Reasons to Choose a Bend, Oregon Winter Wedding

I know what you’re thinking — “Bryndle, it is so. dang. COLD. in the winter! Why would I want to have my wedding during the coldest time of the year?!” I hear you! If a winter wedding in Bend, Oregon really gives you the heebies, then don’t do it! A warmer season where you’re guaranteed to have more sunlight and an easier time traveling sounds like it’s the perfect option for your day. BUT, I am a firm believer that there are a ton of amazing benefits to a winter wedding for those couples who love to get cozy, are lovers of a snow day adventure, and are looking to make their day uniquely them. These are my top tips for why a winter wedding here in Bend, Oregon is a great choice. Plus, some ways to make the day stress-free. 

Vendors for a Winter Wedding in Bend, Oregon

There is no doubt about it — there will be less competition for your vendors if you get married in the winter. It goes without saying that summer is the most popular time to get married. If you’re planning a summer wedding, chances are you’re battling for your top choices with other couples. There can be this rush of feeling like you need to book things immediately before schedules are all filled. If you choose a slightly less popular time of year (winter), there will be a much bigger variety of venues and vendors to choose from. Not to mention more time to book them since their schedules aren’t filling up as quickly. 

Some venues even offer special off-season discounts! This is a great way to save a little money on your venue. Imagine being able to be put extra towards other things, like your photographer, your attire, or even your honeymoon! (Check out my recommendations for the best venues in Central Oregon here!)

The Best Location for a Winter Wedding

You can’t just choose any part of the Pacific Northwest for your winter wedding! Bend and the greater central Oregon areas are going to offer the most beautiful locations. Plus, the central part of our state is not famous like the west side for being super rainy and cold. In Bend, Oregon in the winter has a much higher chance of snow, which will give you a classic winter look for your wedding day.

If it doesn’t snow on your wedding day at your chosen venue, the good news is that you can take a quick drive to find some! Seriously!! From my favorite Bend venues (Tethrow, Sunriver Resort, Black Butte, and Brasada Ranch) you are easily 20 minutes in any direction to finding snow. When you work with me for your winter wedding, we’ll build this into your timeline. This way, you’re guaranteed to have the most magical of snowy portraits. (PS: I have a venue spotlight on Brasada Ranch here if you want to learn more about this amazing venue!

Bend, Oregon Winter Wedding Attire

Four words: long sleeve wedding dress!!😍 The elegance that sleeves bring to the table when it comes to choosing a wedding dress goes without saying. Just look at the track record that long-sleeved wedding dresses have had when it comes to some of the most iconic weddings of all time: Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Meghan Markle. Some of the most remembered and talked about wedding dresses have had gorgeous long sleeves.

For my suit-wearing partners, a winter wedding look stuns when you choose rich colors and warm fabrics. Velvet or wool are most ideal! Plus, just imagine how much better you’ll feel with your suit keeping you warm instead of overheating you on a 90 degree day! This can be a huge stress relief on your wedding day. No worries about battling dehydration or shiny, red faces in your photos! You’ll keep warm and look like ice kings and queens in the right winter wedding attire. 

Color Palettes and Accessories

When you choose a winter wedding in Bend, the types of things you can accessorize and play with are on a whole different seasonal level! Elegant faux fur wraps for your bridal party, deep, rich accent colors, and a variety of materials and textures like velvet, leather, suede, etc. Winter weddings are especially suited to really bold looks. For example, all black and white palettes, more eye-catching tones with deep reds, greens, or browns, and you can have a lot more fun layering it up. This can be a great way to stylistically make your wedding unique and keep you warm!

Creating Your Atmosphere

Imagine a ceremony and reception hall lit with warm candlelight on the tables and tiny twinkle lights on the walls and ceiling! Now picture that with the backdrop of snow gently falling or coating the ground outside your cozy reception venue…Cue all the heart eyes! You can create a whole different level of cozy togetherness and warmth with a winter wedding in Bend, Oregon. Not only is your wedding day already one of the most love-filled and romantic of your life! But, when you consider adding in these kinds of touches and you’ll be guaranteed to take it to a much deeper and meaningful level. 

Food and Beverage Options

In the summer, the idea of a hot wedding meal in 90 degree weather doesn’t sound entirely appetizing! It can be hard to choose lighter foods that will agree with everyone but also keep your belly full. And you need all the sustenance you can get on your wedding day with all those emotions running high! Imagine all the warm and comforting food options in the winter! Soups, hot savory pastries, anything with fig flavors, roasted veggies…yum! For your beverage service, you can go with hot chocolate, warm cider, hot toddies, or hot Spanish coffee. The right desserts to tie it off include a warm chocolate fountain or even a s’mores station! 

The Dance Floor

Last but not least, let’s talk about gettin’ down on that dance floor! You will never get too warm or sweaty on the dance floor with a winter wedding. In fact, it’s an opportunity to warm up and get cozy with everyone you love! Since you’re wearing all the appropriate winter wedding layers, you can shed a few to get your dance on and not worry about a thing. 

Any season you get married is going to be the perfect one — because you chose it! And that’s what’s right for you and your partner. But winter doesn’t have to totally be off limits for you. Bend, Oregon winters are simply magical. Having your wedding here is going to be one of the highlights of your life! Reach out to me here to tell me all about your winter wedding vision!