Camping Wedding

Not everyone likes camping, and most certainly not everyone has camping equipment. So even though you don't have a large budget, it will create financial burden for your guests, if they decide to attend.

Also, could you please change your avatar to anything other than salt and pepper shakers?

I dont know where to do in Cali but OMG that sounds soooo much fun.

Yea I wouldn't want all my guest to camp. Just the wedding party and they all have supplies. I want it outdoors and eco friendly!

Check your local state parks. they usually have pavilions you can rent, get an alcohol permit, etc.

Here is the link for CA state parks:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/

I know in CO there are some very affordable lodges in many of the parks here, some of them are YMCA. There might be something similar in the parks near you.

Camping sounds fun in theory although the night before my wedding I needed sleep, climate control, and a bathtub. That's just me though.

Good luck!

This would not be my choice, but if it's yours, go for it. LIke your avatar a lot!

Our friends got married at a little cabin resort, the cabins were all rustic, some were like rustic little townhouses and it was at a point. It wasn't camping in a tent, but you still had to bring all your own bedding and what not, and there were places for fire pits and you could canoe and swim. It was lovely. I hate real camping so Im glad I had the choice of waking up in a bed in the shade. (this was in Canada though)

This sounds like a really fun idea - but what if it rains or the weather is really poor? I am not having an outdoor wedding, but I think there are normally Back Up Plans in case the weather does get really bad?

I know when I camp, I get all gritty and don't feel "really pretty". I love it, but I don't think I would look my best in my wedding pictures! It is up to you though.

In PA, you can't have alcohol at a state park, and I don't think you could hide that much liquor! (if you were having alcohol) I am not sure about CA laws.

We've officiated at several ceremonies held at girl scout camps and very rustic locations, and I think for the ceremony, it's a lovely and unique idea. I'd just want to pick a place that had hotels in a reasonable distance, in addition to offering camping options. That way, everyone can be happy!

Hmm... I'm definitely not a camper, so I don't know if I'd go to that! How "north" in Cali? North of San Francisco? From my understanding the weather can vary greatly in that area, which could pose a challenge. It'd check state and local parks, definitely. Like Kimpy said, you might run into issues getting an alcohol permit. I don't think it's allowed in MD, either.

My aunt had her 5th wedding like that she and her (ex) dh stayed at a B&B donw the road was a camp rv sight it was actually nice! A creak and everything near by and it was close enough people could go home if they wanted

Sounds like too much work in the long run. Why not look for a nice park for an outdoor wedding and then invite people to join you all camping after the reception?

@ Maryrose- Im in Northern Cali(bay area) and I dont really know places around here but I do know one place but it is kind of far. (Lake Camanche) I would check out the Ca Parks website. http://www.parks.ca.gov/

Hi Twin date! I thought about doing this as well. We love camping and that is actually when/where me and FI offically became a couple. We go camping each year on our anniversary. My FI family has some property in CO, but after talking about it we deceided that we will probably have our engagement party as a camping event instead. Sorry I cant provide help, but good luck in your planning process! I've seen really great pictures of people who have had a camping wedding and it looks really fun.

I had my wedding at a county park in Maryland. You are allowed alcohol with a permit in the local parks but not the state ones. I'd look around for local parks that have large pavilions. The one I rented cost $110 dollars plus $25 and the cost of the rental in security deposit. Very cost effective. If you tell me the county you're in I'm willing to poke around for you, I'm currently on a long road trip from Maryland to California, I've got lots of time to do random things.

You could look into camps that are usually used as sleep away summer camps for kids. in spring etc before the summer season starts they often rent out whole camps for events like that. at least they did in maine.

Ok update camping is out! way too hard to plan and took some of your advice, that some people wouldnt enjoy it. I still really love the outdoor theme wedding with a lot of trees. I tried the venues listed on here but really cant find something laid back but also organized. All the laid back places you have to do all the dirty work. The more organzied places are more expensive and out of my budget! eeeeeeee dont know where to have this wedding!!!!

I was considering a camping wedding... but it was vetoed. Love the idea though. As long as the location is easily accessible, then people who don't want to camp don't have to. It is your wedding - it should reflect you and your fiance, so go with it if you want.

Hi, where are you having your wedding now? i saw it's coming up - all the best!

i'm in the same situation - tight budget, northern california, 100 guests, want it green - plus - wedding next april, could be cold. uahh.