Elopement Photography at Sparks Lake in Bend, Oregon
If you’re dreaming of an elopement surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, crystal-clear alpine waters, and golden light reflecting off the high desert landscape, Sparks Lake in Bend, Oregon might just be your perfect place. As a Central Oregon wedding and elopement photographer, Sparks Lake is one of my absolute favorite backdrops to capture intimate vows and adventurous love stories.
Why Choose Sparks Lake for Your Elopement
Nestled just off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Sparks Lake is a stunning alpine lake with unbeatable views of South Sister and Broken Top Mountain. It’s a location that feels remote and adventurous while still being accessible for couples and their guests.
Here’s why couples fall in love with it:
Scenic beauty – mountain peaks, reflective waters, meadows, and lava rock formations all in one spot.
Year-round charm – summer wildflowers, crisp autumn colors, and snow-dusted peaks in early spring.
Romantic golden hour – sunsets at Sparks Lake bathe the water and mountains in warm, glowing light.
Adventurous spirit – perfect for couples who want a laid-back, outdoorsy elopement in Oregon’s wilderness.
I have a couple of suggestions for the ceremony. I typically like to meet the bride and groom in the main parking lot next to the bathrooms. The grooms, groomsmen, and family will typically wait down at the ceremony spot, and I will walk with the bride, taking photos along the way. Most couples prefer to do a first look as the bride is walking around the corner for the groom to see her.
Sparks Lake in the summer can be plagued by numerous mosquitoes. I also suggest doing the ceremony at Sunset. The morning is doable, but the sun can be really bright and hot. After the ceremony, I enjoy taking photos at Sparks Lake and a couple of my favorite locations there. I then like to end the session at Soda Creek just which is on the way back to the main road back to Bend. Soda Creek is stunning and one of my favorite locations in Bend to take photos.
