Sparks Lake, located in Bend, Oregon, is an incredible place for en elopement. Not only is it absolutely breathtaking, but it’s easy to access, and there’s an endless amount of other jaw dropping locations nearby. This area has easy no-hike locations, as well as moderate hikes for couples interested in spending their day on the trail. This guide is going to cover how to elope at Sparks Lake!

Where is Sparks Lake?

Sparks Lake is located on the Cascades Lake Scenic Byway, and it’s one of 17 major lakes on this route. It’s about 35 minutes outside of Bend, Oregon. To get from Sparks Lake for a Sparks Lake elopement from outside of the state, your best bet is to fly into Redmond Airport. From here, it’s only a 30 minute drive to Bend, and about an hour from Sparks Lake. However, Redmond is small and doesn’t offer many direct flights. If you want a direct flight, you can fly into Portland International Airport. Although, it’s about a 3 and a half hour drive. The good news is, the drive is beautiful.

When to Elope at Sparks Lake

The best time to elope at Sparks Lake is in the early fall (September.) This is because a lot of the summer tourism comes to end, and there is a lot more privacy at this popular location. The weather is still fairly warm in the beginning of Fall as well. However, you’ll want to research what the weather is like year round and figure out what time of year is the best for you and your partner. Here is what each season brings to Sparks Lake:

Spring

Spring is probably the most volatile time of year to plan an elopement at Sparks Lake. More often that not, there’s still a ton of snow on the ground, and the road to Sparks Lake is closed. Sometimes, spring can come early, and the road can open sooner than usual. Although, most years it doesn’t open until late May. And even then, the glacial melt hasn’t started and the lake is a bit lower with dirtier looking water. There can also be snow on the ground.

Summer

Summer is a popular time at Sparks Lake, and for good reason. The water is stunning, the temps are beautiful, normally around the 80 degree mark, and there’s wildflowers around until about mid August. Eloping here in the summer will mean pricier plane tickets and hotels, and more crowds. However, you can get away with using a more remote locations for a Sparks lake elopement (which I’ve found for various couples who have eloped here) or have an elopement at sunrise!

Fall

Fall is my favorite time for an elopement at Sparks Lake. As previously mentioned, the weather is still mild and warm. This is great for couples who don’t want to be in super hot weather, but also don’t want to be chilly. It’s also the time of year where tourism dies down, so you’ll have a lot less crowding and more privacy. Finally, things will be cheaper, like flights and hotels. The only thing to consider is wild fire season. You can’t really predict them, but fall can be high time for wildfires. Meaning smoke can be pushed into areas.

Winter

During the winter, Sparks Lake is unaccessible by car, as the road to the Cascades Lake Scenic byway is closed. However, you can still get there a via snowmobile. A winter elopement at Sparks Lake is beautiful, considering the snow, trees, and mountains. If there’s a lot of snow, it’ll cover the lake with a blanket of snow, making it hard to see it. It’s beautiful nonetheless, and this is an amazing way to have a totally private adventure elopement.

Sparks Lake Wedding Permit

For most elopements, you need to get a special use permit. However, the Deschutes National Forest currently doesn’t make you get a permit unless you’re having over 75 guests. That being said, Sparks Lake is an easy place for an elopement since most elopements include a much smaller guest list!

How to Get an Oregon Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Oregon is actually easy and straightforward. You do not need to be a resident of Oregon to elope here. You’ll want to apply online to the Deschutes County Clerks office. You can find that here. Before your ceremony, you will both need to show up in person with valid ID’s to pick up the marriage license, and pay the fee.

There is a three day waiting period to use your marriage license in the state of Oregon. However, you can call in advance when you first apply and ask to waive the waiting period. Alternatively, you can also simply plan your elopement ceremony for three days after your appointment to pick up your marriage license.

Lodging Near Sparks Lake

Lodging is important when it comes to elopements. A lot of couples incorporate their lodging into aspects of their wedding day. For example, getting ready + getting ready photos, a first look, an intimate reception with friends, a dinner made by a private chef, etc. Once you’ve decided what you’ll incorporate in your day, pick a location that will allow everything you want to include.

If you want to host an intimate reception, I highly recommend a vacation rental such as a cabin or an Airbnb. You can also stay at hotels, resorts, chalets, campgrounds, etc. Here are some amazing lodging options near Sparks Lake:

• Elk Lake Resort
• Cultus Lake Resort
• Lake of the Woods
• Suttle Lake Lodge
• Brasada Ranch
• List of Airbnbs Near Sparks Lake

How Much Does it Cost to Elope at Sparks Lake

A marriage license in Oregon costs $60, so technically, it costs $60 to elope at Sparks Lake. That being said, most couples spend an average of $5000-$20,000 on their elopement. This includes flights, lodging, permits, vendors, wedding attire, meals, and anything extra a couple might want.

Sparks Lake Elopement Packages

Elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within Oregon, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Receive a customized location list
• Help finding lodging that suits your needs if you’re having an intimate reception
• Included comprehensive timeline design
• Help obtaining your permits
• Help obtaining your marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning and guidance calls 
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

Sparks Lake elopement packages starting at $5800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

Ready to Elope at Sparks Lake?

This Sparks lake elopement guide is a way to get you excited about all the possibilities of what your day could look like. Although, this amount of information can be overwhelming. I’m here to help. I can answer any and all questions you have on a complimentary low pressure consultation call. If you then choose you’d like to work together, I’ll do all of this planning right by your said to alleviate any stress, and bring your Oregon elopement vision to life. We can chat here!