Welcome! If you’re here, you’re probably planning your own Broken Bow wedding or elopement, and need all the details, yeah? You’re absolutely in the right place. In this jam-packed guide to Broken Bow weddings, we’ll cover how to get married in Broken Bow, activities to add to your day, places to eat and stay, and more!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Where is Broken Bow?
- Why should you get married in Broken Bow?
- FAQs about Broken Bow Weddings
- Broken Bow Wedding and Permit Info
- Best Elopement Ceremony & Photo Locations in Broken Bow
- Best Time of Year to Get Married in Broken Bow
- Where to stay in Broken Bow
- Broken Bow Wedding Photography Pricing
- Broken Bow Wedding Sample Photo Timelines
- Broken Bow Wedding Vendors
- More Wedding & Planning Reources
Where is Broken Bow?
Broken Bow is a small city in southeastern Oklahoma. It’s a gateway to Hochatown and Beavers Bend State Park, which boasts lush hiking trails for all levels, a lake, and plenty of cabins, camping, and local eateries and activities. Lots of scenic locations as you’ll be in the beautiful Ouachita mountains. Broken Bow Lake has islands, beaches, boat ramps and lots of fishing, as well.
Closest Major Cities/Towns:
This area of the state is a perfect destination for anyone looking to get into nature and spend time in a cozy cabin surrounded by rivers and mountains. Here are the closest cities to Broken Bow:
Hochatwown
- Driving time from Broken Bow: 5-10 minutes
Hochatown is the town just North of Broken Bow on Highway 259. This is the town where Beaver’s Bend State Park is located, and it’s home to the newer restaurants, breweries, and attractions that are driving new tourism and new, luxury homes to the Beaver’s Bend area. It’s also where you’ll find new, hip local spots along with tried and true places. Additionally, it is also the closest town to Beaver’s Bend lake, so you’ll be able to rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards in town for some fun on the water!
- Driving Time From Oklahoma City: 3.5 Hours
- Driving Time From Dallas: 3.5 Hours
- Driving Time From Little Rock: 3 hours
How to Drive to Broken Bow
Find the best route to get to Broken Bow here!
The Broken Bow area is easily accessible from major cities. The route is mostly highway, until entering the town – where there are two main roads – Highway 3 and Highway 259 – which can be heavily trafficked during peak tourist seasons!
Why Should You Get Married in Broken Bow?
Where should I begin? This is such a beautiful part of the state, and the comfort of cabins, pine trees, streams, and lakes makes this place tranquil and so peaceful. You need to get down here for the scenic trails, viewpoints, rocky beaches, and luxury vacation homes and cabins. From 2 people to 25, spending a wedding weekend here is a FRACTION of the cost of a traditional wedding venue.
Broken Bow might be the wedding or elopement location for you if:
- You’re in love with the outdoors
- You want to explore rocky beaches and lush trails
- You want to say your vows overlooking a gorgeous lake with rolling mountains
- You like getting up at dawn to experience a stunning sunrise
- You want to pay less for a scenic wedding venue
- You want to plan an experience for your wedding that’s all about you
- You want to stay in a peaceful, luxurious cabin
- You love to be cozy and relax in a tranquil place
- You’re at your happiest when you’re exploring and trying new things with your partner
- You want to sit around the campfire with your partner & closest friends and family and soak up your beautiful wedding day
If you’re looking for a tranquil getaway to have your wedding or elopement, this is the place. This place is a gem in Oklahoma that has everything from rolling mountains to pine trees, hiking trails, rivers, and comfy, well-equipped cabins for you and your guests to relax and be present with you. The proximity to Beaver’s Bend state park also allows for lots of short, easy hiking and water activities.
Broken Bow and it’s closest town, Hochatown, have recently grown in notoriety, and have experienced a surge in the number of luxury cabins available, making it a destination for those who want a peaceful getaway with all the creature comforts you might need for a wedding weekend, for half the cost of what a traditional venue would be for a day.
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FAQs About Broken Bow Weddings
- Is it legal to elope in Oklahoma? Because of Oklahoma’s laws, eloping is possible but requires an officiant and witnesses present for your ceremony. Eloping is perfectly legal, so long as these 3 things are met. Of course, there are always other options if you are looking for a “just us” ceremony. Check out my guide here on how to elope in Oklahoma for more details!
- Can I have a ceremony outside in Broken Bow? Yes! You can have a ceremony outdoors in Broken Bow, you do not need a special permit to have a ceremony outdoors.
- Can I get married at a cabin in Broken Bow? Absolutely! Since many cabins in the area are privately owned, it is always best to ask your host if you are allowed to hold a ceremony at the property before booking. There are many luxury cabin rental companies in the area even advertise weddings at their properties and can help with rentals and food delivery.
- Do you need a permit to get married in Broken Bow? No, you do not need a special permit to get married in Broken Bow or Beaver’s Bend State Park. You will need an Oklahoma marriage license.
- How do you get a marriage license in Broken Bow? It’s easy! Visit the Mccurtain County clerk’s office to obtain your marriage license. Find more detailed information on this process in the next section!
Broken Bow Wedding & Elopement Permits
You do not need a special photo permit to get married in Broken Bow, or inside Beaver’s Bend State Park.
Marriage License for Broken Bow
You will, however, need an Oklahoma marriage license, a registered officiant, and 2 witnesses for your ceremony. You can get your marriage license by visiting the Mccurtain County Clerk’s office. Licenses in this county are valid for 30 days, the clerk’s office takes cash only, and it’s always best to call ahead to check their hours. Visit this link for detailed information on how to obtain your Broken Bow marriage license!
Best Elopement Ceremony & Photo Locations in Broken Bow
If you are looking for a scenic spot for your wedding photos or for an elopement ceremony in the area, these are a few of my favorite locations! Broken Bow is a great area because of its proximity to Beaver’s Bend – there, there are many hikes that are all varying levels – meaning there’s really something for everyone at any fitness level to be able to explore and take in the gorgeous scenery.
1. Friends Trail Loop
This trail is a moderate loop, with little elevation. It has rocky beaches with a river. Perfect location for a ceremony if you’d like to be near running water.
Hike info:
- 1.5 Miles
- 280 ft elevation gain
- Easy-Moderate
- 45-1 hour to complete the loop
- Trailhead location can be found here.
2. Beaver Lodge Nature Trail
The Beaver Lodge Nature trail is a moderate out-and-back trail that follows the river, with little elevation. Perfect for a small hike to your ceremony location with time to stop along the way.
Hike info:
- 3 Miles
- 250 ft elevation gain
- Easy-Moderate
- 45-1 hour to complete the loop
- Trailhead location can be found here.
3. Cedar Bluff Nature Trail
This is an easy to moderate loop trail that begins a bit steep, but gives you views above the river. It is a popular hiking spot, so it would be best during morning or evening hours. Perfect if you want water views but don’t necessarily want to be next to running water.
Hike info:
- .9 Miles
- 157 ft elevation gain
- Easy-Moderate
- 45 minutes to complete the loop
- Trailhead location can be found here.
4. Crystal Point
Crystal Point is a spot along Beavers Bend Lake that is accessible by car. Features a rocky beach, rock faces, and incredible sunrise and sunset views. The road leading to this point also has many pull-offs that are equally scenic! This is a popular spot for swimmers and families during the day.
- Location can be found here.
5. Eagle’s Nest
This is a lookout above the lake that is accessible by car. It’s a bit more secluded than areas right on the beach, but you may still encounter cars and groups here. The road to access this area can be bumpy and is less maintained, but still driveable and relatively easy to access.
- Location can be found here.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Broken Bow
The best time for a wedding or elopement in Broken Bow is always tough to give a clear answer to, because it depends on what type of weather you’re dreaming up for your wedding or elopement. Next, let’s go through what these seasons tend to look like in each season in this part of Oklahoma; that way, you can decide for yourself which season will help you craft the day you’re envisioning!
January-March:
The first part of the year in Oklahoma is cold. Trees in the area will not have much foliage, and most outdoor activities will be closed until summertime. The benefits to this time of year are the cost and crowds – most cabins and vacation rentals will not be occupied, making the availability of cabins high. If you’re imagining a cozy, fireside winter wedding, these may be the perfect months for your wedding.
April-June:
These months are when the trees begin to fill in, temperatures begin to rise, and temperatures will be moderate – meaning it’s perfect for hiking and exploring. Temperatures are mild and offer the ability to hike and have an outdoor ceremony. Moreover, trails will be accessible and it will be easier to be outside longer, meaning there will be time to explore, and having an elopement ceremony in a scenic spot is more doable.
July-August:
Summer in Oklahoma is hot. This part of the state can often experience humidity in the summer, making outdoor activities difficult for long periods of time. In this situation, perhaps the “summer deals” that some vacation rental owners will run on their cabins and homes make this an opportune time for those who are wanting to do something quick or last-minute!
August-November:
Fall in southeast Oklahoma is absolutely breathtaking. Not only do the temperatures begin to cool, but the leaves begin to turn, and when the lush rolling hills and many pines in this part of the state start to turn, it literally draws tourists from all over the area to come out to see. Benefits for this time of year would be how beautiful the fall foliage is, but a potential con would be the limited availability of cabins or vacation rentals during this time. If planning a fall wedding in Broken Bow, I would advise planning 6-8 months in advance.
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Where to Stay Near Broken Bow
In Broken Bow and Hochatown, you’ll find a mixture of privately owned cabins, luxury vacation homes, campgrounds, or hotels. Most are found on AirBnb or VRBO. In addition, many vacation rental companies in the area maintain multiple, larger properties. Be aware that some of these listings have limited availability throughout the year. Below are a few of my favorite spots in the area.
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Stardust Cabin
Starry Pines Cabin
The Pretty Girl Cabin
Blushing Beaver Cabin
Little Wildflower Cabin
Luxury Cabin Rental Companies
Companies may own multiple properties, but you’ll find these types of properties are larger, can accommodate larger groups, and often include concierge services like grocery delivery, even furniture rental. In addition, these properties will often allow weddings to take place on the grounds.
Beavers Bend Adventures
Beaver’s Bend Creative Escape
Blue Beaver Luxury Cabins
Luxury Broken Bow Cabins
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
Beavers Bend Lodge
The New Hochatown Lodge
Campgrounds
Glamp at this property close in Hochatown!
Hickory Campground – This campground doesn’t do reservations, so drive in or contact the ranger for more info.
More Lodging Resources
If you’re booking your own accommodations and need tips for picking the perfect rental for your wedding or elopement, check out my Guide to Picking the Perfect Vacation Rental for photos, here!
