Destination Weddings in Bend

Ideas & Inspiration

Destination Weddings in Bend

What began as a logging town in the early 1900s, Bend is now considered Oregon’s gateway for everything outdoors. From the snowy Cascade range to sparkling lakes, rustic hiking trails along the Deschutes River, endless bike paths, and world-class golf courses, the expansive area—including the smaller towns of Sisters 30 minutes to the northwest and Redmond 30 minutes to the northeast—has something for every adventuring style. This gorgeous backdrop calls to brides and grooms looking to capture their love as well as the romance of the majestic Northwest landscape.

“Central Oregon is a remarkable place to get married,” raves Kacie Stott, co-owner of Bend-based Stott Shots Photography. “The diverse seasons in Bend make it very easy to accommodate weddings any time of the year!” Indeed, the region boasts more than 300 sunny days a year, moderate temperatures, and fresh, country air. So whether you’re looking for a snowy winter wonderland or a warm summer playground to say your vows, this resort destination provides both the excitement and serenity of a wedding day to remember.

• McMenamins Old St. Francis School (pictured right; photo courtesy of McMenamins)
  Don’t worry, the nuns won’t scold you for making vows of a different kind here. This former Catholic school house built in 1936 is located in downtown Bend and was renovated by McMenamins. Much like the Kennedy School in Portland, the locale now boasts a pub, brewery, movie theater, guestrooms and private cottages. There are charming indoor and outdoor event spaces that can accommodate up to 140 guests. You can dance, eat and enjoy your special day and not worry about it being a school night.

• Hollinshead Barn
  Beautiful city parks are a great affordable option, and Hollinshead Barn, in particular, is a unique venue surrounded by lush trees and pastures within Bend city limits. This working family homestead has been a part of the community since 1939, and the 16.5 acres were deeded to the city in 1983. Completely refurbished while still retaining the historic ’30s charm, the rustic setting, best for weddings under 100, features modern amenities including kitchen, patio deck, propane barbecue and air conditioning.

• The Oxford Hotel
  Both sophisticated guests and rugged nature-loving types will revel in the luxury experience at the area’s only boutique hotel. This eco-friendly destination opened less than two years ago in downtown Bend, featuring an urban, organic restaurant on the lower level and more than 3,000 square feet of upscale event space, including a chic and spacious ballroom ready for up to 200 guests to party the night away.

• Pronghorn Club & Resort (pictured right; photo by Scott Shots Photography)
  Located on the way to Redmond, this magnificent private resort recently opened for travelers and weddings—and thank goodness, considering its one-of-a-kind mountain views and expansive grounds that are just aching to be explored. “There’s a new photograph around every turn, which makes our jobs fun and different every time we photograph there,” says Stott Shots photographer Kacie Stott. It’s the ideal place to turn your wedding into a weekend event, with world-class golf, luxurious amenities, impressive cuisine, and recreation that is unmatched. The Clubhouse and lawns accommodate up to 250 guests, and all-inclusive packages give you the run of the resort. 

• Sunriver Resort
  It’s the granddaddy of all-inclusive, one-stop wedding planning. Sunriver, considered its own small town 30 minutes south of Bend, is the area’s quintessential getaway—and for good reason. “One of my favorite places to photograph weddings in Bend is the Sunriver Resort. The Great Hall [with exposed beams and fireplaces] is a truly romantic location, and the impeccable landscaping with beautiful grounds offer a wide variety of photo opportunities,” says photographer Kimberly Kay. The resort boasts more than 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces to accommodate 30-500 guests, and their variety of wedding packages include in-house coordinating and catering, which means you’ll have nothing to worry about except showing up.

• Tetherow Golf Club
  This memorable spot on the southwest end of town seamlessly combines contemporary luxuries with Northwest traditions. Its wide-open landscape offers 360-degree views of the mountain range and sunsets that are unsurpassed, making evening weddings especially magical. The largest space to rent is the Outdoor Terrace Tent, perfect for extravagant affairs up to 300, or choose the cozy Fireside Room for an intimate reception or rehearsal dinner for 50 guests.  

• Five Pine Lodge (pictured right; photo by JOS Photographers)
  Nestled at the base of the picturesque Cascade Mountains in Sisters, this lodge offers the tranquility, privacy and beauty that couples long for on their day. Wedding planner Angela Sweetman of A Sweet Event says Five Pine Lodge is one of her favorite venues for events up to 200 guests because of the “tall pine trees…on-site spa and cozy cabins.” In the winter, the lodge is transformed into a warm winter wonderland complete with fireplace, while weddings by the pond are ideal in the summer. Enjoy an extraordinary menu of local cuisine prepared by the lodge’s private chef, and after all the celebrating, retire to one of the beautiful Craftsman-style cabins for your first romantic evening as a married couple.

• Rock Springs Guest Ranch
  If being outdoors is your passion, this 80-acre ranch seven miles outside of town is your dream come true. Perfect for large weddings up to 200, Rock Springs has everything to make a weekend of it: private rooms, outdoor fireplaces, tennis and basketball courts, a pool and a hot tub large enough to accommodate your whole wedding party. You can choose to have your ceremony and/or reception in the lodge or on the expansive greenery that extends throughout the grounds, complete with biking and hiking trails (if you’re feeling adventurous in your wedding dress!).

• Brasada Ranch (pictured right; photo by Phillip Wise Photography)
  Formerly one of Oregon’s oldest ranches, Brasada Ranch just debuted some amazing upgrades this summer, making it a truly breathtaking wedding weekend destination just 20 minutes northeast of Bend. You’ll find panoramic views everywhere you look on the 1,800 acres, which boast revamped farm-to-table restaurant The Range and several other rustic-elegant indoor venues for up to 140 guests, as well as the Great Lawn for up to 250. Dream big here—the on-site planners will help you make any event setup a gorgeous reality. We suggest you and your wedding party stay in the new Ranch House suites, with your own infinity hot tub and fire pit, while the rest of your guests can choose from cabins throughout the property. Make a weekend of it with golf, spa treatments, swimming, horseback riding and the best of a modern laid-back pioneer lifestyle.

• Seventh Mountain Resort
  For the last 30 years, Seventh Mountain Resort has been a peaceful icon set on the Deschutes River. More than 15,000 square feet of event space is available, all with inspiring views of nature; whether you choose the classic Three Sisters Ballroom for up to 250 guests, the semi-permanent tented Mount Bachelor Events Center for up to 350, or the Broken Top Room—with outdoor patio fire pit and waterfall—for smaller events up to 100, each offers a romantic and elegant retreat for your wedding day.

BEND WEDDING RESOURCES
Once you’ve landed your location, you’ll also find a fabulous array of talented wedding specialists in Bend to make your dream day come true. Some of our favorites:

Photographers

• Kimberly Kay Photography 
  Kimberly and her husband, Chris, shoot with a distinctive editorial eye, always looking for the wedding moments that are fun, honest and romantic.

• Stott Shots Photography 
  Husband-and-wife team Kyle and Kacie Stott are experts at capturing the beauty of the Northwest and bringing to life each couple’s unique personality.

• Marisa Chappell Photography 
  Having studied photography in Australia and France, Marisa Chappell is inspired by art and nature and puts her subjects at ease to highlight their real beauty.

• Ruettgers Photography 
  Heesyun Ruettgers brings an emotional connection to her work, and thanks to her experience as an art director, a real creative vision to each image.

Planners

• A Sweet Event 
  Angela Sweetman and her team provide the most personal attention to detail, and they have a reputation for combining style and imagination in their thoughtfully-designed events.

• Mint Event Coordination & Design
  Modern and fresh, sweet and sassy, the ladies at Mint have an inspired way of handling all the details while capturing your unique personality, making your wedding both stress-free and gorgeous.

Invitations

• French Lil Design
  Surrounded by the sun, mountains and landscapes of Central Oregon, owner Aimee Jameson has a true love of color and paper design, creating memorable keepsakes that represent your day.   

Caterers

• Bleu Bite Catering
  Not only does Bleu Bite specialize in a stunning presentation and the delicious flavors of modern Northwest cuisine, but they also offer event planning and rentals.

• Tate & Tate Catering
  With a combined 40 years of experience, the chefs here showcase fantastic local ingredients in both traditional and exciting new recipes.

Cakes & desserts

• Enlightened Patisserie
  Using local ingredients (and organic whenever possible), this bakery creates stunning cakes, macarons, cupcakes and more sweet treats with some serious artistic flair.

• Topping the Cake
  Whether you’re looking for traditionally pretty or clean and modern, baker and designer Jill Crotwell makes sure every custom cake is both elegant and delicious.

Flowers

• Mint Floral 
  After establishing herself as a forward-thinking floral designer with her own business Lemon Halo, Allison Hull Schultz joined the team at Mint and continues to offer her lush and dynamic bouquets inspired by nature.

• Singing Sparrow Flowers 
  Newlyweds Michael and Nicole brought their floral fancy to Bend in 2008, creating contemporary yet timeless arrangements that leave a lasting impression.

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