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15 Summer Camp Wedding Ideas For Outdoor Lovers

July 19, 2024 | riley
summer camp wedding ideas hero

Image by Kindred Weddings. Keep scrolling for some of our favorite summer camp wedding ideas

Planning a wedding is always a fun yet challenging task, but if you’re looking to create an unforgettable and unique experience, a summer camp wedding might be the perfect choice for you and your nature-loving partner. Imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of towering trees, celebrating with loved ones by a serene lake, and dancing the night away beneath a star-filled sky. A summer camp wedding is the perfect blend of nostalgia and romance, offering endless possibilities for creativity and personalization.

Whether you’re envisioning a rustic celebration or simply a bold, fun-filled weekend with friends and family, a summer camp wedding can bring your vision to life in the most magical way. So, if you’re looking at hosting your very own weekend getaway, consider incorporating these touches to elevate your outdoor affair.

15 Summer Camp Wedding Ideas

1. Set Up Tents

To bring in the full summer camp feelings to your big day, pitch tents around your venue for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour or your reception. Filled with blankets and games, these are the perfect pockets of peace to escape the dance floor for a bit.

summer camp wedding tent

Image by Maria Bryzhko

2. Camp-Themed Table Numbers

Instead of traditional table numbers, opt to include flags with different names as table markers so your guests know where to sit. They’re not only useful, but they also make for really adorable detail photos.

3. Camp-Themed Seating Chart

Speaking of seating, the theme doesn’t have to stop at the table numbers. If you want to use regular numbers but still want to incorporate the theme, you can add it to your seating chart. Of course, there’s no stopping you from using it for both! Why not name your tables after camp items or campgrounds that are special to you and your partner?

camp themed seating chart

Image by Maria Bryzhko

4. Al Fresco Dinner

There’s nothing more magical than dining under the stars. It’s not too often that you get to enjoy dinner with your closest loved ones in a beautiful setting, making your wedding the perfect place to create memories to last a lifetime.

summer camp themed wedding tablescape

Image by Alex Mabrey

5. Colored Suit

We’re always going to advocate for unique wedding attire that makes you feel most comfortable on your big day. While you don’t need an excuse to wear a colored suit, a summer camp wedding, which typically involves a brighter color palette, is a great setting to bring in more color into your outfit–especially emerald green to match the surrounding scenery.

6. Go for a Canoe Ride

If you’re tying the knot near a body of water and have access to a body of water, take time after your ceremony to go on a short canoe ride. It’s a moment that you can spend with just your significant other to soak in the day, and it’s a great photo opportunity.

7. Incorporate Picnic Baskets

Whether you use them as decor, a place to hold any cards guests may bring you, or favors, picnic baskets are an easy, inexpensive way to elevate the theme. If you’re unsure of where to find baskets (or you’re looking to save a little), start at your local thrift stores.

picnic basket wedding

Image by Eryndae Photo

8. A Unique Drink Holder

Although you may be serving signature cocktails along with beer and wine, if you’re planning on having any canned drinks (including non-alcoholic), consider filling up a canoe with ice and using it as a drink holder for guests to visit whenever they need another beverage.

9. Camp-Themed Wedding “Guest Book”

Guest books are a great way to look back at all of those who helped celebrate you years after the wedding is over. If you want something more aligned with your theme, take a note from Ali and Jesse’s book. The couple created a mini questionnaire for their guests, which was the perfect entertainment to fill some time. Now they can look back at their guest’s answers to help bring them back to that special moment.

10. Flag Guest Book

As we mentioned earlier, there’s something about flags that are the epitome of summer camp, so if you’re looking for another guest book idea, this is another themed option that also doubles as home decor once you’re finished. You could also store the flags in a scrapbook for safekeeping.

flag wedding guest book

Image by Eryndae Photo

11. A Customized Logo

From kayaks to oars to tents, there are countless items that you can incorporate into a customized logo that you can display throughout your wedding. Whether you add it to your favors (like these patches and hot sauces) or include it on some of your signage, it’s a simple way to make your wedding more personalized.

12. Sweetheart Table Banner

Flags don’t have to be all over the wedding if it’s not something you’re interested in. If you want something more subtle, add one to your sweetheart table to help it stand out amongst the rest.

13. Food Trucks

If you want to have a plated dinner at your summer camp wedding, go for it. However, we’re big fans of food trucks. They’re a lot more laidback, which is fitting for the atmosphere, and they’re an easy way to get multiple different food options so that everyone is happy and fed.

14. S’mores Bar

Whether you’re doing a traditional wedding cake or a dessert bar, a s’mores bar is a fun addition for everyone with a sweet tooth. Include it with other desserts (pie and ice cream, anyone?), or set it up next to a bonfire as a late-night snack.

wedding s'mores bar

Image by Ariana Tennyson

15. Mug Favors

If you’re going to spend money on wedding favors, you want to make sure they’re something that your guests are going to use again. That’s why we love camping mugs. Every time they drink their cup of coffee or tea, they’re going to think about you and your partner and the love you shared on your big day.

Summer camp weddings are a fun, lighthearted way to bring your closest loved ones together and celebrate you and your partner. To find a venue for your outdoor celebration, consider one of these 25 venues across the US! And for more seasonal wedding ideas, check out these 21 summer wedding ideas that will help you embrace the heat.

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