A Moody Loloma Lodge Wedding on the McKenzie River
July 12, 2025
If you’re dreaming of a Loloma Lodge wedding on the McKenzie River—complete with towering old-growth trees, a quiet riverside setting, and emotional moments that feel suspended in time—Burt and Riley’s forest celebration is the perfect dose of inspiration.
From the moment I arrived, there was something sacred in the air. Loloma Lodge, tucked into the lush greenery of the McKenzie River Valley, feels like it was built for intimate, deeply personal weddings. And that’s exactly what Burt and Riley created—an experience that felt more like a gathering in nature than a traditional event. It was soft and earthy, full of meaning, and laced with the kind of joy that lingers long after the last dance.
Getting Ready: Slow Moments & Sentimental Vibes
Burt and Riley spent their quiet morning in one of the cozy wood cabins on site, getting ready with close friends and family. Sunlight filtered in through the trees and big cabin windows, giving everything a golden warmth. These were the kinds of slow, intentional moments that often get overlooked—but not here. Every movement felt deliberate and full of care.
From hand-written vows to thoughtful details (like Riley’s wild bouquet and Burt’s perfectly laid-back linen suit), the entire day reflected their personalities—warm, grounded, and effortlessly cool.
The Ceremony: Under the Trees, With Heart
The ceremony space at Loloma Lodge is nestled right into the forest—no need for arches or over-the-top styling when nature already provides such a stunning backdrop. Guests gathered in a semi-circle surrounded by ferns, firs, and dappled light as Burt and Riley exchanged vows. It was tender, teary, and completely true to them.
No fuss, no performance—just two people in love, promising each other forever while the river hummed in the distance.
Portraits, Reception, and Forest Feasting
After the ceremony, we wandered deeper into the woods for portraits that felt straight out of a fairytale. The light was soft, the air was still, and their connection was so natural it didn’t need posing. Just quiet moments between two people completely in sync.
Dinner was served al fresco in Loloma’s pavilion, strung with twinkle lights and surrounded by tall trees. Think candlelit tables, family-style dishes, and heartfelt toasts that had everyone wiping away tears. Every detail was rustic, elevated, and unpretentious—exactly what a forest wedding should be.
As the sun dipped behind the pines, Burt and Riley danced barefoot to vintage records under the soft glow of the lodge lights, wrapped in each other and surrounded by people who love them deeply. It wasn’t about impressing anyone. It was about celebrating in a way that felt real.
Why You Should Consider a Loloma Lodge Wedding on the McKenzie River
This venue is a hidden gem for couples looking for a nature-forward, logistically easy, and deeply atmospheric place to say “I do.” Here’s why I love it as a wedding photographer:
- Location: Right along the McKenzie River, only about an hour from Eugene
- Built-in lodging: Cabins on-site for you and your guests
- Natural ceremony + reception space: No need for major rentals or florals—just bring your people and your vows
- Perfect for photo storytelling: Every corner of this property photographs beautifully, from the woods to the river to the warm, glowing lodge interiors
Click here for more information on the Loloma Lodge Venue
Planning Your Own Forest Wedding?
Whether you’re envisioning a cozy elopement or a full wedding weekend, Loloma Lodge on the McKenzie River is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, stay present, and actually enjoy your day.
If you’re looking for a photographer who gets that vibe—who knows how to balance storytelling and artistic portraits and who will be just as excited about your moody forest wedding as you are—I’d love to connect.
Reach out here to tell me all about your day. Let’s plan something unforgettable.
Burt and Riley’s Loloma Lodge wedding on the McKenzie River was a perfect reflection of who they are: intentional, joyful, and grounded in love. If you’re dreaming up your own celebration in the woods, I hope this gives you permission to make it wholly and wildly your own.
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