Carley + Autra – Sunrise elopement at Sparks Lake
Sunrise Adventure Elopement in the Heart of Oregon
There’s something quietly magical about sunrise in the Central Oregon Cascades. The air is crisp, the birds are just starting to stir, and if you’re lucky, a layer of morning mist dances across the water’s surface. At Sparks Lake—one of the crown jewels along the Cascade Lakes Highway—you get front-row seats to the drama of first light hitting South Sister and Broken Top. For couples who are early risers (or just willing to set an alarm for the adventure), it’s an unforgettable place to say their vows.
Nestled at the edge of lava fields and old-growth forest, Sparks Lake is a high-elevation alpine lake just outside of Bend. It’s the kind of place where the landscape does the talking—mirror-like reflections, towering peaks, and endless sky. And at sunrise? It’s pure magic.
For this elopement, we leaned into that quiet morning beauty—starting before dawn, watching the sky slowly turn from blue to gold, and celebrating a love story that felt just as grounded and radiant as the place itself.
The Cascade Lakes Highway– Oregon’s secret best elopement spot
Winding through the heart of Central Oregon, the Cascade Lakes Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the state. This high-elevation byway stretches from Bend into the Deschutes National Forest, offering sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, wide-open meadows, alpine lakes, and lava fields. It’s a dream location for anyone who loves the outdoors—and for couples seeking an intimate, adventurous elopement experience, it’s truly hard to beat.
Along the highway, you’ll find a string of stunning lakes—Sparks, Elk, Hosmer, Devil’s, and more—each with its own unique personality. Whether you’re drawn to still, reflective water at sunrise, wildflower-studded trails, or the sight of South Sister glowing in the morning light, this area offers endless possibilities. It’s also incredibly accessible: most lakes have day-use areas, picnic spots, and short trails that make it easy to mix a relaxed ceremony with a bit of exploration. The Cascade Lakes Highway makes a perfect base for a full-day or even multi-day elopement, whether you’re up for hiking, paddling, stargazing—or simply soaking in the magic of the high desert forest.
My personal favorite is Hosmer Lake. It makes for the most interesting paddle adventure– weaving through tall reeds, it is a sort of narrow, shallow lake that has some seriously amazing spots for swimming.
Sparks Lake is perhaps the most photogenic, and for that reason, it is the best for elopements… that is not to say it isn’t fun to paddle around. And Carley and Autra certainly took advantage of that (photos below).
West Coast Elopement Adventure
Speaking of Carely and Autra, they are the sweet couple that I got to lead on this adventure.
Hailing from Georgia, in the eastern time zone, a sunrise call time was not quite as difficult as it was for me… don’t get me wrong– I LOVE a sunrise hike, especially for an elopement. But I just am not naturally an early riser. My internal ADHD clock likes to get to bed around midnight and wake me up around 8… but, honestly, anything for an alpenglow morning in the mountains!
First Look in the Meadow
Carley and Autra wanted to do a classic first look, so they rolled up in comfy clothes. Carley hopped into my pop up changing tent, then emerged in an absolutely stunning flowy lace gown with fluttery cap sleeves. (Don’t tell my other brides, but it was my favorite dress of the whole year…)
A truly elegant look with simple makeup and a sleek, low bun, Carley approached Autra as he waited by the stream.
Vows on the Alpine Lakeshore
The main reason I thought it’d be best to do the first look in the meadow, by the stream, was because the road to the lake can be a bit… bumpy. Plus, to someone who hasn’t ever visited the lake before, it can be tricky or stressful to drive there. I know I thought I’d made a wrong turn the first time I explored Sparks Lake.
So Carley and Autra jumped in my car, and I drove us the rest of the way to the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trailhead. From this parking lot, you can access the shoreline with the best views of South Sister and Broken Top.
There is also a 2 (ish) mile loop that you can hike, which will take you along the rocky edges of the lake, and through some snowbrush and pine forests. You’ll also glimpse Mount Bachelor during this walk if you choose to do it. The first part of the trail is ADA, so it’s a good option for folks who have family or friends that want to explore a little but have limited mobility.
Sooooo, here’s the thing… alpine lakes in early summer are so beautiful… and they are also sooooo buggy. We were being assaulted by mosquitoes for a lot of the morning. It can be pretty easy to let swarms of bugs ruin your time outdoors. But, not for Carley and Autra.
Sitting along the muddy, sandy shore of Sparks Lake, the two sat and drank some coffee, watching the snow light up on the mountains.
When the time came for them to read their vows to each other, they took some deep breaths together, and really settled into the moment. Autra later told me that this brief pause to get centered and present really eloped him in ignoring the mosquitoes.
After the vows, instead of cake, I brought them some donuts from my favorite bakery in Sisters, a small town about 20 minutes from Bend. I’m not a huge donut fan… I think they’re fine, don’t come for me… they’re simply not the pastries that make my mouth water… however, the donuts at Sisters Bakery is the exception to this. They are truly perfect.
Celebrating with Letters from Loved Ones & Paddleboarding
We found a nice bench a little ways out on the Ray Atkeson Trail. With the sun a little higher in the sky, and a seat in the sun, the mosquitoes did back off a little bit.
One of my favorite activities for an elopement day is reading letters from loved ones. It is a beautiful way to include close family and friends if you’ve decided, for whatever reason, to spend the day without them.
And the lessening bug pressure was also nice when I started pumping up the paddleboards. You definitely don’t want to be bothered when trying to balance on the water.
Carley and Autra had fun noodling around close to the shore, but didn’t venture too far. With a little bit of wind and no swimsuits, it was best to stick close to the launch site.
If you love to paddle and play on the water, consider including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, or even tubing as a part of your elopement day. You can really make your adventure elopement whatever you want it to be.
An Alpine Morning to Remember
Carley and Autra’s sunrise elopement at Sparks Lake was full of all the best things—quiet moments, joyful laughter, golden mountain light, and plenty of adventure. The morning may have included a few mosquito bites and a bumpy road or two, but those little wild edges are what make a day like this so memorable. It’s the blend of calm reflection and spontaneous fun, of heartfelt vows and playful paddling, that makes elopements like theirs feel so true to the couples who choose them.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s deeply rooted in nature, where the schedule flows with the sun and your story unfolds at your own pace, Sparks Lake (and the Cascade Lakes Highway in general) is a pretty magical place to do it.
Your Central Oregon Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Ginger, and I specialize in helping couples craft intentional, nature-forward elopement experiences throughout Oregon and the West Coast. With a background in outdoor education and guiding, I bring more than just a camera to your day—I bring a deep knowledge of the land, a calm and supportive presence, and a genuine love for the wild spaces we explore together.
Whether you’re planning a sunrise elopement at Sparks Lake, a mountaintop ceremony in the Cascades, or a multi-day adventure through Oregon’s diverse landscapes, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From location scouting and custom timelines to backcountry permits and backup plans, I help take the stress out of logistics so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love, your way.
If you’re looking for a Central Oregon elopement photographer who knows the trails, loves the early mornings, and is always down for a paddleboard launch at sunrise—let’s chat.
Planning an elopement can be overwhelming– perhaps not AS overwhelming as a traditional wedding, but still. When it comes time to embark upon that journey, I’d be honored to be your guide. Likewise, I’d be happy to just answer any questions you have about eloping in Oregon.
Here’s some more resources to aid you in your planning efforts:
Best Spots on the Oregon Coast
How to elope in the Columbia River Gorge
How to elope at Smith Rock (Oregon’s desert gem)
Untraditional elopement at Wahclella Falls
Get in touch here, and let’s start dreaming together.
