When Kellie and Brad decided to elope, they envisioned a day filled with intimate moments, breathtaking scenery, and a celebration of their love surrounded by their closest family. Late fall provided the perfect backdrop for their romantic Bend elopement at Dillon Falls, and I was thrilled to document their adventure and help them plan the perfect day. 

A Bend Elopement That Felt Like Home

Kellie and Brad’s elopement kicked off at their cozy Airbnb along the Deschutes River. The riverside by the property was peaceful and private, making it the perfect spot for their ceremony, too! They were surrounded by their closest loved ones, including their young son Finn and nieces and nephews. The kiddos were so cute! 

Ahead of the ceremony, Kellie had a first look with her dad, which was the sweetest! It really set the tone for an emotional day filled with special family moments.

Brad and Kellie brought their own unique touch to the ceremony. They sealed their vows with tequila shots, which was SO fun! Brad also chose a commitment watch instead of a traditional wedding ring since he isn’t a ring person but loves watches. Kellie surprised him with the watch just before the ceremony, which was so thoughtful.

Celebrating at the Brewery

After the ceremony, we made a quick stop at Brad’s favorite brewery, 10 Barrel Brewing, for mid-afternoon snacks and beers. This stop added a relaxed and fun vibe to the day, giving Kellie and Brad a chance to unwind and share a toast with their loved ones. Including a favorite local spot in their timeline made their day feel authentically Bend and authentically them.

Exploring the Deschutes River Trail to Dillon Falls

Next, we headed out to the Deschutes River Trail in the Deschutes National Forest, just 20 minutes from downtown Bend. This trail is one of my favorite spots for elopements because of its incredible variety of scenery. It was the ideal choice for Kellie and Brad, as they wanted mountains, water, trees, and sunset views all within a short distance—and without a long hike.

Our first stop was Dillon Falls, where we captured romantic portraits among the dramatic lava rock formations and cascading water. Kellie’s parents and Finn joined for a few sweet family photos, too. Dillon Falls is truly a gem for couples who want an epic natural setting without the need for a strenuous trek. It can definitely get busy during peak fall color with photographers though, so it’s something to consider. We were lucky in that the peak color had faded, so we didn’t see anyone except a lone cyclist on the trail. 

Next, a short hike upstream brought us to a serene spot with flat water, wide-open fields, and views of Mt. Bachelor. The golden hour light bathed the scene in warmth, and the aspen trees’ autumn hues added a magical touch. This spot was perfect for their sunset portraits and cozy lantern photos to close the day.

A Day Filled with Thoughtful Details

Kellie and Brad’s day was full of personal and DIY touches making it uniquely theirs. Kellie’s parents created their ice cream wedding cake, and her mom and sister designed the bouquets and floral arrangements—including the pumpkin-themed centerpieces that tied into the fall aesthetic. Kellie’s wooden flower bouquet added a gorgeous boho vibe, and she and her sister honored their grandmother by wearing her furs for part of the day. These sentimental details made their wedding day even more meaningful.

Why Bend is an Amazing Location for Elopements

Bend, Oregon, offers a stunning variety of locations for couples looking to elope. From waterfalls and mountain vistas to local breweries and charming riverfront Airbnbs, it has everything you need for an unforgettable wedding day. Dillon Falls along the Deschutes River Trail, in particular, is one of the most versatile locations in the area, with its mix of rugged lava rock, peaceful river views, and wide-open spaces. It’s located in the Deschutes National Forest and you just need a recreation pass to park, which is $5/day or $30 annually (or you can also use your America the Beautiful annual pass which is good at all federally managed public lands).

For Kellie and Brad, Bend was the perfect choice because it allowed them to celebrate their love with their family while still having a laid-back and adventurous day. Whether you’re planning a solo elopement or a day with a few loved ones, Bend has something for everyone.

Kind Words from the Couple

“I can’t recommend Erica enough! If you are looking for photographers for your special day, look no further! My husband and I chose Erica to photograph our elopement in Bend, Oregon, and we couldn’t have had a better day. She is so much more than a photographer; she kept everyone on schedule while keeping our wants/needs at the forefront. She brings comfort, warmth, and laughter to what could be a stressful day. Even though we had just met her the day before, it seemed like we had known her for years. At the end of the day, everyone talked about how wonderful our photographer was. Most of all, she made our day fun and enjoyable and gave us photos we can cherish for a lifetime. 

Erica was the best decision we could have made for our wedding day!” 

Ready to Plan Your Bend Elopement!

Hi, I’m Erica, an Oregon elopement photographer! If you and your partner are looking to plan an epic elopement, I’m here to plan and capture a day you’ll never forget! I worked closely with Kellie & Brad to craft a personalized experience, complete with a planning guide, a custom location list, and a timeline that felt just right. I scouted their locations the day before to make sure everything was perfect. From start to finish, their day was intentional and heartfelt.

Be sure to check out my Oregon elopement packages and reach out to me via my inquiry form here! I also offer special pricing for Bend, so be sure to check out my Bend elopement packages. If you’re interested in learning more about eloping in and around Bend, Oregon, check out my blog, Where To Elope In Bend, Oregon! I can’t wait to explore Central Oregon, while celebrating you and your partner’s beautiful love story!

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Vendors:

Dress: Justin Alexander
Dress shop: Brides for a Cause
Suit: Jos. A. Bank
Ring: Ben Bridge Jeweler
Earrings: Moissanite
Watch: Oris
Makeup: Beauty by Faces
Flowers & Cake: DIY
Shoes: Amazon