Skyliner Lodge Bend Oregon ~ Sara & Michael
A Magical Wedding at Skyliner Lodge: Sara & Michael’s Big Day in the Heart of Central Oregon
As photographers, Travis and I have had the privilege of capturing weddings in some truly stunning locations. But there’s something particularly special about shooting a wedding in a place as beautiful and intimate as Skyliner Lodge, nestled in the woods just outside Bend, Oregon, and right next to the breathtaking Tumalo Falls. From its rustic charm to the serene backdrop of towering trees and cascading waterfalls, this venue feels like a dream come true for couples seeking an outdoor-inspired wedding with a touch of elegance.
When we first met Sara and Michael, we knew their wedding would be something unique. These two are not your average couple—they’re energetic, adventurous, and utterly in love with each other and the outdoors. Their journey together had taken them across the country, living in a converted bus they’d built themselves, exploring the world as they went. But when it came time to celebrate their love, they chose the intimate, natural beauty of Skyliner Lodge—a perfect reflection of their personalities.
A Picturesque Setting at Skyliner Lodge
Located just outside of Bend, Oregon, Skyliner Lodge is tucked away in a forest of tall pines, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. The venue’s rustic cabin charm provides a perfect blend of cozy elegance, with spacious rooms for the bridal parties to prepare, a large reception area with a stunning fireplace, and plenty of outdoor space to explore.
Skyliner Lodge is the kind of place that feels like it was made for a wedding—rustic, elegant, and deeply connected to the natural world. The lodge itself is a charming wooden cabin, with spacious rooms for the bridal parties to get ready and a large reception hall that features a grand fireplace, making it a perfect space for an indoor ceremony or cozy reception. But what really sets the venue apart is the outdoor space—especially the beautiful forest surroundings and a stream that runs through the back of the property. The mix of woodland beauty and modern amenities made it a perfect choice for Sara and Michael’s celebration.
For their ceremony, the couple chose to exchange vows outdoors, beneath the canopy of tall trees. The air was filled with the sounds of the forest, birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze, as their friends and family gathered to witness the occasion. It was intimate and personal, surrounded by nature and love.
The Emotional First Look
One of the most touching moments of the day was Sara’s first look with her father. This was a moment Travis and I had been looking forward to capturing, knowing how meaningful it would be for Sara and her family. As her father saw her for the first time in her wedding gown, the emotion was palpable. Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and it was clear that this was a moment neither of them would ever forget. Sara’s heartfelt gift to her father only added to the emotional depth of the moment, and as a photographer, it was such an honor to witness and document that connection.
Portraits by the Stream
After the ceremony, we took Sara and Michael on a walk along the trail behind Skyliner Lodge for their couple’s portraits. The trail meanders along a serene stream, and with the vibrant greenery surrounding them, it made for a perfect backdrop for the couple’s photos. As an outdoorsy couple who had spent so much of their time exploring nature together, this was such a fitting spot for their portraits.
Travis and I always encourage couples to choose a place that resonates with them personally for their portraits, and Sara and Michael’s love for nature made this location even more meaningful. As we photographed them laughing, talking, and soaking in the beauty of the woods, it was easy to see just how connected they were—not just to each other, but to the world around them. Their adventure had led them to this moment, and it was a joy to capture that love.
A Celebration Surrounded by Nature
The couple’s personalities shone through in every detail—from the natural floral arrangements to the woodsy decor that tied everything back to the beauty of the surroundings.
But what truly stood out was the energy of the guests, who were just as lively and adventurous as Sara and Michael themselves. The dance floor was filled with joy and laughter as everyone celebrated late into the night. And with the twinkling stringed lights and the tall trees standing watch over the festivities, it felt like the perfect ending to a perfect day.
A Couple Living the Adventure
What made Sara and Michael’s wedding even more special was their backstory. Until the wedding, they had been living in a converted bus they’d built together, traveling and exploring the world. Their love for adventure, the outdoors, and each other was something we could see in every aspect of their wedding. Whether it was the location, the thoughtful moments like Sara’s gift to her father, or the way they simply radiated joy in each other’s presence, it was clear that this was a couple who had created something truly special—not just on their wedding day, but throughout their entire life together.
As photographers, it’s moments like these that remind us why we love what we do. Capturing authentic, heartfelt moments against the backdrop of Central Oregon’s stunning natural beauty is a true privilege, and we couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with.
