Deep River Park has been a mainstay for outdoor wedding in Northwest Indiana for many, many years.  Located in Valparaiso just north of Rt. 30, the venerable park offers much greenery, old rustic barns, the river itself and of course the gazebo.  Yes, that wonderful gazebo.  A place where many couples have married and many families have visited.  I'd love to know how many young brides have followed in their mom's footsteps by having their ceremony at the steps of the gazebo.

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With the wide open spaces and endless picturesque backdrops, it's a natural area for a wedding photographer to zoom in on tight candids of guests and wedding party alike.  Here's one of a father catching up to his runaway flower girl daughter...

Speaking of kids, they are going to feel less nervous outdoors and tend to give some wonderful expressions during the ceremonies...

The Deep River Park gift shop is a great area for a retro looking, vintage type of photo.  I caught these kids blowing bubbles right after a wedding ceremony and thought it would look great with a sepia, brown tone retro look....

With outdoor ceremonies there is always the risk of rain.  I've had a few of those this year.  However, a couple strolling through the park under an umbrella can make for a very romantic photo...

Of course, when the sun peaks out you can have something very dramatic with the flare coming through the trees and the green river and foresty look of the east side of the park.  

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The old time grist mill is another photo opportunity.  I decided to go with black and white on this one while turning the bride's flowers back into color, a classic wedding effect.

The Sugar Shack is an old rustic barn located deep in the park and can make for casually posed family pictures as well as bride and groom formals.

If you catch the park right after a rain, the area takes on a very rich green and makes for a great backdrop of a tight shot of a just married couple...

So, whether you are walking down the aisle outside or just need a place to get some great scenery into your wedding photos, Deep River Park in Valparaiso is a terrific destination and a wedding tradition that continues to live on and thrive.