Bend, Oregon Wedding Photography
a timeless and colorful approach
Jen and JB celebrate their marriage at Five Pine Lodge in Sisters, Oregon, just outside of Bend.
Hi! I’m Natalie, a wedding photographer who loves shooting families and weddings in Bend, Oregon!
My passion is telling real stories while giving you the space to be you, and I’m grateful that I get to split my time between Portland and Bend.
I love people and truly believe everyone deserves honest photos of themselves and their loved ones, especially on a wedding day when there are generations of people in the same room together.. it’s magic! I’m an advocate for you and your unique story (even if it goes against wedding industry standards), and it’s my honor to help you to relive fleeting, precious moments through heartfelt imagery.
My ultimate goal is that you look back on your colorful, timeless wedding photos in 50+ years and think, “hey, that’s us.”
You can read more about why I’m a wedding photographer here.
Even though Portland is my home, I spend a lot of time in Bend, Oregon, not just for weddings, but for adventures with friends and family. I’m very familiar with Bend and the surrounding areas and have so many recommendations for wedding weekend activities, both exhilarating and relaxing. Keep reading to find out why I love Bend!
““My grandpa adores Natalie. He’s from Mexico, and he was the only person at our wedding that didn’t speak English. Natalie started a conversation with him (in Spanish!), and his eyes lit up. A year later, he still asks about “la fotógrafa”. On our wedding day, Natalie took the time to get to know our family. They all loved her, and we received comments at brunch the next day about how hard-working and kind she was throughout the day. She never put her camera down, and people noticed how she seemed to be everywhere all at once. The best part about working with Natalie is that she communicates in a way that doesn’t take away from the moment— she perfectly inserts herself into the mix, and her ability to make people feel comfortable is part of her magical artisrtry.” -Lua and Danny”
recent wedding stories:
Some things I love about Bend, Oregon…
…and why it’s the perfect place for a wedding celebration!
Mountain Biking
The trail systems are abundant and accessible, so bikers of all ages and skill levels can get out and hit the dirt! Some of my favorite trails are in Sister, Oregon, about a half-hour drive. Peterson Ridge offers incredible mountain views, and the topography is constantly changing so you are always encountering new trees and wildlife. Truly incredible. This trail system is unmatched for a day of biking either before or after your wedding!
Phil’s Trail System in Bend is perfect for a half-day outing, and you can find easy, flowy green runs, as well as more difficult climbs and downhills. The trails are really well marked, and folks are friendly. The mountain biking community in Bend consists of some of the nicest people, and you’ll find a lot of them at Phil’s. This system makes for the perfect pre-wedding ride!
If you need a bike rental, check out Sunnyside Sports, who I also recommend for cross-country ski setups!
Camping
Bend is located between the Cascade Mountains and high-desert plateau, so it truly is a beautiful place to marvel in the surrounding landscapes. I’ve photographed weddings in which everyone, including the bride and groom, spend the weekend camping, and it’s always a fun celebration that includes Mother Nature, Mount Hood, and the Three Sisters. Another option is to camp for a day or two before or after the wedding, and hey, it’s a great way to save some money on lodging! If you are wanting to reserve sites, be sure to book in advance as they fill very quickly. I would recommend Sparks Lake, Waldo Lake, and Three Creeks, and you can make reservations here. Another option is Hipcamp, which is like AirBNB for campsites. Hipcamp is awesome for accommodating larger groups, and you have the peace of mind of knowing you have a quiet oasis all to yourself. Remember: Leave No Trace!
Hiking
You cannot beat a sunrise or sunset hike at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, about a half-hour from Bend. The activities are endless, and you can either jump on an accessible trail for a relaxing, meditative walk, or you can meet up with some climbers to tackle world-class climbing systems. There are over 1,000 bolted routes, which makes this magical place a mecca for rock climbers. You can tent camp at Smith Rock from early spring to late fall, and it’s first come, first serve.
If you plan to hike Smith Rock in the summer, please check weather conditions and bring lots of water. If you are doing a winter hike with fresh snow (truly incredible), snow shoes will help you move a little more efficiently while keeping your feet and legs somewhat dry.
People from all over the world visit Smith Rock, and parking can be difficult on weekends and over the holidays.
Relaxing
The Riverbend Park is perfect for an afternoon walk or picnic along the Deschutes River, and it takes you right into downtown Bend, which is home to restaurants, shops, and coffee houses. If you go a bit further, you’ll find yourself in the Old Mill District, which is a bit of a younger crowd than downtown. I love the outdoor space, cornhole setup, and cider at Crux Fermentation!
Riverbend Park also has an off-leash dog area, and there are river access points so that you can take a dip or put in a SUP or inner-tube. This is one of the best places in Bend to spend an afternoon if you want to stick close to the city center, and food and drinks are within a lovely walk.
Music
No matter the night of the week, you can find live music. The McMenamins Old St. Francis School hosts free live music every Wednesday evening, and all ages are welcome. The Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Schwab Amphitheater) is one of the best places to catch a show during the summer months. The stage is incredible, and there is space for lots of folks to join in on singing and dancing. This photo is from the My Morning Jacket show in October 2021, and the crowd was incredibly energetic and full of excitement. One of the best shows I’ve seen at this venue! The lineup at Hayden Homes is always diverse, so matter your taste in music, you will love a show here!
There are many smaller venues in Bend, and you can always check The Source Weekly for an updated calendar of places hosting live tunes.
Skiing
Hitting the slopes in Bend can either be a rush of scary adrenaline, or a peaceful retreat to snow-capped pines. Bend has skiing for all ages and levels, and you can hit up Mount Bachelor for downhill, or, if you’re a bit advanced on cross-country skis, check out Mount Bachelor’s Nordic Center for some XC trails.
Honestly, cross-country skiing is a mode of transportation during storms, and you’ll often see folks heading to the grocery store on their XC skis after a heavy snow dump. So many trail systems within Bend are perfect for XC in the winter, including Shevlin Park, and these trails are more suited for beginners than Bachelor’s Nordic Center.
Other cross-country parks just outside of Bend (and a little closer than Bachelor), include Meissner Sno Park and Swampy Lakes, and these trails are great for all ages and skill levels.
I believe that wedding photography is done best when couples have a relationship with their photographer and fully trust them. This is how I enter into your safe space and make you and your loved ones feel comfortable in front of my camera, and it's how I have guaranteed and delivered incredible photography experiences to couples for over ten years! Your level of comfortability with your photographer affects every aspect of how your photos will turn out!
I receive about 200 inquiries each year and take on thirty weddings, so please reach out asap if you’d like more information! I’d absolutely love to learn about what you’re planning.