Imagine saying “I do” on a very different type of private island; not surrounded by splashing waves and swaying palms, but graceful swans and snow-frosted mountain peaks.

This fantasy comes to life at the pristine Pronghorn Resort in Bend, Oregon. Set on 640 acres and part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, both you and your guests will relish in the unique natural surroundings (including a 1,000 year-old juniper forest) and luxury accommodations.

When it comes to hosting your wedding, Pronghorn might just be the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Any one of the many ceremony or reception options will have you surrounded by views of the Cascade Mountains and the pristine Tom Fazio Championship Course. Because it’s a private course, there’s no need to worry about golf carts and tee shots interrupting one of the most important moments of your life. The event island can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers a peaceful setting. The Clubhouse and surrounding lawns are also solid options and the resort’s one-wedding-a-day policy promises a smooth and private event.

With residential-style lodging, your guests can stay in beautiful suites ranging from one-to-four bedrooms. The larger suites feature top-of-the-line kitchens, spacious living rooms and patios overlooking the 18th hole of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Opening in the summer of 2015, The Lodge at Pronghorn will add 66 modern, hotel-style rooms.

Before and after the “I do’s,” there’s plenty to keep anyone and everyone busy in Bend. This friendly and unassuming town is just a short 20-minute drive from the resort and the staff is happy to arrange transportation. Lovingly dubbed, “Beer Town USA,” there is an abundance of high-quality breweries which will have you and your guests pub crawling. For craft beer lovers, the Bend Ale Trail is a must.

Be forewarned, it will be difficult to tear golf-loving guests away from the majestic Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Voted one of the top 30 public courses in the country by Golf Digest in 2013, you will be in awe of the ancient rock lava ridges and immaculate conditions. Peak season for the resort is in August and September, so be sure to book well in advance.

Choosing Bend, Oregon as your destination wedding location may come as a surprise to guests, but when all is said and done, they’ll be thanking you for years to come.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.