Two Prides, One Perfect Wedding: Planning an LGBTQ+ Celebration in Bend, Oregon
What kind of town celebrates Pride not once, but twice a year? The kind that makes a pretty great wedding destination, too.
In Bend, Oregon, the LGBTQ+ community shows up and gets celebrated—whether it’s the cozy, high-altitude joy of Winter PrideFest or the sunny, festival-filled energy of Bend Pride in Drake Park. Two different seasons, two very different vibes, one unmistakable message: this is a place where you can be yourself.
And if you’re planning a wedding that’s rooted in nature, community, and personality (not tradition for tradition’s sake), this is a town worth exploring. Whether you’re eloping on the trail or hosting a full wedding weekend with family & friends, Bend offers room to breathe, celebrate, and feel at home.
Outdoorsy, Quirky, and Unmistakably Bend
Bend has long attracted creatives, adventurers, and people who find joy in the in-between. There’s something about the way the river moves through town, the wildflowers on the high desert trails, and the fact that everyone owns at least one pair of boots they actually use that makes this place feel rooted and relaxed.
For LGBTQ+ couples planning a wedding here, that vibe translates to: less pressure, more options. You can trade ballroom expectations for a riverside ceremony, a campfire toast, or a ceremony playlist built on queer joy, not canon. Bend makes space for that—and so do the people here.
Choose a Venue That Fits You
At Riverhouse, we’ve hosted everything from elopements in snow boots to multi-day weddings with bonfire afterparties. And the common thread? Couples who want to feel seen and supported without having to explain every detail of who they are.
Our venue includes flexible indoor and outdoor spaces (including a stunning riverside lawn), guest room blocks, and a team that’s just as happy setting up a traditional ceremony as they are helping you design something entirely your own.
Walk in together. Skip the bouquet toss. Design your own flow. We’re here for it.
Make It More Than a Day
Here, it’s not about cramming everything into six hours. It’s about making space for the whole experience: the float down the Deschutes with your wedding party, the hike before brunch, the low-key welcome night at a brewery patio.
Riverhouse’s central location and on-site lodging make it easy to keep things fluid and connected—so guests can relax and celebrate without worrying about getting from place to place.
Looking for a wedding destination that feels like an extension of who you are? Bend checks all the right boxes. It’s creative, outdoorsy and laid-back, and it just happens to be home to a thriving queer community that’s anything but hidden. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a lively weekend celebration, Bend offers space, welcome, and flexibility to host your wedding your way.
You’ll find a wide range of on-point vendors, from planners to photographers, who know how to celebrate authenticity, not tradition. And at Riverhouse, we’ve hosted weddings of all shapes, sizes, and couple types, bringing your vision to life with ease, and maybe a little flair.
Bend: A Town That Shows Up for Pride, Twice
One of the quirkiest, most joyful things about Bend? It has two Pride events each year. First up, the Central Oregon Pride Festival in Drake Park is an established celebration with all the trimmings, live music, community booths, and rainbow vibes. Then there’s the newer downtown Pride Walk: more grassroots, spontaneous, and buzzing with local energy. If you’re considering a date, think about aligning your calendar with one of the town’s two celebrations!
Choose a Venue That Fits You
Your venue should be more than just scenic, it should feel like home from the first call. LGBTQ+ couples often know what they don’t want: pressure to conform, awkward conversations, or misread pronouns. What you do want? Space to breathe, to say what feels true, and to plan a weekend that reflects your story.
At Riverhouse, you can show up how you want, walk down the aisle together, write your own vows, skip the bouquet toss, or throw a casual riverside reception. Whatever matters to you, we make it work with a smile (and maybe a cocktail list tailored to your taste).
Make It More Than a Day
The best weddings feel like weekends, not just days. Go for a group float on the Deschutes, toast the night before with a campfire and local beer, or build a little solo time into your wedding morning. This is the kind of place where personal touches shine — and where the outdoors are always part of the backdrop.
Local Vendors You’ll Actually Want to Work With
It’s one thing to find a vendor who’s friendly. It’s another to find one who gets your style, your humor, your playlist, your ceremony script. Here are some favorites:
Two Pines, event planning
Founded by Madeline Metolius, this boutique planner brings Central Oregon’s natural charm and handcrafted spirit to every event. With a decade of high-end event experience (including work with Meow Wolf and Peloton), Madeline and her team offer creativity with real polish, think color-coordinated spreadsheets meets handmade pies and heartfelt design details. Whether you're planning a riverside elopement in hiking boots or an outdoor soirée under the pines, Two Pines delivers thoughtful planning and personal touches that feel true to place.
MOT photography, event photography
Tom Lebsack, the creative force behind MOT, specializes in wedding photography for “adventurous hearts” who value authentic, story-driven images over stiff portraits. With a signature style described as “bold, lush color and vibrant real-life emotion,” Tom captures candids and dramatic landscapes alike—whether that’s an elopement in the high desert or a riverside first look. A board member of the Central Oregon Wedding Association, he’s deeply embedded in the local wedding community, and even donates 5% of every session to land conservation nonprofits. The result? Wedding photos that feel true to your personalities and memorable for more than just their flash and filters.
Central Event Rentals, local rental vendor
A family-owned rental company serving Central Oregon since 2007, Central Event Rentals offers everything from sailcloth tents and dance floors to chairs, dinnerware, glassware, and portable bars. Their “Kick‑Ass Rental Experts” philosophy lives up to the hype: clear pricing, proactive communication, and full-service setup/teardown make the rental process feel effortlessly easy. Whether you’re planning a casual camp-theme rehearsal or a riverside reception under twinkle lights, they’ve got the gear, and the team to keep things simple and stylish. Their rave Google reviews highlight reliability and flexibility (even when plans change), making them a trusted partner for Bend weddings.
PORTER FLORAL, FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Led by Lindsey Porter, this boutique florist marries rustic charm with thoughtful design, offering everything from intimate bouquets to large-scale wedding installations. With deep roots in floral artistry (including training at Portland’s Floral Design Institute) and a background in service and event planning, Lindsey brings both precision and creativity to every event she touches. Celebrated for her seasonal, locally-inspired arrangements, Porter Floral works closely with clients to reflect their unique vision, whether in a cozy riverside ceremony or a weekend-long celebration under Central Oregon skies. Brides and grooms regularly praise her seamless planning process and warm collaboration, making Lindsey a go-to choice for couples who want florals as authentic and personal as their love.
Make-Up Mafia, day-of cosmetics
Headed by celebrity stylist Christine Colucci, Makeup Mafia is known for effortless beauty, calm energy, and camera-ready results. With over two decades in the industry, Christine offers a full suite of bridal hair and makeup services, from elopements to full wedding parties, and specializes in looks that feel both polished and personal. Clients love her relaxed, confidence-boosting presence on wedding mornings — and her ability to enhance without overdoing it. LGBTQ+ friendly and praised for her flexibility and responsiveness, Christine is a go-to for couples who want a professional artist that also feels like part of the crew.
Rethink the Weekend — Not Just “The Day”
If you’ve ever thought “what if the rehearsal dinner was a float trip?” — this town gets you.
Bend is full of unexpected ways to bring your people together: axe throwing, riverside brunch, open-air yoga, brewery tours, even stargazing walks. And with Riverhouse as your home base, it’s easy to build an experience that blends celebration with space to breathe.
Ready to Start Planning?
If the idea of a wedding that’s queer, outdoorsy, personality-packed, and easy to enjoy sounds like your kind of plan, we’d love to help.
Riverhouse is more than just a venue—it’s a place where your people can land, your story can shine, and your celebration can feel exactly like you.