A camp wedding is perfect for you if you want a wedding that is nostalgic, adventurous, outdoors, and for your celebration to include lots of fun and memorable activities for you and your guests.
As a Pennsylvania wedding photographer, I love having any excuse to be outdoors. A camp wedding is an outdoor lover’s dream! This theme is unique, and you and your guests will enjoy being in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Let’s dive into my guide on how you can get started planning an unforgettable camp wedding.
How to Plan an Epic Camp Wedding
Here are my top suggestions for how you can get started planning your dream camp wedding:
Choose your location
When it comes to a camp wedding, there are so many options available to fit with your theme, from cabins to ranches to campgrounds and more. When choosing where you want to have your wedding, my advice is to choose the venue that aligns most with your camp wedding vision.
For instance, if you want your wedding to feel like a getaway to summer camp, a campground would be perfect. Or if you want your wedding to have a country, rustic feel, you might want to consider having your camp-themed wedding at a ranch.
Also, you’ll want to research what accommodations are available and how many spaces are available for you and your guests. For an authentic “camp” experience, you can inquire if there are tents or cabins at your chosen location that you and your guests can use.
When it comes to a camp wedding, there are many different accommodation options, such as renting an RV or staying in a yurt or cabin.
One more thing you’ll want to research when choosing your location is to see what amenities they have to offer you, whether that’s a fire pit, grills, camp activities, a kitchen, and how accessible your chosen location is for both you and your guests.
If you’re in Pennsylvania, some locations you could look into for your camp wedding are:
Camp Bluestone is located in Thompson, PA, and this venue is incredibly versatile. It offers on-site lodging and amenities, including firepits, outdoor kitchen facilities, and ample space for activities. The venue is also nestled next to the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Camp Oneka is situated on seven woodland acres on the shores of Fairview Lake. This venue offers many different activities for you and your guests, from hiking trails to standup paddleboarding to a climbing tower. They also have a variety of venues available, including their heated Boathouse or The Dining Hall with lake views.
South Mountain YMCA Camps is where Mia and Bryan, featured in the images below, had their wedding. Seated in the foothills of the Poconos this is a beautiful setting for your camp-themed wedding. You even have the option to plan a fun full wedding weekend as this venue comes with camp cabins, food service, camp activities, and more.
Picture 400 acres of stunning nature for you and your guests to enjoy, with a private lake, cozy cabins, adventure courses, and even more. If that sounds like a dream come true, then The Acres might be the place you’ve been looking for! The Acres will immerse you and your guests in the outdoors and is the perfect blank canvas to bring your camp wedding to life.
Camp Lindemere is a gorgeous venue to have your camp wedding. You can soak in the breathtaking sunset at this venue and enjoy several different activities. Here, you will be surrounded by the Poconos Mountains and have so many incredible venue options to choose from. For example, you can say “I do” in their stunning outdoor amphitheater or on their pavilion.
Another venue that is close to the border of Pennsylvania and that I’d recommend is Puh’tok in the Pines. This is where Kayli and Jake who are featured in the images below got married.
You’ll find Puh’tok in the Pines set in the picturesque village of Monkton in Northern Baltimore County, Maryland. They have sixty-seven wooded acres and are close to Gunpowder Falls State Park. They also have on-site lodging and so many unique and fun venues where you can celebrate including Thunderbird Lodge, a beautiful Spanish-inspired Hacienda, and Fort Mackinac.
Choose camp-themed details as decor
To fully embody the camp theme, consider including camp-themed decor such as:
- Reusable utensils
- Binoculars
- Mini flags as table markers
- Trail mix
- Colorful camp flags
- Camp mugs
- Blankets
- Pine cone place cardholders
- Glass pitches for drinks
- String lights
- Create your own camp logo
You can also gift your guests camp-themed gifts such as s’more packet wedding favors, metal compasses, or bandanas and buffs.
Give your guests a custom map of the campgrounds
A unique and charming way to bring a camp wedding theme to life is to give your guests a custom-made map of the campgrounds. You can pass these out to each guest, or you can have a large map on display for everyone to view.
Your guests will love these maps, and be super handy in informing them where they can find accommodations, activities, bathrooms, food stations, etc.
Plan activities for you and your guests
There are so many options and fun activities you and your guests can enjoy at a camp wedding, such as:
- Roasting s’mores next to a fire pit
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Canoeing
- Rock climbing
- Archery
- Mountain biking
- An outdoor picnic
- Stargazing
- Hiking
- Lawn games such as corn hole, ladder ball, or giant Jenga
- Having a projector movie screening
- Playing camp-themed games such as scavenger hunts, capture the flag, survival challenges, etc.
This is really just the tip of the iceberg of possible activities you and your guests can participate in. When it comes to a camp-themed wedding, you can let your imagination and creativity run wild!
Food
With a camp wedding, why not serve camp-style cuisine? Instead of a catered meal, you and your guests can enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers with chips and soda, or you could even plan a potluck-style meal.
And of course, no camping trip would be complete without s’mores. Whether you take a unique twist on this or break out the marshmallows and chocolate yourself, there is no event that isn’t made better by s’mores!
Ready to Plan Your Camp Wedding?
I hope you found this guide helpful – a camp wedding is truly one-of-a-kind and is perfect if you and your partner want to personalize your day and you both want to have a fun, adventurous wedding experience!
And…if you’re still looking for the perfect photographer, I’m here to capture every moment of your elopement or wedding with a whole lot of heart. Your wedding is your day, and that means it can be anything you want it to be, so let’s chat about what that looks like. You can contact me here or learn more about my services here.
