Camping Wedding: Is It Possible?

If you're looking for a wedding venue that combines nature with nostalgia, a camping wedding could be for you. Camping weddings offer a beautiful natural setting and the opportunity to celebrate with your loved ones for a whole wedding weekend. Many summer camps, campgrounds, ranches, parks, and farms offer camp-style settings for events, with onsite accommodations such as bunks, tents, yurts, cabins, or hotel rooms.

Camping weddings are a unique, affordable, and fun option for outdoorsy couples on a budget. However, they can be a little daunting to plan. You'll need to consider the logistics of how people are entering, staying, and exiting the campgrounds, and whether the venue can accommodate your needs, such as a dance floor or comfortable sleeping arrangements for older family members.

If you're up for the challenge, a camping wedding is a great way to share your passion for the outdoors with your friends and family.

Choosing a venue

Location

Begin by considering the location of the campground. Is it in a state or national park, a private ranch, or another area? Some public lands campgrounds don't allow weddings or other events due to past abuses from users, so be sure to check with the campground owners or managers. If you have a dream location in mind, don't forget to find out if they allow weddings.

Accessibility

Think about the accessibility of the campground for your guests. Is there an airport nearby, or will you need to arrange shuttle services? Are there guests with limited mobility who will require ADA access?

Size

How many guests do you plan to invite, and how many sites will you need? Are there guests who will require RV hook-ups for dressing rooms, or will some guests need to stay in nearby hotels? Make sure the campground you choose has enough space and the right types of sites to accommodate your guest list.

Amenities

Season and Weather

Consider the season and potential weather conditions when choosing a venue. The elements will be a significant variable in your wedding plans, so think about the preparations you'll need to make for different weather scenarios. For example, if you're planning a summer wedding, prepare for the possibility of heat, summer storms, or humidity. If it's a winter wedding, you'll need to deal with cold temperatures, wind, and maybe even snow.

Regulations

Find out if there are any regulations or restrictions at the campground that may impact your wedding plans. For example, are there quiet hours' that could conflict with your reception activities? Are there any rules or local legislation regarding serving alcohol?

Activities and Accommodations

Finally, consider the activities and accommodations offered by the campground. Are there hiking trails, water activities, or other recreational options nearby? What type of sleeping arrangements are available, such as tents, cabins, or RVs? Make sure the campground can provide the necessary amenities and facilities to make your guests' stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Some popular campground wedding venues in the United States include Camp Navarro in California, Ogontz Camp in New Hampshire, Camp Lucy in Texas, and Gilbertsville Farmhouse in New York. These venues offer beautiful natural settings, various lodging options, and a range of activities for guests.

Guest logistics

Planning a campground wedding takes a lot of creativity, especially when it comes to where your guests will sleep. Here are some options to consider:

• Off-site locations: Shuttle guests from your venue to other locations. Ensure you have a clear understanding of where these locations are, and a plan and schedule for transporting guests to and from the wedding venue.
• RVs: RVs are a practical option that can even be extravagant, with possible bathrooms, showers, sinks, and stoves. You can rent several RVs to create a community feel, which tends to be a hit with parents and grandparents. Think through the logistics of where the RVs would enter and park, and the type you want.
• Tents: Tents add an element of fun and authenticity. Consider purchasing traditional 4-person or roomier 8-person tents. Fill them with sleeping bags, cots, lanterns, and a bottle or two of wine. You can also ask guests to bring their own tents, but this might be a stretch logistically. Bell tent rentals can add a touch of "glamping" and be furnished with amenities such as queen beds, duvet covers, rugs, camping chairs, and lanterns.

When planning guest logistics, it's essential to map out how each guest will get to and experience the location. This will help you identify any potential issues and simplify their journey. It's also crucial to give yourself plenty of time to set up camp and troubleshoot any problems.

Additionally, consider the checkout time for guests and the time it will take to break down the camp wedding site. Discuss these details with the venue early in the process to work through all the options.

Finally, remember that planning a campground wedding can feel like a full-time job. Don't hesitate to seek help from vendors, event planners, or coordinators to take some tasks off your plate.

Setting up camp

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Give yourself as much time as possible when setting up your campground wedding. Ideally, you should aim to set up camp the day before your guests start arriving. This will give you time to troubleshoot any potential issues and ensure that everything is ready for your big day. If setting up the day before is not possible, try to set up camp as early as possible on the day of the wedding.

Think About Sleeping Arrangements

When planning a campground wedding, you need to consider where your guests will sleep. There are a few options to choose from:

• Offsite locations: You can shuttle guests from the wedding venue to offsite locations, such as hotels or other campgrounds. Just be sure to provide clear information and directions to your guests.
• RVs: RVs can be a practical and comfortable option for your guests. They can even be extravagant, with features such as bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. You can rent several RVs to create a community feel, and they are often a hit with parents and grandparents.
• Tents: Tents are a classic and fun option for campground weddings. You can purchase or rent traditional tents or go for a more glamorous "glamping" experience with amenities such as beds, duvet covers, and rugs. You can also ask guests to bring their own tents, but this may be a stretch logistically.

Map Out Guest Logistics

It's important to think tactically about how guests will enter, stay, and exit the campgrounds. Create a map or plan for how each guest will get to and experience the location. This will help ensure a seamless journey and prevent any confusion or chaos on your big day.

Choose the Right Venue

When selecting a venue for your campground wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Location: Start with a significant location, such as a favourite state park, trailhead, or local ranch.
• Permissions: Check if the venue allows weddings. Some public lands campgrounds do not permit weddings or other events due to past abuses by users.
• Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the venue for your guests. Is there a nearby airport, or will you need to arrange shuttle services? Are there guests with ADA access requirements?
• Amenities: Ensure that the venue has the necessary amenities, such as enough campsites or RV hook-ups for your guests, and adequate bathrooms that are clean and comfortable.
• Season and weather: Think about the season and expected weather conditions for your wedding. Will you need to prepare for heat, cold, rain, or bugs?

Sleeping arrangements

Off-Site Locations:

Consider shuttling guests to off-site locations if your wedding venue has limited sleeping quarters. Communicate clear instructions on transportation and provide a schedule to ensure a seamless experience for your guests.

RVs:

RVs offer a comfortable, and even glamorous, option for guests who desire more amenities. They can include features such as bathrooms, showers, sinks, and stoves. Discuss with your venue the logistics of parking and consider the type of RV you want to provide, ranging from traditional to Airstreams or Mercedes Sprinters.

Tents:

Tents are a classic and fun option, adding an element of authenticity to your camping wedding. You can purchase or rent traditional 4-person or larger family-sized tents. Furnish them with sleeping bags, cots, lanterns, and even bottles of wine for a cosy atmosphere. You may also ask guests to bring their own tents, but this could be a logistical stretch. For a touch of "glamping," set up a pop-up tent village with Bell tent rentals, providing more space and a magical backdrop for photos.

On-Site Accommodations:

When choosing a venue, consider those that offer a range of on-site accommodations, such as bunks, tents, yurts, cabins, or hotel rooms to suit different guest preferences.

Bring Your Own Tent (BYOT):

While this option may be logistically challenging, you can ask guests to bring their own tents if they are comfortable with that arrangement.

Glamping:

For a more luxurious experience, consider "glamping" options at your venue. This could include queen beds, duvet covers, rugs, camping chairs, and lanterns to elevate the camping experience for your guests.

Communicating with Guests:

Be sure to communicate sleeping arrangements to your guests ahead of time. Let them know what to expect in terms of accommodations so they can plan and pack accordingly. Include specific instructions on how to get to their assigned tents, RVs, or off-site locations.

Remember to tailor your sleeping arrangements to your guest list and their comfort levels. By offering a range of options, you can ensure that everyone has a pleasant and memorable experience at your camping wedding!

Catering and entertainment

Catering

If you're planning a camping wedding, you'll want to consider catering options that fit the theme and are also practical for your outdoor venue. Here are some ideas:

• Food trucks: Bringing in food trucks to cater your wedding is a great way to introduce your loved ones to your favourite local eatery. This option eliminates the need for setting up a kitchen and can offer a fun and casual dining experience for your guests.
• Camp-style meals: If you want to lean into the camping theme, consider serving camp-style meals like hot dogs, s'mores, and chilli. These options are often easy to prepare and can be cooked over an open fire or on a BBQ.
• Local catering companies: Depending on your venue, you may be able to hire a local catering company to provide food for your wedding. This option can be more expensive, but it may be worth it if you want a more formal dining experience.
• Potluck or DIY: For a more intimate and casual affair, you could ask your guests to bring a dish to contribute to a potluck-style meal. Alternatively, if you have a close friend who loves to cook, you could ask them to prepare the food as their wedding gift to you.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment for your camping wedding, there are several options to consider:

• Live music: Live music can add a special touch to your wedding, and there may be local bands or musicians in the area who can perform. Keep in mind that you'll need to provide them with the necessary equipment and ensure that your venue doesn't have any noise restrictions.
• Outdoor games: Encourage your guests to partake in outdoor games and activities such as hiking, canoeing, volleyball, or even a friendly game of tug-of-war. These activities can be a fun way for your guests to bond and create lasting memories.
• Campfire stories: Storytelling around the campfire is a classic camping tradition. Encourage your guests to share stories, jokes, or even roast each other lightly. These moments can be a fun and intimate way to bring everyone together.
• Dancing: While a dance floor may be impractical, depending on your venue, you can still encourage your guests to dance the night away. Create a playlist of your favourite songs, and don't forget to include some slow dances for those special moments.
• S'mores and drinks: What's a camping trip without s'mores? Set up a s'mores station with a variety of toppings, and don't forget to stock up on drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to keep your guests refreshed.
• Bonfire: A bonfire can serve as a gathering place for your guests to socialise and warm up, especially if your wedding takes place during cooler evenings. Ensure you check fire restrictions and have plenty of fuel on hand.

Frequently asked questions