Festival inspired Alvord Desert Wedding

 

Nickie and Zane’s Alvord Desert Wedding was unlike anything I’ve photographed, in the best way. Picture a weekend long celebration in the middle of the desert, with friends and family showing up in campers and tents, ready to celebrate under the wide open summer sky. Their day felt like a mix of festival (Burning man energy) more than a traditional wedding and that’s all they wanted. Their day absolutely represented them so well, nature meets festival but make it personal and heartfelt.

Everyone pitched in to make the day what it was, starting with meals, decorating the space, setting the tone for a laid-back and unforgettable party. Their day was meant to be fun and memorable.

When we started their day we did get hit by a classic desert dust storm mid-afternoon! We had to take a quick break, secure everything down as much as everyone could and let it pass us. What’s an adventure without a little chaos? Once the wind calmed down, the sky opened up for the most perfect sunset ceremony. It was perfect timing for them to exchange their vows in front of all of their guest with a picturesque background on the Alvord Desert playa.

After their sweet ceremony, they ended the day with music, bubble machines on the playa and everybody joined to dance the night away. I absolutely loved photographing Nickie and Zane unique Alvord Desert Wedding.

Tucked away in southeastern Oregon, the Alvord Desert is one of the state’s most unique and otherworldly landscapes. It’s about a 4 hours drive from Bend and roughly 7 hours from Portland, sitting at the base of Steens Mountain. The landscape is a vast, dry lake bed with cracked earth and endless sky, creating an unreal and cinematic backdrop. It’s remote, raw, and incredibly peaceful, perfect for an elopement or intimate wedding. With no city lights for miles, the stargazing is next-level, and the wide-open space gives you total freedom to create a celebration that’s completely your own. Whether you’re into off-grid camping vibes or want a wild, beautiful place to exchange vows, the Alvord is a dream for the adventurous couples.

Planning a wedding in the Alvord Desert definitely takes a bit more prep than a typical venue—but it’s so worth it. Be ready for unpredictable weather (wind and dust storms are real!), and keep in mind there’s no cell service or amenities out there, so everything needs to be brought in. A solid game plan, a flexible attitude, and a good crew make all the difference. But if you’re up for the adventure, it’s one of the most unforgettable places you can get married.

For more Desert wedding inspiration, check out this sweet Joshua Tree Elopement here!