![a couple dancing with deep river canyons in the background.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-18-1024x683.jpg)
I absolutely love a Smith Rock engagement session and was SO EXCITED to get to capture Cassidy and Shane’s love here! The deep river canyons at golden hour were absolutely stunning and something that I’m still not over. Keep reading to learn more about this adorable couple and my favorite things about Smith Rock!
Cassidy and Shane: From high school friends to life-long partners
I loved getting to know a little more about Cassidy and Shane! While they had been friends since they were 13, it wasn’t until freshman year of college that they started seriously dating. Since then, they’ve built a magical life together! In fact, their perfect day starts with them sleeping in and grabbing a cup of coffee before heading to the coast or exploring someplace new. Then, after lunch, they’ll come home and relax with their dog before ending the day with their favorite reality TV show or movie. Talk about cozy!
Their proposal story is so cute as well! Shane actually asked Cassidy to marry him in the EXACT spot where they first met playing basketball in the summer of 2011. Seriously a full circle moment! I’m honored to be part of their marriage story and get to capture their Smith Rock engagement!
Why I Love a Smith Rock Engagement Session
Smith Rock State Park is seriously one of the most stunning places in all of Oregon and a gem of a location for an engagement session. Here are a few things I love about this natural wonder.
Scenic Views
The Crooked River meandering between giant, 600-foot cliffs is the perfect backdrop for your Smith Rock engagement session, especially at sunset when everything is lit up in a warm, orange hue! And at over 650 acres, there’s no shortage of absolutely scenic vistas for you to explore.
Proximity to Bend
Smith Rock is only about 25 miles away from Bend, meaning that you have easy access to one of Oregon’s best cities. With so many delicious restaurants and breweries, quaint boutiques, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, visiting Bend is the perfect complement to your Smith Rock engagement session.
Plenty of Outdoor Activities
Smith Rock is primarily known for its world-class rock climbing and attracts visitors from all over the world. However, if climbing isn’t your thing, don’t fret! There are many other outdoor recreation opportunities, like biking and hiking, that you can take advantage of throughout the park. So, if you’re hoping to include your favorite outdoor hobby in your engagement session or just want to add a little adventure to the day, Smith Rock is the perfect destination for you!
Cassidy and Shane’s Smith Rock engagement session was seriously a dream and I can’t wait to capture their wedding! Check out my other Smith Rock Engagement Session blog for a rock-climbing-themed engagement session in the area! Or if you’re thinking about eloping in the park, read all about the time I shot a Boho Smith Rock Elopement!
![A newly engaged couple spraying a bottle of champagne at Smith Rock.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-01-683x1024.jpg)
![A couple holding hands walking away from the camera on a trail.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-02-683x1024.jpg)
![A couple holding hands walking away from the camera on a trail.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-03.jpg)
![A couple holding hands walking toward the camera on a trail.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-04-683x1024.jpg)
![The couple kissing with big rocks in the distance during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-05-683x1024.jpg)
![The couple kidding with deep river canyons in the background.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-06-1024x683.jpg)
![The couple holding hand with a river and rocks in the background at their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-07.jpg)
![A couple embracing each other with big rocks in the background.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-08-1024x683.jpg)
![A couple embracing each other with an expansive view of Smith Rock State Park.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-09-1024x683.jpg)
![The couple hugging, highlighting the soon-to-be bride's engagement ring.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-10.jpg)
![The engaged couple holding each other with smith rock in the background during their engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-11-1024x683.jpg)
![The engaged couple holding each other with smith rock in the background during their engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-12.jpg)
![the boyfriend carrying his fiancée during their Smith Rock Engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-13-683x1024.jpg)
![the boyfriend carrying his fiancée during their Smith Rock Engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-14-683x1024.jpg)
![The couple holding hands with an iconic view of Smith Rock State Park in the background.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-15.jpg)
![The couple walking through a field at sunset during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-16-1024x683.jpg)
![The couple dancing in a field with large spires and a river in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-19-683x1024.jpg)
![a couple holding each other, showing off the engagement ring.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-20-683x1024.jpg)
![A blurry photo of a couple running in a field.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-21-1024x683.jpg)
![A blurry photo of a couple running in a field.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-22-1024x683.jpg)
![a couple kissing at sunset during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-23-1024x683.jpg)
![a couple kissing at sunset during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-24.jpg)
![a couple kissing at sunset with larg spires and a river in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-25-1024x683.jpg)
![A couple touching hands, showcasing the soon-to-be bride's engagement ring.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-26-1024x683.jpg)
![a couple holding each other with rivers and spires in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-27-1024x683.jpg)
![a couple holding each other and kissing with rivers and spires in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-28.jpg)
![A couple holding hands taking in the iconic Smith Rock views.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-29-683x1024.jpg)
![A couple kissing with a river and spires in the background.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-30-683x1024.jpg)
![A couple walking through a field with a river and spires in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-31-1024x683.jpg)
![A couple walking through a field with their dog and featuring a river and spires in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-32-1024x683.jpg)
![the couple's dog running ahead of them while they hold hands and walk behind.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-33-683x1024.jpg)
![a couple holding hands and looking lovingly at their dog during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-34-683x1024.jpg)
![The couple holding and kissing their dog during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-35-1024x683.jpg)
![The couple holding each other during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-36.jpg)
![The couple kissing with a river and cliffs in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-37-1024x683.jpg)
![The couple holding each other with a river and cliffs in the background during their Smith Rock engagement session.](https://taylordentonphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28879/2024/06/Smith-Rock-Engagement-Taylor-Denton-Photography-38-1024x683.jpg)
Ready to book your own Oregon elopement or intimate wedding photographer? Click on the link below to inquire!