I love when couples lean into adventure on their wedding day, and that’s exactly what Leah and Kevin did for their Alvord Desert elopement in southeast Oregon. They explored the wide-open playa with their two dogs, enjoying a relaxed day that felt completely theirs. It was an epic experience, and I’m so grateful I got to photograph it all. Read more about their elopement and the Alvord Desert below.
Inside Leah and Kevin’s Alvord Desert, Oregon Elopement
Leah and Kevin initially planned to elope in Europe but ultimately chose to explore a little closer to home. After photographing their engagement at Lost Lake, they reached back out to see if I’d document their Alvord Desert elopement. I had such a great time working with them the first time around, so of course I said yes.
The Flow of Their Day
Just like their engagement session, their elopement was a unique adventure. Leah and Kevin wanted their day in the Alvord Desert to feel relaxed and flexible, so they eased into the morning with coffee and a walk on the playa with their dogs, Timber and Louis (the perfect elopement activity to kick off their day!). Afterward, they got ready, wrote vows, and shared a first look at their Airbnb. I loved photographing them as they wandered through pockets of rabbitbrush and other soft desert shrubs with the Steens Mounatins in the background.
We then drove out onto the playa for their private vows with the dogs by their side. Being out there among the wild, dramatic views felt truly surreal in the best way. A friend officiated their ceremony, and afterward we explored the terrain together, making the most of the endless backdrop.
At the end of the day, Bowie Design Company, set up a little table in the middle of the playa with a candelabra, pearls, and soft florals all glowing in the fading light. The setup was truly stunning! They ended the night curled around a campfire, watching the Milky Way stretch across the sky. It was the best way to end a beautiful day in the desert.
If you’re looking to elope in another otherworldly desert location, check out my Painted Hills elopement guide.
What To Know About Alvord Desert, Oregon
What is the Alvord Desert?
The Alvord Desert is a playa, or an ancient dried lake bed, tucked into southeastern Oregon. Its flat, cracked ground feels almost otherworldly, a little like Badwater Basin in Death Valley but right here in the Pacific Northwest. The open desert is perfect for off-roading, camping, and watching the stars, and there are hot springs nearby if you’re craving a soak. If you’re planning a visit, aim for June through November, when the playa is usually dry and solid enough to drive on.
How Remote is the Alvord Desert?
The Alvord Desert is very remote, and Fields, Oregon is the nearest town, about an hour south of the playa. The lack of nearby civilization though is part of what makes this such an adventurous place to elope. One of its highlights is its unbelievably dark skies, which is perfect if you’re hoping to incorporate stargazing into your day. Just be sure to pack out everything you bring in and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Where Can I Stay?
Even with how remote the Alvord Desert is, there are still a few places to stay nearby. We stayed at the Alchemy Sky Homestead, a rustic Airbnb right on the edge of the playa. It was an exciting glamping experience, with beautiful sunrises, wide-open views, and a gate that led straight onto the flats. There are also a handful of other Airbnbs, VRBOs, and camping spots around, but otherwise that’s it.
Photographing Leah and Kevin’s Alvord Desert elopement was truly an experience of a lifetime. They’re so much fun, and it was incredible getting to explore a corner of Oregon I’d never seen before.
Alvord Desert, Oregon Elopement Vendors
Photographer: Taylor Denton Photography
Airbnb: Alchemy Sky Homestead
Wedding Planner: Bowie Design Company
Florist: SeedSoilBloom
Dress: Morilee
Veil: Karla Roble
From the Alvord Desert to the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon Coast, Oregon is full of wildly beautiful places to elope. My Oregon elopement guide is a great place to start, and when you’re ready to start planning your own adventure, reach out—I can’t wait to help bring it to life!
