How to Have a Camp Themed Wedding or Elopement

If you’re anything like me and love to have any excuse to spend the day outdoors, then these camp themed wedding ideas are perfect for you if you’re looking for a theme to tie together your wedding or elopement day!

Where to Stay

Cabins

Of course when I think of the outdoors, my first though is cabins. But there’s also yurts, campgrounds, RV’s, KOA’s, backcountry cabins, a-frames, huts, that are good options to follow along with a camp themed wedding. My favorite will always be a-frames because who doesn’t want to live on a 40 acre farm with a little a-frame ?! I don’t know if that’s a typically Colorado thing or if its just a granola cottage core thing. Either way, manifest it for your wedding or elopement day, then manifest it for your future.

Campgrounds

From your state and national park campgrounds, to BLM land where you can effectively practice Leave No Trace to make a limited impact on the land you are recreating on. Campgrounds are a great option for keeping everyone close, especially if you pick a campground where you are personally allowed to pick your campsite to ensure you’re all able to stay in close proximity to each other! Places to look for campgrounds:

State Parks
National Parks
BLM land
National Forest land
KOA’s
Ranches
YMCA’s
Hipcamp
Campendium
Recreation.gov
Under Canvas

Backcountry Huts

One thing that Colorado and many western states have plenty to offer is backcountry huts. While these are typically used in the winter season to accommodate snowboarders, skiers, snowshoe and cross country skiers, backcountry huts are typically available for reservation year round. You typically have to pack in all of your own supplies, included food, water, and bedding. But nothing says outdoor experience like an off-grid remote cabin! Just imagine those memories you get to create because you are smack dab in the middle of nowhere with zero cell service.

Ranches, Airbnbs, Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are another option for where to stay for your outdoor camp themed wedding. Private ranches sometimes allow groups on site where they will make your meals for you, and allow you to roam around their land for staying with them. If you’re looking for privacy, that sounds like a great option. Otherwise VRBO’s and other vacation rentals are often accommodating to small groups as long as you ask.

Decor

Seating

Two words: camp chairs! Have your guests bring their own or start looking at thrift stores or ask friends to borrow any they can spare! Then guests can carry them from the ceremony spot to the dinner tables and reception area.

Reusable Utensils

One of those things that seems like you can never have enough of is outdoor utensils for eating. Companies like United By Blue, GSI, Primus, Sea to Summit, all make utensil kits. You can use these as gifts or party favors, or even set them at each table setting and let your guests know they can take them home at the end of the night! Just be sure to wipe all that chocolate cake off before you stick it in your pocket.

Camp Mugs

Instead of champagne flutes, wine or rocks glasses, set enamel camp mugs at each table setting for your guests to take up to the bar for their drinks. This helps keep waste and trash low, and also adds another cute keepsake for them to take home! You can also find Etsy stores that will customize your enamel mugs for you. Can you imagine anything cuter?

Lighting

Maybe it’s because I had twinkly lights strung on my bedroom walls throughout my 20’s, but white lights are honestly THE most romantic lighting to photograph in. So think of gorgeous white lights as your backup lighting once that sun begins to set: candles, lanterns, string lights, etc.

Blankets

If you find yourselves having a camp themed wedding or elopement in the mountains of Colorado then you’ll likely find that once the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly. Camp blankets make a great alternative to help guests keep warm around that campfire!

Niche Down Your Theme

If you want to niche your camp themed wedding day down even more, think about some classic camping movies and how you can incorporate different aspects throughout your day. Some ideas:

Parent Trap (oreos and peanut butter alllll day)
Moonrise Kingdom
It Takes Two (Meredith on the blow up mattress in the lake is a classic)
Heavyweights
Troop Beverly Hills
camp Nowhere
Wet Hot American Summer
Meatballs

If you too are now feeling nostalgic and need to go watch half of these movies I am right there with you.

Food

DIY Trail Mix Bar
S’mores (with different chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker options!)
Foil packets
Potluck style
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Good ol’ classic Hotdogs/Hamburgers (just don’t forget the chips and soda)

Flowers

Wildflower Bouquet

You can’t go wrong with a wildflower wedding bouquet if you’re going for a camp or outdoor themed wedding or elopement! Just ask your florist what wildflowers are in season when you’re getting married and they can typically ethically source them to create your bouquet or arrangements for you.

Dried Flowers

Dried flowers are another gorgeous option.

Wood Flowers

Wood flowers are a great option if your location doesn’t allow real flowers (typically because of invasive flowers like pampas grass).

Guest Gifts

Melanzana Hoodies

One of the cutest things I could ever imagine is getting everyone a matching Melanzana hoodie. Melanzanas are incredibly practical and beloved by every outdoor enthusiast. While they can be pricy around $60 a piece, they’re a gift that you know is going to be used, practical, and loved. And just think of those photos of you in all your Melanzanas at the end of the night!

Bandanas/Buffs

Another outdoor item that is incredibly practical, bandanas and buffs! You can place them at guest place settings as napkins and then let them know they can take them home at the end of the evening.

Hydroflasks

Because the climate change crisis is here and no one wants to be drinking out of crinkly plastic water bottles for the rest of their lives! Hydroflasks make great insulated reusable water containers to help encourage guests to put the earth first!

What to Do

Have a Campfire

If your local county fire regulations allow you to have a campfire, what better way to end the night than roasting s’mores (with Reeses of course) and telling spooky stories. Also pay attention to specific droughts and wind your area may be experiencing and as sometimes it’s not responsible to have a campfire even if it is legally allowed. We all want the forests to be there for the next generation (and I suppose a million dollar fine for starting a wildfire would also put a serious damper on your big day).

Projector Movie Screening

Screen some of your favorite camp themed movies on blowup air mattresses! Just make sure you have plenty of popcorn to throw around! Some of my favorite camp themed movies:

Parent Trap (oreos and peanut butter alllll day)
Moonrise Kingdom
It Takes Two (Meredith on the blow up mattress in the lake is a classic)
Heavyweights
Troop Beverly Hills
camp Nowhere
Wet Hot American Summer
Meatballs
A walk in the Woods
Wild
Into the wild
Are you afraid of the dark?

You can also dip into the horror/scary movie genre of camp with:

Friday the 13th
Blair Witch Project
The hills have eyes
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (iykyk, this movie is comedy horror gold)
The Cabin in the Woods

Play Camp Themed Games

The film “Camp Nowhere” can have some great inspiration for this idea but just think of typical games you would play at summer camp and incorporate them into your big day! This allows you to not only bond with each other but to spend time creating experiences and memories with your friends and family! Some ideas:

Red Rover
Telephone
Survival Challenges
Scavenger Hunts
Corn Hole
Capture The Flag
Frisbee Golf
Drinking Games (I mean, why not)

Do Something Active

There is no shortage of things you can do in the outdoors which means there is no shortage of activities you can incorporate into your camp themed wedding or elopement!

Mountain Biking
Hammocking
Hiking
Geocaching
Off Roading
Swimming
Fishing
Rafting/Floating
Picnicing
Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddle boarding
Birding
Canyoneering
Climbing
Mountaineering
Roller blading
Ice Skating
STargazing
Sledding
Surfing

Take a Different Mode of Transporation

We all typically see the outdoors either by car or by foot but what other ways are there to see even more of what is around you, that may not be as accessible? Consider a helicopter or private plane tour, or a hot air balloon ride!