Bear Creek Wedding Photos | Macungie, PA (2026)

A Rain-Soaked, High-Energy Wedding at Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Some weddings feel fun and filled with energy. Some feel meaningful and sentimental. And then there are weddings that feel like everything you have worked toward as a photographer comes together in one single day. This wedding at Bear Creek Mountain Resort was one of those for me.

I have always respected photographers with a documentary eye. I would not call myself a strictly documentary photographer, but I am deeply drawn to preserving moments as they actually happen. The in-between reactions. The chaos, the stuff you cannot recreate. What excites me most is telling a full, comprehensive story across an entire wedding gallery, not simply delivering a handful of pretty standalone images. This day leaned HARD into that philosophy.

A Stormy Forecast and a Go Decision

The weather was doing that classic Pennsylvania thing – the forecast was spotty, unpredictable, and just vague enough to keep everyone guessing. We had some periods of drizzle, clearing, drizzle again… we were bouncing between inside photos and outside photos, watching the radar like hawks.

By the time the ceremony rolled around, it looked clear enough to move forward outdoors. I’m always glad when couples commit to their original plan when it feels right. Bear Creek’s outdoor ceremony space is beautiful – you are surrounded by lush greens, ski lifts and rolling hills in the background… it feels tucked away and peaceful, but still expansive!

So we went for it!

When the Rain Actually Hits

Mid-ceremony, the rain started. Not a gentle mist. Actual POURING rain. And then without warning, it escalated into a full-on thunderstorm. People were scrambling – jackets were coming off, blankets, purses, plastic bags, anything within reach being used as makeshift umbrella.

And the thing is, nobody panicked.

Without even thinking about it, I just kept shooting. I was completely soaked. My second photographer was completely soaked. Our cameras were drenched, but thankfully weather sealing exists for a reason lol. This is exactly why you prepare for literally anything on a wedding day.

Guests were laughing through the rain. People were huddled together – those are real reactions. Real energy. The ceremony was gently rushed along so everyone could get inside, but it was finished, and it was beautiful.

Wedding Photos Filled With Life and Energy

Some of my favorite images from this wedding exist because of that storm. The movement. The emotion. The joy mixed with chaos. It all felt alive.

Perfect conditions are nice, but real conditions are better. The rain did not take away from the experience one bit! If anything, it amplified it. The gallery tells a full story start to finish, and every photo ends up feeling honest as a result.

Why Bear Creek Mountain Resort Is Always a Joy to Photograph Weddings At

I have worked at Bear Creek quite a few times before, and every time I am reminded why it is such a strong wedding venue in Pennsylvania. The staff is incredible. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful in a way that makes a long wedding day feel smoother for everyone involved.

From a photography perspective, the space is a dream. You can create meaningful images indoors or outdoors, rain or shine. This wedding was proof of that! Great images can happen anywhere when the environment supports creativity and flexibility.

Bear Creek does exactly that, and I am very excited to return here again soon. Rain or shine.

3 Tips for Your Bear Creek Wedding

Lean Into the Mountain Architecture

Bear Creek isn’t your standard ballroom; the timber-frame architecture and massive windows provide a “lodge-luxury” vibe that looks incredible on camera. If it rains (like it did for this day!), don’t stress. The indoor stone fireplaces and wood-beamed ceilings offer a warm, moody backdrop that feels just as intentional as the outdoor ceremony space.

Utilize the Ski Lift for Portraits

One of the most unique features of Bear Creek is the ability to head up the mountain. Even if you don’t take the lift, using the base of the slopes or the wooded trails provides a sense of scale you won’t find at other Lehigh Valley venues. It gives your gallery a “destination wedding” feel while staying right here in Macungie.

Embrace the “Resort” Experience

Because Bear Creek is a full-service resort, you or potentially your guests are often staying on-site. This usually leads to a much higher-energy reception because nobody is worried about the drive home. My tip? Plan for a “Grand Exit” or a late-night snack session. The energy stays high until the very last song, and those are often some of the best documentary-style shots of the entire night.

---

Bear Creek Wedding Vendors

This day would have never come together the way it did for these two if it weren’t for the awesome team behind all the details! Here is a list of the vendors who took part of the day, and a link to their website if you want to go check them out!

Venue: Bear Creek
HMU: Sorellina Beauty
Videographer: Shutter & Sound
Florals: Kraft & Co.
Planner: Lavish Haus
Band: EBE Talent
Baker: Kathleen Huber Cakes
Wedding Dress: Lillian West
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Stationery: Zola
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Jewelry: Brilliant Earth
Caterer: Bear Creek

Looking for more Lehigh Valley Wedding Venues?

Bear Creek offers that perfect mountain-resort scale that is hard to find elsewhere, and it’s a staple in my research for local couples. I’ve spent years documenting weddings across the local landscape and compiled everything I’ve learned into one massive resource. To see where this spot falls on my list and to explore 45+ other locations, check out my Ultimate 2026 Guide to Lehigh Valley Wedding Venues.