Snow-capped mountains in the distance, high desert, vast forests, serene rivers – Bend, Oregon, is truly a one-of-a-kind place. I’m biased, of course. As a Bend elopement and wedding photographer who lives smack dab in the center of it all, I know first-hand what an incredible choice this central Oregon spot is for eloping couples.
But even if I didn’t live here – even if I was just observing from a distance and wondering about Bend as a potential spot for couples to get married– I’m certain that AM & Caitlin’s elopement would have been the exact evidence needed to tip me in complete favor.
AM and Caitlin’s wedding journey began with a vision for an intimate celebration, blending the serenity of an elopement with the joy of a micro wedding, all set against the stunning landscapes of Bend. Together, they created the dreamiest hybrid of an Oregon elopement and an Oregon microwedding.
As seen in Oregon Wedding Day’s Spring/Summer 2025 Issue.
A Bend Engagement to a Bend Elopement: AM & Caitlin’s Oregon Elopement
AM + Caitlin had a vision for their wedding day – they wanted a laid-back vibe, stunning landscapes, and an outdoor-loving culture to make them feel right at home. They chose it for its beauty, but also for the experience they could share with their closest family and friends.
Their day was filled with creativity, laughter, and moments that perfectly reflected their adventurous, loving spirit.
Their love intertwined with Bend’s beauty long before their I Dos – AM + Caitlin started with their engagement adventure.
Engagement Adventure in Oregon: Snowshoeing Through Bend’s Winter Wonderland
We can’t dive into their wedding day magic without rewinding all the way back to their engagement.
Picture this: the snowiest landscape near Mount Bachelor, two people in love, and snowshoes strapped on for a wild adventure. If it sounds like perfection, that’s because it very much was.
As they wandered through the soft powder, flurries danced around them–every moment felt like pure, authentic joy. But these weren’t just pictures; they were memories – memories they were creating together in a place they’d soon call Home.
When the snowy adventure ended, they cozied up with their pups, ending the day with all the feels.
Even though I was just documenting it, it felt like watching the perfect introduction to a story unfolding.
Private Moments & Beloved Guests: AM + Caitlin’s Bend Oregon Elopement & Micro Wedding
Something AM + Caitlin immediately understood was that their wedding day needed no compromise. They could blend their desire for private vows and intimate moments with side-by-side experiences with the people they love the most.
Their wedding day wasn’t a single day – it was an extended, multi-faceted celebration. It was an experience that lasted so that the memories, love, and intimate moments it hosted would last even longer.
Their Waterfall Elopement Ceremony
Their wedding experience began with a quiet elopement in the heart of nature, just the two of them surrounded by towering trees, the sound of a waterfall nearby, and the serene calm of the Oregon wilderness.
In this peaceful forest, they exchanged vows meant only for their ears, a sacred moment to start their journey together. Nothing else mattered in that space—no crowds, no distractions—just the magic of the world around them and the promises they made.
It was everything they had imagined: simple, meaningful, and beautifully theirs.
A Multi-Day Wedding Celebration
But their wedding wasn’t just about that moment. It was about the community they have built, and the week that followed was a celebration of their love to share with family and friends.
Soon after their intimate elopement, their loved ones began arriving. Over the next few days, more love and guests poured in. They all stayed in cozy cabins near a sparkling lake. The couple spent their time adventuring through Bend, taking in the local breweries, enjoying day hikes, and soaking in the beauty of their new home with the people who mattered most.
They welcomed their people into their new world for a full week of immersion and experience. It was a week that perfectly captured the spirit of Bend and the community AM and Caitlin had found here.
When their wedding day arrived, it was everything they had dreamed of and more. It was an unforgettable Oregon micro-wedding that felt as intimate as it was packed with love.
With about 50 of their closest people in attendance, the day was a beautiful balance of joy, connection, and laid-back luxury.
The Micro Wedding
They started their morning with a warm breakfast made by AM’s dad, followed by quiet moments of getting ready together. Caitlin wore a stunning custom outfit—a tailored suit with a removable skirt and top made from the wedding dress she cherished from her first marriage.
AM’s look was equally beautiful– a fresh and fun short dress made from a redesign of a classic gown.
Every step of their day was a reflection of their shared vision. From their outfit choices to the way they involved each other in each part of the process.
New & Uniquely-Them Ceremony Traditions
The ceremony itself was a true celebration of their love and personalities. With a 360-degree setup surrounded by lush florals, the couple entered together, symbolizing their deep partnership.
Caitlin’s brother officiated, and in a beautiful, spontaneous twist, the couple rotated halfway through the ceremony so that everyone could have the best view of the moment.
And because they wanted to involve their guests even more, they hid their wedding necklace and watch (in lieu of rings) under chairs, turning the exchange into a surprise and adding a playful, intimate touch that felt like a classic AM + Caitlin move.
A Laid Back Wedding Reception
Following the ceremony, the fun continued with a laid-back cocktail hour and a taco bar, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food at their own pace, mingling and celebrating in a relaxed atmosphere.
The firepit, the music, and the cookies from local vendors set the perfect tone for this vibrant, joyful evening.
There was dancing, laughter, and moments under the stunning Bend sunset, all leading to a heartwarming lantern exit—a unique, beautiful end to a day filled with love, laughter, and everything that mattered most.
From the quiet intimacy of their elopement to the vibrant celebration of their micro-wedding, A + C’s wedding journey was a beautiful reflection of their adventurous spirit and their love for each other and the world around them. It was a day—and a week—full of unforgettable memories that perfectly captured the heart of Bend.
Your Love Story, Yours Forever – From a Bend Oregon Elopement Photographer
A +C’s Bend celebration is just one beautiful example of how you can blend an intimate elopement with a joyful micro wedding while surrounded by the beauty of nature and the people who matter most.
From their private, peaceful vows in the forest to an unforgettable micro wedding that felt like a dream, their story shows how Bend’s stunning backdrop can make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
If you’re dreaming of a Bend Oregon elopement or micro wedding that celebrates both adventure and intimacy, I’m here to help you bring that vision to life. Every moment of your wedding day, days, or week should be yours forever – together, we can do just that.
AM + Caitlin’s Creative Team of Wedding Vendors:
- Wedding Management | Ponderosa Planning
- Venue | Hanai Center
- Photography | Come to Bliss
- Flowers | Flowers by Eryn
- HMUA | Intentional Beauty by Bri
- Rentals | Curated Event Rentals
- DJ | Flip Flop Sounds
- Desserts | The Flourist Bend
- Catering + Bar | Fire Fare Food Services
- AM Attire | Coco Melody, Morilee, Office of Angela Scott
- Caitlin’s Attire | Revolve, The Tailory NYC, Badgley Mischka
- Transportation | Shuttle Oregon
- Lodging | Tumalo Lake Lodge
