Oregon's Secret Spot For an Extraordinary Destination Wedding Weekend
Say ‘I Do’ in Central Oregon’s High Desert, surrounded by wine country, craft breweries and breathtaking landscapes.
December 20, 2019
Sojourning among the mountains and rivers, deserts and forests, and lakes and meadows of Central Oregon, couples can pick from a profusion of possibilities for beginning life’s next adventure. An exciting and beautiful location for destination weddings, Central Oregon is a spot known for its array of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes, not to mention more than 250 days a year of sun. Its terrain has something for everyone and serves as a stunning backdrop for nearly every wedding theme.
“I feel Central Oregon is a great spot for destination weddings. There is such a great a draw because the area has so much to offer,” says Deschutes Brewery private event coordinator Candi Calihan. “Weddings these days are not just one day, but three days to a week, and there is so much for guests here to do.” In the fall, that could mean hiking, golfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, caving or playing on the river. In the winter, vacationing guests could go sledding, snowshoeing, skiing or sip a pint while lounging around an outdoor fire pit.
Central Oregon is a hot spot for craft beer, and weddings at Deschutes Brewery could include private brewery tours, dining options with beer and cuisine pairings, and an expansive view of the Cascade Mountain Range from an elevated indoor venue. Nuptials at the brewery range from casual to upscale celebrations and, according to Calihan, showcase the carefree outdoor culture of Central Oregon.
High Desert Museum in Deschutes County (Julia Green Photography)
Delving deeper into the region’s history, the High Desert Museum brings the past alive with timeless and historical scenes and activities. A selection of exhibits remains open during receptions, so guests can wander through the 1920s re-creation of the Old West town of Silver City, connect over visions of Western art or experience hands-on learning. “Everyone walks away with learning something about Oregon that they didn’t know,” said events manager Gail Hodge. Both the outdoor and the indoor ceremony spaces—such as on the porch of a homesteading ranch, in front of a tepee or in the Birds of Prey Center—transport guests back to another time on the Western frontier. Due to the somewhat unpredictable nature of Central Oregon’s weather, a final decision on a wedding location can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Fall and winter weddings in Oregon’s high desert are not only more cost-effective than in the peak summer season, but they also cultivate a sense of intimacy and coziness. Guests can wonder at the fall colors and feel the magic of the falling snow. (Be sure to remind guests to dress appropriately and prepare for winter travel.)If you don’t want to travel far, McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel sits in the charming hub of downtown Bend. The campus includes a hotel, restaurant, several bars, movie theater, tiled soaking pool and outdoor fire pits. This fun, eclectic space, decorated with original art and antiques, was built in 1936 as a Catholic school and is conveniently located within walking distance of an armada of hair salons, spas and restaurants.
