This elopement at Indian Ford Meadow was simplistic and beautiful. Dani and Shainna are big on the outdoors. They decided they wanted to spend most of their wedding day hiking, sharing a meal together, and then heading to their ceremony location at sunset.

When we first started planning their elopement together, they had a few requests. They both were hoping to have a ceremony somewhere with mountain views and some privacy. Bend, Oregon is an extremely popular place for hiking and catching some gorgeous views. That being said, there are a ton of stunning elopement locations. Although, it can be on the more difficult side to find a place to be completely alone. Well, after some research and location scouting, we found one.

Indian Ford Meadow Nature Preserve

Indian Ford Meadow Nature Preserve is a fairly small place. There are a few little trails to walk on. But, it is quite honestly one of the best places to get an unobstructed view of the Three Sisters Mountains. Even from the road, you wouldn’t be able to know how much beauty this place holds. And then, as soon as you begin to walk down the path into the open meadow, you can see it all. This is why we chose to have their elopement at Indian Ford Meadow.

Here’s the best part, there wasn’t anyone else there. This was absolutely perfect for Dani and Shainna. They wanted to arrive together, and then find a place to touch up their makeup, change, and be able to do a first look together.

The Ceremony

Once Dani and Shainna were finished getting into their wedding gear, they were ready to begin their elopement at Indian Ford Meadow. I set up Dani facing the mountains. Following that, I let Shainna know it was time to begin. She lightly tapped Dani on the shoulder and their first look was to die for. I mean it. I actually teared up capturing it. Once the two took in the moment of seeing each other, we were ready to start.

Dani and Shainna stood there together and read their vows to one another. Since I’m ordained in Oregon, I was able to pronounce them as wife and wife! Their elopement at Indian Ford Meadow was so stunning and filled with so many emotions. They brought along their dog Stella, and we started taking newlywed portraits with the mountains as our witness.

It was a gorgeous day, and I am so thrilled to have been a part of it. If you’re looking to plan your own elopement, let’s chat! I’m an elopement photographer based in Bend, Oregon who travels anywhere that there’s love. I’m happy to help location scout, help acquire the proper permits, curate your day-of timeline, and then document your day