An Intimate Fall Wedding at Sparks Lake

Christina and Tim’s wedding day at Sparks Lake was the perfect reflection of who they are: relaxed, intentional, and surrounded by the people they love most. They rented a beautiful home in Sunriver, within the Caldera Springs area, a private and gated neighborhood of Sunriver, where they could spend the weekend with friends and family. The plan for the day was simple but meaningful: a ceremony at Sparks Lake, private vows with mountain views, and a cozy dinner celebration back at the house.

For their ceremony, we drove to Sparks Lake, one of the most breathtaking spots in Central Oregon. With Broken Top and South Sister in the background, it couldn’t have been a more stunning setting. A few of their guests arrived early to help set up the ceremony space, arranging the chairs and decorations before Christina and Tim arrived.

Their style for the day fit the mountain setting and Central Oregon perfectly, a western-inspired celebration with cowboy hats and boots and a laid-back rustic vibe. Even their guests joined in the western theme. One of my favorite details from their wedding at Sparks Lake was that Christina did all the florals herself. From her bouquet to the arrangements, every piece was thoughtfully crafted and stunning. She chose the perfect color palette and type of flowers for her day. The bouquet was filled with stunning fresh dahlias.

After their ceremony, everyone made their way back to Sunriver for cocktail hour while Christina and Tim stayed behind. As the sun started to set, they shared their private vows, just the two of them, before we took their portraits in that dreamy golden light that Sparks Lake is known for. Once we were done with their photos, we drove back to Sunriver to join everyone for dinner.

Sparks Lake is one of the most iconic spots in Bend, Oregon, and I always love recommending it for small weddings and elopements if you’re looking for an easy mountain view area. Located in the Cascade Lakes region, the area offers panoramic views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor, depending on the angle from which you stand by the lake. It’s a favorite for adventurous couples looking for an intimate and scenic setting that truly captures the beauty of Central Oregon. With its easy but bumpy road, it makes it one of the best locations. Whether you’re planning a small elopement or an intimate ceremony, Sparks Lake is pure magic. This location is best starting mid July depending on how the snow has affected the area during the winter. As the water can still be high it’s best to have a back up option when planning an early summer day.

Vendors: Flowers: Alpenglow Florals (Christina flower stand); Dess: Merrime Bridal; Hairs and MUA: Beach Bridal.

For more inspiration for your wedding or elopement at Sparks Lake, check out this other elopement I’ve photographed here!