. Located about 40 minutes from Bend, this location offers great views of the mountains that surround it. I absolutely loooove the sunrises & sunsets here, especially with the reflections you can get on the water. A permit is only required if you have a large group of over 75 people. A recreation pass (such as a national park pass) or day parking fee is required.

Hosmer Lake

Hosmer Lake is the perfect destination if you want a bit more of a secluded, peaceful elopement experience. With its crystal clear waters & beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect spot for exchanging your vows. A permit is only required if you have a large group of over 75 people. A recreation pass (such as a national park pass) or day parking fee is required.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a stunning waterfall inside the Deschutes National Forest, just 20 miles outside Bend. There are loads of areas for picnics & fishing, hiking trails, & even the drive to the fall is so stunning in itself. A permit is only required if you have a large group of over 75 people. A recreation pass (such as a national park pass) or day parking fee is required.

Deschutes River

The Deschutes River Trail is an excellent destination for an outdoor wedding ceremony that truly stands out. Known for its stunning river views & wildlife, the Deschutes River Trail is has many little areas that can make a great elopement ceremony location.

Mount Bachelor Ski Resort

For those seeking a romantic wedding venue with spectacular views, Mount Bachelor Ski Resort is the perfect spot – overlooking lakes, snow-capped mountains, & pine forests. It makes for some truly breathtaking photos!

Hot Springs of Oregon

For those seeking an incredibly romantic & unique elopement experience, the hot springs of Oregon are a great option. The warm water & natural beauty provide an amazing backdrop for photos & a ceremony to remember.

With so much to offer in way of location & activities, it’s easy to see why Bend is one of my favorite places in Oregon for couples to elope. So no matter what kind of elopement experience you’re looking for, Bend has something for you.

Wedding Venues In Bend, Oregon

If you have decided that Bend, Oregon is the perfect wedding destination, here are a few of the top venues to choose from…

Sunriver Resort

Sunriver Resort has pristine lawns, an abundance of pine trees, & views across the Cascade Mountains, making it beautiful wedding venue in Bend with a hint of luxury. The resort offers 5 different wedding venues that you can choose from, making it easy to craft & tailor your special day based on your preferred space. From indoor to outdoor, or a combination of both, each space provides large windows that allow for stunning views.

Brasada Ranch

Brasada Ranch in Bend has beautiful wide open spaces. The best thing about this venue is its passion to preserve an authentic sense of well-being. Their range of inspiring dishes are all made with locally sourced ingredients. This wedding venue in Bend is a rustic, romantic, & serene spot to exchange your vows.

Teherow Resort

At just 7 minutes from downtown, this beautiful 700-acre venue is impeccably serene. This boutique hotel offers great views. There are 3 on-site wedding venues to choose from, giving you an opportunity to tailor your wedding to exactly what you want. From an outside ceremony with a bridal arch laden with flowers to a beautiful indoor ballroom featuring ceiling-to-floor windows, this venue in Bend has something you’ll love.

Oregon Elopement Packages for Bend

My Oregon elopement packages offer couples the opportunity to enjoy some of the benefits of a traditional wedding ceremony while keeping things simple, intimate, & stress-free. As a Bend, Oregon elopement photographer, I love helping couples plan days that are true to them. I’m here to help with vendor recommendations, location scouting, timeline planning, & sooo much more when it comes to your day!

Fun Things To Do In Bend, Oregon

Your elopement can involve more than just a reception & ceremony like traditional weddings usually do. Your elopement can involve not only locations, food, & the people you love, but also activities that you also enjoy! It is much more fun to include exciting activities for a celebration that is more meaningful.

Here are some of the fun things you can do while in Bend, Oregon…

• Visit The High Desert Museum
• Float The Deschutes River
• Visit The Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
• Drive Next To The Scenic Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
• Enjoy A Shopping Experience In Downtown Bend
• Explore The Lava River Cave
• Take A Tour Through The Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area
• Rock Climb At Smith Rock State Park

Ready to elope in Bend, Oregon or do you want to talk about other locations as well? Reach out to me & let’s talk!