Camp Style Wedding Weekend

There’s something undeniably special about gathering your closest friends and family in one place to celebrate your love. Now imagine doing it surrounded by nature, with cabins or cottages for everyone to stay in, bonfires under the stars, and laughter echoing through the woods all weekend long. That’s the beauty of a camp-style wedding weekend it’s not just a one-day event, but a full experience that feels like a retreat.

If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding that blends rustic charm, outdoor beauty, and plenty of time with the people you love most, a camp-style wedding in Chattanooga, Tennessee might be exactly what you’re looking for.

What Is a Camp-Style Wedding Weekend?

Think of it as summer camp, but for adults and with way better food and a lot more romance. Instead of just showing up for a ceremony and reception, guests get to check in, unpack, and settle into cozy on-site accommodations. From there, the entire weekend becomes a chance to connect, celebrate, and relax in nature.

A camp wedding usually includes:

  • On-site lodging – cabins, cottages, or lodge-style accommodations.

  • Outdoor ceremony space – with the woods, fields, or water as your backdrop.

  • Communal activities – bonfires, lawn games, hiking, or kayaking.

  • A flexible timeline – more than just one night of celebrating.

It’s the perfect choice for couples who want their wedding to feel like an experience instead of a quick event.

Outdoor wedding venue

Why Couples Love Camp-Style Weddings

So, why are more couples choosing camp-inspired wedding venues? Here are a few reasons:

1. Quality Time With Guests

One of the hardest parts of a traditional wedding is how fast it all goes. You spend months planning, and then suddenly the day is over and you realize you only got a few minutes with each guest.

With a wedding weekend, you’re not rushed. You get to share meals, chat by the fire, and even go for morning walks with your guests. The whole weekend becomes a memory, not just the ceremony.

Barn wedding venue

2. Relaxed, Nature-Filled Vibe

There’s something about being in nature that slows everyone down. The pace feels easier, people are more present, and the stress of everyday life melts away. Your guests aren’t racing between hotels and venues they’re right there with you, immersed in the peaceful setting.

3. Built-In Activities

Instead of wondering what to do between the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, you have a whole list of options: hiking trails, campfire singalongs, corn hole tournaments, s’mores stations, canoe rides the list goes on. It’s basically a mini-vacation for your guests.

Nature wedding venue

4. Memories That Last

At the end of the day, your wedding is about creating moments you’ll never forget. And trust us your friends and family will be talking about “that amazing wedding weekend in the woods” for years to come.

A Sample Camp Wedding Weekend Itinerary

So what does a camp-style wedding in Apison, Tennessee actually look like? Here’s an example timeline:

Friday: Arrival & Welcome

Guests check into their cabins or cottages, get settled, and join you for a relaxed welcome party. Maybe it’s a BBQ cookout, pizza night, or casual potluck. After dinner, everyone gathers around a bonfire with drinks and s’mores to kick off the celebration.

Saturday: The Big Day

The morning might start with yoga in the meadow or a group hike. Then it’s time for hair, makeup, and getting ready. Your ceremony takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting whether it’s under towering trees, beside a lake, or in a wildflower field.

Afterward, you head into your reception: dinner, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. The best part? Your guests don’t have to worry about driving anywhere afterward they just walk back to their cabins.

Sunday: Farewell Brunch

Wrap up the weekend with a relaxed brunch before guests head home. It’s the perfect way to thank everyone and end the celebration on a high note.

lakeside ceremony

How to Make Your Camp-Style Wedding Extra Special

If you’re going for the camp vibe, here are a few fun ideas to make your weekend truly unique:

  • Custom Welcome Bags – Fill them with bug spray, mini flashlights, trail mix, or locally roasted coffee.

  • Camp-Themed Décor – Think wooden signage, lanterns, plaid blankets, and rustic tablescapes.

  • Late-Night Snacks – Pizza by the firepit or a make-your-own s’mores bar.

  • Outdoor Games – Giant Jenga, cornhole, frisbee golf, or even tug-of-war.

  • Music by the Fire – Hire an acoustic guitarist or have a musically talented guest lead campfire singalongs.

  • Signature Drinks – Serve cocktails in mason jars with names inspired by the outdoors (like “The Trailblazer” or “Lakeside Lemonade”).

These little touches tie the whole weekend together and make it feel even more personal.

Who Should Consider a Camp Wedding Venue?

A camp-style wedding venue with accommodations isn’t for everyone but it’s perfect for couples who:

  • Love the outdoors and want nature to be part of their wedding story.

  • Want a more relaxed, low-stress vibe instead of a super formal event.

  • Like the idea of spending extra time with their guests.

  • Have family and friends who are excited about a mini getaway.

If you’re the kind of couple who enjoys camping trips, cabin weekends, or just being outside, a camp wedding is probably right up your alley.

Barn reception

Why [Your Venue Name] Is Perfect for a Camp Wedding

Here at Hidden Springs Venue, we specialize in hosting nature-inspired weddings with overnight accommodations. Couples love our combination of rustic charm and modern comfort you get the camp vibes without sacrificing the essentials.

With on-site cabins, gorgeous outdoor ceremony spots, and plenty of room for bonfires, lawn games, and late-night laughter, your wedding becomes a full weekend getaway. Guests don’t just attend your wedding they experience it.

If you’re dreaming of a rustic camp wedding in Apison, Tennessee, we’d love to help you bring it to life.

Final Thoughts

A wedding is more than just a single day it’s the start of your new life together. Choosing a camp-style wedding weekend gives you the chance to stretch out the celebration, soak up the beauty of nature, and spend real, quality time with the people who matter most.

It’s relaxed, memorable, and a little magical. And honestly, isn’t that what weddings are supposed to be?

If you’re ready to plan your own wedding weekend in nature, we’d love to show you how [Your Venue Name] can make it happen. Reach out today to schedule a tour, we can’t wait to welcome you to camp.

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