5 Places For An Intimate Wedding or Elopement in Central Oregon
White Aspen Creative
White Aspen Creative has been in Bend for a while now, but this big beautiful new space opened a little over a year ago and it’s absolutely incredible. It’s located on the Wigi Creek Golf Course, which is also right along the Cascade Lakes Highway, meaning you can hop across the road and get those dreamy ponderosa pine photos, or even drive another 20 minutes up the road and get some epic mountain views. The space is clean, modern, and easily transformed with whatever decor you want to add to make your intimate wedding dreams come true. White Aspen is a perfect venue for weddings of 50 guests or less.
2. The Badlands
The Badlands is (in my opinion) one of the most under-rated areas for a photoshoot in Central Oregon. I’ve had the opportunity to do a few photoshoots out here and the landscape is so unique and beautiful, it never gets old! The Badlands, only a 30 minute drive east of Bend, is owned by the Bureau of Land Management and is considered Public Land. If you’re going to elope out here, make sure you’re following all the rules on the Badlands Website and you’re good to go!
3. Aspen Hall
If you do a web search for “wedding venues in Bend Oregon” I’m sure you’ll see Aspen Hall. It’s an adorable little building within a public park, surrounded by beautiful Ponderosa Pines and crisp white Aspen trees. It has space for nearly 100 people, and you can choose to have an indoor OR an outdoor ceremony. Obviously 100 guests isn’t quite an “intimate” wedding but this space has options for everyone, and so I added it to the list. Perks are that it’s close into town, and there’s plenty of guest parking. The only downfall is that, because it is located in a public park, you will get the occasional stranger passing through on the trails.
4. Smith Rock
Ahhhhh yes, the iconic Smith Rock State Park. This place is on a lot of people’s bucket list and rightfully so. It’s absolutely breathtaking anytime of year. It’s a huge park so there’s plenty of options if you’re planning an elopement. And the kicker? If you have less than 50 people attending your elopement, you don’t need a any special permits! You just gotta make sure everyone pays the parking fees and you’re good to go. If you do have 50+ people attending, Smith Rock also has a designated ceremony spot you can reserve, including a cute little stage and benches for guests. It’s really the quintessential spot for a Central Oregon Elopement.
5. Deschutes National Forest - Lava Lands
There’s nothing quite like the look of a crisp white wedding dress against the rugged black lava rock of Central Oregon. Lava Lands is an expansive park south of Bend that is open year round, but if you’re hoping to hit the visitors center, you have to hit it between May and October. Similar to the Badlands, if you hope to get married here, just make sure you’re following the guidelines on the website and respecting the landscape!
If you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding in Central Oregon, reach out and let’s chat! Working together means you get all of my help with locations, vendor referrals, tips and tricks. If you’re coming to Bend specifically to tie the knot, even better! I’m a Bendite through and through and can give you all the advice you need to plan your perfect elopement.