Camping Wedding

What is that exactly?

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It's sometimes like a destination theme wedding. I've seen where people have it at a campground and guests will get campsites. There would be a ceremony and then the reception back at the campsites with a bon fire, smores, bbq, etc.

I didn't have one, but I've been to one. I didn't enjoy it because camping is really not my thing (I don't care for dirt, bugs, and the lack of flush toilets or running water), and it was a family wedding and all of the family were voluntold to do a lot of work to make the whole thing happen.

All of that said, if your VIPs all like camping (or if there are hotels close by for the non-campers) and you can figure out how to have vendors do all of the work, then go ahead with it.

I think this may be a know your crowd thing. I wouldn't go to a camping wedding, but I tend to be high maintenance - especially when it comes to "dressier" events - I need my makeup mirror and hair dryer lol (I've been known to bring my hair dryer to a resort, as a just in case). If your crowd loves camping and is good with not having normal getting ready facilities, I think it could be cool.

View Quoted Comment That sounds pretty cool actually.

View Quoted Comment I agree with the “know your crowd” thing. Personally camping isn’t my thing, I would probably attend and say at a nearby hotel (if there was one) or politely decline but if that’s the type of thing your crowd might love go for it

I'd go, idk how long I'd stay. I generally think camping is too boring and too buggy for me, lol

I think you have a great idea but I have a feeling you are going to run into a bunch of logistical nightmares. I love the idea of hosting a wedding in the Redwoods but thinking you are going to be able to get a group of campsites in one location at the same time is almost impossible. CA campsites are always booked as soon as released., Getting one site is hard enough.


Good luck with your planning!

I agree with the “know your crowd” comments. As someone who despises camping, I would likely not attend a wedding like this. If it’s possible, maybe secure a room block to a hotel near the campsite (if there is one) for those who would prefer that. But if you think your crowd would be up for it, then do it!

Yup- MOH at one. It was awesome, everybody brought RVs and tents, had a potluck style rehearsal dinner the night before with everyone, had burgers on the campsite stoves for wedding, and a bonfire after. We loved it, super family oriented and simple. About 60 people total and everyone was very close so it was really fun!! We were about 1 1/5 hours from hotels, no phone service, no restaurants, had zero issues with the camping and remote aspect of it (but FH and I also worked at a lodge 2 hours from the nearest town, no electric/heat/plumbing in our cabin and we love wilderness). I say go for it if that is what you love!

I think that's a big time commitment to expect from guests. Most people are not going to care as much about your wedding as you do. For them it's a party, not an event. If you're just expecting them to stay the normal amount of time and not overnight then I think it's a cute idea. If it's only immediate family it's probably an easier expectation. Otherwise you might want to change the end expectations.

I'm not a camper, so if I wanted to attend, I'd just come for the wedding and then go home or stay in a hotel. Also, I agree with the pp about the challenges of reserving a bunch of sites together. My brother is a HUGE camper (in CA) and when he is attempting to book sites, he's on the computer at 8:01 am 6-months before the date he wants.... Most campgrounds also limit the number of sites one person can reserve to 1 or 2, so if you need a bunch of sites you'd have to coordinate getting everyone online at the same time. Campgrounds might also have rules about large group gatherings/noise/etc. that will make it difficult to hold a ceremony and/or reception.

You might have better luck with a private campground rather than a state or county site. You might look for church or scout camp type venues. But, like others said, this is really a know your crowd thing.

Another thought- does CA have BLM? Here you can camp anywhere on BLM 100 ft or so from the road, for 2 weeks free of charge. You could just do a caravan of rvs and tents in one area, BLM land would give you the opportunity to pick a beautiful spot without as many regulations.

Not everyone has tents, RV's or are comfortable driving up windy mountain roads. Absolutely a know your crowd thing.

Personally, camping is not my thing but if the bridal couple was near and dear to me, I would definitely "suck it up" for them.

I think that sounds awesome! If you have some people who are on the fence about camping you could do a “glamping” hybrid so people can have a “real” bed and some basic amenities. Check out Mendocino Grove if you want something a little more then sleep on the ground type deal!

My friend had a camping wedding, but it was elf wedding style. My friend and his bride are keen lovers of Tolkien's work. So they wanted them to have a wedding in the woods like it's fantasy Mirkwood, you know. Of course, there were many campfires, candles, and magical folk music. But we still didn't do without cell phones, digital cameras, and lots of electric lights on the wedding night. I bought about ten flashlights of this type https://www.amazon.com/Vont-Flashlight-Flashlights-Water-Resistant-Accessories/dp/B089T8HDBV. It helped a lot because it started to drizzle around 4 a.m., and no one else could use a phone flash or candles. If you must know, all the food for the wedding was ready in advance. We only heated it on the campfires.