Sarah + Colton’s Sparks Lake micro wedding was the most beautiful example of a day that allows for time to focus on each other, but also gives you the opportunity to celebrate alongside the people you love. With time spent roaming the fields and admiring the mountains in the distance, sharing quiet moments along the lake, and gazing up at the stars as dusk fell over the landscapes, this day had it all, and was so beautiful to be a part of.

Sarah + Colton’s Sparks Lake Micro Wedding

The perfect blend of an elopement + wedding

What stuck out to me about this day was that Sarah and Colton planned it to be exactly what they wanted, and what they dreamed of. Nothing more, nothing less; no strict labels or categories to fit under. And, fun fact, they booked me just 6 weeks before the wedding, so I could tell they were super go with the flow and just wanted to create a day that they loved!

Instead of choosing between an elopement and a wedding and limiting themselves to one or the other, they combined the two for a celebration that truly had the best of both worlds. They started the day getting ready alongside their loved ones, creating memories that would be cherished by everyone forever, and finished it in private, embracing these first few moments as newlyweds beneath the Central Oregon stars. It truly was a dream from beginning to end!

Having a seamless day like S + C’s, with every one of the elements incorporated that you’ve been dreaming of, all comes down to planning a good timeline in advance. Having a loose schedule laid out allows you to feel confident knowing that every part of your day will come together at just the right time, but also gives you the flexibility to adapt, adjust, and make changes on the fly. Before planning your elopement, especially if it’s one that’s somewhat divided into two like Sarah + Colton’s I highly recommend reading through this guide with My Top 3 Tips for a Smooth Elopement/Wedding Timeline to make sure everything flows seamlessly!

An intimate mountain-view ceremony

For their ceremony, Sarah and Colton chose a breathtaking field by Sparks Lake, with a stunning mountain backdrop. They share a deep love for the mountains and the natural beauty of the outdoors, so Colton’s dad actually built a really beautiful platform and mountain-shaped arbor to be the centerpiece of their altar. This heartfelt gesture made the day even more special and provided such a gorgeous touch to this already-scenic backdrop where they would tie the knot! After getting ready for the day with their families, Sarah and Colton invited everyone to attend their ceremony in the beautiful field, allowing everyone to come together to support them, love on them, and celebrate them as they became Mr. and Mrs. after so much anticipation. Seeing the tears their loved ones shed during the ceremony was so touching; you could just see the amount of love these families shared, and how important it was for S + C to share at least part of their big day with them.

Looking for unique ways to include your loved ones in your special day, even if you’re not inviting them? Here are 10 Ways to Include Family + Friends In Your Elopement that’ll make sure you feel their love and support from afar.

A private evening + lakeside vow exchange

After exchanging vows in front of their loved ones and capturing some group photos, the focus shifted to celebrating S + C in a way that felt truly like an elopement. We basically took off from the fam and spent the rest of the time by ourselves, wandering through the fields, exploring the winding creek, and ended the evening at a serene lake with the mountains reflected perfectly on the water. In a quiet moment by the lake, they shared their private vows, danced in the water, and soaked in the magic of their day, creating memories that were just for them

Ending the night like this was such a fun way to combine both styles of a micro wedding + elopement in one day, and I hope this shows all couples that you truly have the freedom to build the exact day that you’re dreaming of! Whether it’s a day fully spent with your people by your side, a private celebration with only the two of you, or a mix of both like S + C decided on, this day is yours to craft, curate, and dream up; there are no rules, limits, or expectations you need to follow. If you can remember that, then your day will be absolutely magical no matter what it looks like ✨

Full Sparks Lake Elopement Guide

Sparks Lake just so happens to be one of my favorite elopement locations in Central Oregon, so I was thrilled when Sarah + Colton inquired about their Sparks Lake elopement! If you’ve fallen in love with the lake while scrolling through these photos, definitely check out my Full Sparks Lake Elopement Guide next, where I go through everything you need to know to elope at this scenic spot in the Cascade Lakes.

Want to learn more about the Bend area as a whole? I’ve got a Complete Bend Elopement Guide where I dive deep into this breathtaking part of Central Oregon.

Sparks Lake Elopement Photographer

If you’re dreaming of wedding photos that reflect your unique journey and relationship, just like Sarah + Colton’s, I’d love to help you celebrate your journey and create timeless memories together. Let’s connect and get your adventure started.

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For more Oregon elopement and micro wedding inspiration, take a look at the blog posts below:

Sentimental Arch Cape Elopement on the Oregon Coast

Best Places to Elope in Eastern Oregon

Dreamy Oregon Coast + Redwoods Bridal Portraits