Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be challenging, and choosing the right venue is often the most difficult part. Summer camp weddings are a unique and fun way to bring people together and create lasting memories. They offer a range of activities, from archery and kayaking to camp-themed food and decorations, providing a nostalgic experience for guests. Couples can choose from various locations, such as Camp Bluestone in Pennsylvania or a luxurious camp in New York, and select lodging options that suit their preferences and budget. With the right planning and preparation, a summer camp wedding can be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Characteristics and Values of a Summer Camp Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | 30-500 |
| Location | California, New York, Maine, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Nashville |
| Accommodation | Cabins, teepees, tents, yurts, local hotels, AirBnB |
| Activities | Hiking, beach volleyball, yoga, tennis, kayaking, swimming, lawn games, campfire singalongs, archery, wine tasting, pickleball, croquet |
| Food | Camp-inspired food, hot dogs, s'mores |
| Decor | Camp flags, long wooden tables, decorated camping tent, camp logo |
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What You'll Learn
- Venue options: from luxury camps to open fields, there's something for everyone
- Lodging: yurts, cabins, teepees, or hotels—choose what suits your guests best
- Activities: archery, hiking, kayaking, and more to keep guests entertained
- Catering: from self-catering to all-inclusive, camps offer a range of options
- Decor: from camp-themed decorations to a wedding arch, get creative with your style
Venue options: from luxury camps to open fields, there's something for everyone
Planning a summer camp wedding can be a fun and unique experience. From luxury camps to open fields, there are plenty of venue options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:
Luxury Camps
For couples who want to combine the summer camp experience with luxurious accommodations, there are several venues that offer the best of both worlds. Cedar Lakes Estate, located in the heart of New York's Hudson Valley, provides modern Garden Suites with air conditioning and wifi, as well as rustic cabins with bunk beds. The estate offers a range of activities, including swimming and bouncing off the giant blob in the lake.
Another option is The Retreat at Balcones Springs, a Texas Hill Country property just 45 minutes north of Austin. This venue offers 45 luxury cabins, hiking trails, a spring-fed lake, and activities like pickleball, yoga, horseback riding, and archery.
Rustic Camps
For a more rustic and back-to-nature experience, consider venues like Camp Wandawega, located in the Wisconsin wilderness less than two hours from Chicago. This camp offers rustic pine cabins and can accommodate up to 50 overnight guests, with a capacity of 125 for celebrations.
The Preserve, a nature preserve dating back to the 1800s, is another option. Located in the White Mountains, it offers lodging for 50 guests in a massive farmhouse-turned-inn and various cabins. Activities include a fire pit, pickleball, croquet, and hiking trails.
Outdoor Adventure Camps
If you're looking for a venue that focuses on outdoor adventures, consider Camp Twin Creeks, just three hours from Washington, D.C. Guests can enjoy water skiing, ropes courses, canoeing, and hiking.
For a taste of the Maine wilderness, Kingsley Pines is a great choice. This camp offers lodging options ranging from basic to deluxe, and activities include kayaking, ski boat rentals, and more.
Nature-Centric Camps
For couples who want to immerse themselves in nature, there are venues like the OVY Camp & Event Center, located in the stunning Redwood Forests of California. This venue offers exclusive use of 100 acres, with natural areas and versatile spaces that can be decorated to create a relaxed, laid-back campout wedding atmosphere.
Tucked in the woods of Oregon above the McKenzie River, you'll find a historic 1930s lodge that serves as a picturesque backdrop for a nature-centric celebration. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations in the lodge or choose to camp out on the property.
With so many venue options available, you can create a summer camp wedding that suits your style and provides a memorable experience for you and your guests.
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Lodging: yurts, cabins, teepees, or hotels—choose what suits your guests best
When it comes to lodging for your summer camp wedding, there are several options to consider. The choice depends on the preferences of your guests and the desired atmosphere for the event. Here are some options to choose from:
Yurts
Yurts offer a unique and rustic lodging experience for your guests. They provide a blend of charm and comfort, with some featuring modern amenities such as climate control, indoor bathrooms, and comfortable beds. Yurts can be rented in various sizes, from small, intimate spaces to large gathering areas. They can be used as accommodation for guests, with some companies offering smaller yurts that can comfortably sleep two or more people. Additionally, larger yurts can serve as a central social space, creating a "yurt village" feel.
Cabins
Cabin lodging can evoke a classic summer camp vibe. Some venues offer a range of cabin options, from basic to deluxe, allowing guests to choose their preferred level of comfort. Cabins can provide a more traditional and structured lodging experience for guests who prefer a solid roof over their heads.
Teepees
Teepees offer a unique and ancient vibe with their long poles and limited standing space inside. They can accommodate groups of guests and are often used in conjunction with tents for a true outdoor experience.
Hotels
For guests who prefer more traditional accommodations, hotels or motels in the nearby area can be an option. This choice may appeal to those who want more privacy or are not interested in the summer camp activities. It ensures guests have their own room, bathroom, and a real bed, which may be preferred by some, especially if they are travelling long distances and want a comfortable stay.
Ultimately, the choice of lodging depends on the preferences of your guests and the overall theme and atmosphere you want to create for your summer camp wedding. It is essential to consider accessibility and comfort, ensuring that the chosen lodging options can accommodate the needs of all your guests.
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Activities: archery, hiking, kayaking, and more to keep guests entertained
Summer camp weddings are a fun and unique way to celebrate your special day. If you're looking for activities to keep your guests entertained, look no further! Here are some ideas to consider:
Archery:
Set up a target range and let your guests try their hand at archery. It's a fun activity that will have your guests feeling like kids again. You could even turn it into a friendly competition with prizes for the winners.
Hiking:
For the adventurous couple, a wedding hike can be a memorable experience for you and your guests. Choose a scenic trail that leads to a breathtaking viewpoint, where you can exchange vows surrounded by nature. Just be sure to consider the difficulty level and provide alternative options for those who may not be up for a strenuous hike.
Kayaking:
Get your guests out on the water with kayaking! Whether it's a leisurely paddle on a lake or a more adventurous trip down a gentle river, kayaking is a fun way to explore the area and keep your guests active. Provide life jackets and basic instructions to ensure everyone's safety.
Other activities:
In addition to archery, hiking, and kayaking, there are plenty of other activities to offer at your summer camp wedding. Here are some suggestions:
- Canoeing
- Lawn games
- Campfire singalongs
- Yoga
- Beach volleyball
- Fishing
- Bike riding
- Water skiing
- Ropes course
- Pickleball
- Croquet
Remember to communicate with your guests beforehand to ensure they are comfortable with the activities and have the necessary equipment or attire. With a well-planned mix of activities, your summer camp wedding is sure to be a fun and memorable experience for everyone!
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Catering: from self-catering to all-inclusive, camps offer a range of options
Catering is a key consideration for any wedding, and camps offer a range of options in this regard. Some camps offer all-inclusive packages, where catering is included, along with other amenities such as accommodation and activities. This can be a convenient option, as it removes the need to source external caterers and coordinate their access to the site.
For those who want more control over the menu, some camps offer a self-catering option. This can be a good choice if you have specific dietary requirements or cultural food traditions that you want to incorporate into your wedding. However, it is important to consider the additional work and coordination that self-catering may entail, especially if your chosen venue has limited kitchen facilities.
When deciding on catering, it is essential to consider the preferences and requirements of your guests. Some may have dietary restrictions, such as allergies or religious observances, while others may have strong food preferences. If you are planning a full weekend of activities, it is also worth considering whether you want to provide all meals for your guests or if you are happy for them to source some meals independently.
The location of your camp wedding can also impact your catering options. If you are getting married in a remote area, your choice of external caterers may be more limited, and they may charge a premium for travel. In this case, using the camp's in-house catering service or opting for a self-catering option may be more feasible.
Ultimately, the decision between self-catering and all-inclusive catering comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and the level of convenience you desire. Camps offer a range of options to suit different needs, so you can create a unique and memorable wedding experience for you and your guests.
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Decor: from camp-themed decorations to a wedding arch, get creative with your style
Summer camp weddings are a fun, lighthearted way to bring your closest loved ones together and celebrate with your partner. If you're looking to create a unique and unforgettable experience, a summer camp wedding is the perfect choice.
Welcome signs and table decor
Welcome your guests with a rustic, camp-themed sign. You can find simple evergreen signs available in different sizes that can be placed on an easel or hung up. Pine cone place card holders are another great way to display table cards and placeholders while sticking to the camp theme. Birch bark tea light holders are perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere, and you can use them with or without candles.
The wedding arch
If you're bringing in an arch for your outdoor ceremony, consider a drape and floral arrangement. You can purchase a wedding arch flowers kit from Amazon to make things easier. Alternatively, you can forgo the traditional arch and say your vows in front of a decorated camping tent.
Centrepieces and table numbers
For centrepieces, you can use rustic lanterns, vintage wooden canoes, or funky thermoses. If you want to add a DIY touch, wooden slices from Etsy can be used as a base for your tablescape. For table numbers, you can use camp flags or retro camp badge table numbers. You can also add a creative twist by naming your tables after camp items or special campgrounds.
Other decor touches
Incorporate nature into your decor by displaying framed photos on trees. You can also set up a simple trailer as a unique bar area. If you're looking for a whimsical touch, consider adding bales of hay to your venue. Don't forget to end the night with a bonfire and s'mores!
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Frequently asked questions
There are numerous summer camp wedding venues across the country, from California to New York, offering a range of activities and amenities. Consider your priorities and what each venue offers. For example, do you want to self-cater, or have a venue that provides catering? Do you want to host a "true" summer camp affair with tents and cabins, or will your guests prefer the comfort of a hotel?
There are many ways to include summer camp-themed wedding decor. You could say your "I dos" in front of a decorated camping tent, have long wooden tables for a mess hall feel, and colourful camp flags for table numbers. You could also create your own camp logo with your and your partner's names and the wedding date.
Talk to your wedding venue about what activities they offer. These could include campfire singalongs, canoeing, lawn games, hiking, yoga, beach volleyball, and archery.
Consider the accessibility of the campgrounds. Is the venue too hilly? Does it allow service animals and have accessible bathrooms? Communicate with your guests and a wedding planner to ensure that every guest can be accommodated and feels comfortable.
