Eloping in Central Oregon: The Best Places to Say "I Do" in the High Desert

Central Oregon is one of the most stunningly diverse regions in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s the perfect backdrop for a beautiful, intimate elopement. Whether you’re dreaming of snow-capped mountains, sprawling deserts, lush forests, or crystal-clear rivers, this area has it all. For couples seeking a unique, memorable experience without the stress of a big wedding, eloping in Central Oregon offers countless options for an adventure-filled and picture-perfect day.

Why Choose Central Oregon for Your Elopement?

With its mix of dramatic landscapes, endless outdoor activities, and charming small towns like Bend, Oregon, the region offers everything you need for a romantic elopement. From the iconic Cascade Mountain Range to the high desert plateaus, each location offers something distinctly beautiful, making it an ideal place to create your own personal adventure.

Here’s why couples choose to elope in Central Oregon:

• Variety of Locations: Whether you want a mountain wedding, a riverfront ceremony, or a secluded forest elopement, the choices are vast.

• Weather: The region enjoys relatively mild weather in the warmer months, with sunny summers and snowy winters.

• Proximity to Bend: With Bend as a central hub, you’ll have access to great accommodations, local breweries, and dining options, all just a short drive from nature’s most spectacular venues.

• Accessible & Unique: Central Oregon’s stunning locations are often less crowded than coastal or city-based wedding venues, offering a more intimate, personal experience.

Best Locations for Your Central Oregon Elopement

Here are some of the best places in Central Oregon to elope, each offering breathtaking views and a one-of-a-kind experience.

1. Smith Rock State Park

• Location: Just 30 minutes outside of Bend, OR

• Why it’s great for eloping: Famous for its towering rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views of the Crooked River, Smith Rock State Park offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for any ceremony. With hiking trails and unique rock formations, it’s a haven for adventure-seeking couples.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall, though winter elopements are possible for the truly adventurous.

• Permits: A permit is required for weddings in the park. Not only being your elopement photographer but also your elopement planner I will be sure to apply well in advance for approval from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

2. Bend, Oregon

• Location: Central to everything, just a short drive from various elopement locations.

• Why it’s great for eloping: Bend is known for its craft breweries, outdoor culture, and vibrant arts scene. It’s the perfect place to stay and explore before or after your elopement. You can elope near downtown Bend or venture to nearby outdoor spots like Tumalo Falls or the Deschutes River.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but especially in the summer and early fall when the weather is ideal.

• Permits: There are no permits required for eloping within Bend city limits, but be sure to check specific locations (like parks) for regulations.

3. Lava Lands & The Newberry National Volcanic Monument

• Location: South of Bend, Oregon

• Why it’s great for eloping: For a truly unique wedding experience, consider Lava Lands. The Newberry Volcano offers incredible views of lava fields, obsidian flows, and volcanic craters. The landscape feels almost otherworldly, making it an unforgettable spot for couples seeking something totally unique.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for the best weather and accessibility.

• Permits: A permit is typically required for weddings in the monument area. Check with the Deschutes National Forest for specific regulation

4.Sparks Lake

• Location: Just outside of Bend, Oregon

• Why it’s great for eloping: If you’re seeking a tranquil lakeside ceremony, Sparks Lake offers stunning views of Mount Bachelor and the surrounding peaks. It's ideal for couples who want a quiet, intimate elopement with plenty of outdoor activities nearby, such as paddleboarding and kayaking.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall.

• Permits: A permit may be required depending on the location around the lake, so be sure to check with local authorities.

5. Cascade Lake & Mount Bachelor

• Location: A short drive from Bend, OR

• Why it’s great for eloping: For mountain-loving couples, the Cascade Mountains provide a stunning, elevated ceremony location. Mount Bachelor, one of Oregon's premier ski resorts, offers panoramic mountain views, especially beautiful when blanketed in snow. This is the place for an alpine elopement, whether you're looking to ski in your wedding attire or take in sweeping mountain vistas.

• Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow and ski enthusiasts, or summer for mild weather and spectacular mountain views.

• Permits: A special use permit is required for weddings at the ski resort. Contact Mount Bachelor for more details.

5. Tumalo Falls

• Location: About 15 minutes outside of Bend, OR

• Why it’s great for eloping: Tumalo Falls is one of Bend’s most iconic natural landmarks. The 97-foot waterfall, surrounded by lush forest, provides an incredible setting for an intimate ceremony. The falls offer an enchanting, peaceful backdrop that feels both romantic and wild.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring and summer for access to the falls and warm weather.

• Permits: A permit is required to marry at Tumalo Falls, so be sure to apply ahead of time through the Deschutes National Forest.

What You Need to Know About Eloping in Central Oregon

• Weather: Central Oregon has distinct seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters. Summer temperatures can soar into the 80s or 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a true four-season destination. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and stunning colors, perfect for a cozy, intimate wedding.

• Best Time to Elope: The most popular months are June through September, but many couples choose to elope during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds.

• Permits: Some locations in Central Oregon require permits for elopements, particularly in state parks, national forests, or popular tourist destinations like Smith Rock or Tumalo Falls. Always research and apply for a permit well in advance of your wedding date.

• Other Considerations: Central Oregon is often a bit more remote, so be sure to plan ahead for accommodations, transportation, and any vendors you may need. Bend offers a range of cozy hotels, inns, and vacation rentals, while more adventurous couples can camp under the stars or rent a cabin in the woods.

Eloping in Bend, Oregon: A Perfect Blend of Adventure & Romance

Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside ceremony or a rugged mountaintop experience, Central Oregon offers something for every couple looking to elope. From the vibrant town of Bend to the incredible natural landscapes nearby, your elopement in Central Oregon is sure to be as unforgettable as your love story.

If you're planning your elopement in Bend, Oregon, I’d love to help you plan every detail and make sure your special day is as stress-free and beautiful as possible. From helping with permits to recommending the best locations, I’ll ensure your Central Oregon elopement is everything you’ve dreamed of and more!

the top 5 spring and summer photoshoot locations near bend, or

It’s that time of year again when the aspens are budding, and the tulips are finally popping up to give Central Oregon some color again after a long snowy cold winter. This is the time where families ( ok, let’s be real, mostly Moms) start to think about planning some family photos now that the temperatures are staying above freezing, the days are longer, kids can last more longer, and we can finally put on those cute summer dresses!

Whether you’re a landscape photographer or outdoor portrait photographer Bend, Or is a photographers paradise. Especially as the snow melts and more roads start to open up Central Oregon is littered with a plethora of excellent outdoor portrait locations from picturesque riverside waterfalls, blooming parks, or snow covered mountain backdrops the options are about endless. But which location is going to be best to suit your wants and needs during spring and summer? Whether your wanting up to date family photos, about to graduate high school and need some senior photos or need that perfect spot to elope in the Central Oregon high dessert and I have listed the top 5 best places for outdoor portrait photos.

#1 Shevlin park

Located just a brief 10-minute drive from downtown Bend, Oregon, Shevlin Park is a haven for portrait photographers seeking the vibrant hues of spring in Central Oregon. The park boasts diverse scenery, from the serene quaking aspen grove to the tranquil cascades of Tumalo Creek and the majestic backdrop of the Cascade mountain range. It's a popular spot year-round, drawing photographers in both spring and fall for its picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal location for family photoshoots.

Among its standout features is the iconic wooden bridge near the main parking area, a favorite spot for capturing outdoor portraits. Adjacent to Aspen Hall and a charming fishing pond, this area offers a scenic setting for events like weddings or elopements, easily arranged through Bend Parks and Recreation at a budget-friendly rate.

For an optimal photo session, I suggest starting on the east side at Aspen Hall, where you can capture portraits with the pond as a backdrop. Then, follow the creek upstream towards the aspen grove and wooden bridge, enjoying the shade and varied scenery. As the day progresses, transition to the upper half of the park for sunset shots, where the expansive views of the Cascade mountains create a breathtaking backdrop. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Shevlin Park promises an enchanting setting for capturing cherished memories and stunning portraits.

#2 Drake Park

Nestled in the heart of downtown Bend's historic Old Bend Neighborhood, Drake Park stands as a timeless icon, offering a picturesque setting for portrait photography. As one of Bend's oldest and most beloved parks, Drake Park boasts over half a mile of scenic riverfront along the Deschutes River. Its paved trails and centrally located wooden walking bridge, which crosses the iconic Mirror Pond, provide an idyllic backdrop for senior portraits, family photos, and engagement shoots alike.

With its convenient downtown location, Drake Park offers portrait photographers the perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty. The park's lush greenery, tranquil river views, and charming bridges create a timeless ambiance that lends itself well to a variety of portrait styles. Whether capturing candid moments along the riverbank or posed portraits beneath the shade of towering trees, Drake Park provides endless opportunities for stunning imagery.

#3 Sparks Lake

Located approximately 25 miles west of Bend off the Cascade Lakes Highway and offers a truly breathtaking landscape as the backdrop is dominated by South Sister peaking to 10, 358’ elevation, Broken top 9,175’ and of course Mount Bachelor at 9,065’. Like a water painting the bright blue skies give-way to the towering snowcapped mountains turning to dark emerald mixed conifer forest to the bright-green meadows to the shallow lake reflecting the mountains and sky back. A perfect setting for a golden hour photoshoot (the hour before sunset) for

It is only open during the summer months (May -October) depending on the snow level so be sure to check if the gate has opened for the spring before you head up. As one of the closest lakes to town it is quite popular for camping, family photos and senior photoshoots so going mid-week would be best to avoid the crowds. Mosquitos can also be quite bad from spring to early summer to be sure to bring repellent with you!

#4 smith Rock State Park

Considered one of the seven wonders of Oregon, Smith Rock brings people from across the globe for rock climbing, hiking, and even picnic goers. Located in Terrebonne just 26 miles north of Bend the towering jagged rock formations rise out of sage brush and juniper. The winding Crooked river cuts through the tall cliffs making this a bit of an oasis in the high desert. It’s no wonder you see so many family photos taken at the park.

It is open for day use from 7am to 7pm, requires a parking permit and can become very crowded and parking can be tricky during peak season and weekends so I would recommend going mid-week if you can. There are a variety of trails rating from easy to difficult but most iconic photo spots are easily accessible making it great for any photoshoot from couples session, senior portraits, branding, family photos, engagement sessions to eloping in the park. Most of the park is wide open with smaller trees and can become very hot during the spring and summer so I would highly recommend going around sunset.

#5 Dillan Falls & ryan ranch

Located just 20 minutes south of Bend off Cascade Lakes Highway, this hidden gem along Deschutes River is a favorite among local photographers. Situated 3.5 miles down road 41, it offers a range of scenic backdrops within easy walking distance. Near the day use parking area, a dramatic waterfall flanked by trees and lava rock provides a stunning setting, while Ryan Ranch, an open meadow with Mt. Bachelor peeking through the forest, lies just south of the boat ramp.

Despite being renowned for fall photoshoots, this spot is often overlooked in spring, when vibrant green grasses and a quaking aspen grove adorn the area across the river. The meadow's openness and brightness make it perfect for morning or evening portrait sessions. However, be prepared for mosquitoes, particularly near sunset, and remember to pack repellent to ensure a comfortable shoot.