Words that sum up this celebration of marriage are community, nature and the connection with each.
Grace and Isaiah are both naturalists. As a naturalist myself, I share their ascetic, and was eager and honored to capture their wedding memories in Central Oregon.
As referenced above, my education and background is in ecology, natural history, and anything outdoors. Any couple that wants to nerd out about trees and rocks with me is a gift!
Odell Lake Resort
True to form, Grace and Isaiah chose a natural setting that is extremely meaningful to them— Odell Lake. They reserved the full resort, which created the space and atmosphere for a perfect celebration with their whole community of friends and family.
The resort has an array of lodging options. These include:
Cabins— perfect for a family with small children, or a larger group of child free adults.
Lodge Accommodations— single rooms for those who want to be at the center of it all, and close to breakfast…
Campsites— idyllic spots along the lakeshore offer a budget-friendly option. These are perfect for your Vanlife friends, your Thru Hiker buddies (who prefer sleeping on the ground), or nature nerds desiring something a bit more remote, to maximize wildlife viewing opportunity.
Lake Odell invites you to soak in nature. Picture this: you wake up, grab some coffee, and saunter down to the water’s edge for some waterfowl viewing before getting ready to start the day. Beside the ducks, the resort has many other enjoyable opportunities for eloping couples.
Water sports are certainly covered! The private dock is stocked with recreational watercraft of all kinds— kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, pontoon boats, etc.
For more diehard nature lovers, Lake Odell Resort has extensive trail systems branching out into the surrounding forest, including the trailhead to Crater Butte. One can experience Oregon’s forests conveniently and effortlessly.
Odell Lake Resort also has a stable full of Clydesdale horses (Clydesdales!) for horse-drawn carriage rides by the picturesque lake. Even in the winter— a sleigh ride through the snowy forest! How romantic is that?
Central Oregon is an outdoors-person dream elopement destination. Choosing to elope in Bend, OR is a great jumping off point for an adventure. There are so many different ecosystems and environmental playgrounds around to choose from.
Adventure elopements can take many forms— a picnic along the river, a paddle through an alpine lake, a climb up a steep cliff, or a hike through some epic volcanic landscapes. All of these things are possible from Bend, OR.
Grace & Isaiah opted to rent the whole resort for the entire weekend, so that friends and family could take full advantage of Lake Odell’s many activities. The extra time allowed guests to fully immerse in, and connect to the amazing landscape.
The wedding day started in a leisurely manner, with breakfast, coffee, catching up with friends. Some elaborate manicures/nail art followed.
When the polish dried, it was down to the lake for a fun excursion on the resort’s pontoon boat. Nothing like a Party Barge to elicit laughter and camaraderie!
What I found most moving about this celebration was the clear presence of Grace and Isaiah’s values.
The importance they place on community and family was evident in the underlying structure of their wedding— time to spend together was the cornerstone. It manifested itself in the weekend’s itinerary. Events like barbecues and campfires, all designed to celebrate the people in their lives.
And their connection to nature was clear as well. Their venue made that obvious, of course, but smaller details also paid homage to the natural environment. The decor, for example…. native, local plants were sustainably harvested and used in the tablescapes to stunning effect.
Another aspect of nature was showcased in Isaiah’s passion for rocks and lapidary work. His handiwork was on display as each member of the wedding party was presented with a custom piece of jewelry, featuring a stone cut and polished by the groom.
The venue for the vow exchange was by the creek running through Odell Lake Resort’s day use area. A babbling soundtrack, compliments of Mother Nature! It was a short, beautiful ceremony that featured a group song, personal vows, and poetry readings. Predictably, for Grace and Isaiah, many people were involved!
The reception that followed was a further celebration of family, community, & nature. The kids engaged in some spirited forest play while adults sat fireside enjoying good food and good beer. There was dancing and board games…something for everyone.
And eventually the sun set on a perfect day, viewed with some reverence from the dock at beautiful Odell Lake Resort.
Bend, OR Elopement Photographer
Hey there 🙂 I’m Ginger, the photographer and owner at Tule Walks. Your local Bend, OR elopement expert, here to hold your hand through the planning process. I live in Bend and frequent many of the most popular elopement destinations in Central Oregon for business and pleasure.
I’m all about curating your elopement day to fit your needs and your style. Obsessed with wandering through nature, authentic moments, and telling your story. If you’re looking for a Bend Elopement Photographer to document your day— whether it involves hiking miles to the perfect spot for vow exchanges, or chilling at a charming AirBnB for most of the day (while awaiting a golden hour photo session perhaps?) I’ve got you covered.
If you need or want more info about eloping in Bend and the rest of Central Oregon’s epic outdoor adventure playground, check out these resources.
15 Spots to Elope Near Bend, OR
Central Oregon’s Wedding Vendors
Bend Elopement Packages & Pricing
When you are ready to hire an Oregon elopement photographer, I’d be honored to be considered.
I love all things ‘Oregon Elopement” and would be so excited to help you scheme, dream and plan out your dream day in this beautiful state, whether it’s at Odell Lake, Smith Rock or some other awe inspiring elopement location (there are too many to count in Oregon).
Check out my pricing page for more information.
