Are you searching for the best spots near Bend, Oregon for outdoor wedding or engagement photography? I’m Meg Cole, a wedding photographer in Bend, and the following are my favorite top five locations for elopement, engagement and wedding photographs.
1. Smith Rock State Park in Deschutes County covers over 650 acres of hiking and climbing trails, stunning rock formations, abundant lakes, rivers, and gorgeous canyons. Smith Rock, known as the “blue hole” of Central Oregon, generally has clearer skies than nearby Redmond and Bend. The heat retained by the rock spires during the day cools off in the late afternoon, producing intense winds. Ever-changing cloud patterns and cobalt blue skies can be the result. The area is spectacular for natural light wedding photography and adventure photographs.
2. Shevlin Park is another excellent location for Oregon wedding photography. The park encompasses 981 acres with studding views, quaint bridges, gorgeous meadows, lakes and trees. Natural and manmade features include Tumalo Creek, Aspen Hall, and Freemont Meadow, which was a campsite for explorers in 1843. The park features old-growth forest and high desert lands, well-maintained trails, and is spectacular in October with the trees turning color.
3. Sparks Lake is a favorite site of mine for Oregon couples photography. Sparks Lake is a large, shallow lake on the northwest corner of Mount Bachelor, the first of the high lakes visible from the Cascade Lakes Highway west of Bend. There are approximately 370 acres of lake wetland surrounded by another 360 acres of meadows, marsh and stream wetlands. The beautiful setting is dominated by South Sister, Broken Top and Bachelor Butte Mountains, with breathtaking views. The dark forests, bright meadows, blue skies and yellow flowers make for amazing canvases!
4. Tumalo Falls, the tallest and most beautiful waterfall on Tumalo Creek, is another wonderful spot for stunning photographs. There are beautiful views of the falls just minutes from the trailhead, and a viewing platform just to the right after the parking lot. You don’t need to hike to see the falls, but the trail is well maintained, winding through the forest with gorgeous views of the mountains and river. The trees growing on the canyon walls and roots in the rocks are amazing. Continuing along the North Fork Trail are Lower and Middle Tumalo Falls, and Double Falls.
5. The Deschutes River Trail in Farewell Bend Park is a scenic favorite, winding through pine forests, lava flows and riparian zones along the Deschutes River. The trail meanders over 12 miles through the heart of Bend, Oregon, mostly following the Deschutes River. An excellent spot for adventure photography; recreational opportunities include horse riding, water activities, hunting, fishing and winter sports. The trail is easy to access and links to a number of parks, including Sawyer, Pioneer and Riverbend Parks.
