Ski Boots & Champagne: Designing a Winter Wedding Weekend in Bend
If you’ve ever dreamed of blending a winter getaway with a wedding celebration, Bend might be the perfect place to make it happen. Winter here comes with its own kind of magic—snowy trails, mountain sunrises, cozy aprés-ski moments, and that unmistakable feeling of a destination wedding where the destination truly matters. At Riverhouse, we love helping couples build wedding weekends that feel like more than a ceremony—they feel like an experience.
Start with a Mountain Backdrop
One of Bend’s greatest winter advantages? Mt. Bachelor is located just 22 miles down the road, putting world-class skiing and snowboarding within easy reach of your wedding festivities. If you’re inviting a group that loves the mountains—or wants to experience them for the first time—this is the perfect anchor for a multi-day celebration.
Riverhouse also offers ample bus and shuttle parking, making it easy to arrange group transportation from the hotel to the mountain. Guests can sleep in warm, comfortable rooms, meet in the lobby with coffee in hand, and catch a private shuttle straight to the slopes without worrying about winter driving or parking.
Build an Itinerary That Mixes Adventure and Celebration
A winter wedding weekend isn’t just about the wedding day itself—it’s about creating a shared experience for the entire group. Here are a few ski-adjacent options that work beautifully in Bend:
- Group Ski Day at Mt. Bachelor: Organize a morning on the mountain for your wedding party or for all guests. Think of it as an unconventional “welcome event”—one that comes with powder turns and plenty of candid moments.
- Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: Just minutes from Bend, Virginia Meissner Sno-Park and other local trail systems offer groomed cross-country loops ideal for group outings or smaller adventure sessions.
- Ice Skating: Bend’s seasonal rinks offer a charming, family-friendly winter activity, perfect for a relaxed evening before the wedding festivities officially begin.
- Aprés-Ski Welcome Party: After a day outside, plan a cozy welcome reception at Riverhouse. Warm drinks, soft lighting, and fireside seating set the tone for a playful, mountain-forward weekend.
An Aprés-Inspired Wedding Menu
One of the best parts of a winter wedding? The food. Our culinary team can craft menus that draw inspiration from aprés-ski traditions and winter comfort—think elevated lodge favorites made with seasonal local ingredients.
Picture this: a reception filled with warm, welcoming dishes after a day on the mountain. Warm up with mini mac and cheese, braised short rib, hearty soups or shareable alpine-style boards. For cocktail hour, think hot toddies, mulled wine, signature winter spritzes, or even a tableside s’mores bar.
Winter weddings invite a cozy, communal approach to dining, and our catering team can help bring that feeling to life—whether you’re imagining an elegant multi-course dinner or a more relaxed, lodge-inspired feast.
Cozy Moments on the Riverfront
Our riverfront patio firepits are one of the most-loved features for winter groups. They create an intimate, glowing setting where guests can gather with blankets, sip warm drinks, and enjoy s’mores or other winter treats. It’s a perfect spot for a welcome reception, late-night gathering, or a morning-after sendoff with cocoa and pastries.
Stay and Celebrate Together
One of the biggest advantages of hosting a winter wedding at Riverhouse is the built-in sense of community. Our on-site lodging keeps everyone under one roof, from the wedding party and families to friends flying in from out of town.
Our bunk rooms are especially popular for winter groups—ideal for skiers, college friends, or multi-generational families who want to stay close and keep the celebration going.
With indoor venue options, warm interiors, onsite dining, and access to Bend’s winter trail network, you get a wedding weekend that’s cozy, scenic, and completely weather-ready.
Make Winter Part of Your Story
A winter wedding in Bend isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to build a weekend that blends adventure, celebration, relaxation, and the quiet beauty of a snowy landscape. Whether your group spends the morning on the slopes, explores local trails, or gathers for a fireside toast before the ceremony, your wedding weekend becomes something unforgettable.
Explore our wedding packages or contact our events team to start designing your winter wedding weekend in Bend.