Winter Elopements in Bend, OR
Bend, Oregon boasts some epic winter elopement locations that will make your elopement magical in all of its winter goodness. Maybe you’re a snow bunny who loves taking on the mountains. Perhaps you prefer spending the winter months cozied up by the fire with a warm cup in hand. However you find yourself when winter comes around, there is no denying its beauty. The picturesque landscapes of Central Oregon painted with freshly fallen snow are breathtakingly unforgettable.
Imagine your intimate elopement marked by the stunning backdrop of a snowy wonderland. Cuddle up with lush blankets with romance in the air. Brave the cold for an adventurous moment contrasting the elements. Find your love captured in gorgeous display in the variety of elopement locations that the Bend area provides. Below you’ll find a guide to spark creativity for your winter elopement. Find practical tips and inspired ideas from those who have embraced the winter before you.
Why elope in Bend in the winter?
Snow.
The world is made fresh and alive when snow falls. There is a mysterious quiet that follows a fresh blanket of snow. Life slows down and the days turn cozier. I live in a mountain town with skiers and snowboarders taking to the mountains daily. Bend’s outdoorsy vibes you find in summer transition right into the winter months creating an energy that’s contagious. It really is the best to layer up and find rugged mountain range spots as well as wintery lakes flanked by snowy hills.
If you and your love already own the broken-in hiking boots and backpacks ready to carry champagne and ceremony bits, awesome. Let’s hike up a mountain in your wedding clothes and find the perfect, snowy spot for you to say, “I do!” The thought of adventuring in Bend, Oregon for your winter elopement locations might sound a tad too treacherous. No problem. There are local resorts and venues closer to town that will still give you the dreamy snow you’re hoping for. Grab yourself a thick blanket and a thermos of cocoa and off we’ll go.
Check out those snow-covered mountain views.
In my opinion, the NW has some of the most gorgeous landscapes you’ll see across the country. Mountains rise up out of lush valleys and the forests naturally create a magical covering of green. Rivers and lakes abound and provide escape and adventure year-round. You’ll find snow and paddle boards atop Subarus around every corner in every season. Locals and tourists flock to Bend for the grand outdoors and the breweries to follow.
As a photographer, I have shot winter elopement locations of all types in and near Bend, Oregon. I love how each elopement is special and reflects the many facets of love. Over the years I have fallen in love with snow-covered mountain views. In the quiet moments of vows exchanged the mountains bear witness. Their grandness compliments the grandness of the ceremony moment. It’s hard to forget images where the backdrop stuns me behind the lens. I try to keep my excitement quiet as I capture the views with brides and grooms on glorious display.
Lighting perfection.
The shorter days of winter can feel heavy in contrast to the long days of summer. But, as a photographer, I love winter lighting. Shorter days make for some amazing light with late sunrises and early sunsets. It’s easy to capture colors painted across the sky without having to wake up early or stay up late. We have more time to hike to the best spot. We can then set up your elopement in all the unique elements that reflect you. Sunrise or sunset, winter offers a chance to capture lighting that shines through your images in brilliant ways. What a relief to find softer light and a glowy vibe to highlight you and your love. It really is the best.
Less crowd.
Chances are if you’re hunting for an elopement location in Bend, Oregon, you aren’t super keen on crowds. I find that elopements have that special touch of intimacy. As a result, you’ll most likely just have a few witnesses or your closest crew nearby. Summer months in Central Oregon really are bustling with tourists and visitors passing through. Eloping then might mean you have unwanted onlookers or find it hard to locate a private spot. But winter is ideal. Our charming town grows quieter when winter rolls around. Most people are snug indoors for the winter months. Winter elopements have a built-in element of sweet seclusion. Book your winter elopement and find a memorable moment to make your love.
When should I book my Bend, Oregon winter elopement?
The timing for your perfect elopement depends a lot on where you want to land. November through April will provide fresh snow in the mountains. If you’re up for venturing up high and locating your unique mountain elopement spot, this will be a perfect time. Check out your schedule and contact me to book a mountaintop elopement. You’ll find the images are simply outrageous. Expansive snow-capped mountains will beautifully contrast your intimate gathering. The breathtaking images will truly be something to take in for years to come.
It’s safe to say that the snowy months in town are from December through February. You can easily find more than one dreamy locale in town that will set the stage for your snowy nuptials. Plus, you’ll be closer to a warm-up spot to grab a cup of something hot or find the perfect restaurant to host your celebration.
How to prepare for a winter elopement:
Temperature Check.
One thing to be aware of for your winter elopement is the average temperatures in Bend, Oregon. Sites like Weather Spark can give you endless details on weather elements. Overall the winter average daily high temperature is below 48°F. December is the coldest month of the year in Bend with an average low of 25°F and a high of 40°F. If you are considering hiking on up a mountain, search for the specific elopement location you’ve chosen to check temperatures there. Just be prepared, it’s cold.
What to Wear.
This is your Big Day, a day that you’ll look back on for years to come and commemorate. You’re most likely planning on wearing a gorgeous wedding dress or a dapper suit. Both of which do not offer much in the warmth department. You can still dress to the nines in all of the winter elopement locations near Bend, Oregon. Yes, absolutely wear what makes you feel incredible. But also, find yourself warm clothing too.
Can you hide thermals underneath your poofy dress? Do it! Wool socks in hiking boots are ideal too. You might want to invest in new matching winter coats. You’ll not only be warm, but you’ll also have a bonus wedding souvenir to remember the day. If you’re not from the area, you can find all of our winter gear at local stores. Be sure to look for warm clothing as well as winter gear. I suggest thermoses, hand warmers, and picture-worthy blankets to start. You can find all of this at shops like REI or Patagonia. Just build in time and budget for a winter gear splurge. Believe me, you’ll be thankful atop the mountain that you did.
Want to get adventurous?
I love adventuring with couples. There is something so freeing and fun about hiking along to discover new places to capture a wedding. With a vague plan in mind, I love following the couples’ lead until they feel like an elopement spot is just right. It’s a little magic really. Toss aside the traditional aisle moment for a hike and a “This is it!” moment. With lighting just right, the landscape covered in snowy white, your elopement will be like no other.
I do recommend you lean on your adventurous spirit. You may need to traverse some unexpected terrain or don some exploring gear. I promise you won’t regret it. Your winter elopement in locations near Bend, OR will be unforgettable. In addition, the stunning images I’ll capture will show your true spirit and showcase the beauty of the NW. If you’re curious about discovering the perfect hike or adventure spot for your wedding, visit Travel Oregon’s page on Bend. Is snow-shoeing more your thing? Let’s do it. Check out places up the mountain like Virginia-Messiner Sno-Park or Dutchman Flat Sno-Park.
The Pacific NW really is the perfect place to get adventurous. Create memorable moments that you can revisit years down the road. Hike to the same spot with family and friends for anniversaries. Take in the views as you start this next chapter of your love’s journey. There are endless places to explore on your wedding day. Let’s go!
More of “Indoorsy folks”?
Perhaps you love the beauty of snow, but find the winter elements a big turn off when you think of your Big Day. Couples come in all kinds. I love that about being a wedding and elopement photographer. The thing that’s great about winter elopements in Bend, Oregon is there are perfect spots for “indoorsy people” too. You can hold your wedding in a quaint place like White Aspen Creative with windows framing the snowy view. Step outside for a few snowy shots and then step right back in to warm up and celebrate. You don’t have to be rough and rugged to make your winter elopement dreams come true. When you book your elopement shoot with me, just let me know what you’re looking for. I can accommodate the cozy, indoor couples too!