So you’re engaged and you want to say your vows in Central Oregon but you’re at a loss for where to start.

Choosing a wedding venue is typically step one in the planning process, but there are a ton of options! You want it to feel true to you and your partner but aren’t entirely sure what that means yet, or maybe you’re having a hard time sifting through everything online, so it’s getting…overwhelming. That’s where I come in.

There are a lot of boxes to check when it comes to choosing the perfect venue. Luckily, Central Oregon has some of the coolest, most unique wedding venues around. From Bend to Sunriver to Sisters, there is definitely no shortage of options.

I’m going to let you in on my favorites from the past few years and give you a few bullet points on why I love them so much.

Metolius House

The House on Metolius is one of the most gorgeous wedding venues I’ve had the pleasure of working at. Just outside of Sisters, Oregon (near Camp Sherman) this stunning venue does not disappoint.

It truly has it all - the mountain views, the Metolius river running through the property, the sprawling reception area, and plenty of space for guests to stay (they can accommodate up to 38 people! That’s like a whole wedding party and your parents).

The best part? You can have a big wedding or an intimate soiree. It’s extremely versatile — you can say “I Do” with mountain views! Specifically, Mt. Jefferson.

The back lawn is perfect for dinner or dancing — heck the main house can even host intimate weddings inside if you’re looking to tie the knot indoors. It’s far enough out of town to feel remote but not so far that it feels like a destination. Personally, it’s one of my favorite Oregon venues.

2. Mt. Bachelor

Listen, Mt. Bachelor is probably one of the coolest places I’ve shot a wedding.

First of all, I didn’t even know they did weddings here. Second, we got to RIDE THE CHAIR LIFT FOR PHOTOS. That’s truly the dream.

In all seriousness, Mt. Bachelor resort does a fantastic job of accommodating all kinds of weddings. They have options for little elopements or larger reception dinners at their Pine Marten lodge. OR, you can have a full-on ceremony and reception at the Sunrise Lodge! They have a super delicious food and drink menu, and endless views for photo ops. They have indoor or outdoor options to prepare you for any weather, and the deck at Sunrise Lodge makes a killer dance floor. Overall, such a unique venue for any Central Oregon wedding! Check out Abby + Greg’s wedding for Mt. Bachelor inspo.

3. Long Hollow Ranch

Long Hollow Ranch is a true wedding gem.

Located outside Sisters, OR (and about a 45-minute drive from Bend proper), this gorgeous expansive property is perfect if you want to have a huge wedding and a real party. The guest house is a beautiful old farmhouse and accommodates a wedding party or family for the whole weekend.

The big barn makes for a super cool backdrop, dance floor, or even indoor ceremony space if need be. And the best part? Your friends or loved ones can pitch a tent so they can get rip-roaring drunk and not have to fetch a ride anywhere! Perfection.

Another fun quirk is that the owner, Larry, and his trusty steed Jake will direct everyone where to park, giving you the good ol’ country wedding experience. Fear not, though, you don’t have to be farmers or horse people to get married at Long Hollow Ranch — it’s a beautiful blank canvas and Larry does a fantastic job accommodating anyone and any event. Checkout Jaclyn + Thomas’ wedding for some inspo!

4. Skyliners Lodge

Skyliners Lodge is the perfect venue if you’re looking for something simple, woodsy, quaint, outdoorsy, or any combo of those things.

It’s about 20 minutes west of Bend, tucked away in the Ponderosa Pines next to Tumalo Creek (and down the road is Tumalo Falls). It can be great for an intimate wedding, a simple ceremony (as pictured), or even just a reception! You can decorate like crazy or just let the woods be the decor. It’s a very stripped-down venue, so there are a lot of opportunities to make it your own and bring in all kinds of unique vendors and details!

They don’t have lodging on-site, but up the road a ways is a little private resort called Tumalo Lake Lodge which has multiple cabin options, or you’re just a short drive away from any number of hotels on the west side of Bend. It’s certainly a unique, beautiful venue, especially for your outdoor lovers.

Bonus Venue: Summit Prairie Fire Tower

I really debated sharing this one because it’s more Southern Oregon than the others in this post, and over the summer the area got hit with some really rough wildfires so the landscape is a little bit different than the last time I was able to photograph here. BUT I’ve decided the world needs to know it’s a freaking dope spot to get married and I want to shoot out there more… so here it is - the Summit Prairie Fire Tower.

The owners, Alan + Dabney, are two of the kindest people I’ve ever met. South of Crater Lake, outside a little tiny town called Tiller, Oregon, they bought this fire tower some years back and converted it into an Airbnb. After a few years of being a hidden gem, it is now a WILDLY popular destination, but every so often they’ll allow weddings on the property!

It’s a giant expanse of forest land, and they have a beautiful viewing deck to overlook it all while you say your vows. How freaking romantic is that?! It’s definitely not suited for a wedding with more than 10-15 guests, and the fire tower itself only sleeps four adults max. There is plenty of space on the property, however, to bring a camper or two, or even have friends pitch a tent.

So if you’re really looking for a unique, intimate Oregon wedding experience, this is the venue for you.