Beautiful venues for your adventurous wedding or elopement that feel like adult summer camp

One of my favorite phrases to throw around with some of my couples who want to invite a few guests to their elopement? Adult summer camp! But, a touch elevated. As I like to say – I either want to be sleeping on the cold hard dirt in a tent, or at a nice resort somewhere. And these venues are going to somehow give you the best of both vibes!

Whether it’s putting on a glamping weekend in the mountains that your guests get to take a gondola to (you’ll see what I mean later…), renting out some of Joshua Tree’s iconic Airbnb’s, or staying at a cozy upscale lodge somewhere beautiful in nature for you to adventure the day after, you’re gonna love these upscale summer camp venues for your adventurous wedding or elopement.

Now let’s get to it! These awesome accommodations are located all over the Western US, including my home state of Washington, as well as Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado, and many more beautiful places.

I love traveling to these places for adventurous elopements and wedding weekends, so check out my travel schedule here, or inquire to see if I am able to document your wedding weekend adventure!

Emma’s Travel Schedule

Summer Camp Inspired Wedding Venues in Washington State

Crystal Sky Camp

Crystal Sky Camp is the ultimate glamping-in-the-mountains place for your summer camp adventure wedding. Located by Mount Rainier, you and your guests will take the Crystal Mountain gondola up and over the ridge into your own secret glamping oasis. I. Know. Up there, you’ll have access to plenty of Under Canvas glamping tents, camp fire pits, and trails and alpine lakes to explore. It’s pretty much everything you could ever want.

Adventure Activities – As your wedding weekend wraps up, celebrate with a private adventure session in Mount Rainier National Park (I know all the best spots in this massive park). You’ll get to don your wedding attire one last time, and take in the beauty of this magical mountain as you reminisce on just how special your time here has been.

The Captain Whidbey Inn

The Captain Whidbey Inn is one of the most special places I’ve been – I actually celebrated my birthday here at this sweet Inn by the sea last Fall. And I’m shooting an adventure wedding here this August – I can’t wait! The Captain is a historic lodge that’s been renovated to live out all of your luxury adult summer camp dreams. It’s situated in Penn Cove on Whidbey Island – a sweet little island just 20 minutes + a ferry ride away from Seattle. Your guests will love exploring the towns of Langley and Coupeville, and all the gorgeous PNW beaches to stroll.

Adventure Activities – Torn between the mountains and a seaside camping wedding? Start off your weekend with a first look in the North Cascades by taking a SEAPLANE! Or to cap off your weekend with an adventure session! Seaplanes are a unique Seattle mode of transformation, and they actually can fly right into Ross Lake of the North Cascades, as well as dock up at the Captain Whidbey. Best of both worlds. For something a little less adrenaline-inducing, take a lovely stroll through Ebey’s Landing on the island, a hilly and grassy knoll along the sea that makes for beautiful photos.

Rolling Huts in Winthrop

The Rolling Huts are a unique architectural take on camping based in Washington’s Methow Valley – which is also nearby the rugged North Cascade mountains! Staying in these beautiful would be such a sweet experience before your adventure elopement. You can also check out their sister property, Methow Tents, for the yurt vibe in the forest!

Adventure Activities – *So* many of my favorite hikes are up in the North Cascades. We’re talking 360 views of mountain ranges and alpine lakes galore. I’d be thrilled to help you find the perfect hike to elope ator to have your post-wedding adventure session at. Not only that, but you can also try mountain biking, go white water rafting, take a group yoga class, go horseback riding (how dreamy), or just chill by the calming Methow River. You’ll have zero shortage of fun activities if you stay in the Methow Valley for your elopement or intimate camping wedding.

The Sleeping Lady in Leavenworth

While these photos don’t do her justice, The Sleeping Lady is one of the nicest resorts nestled in the woods of Washington’s Bavarian mountain town, Leavenworth. You can check out this blog post I made all about eloping in Leavenworth, btw! Staying at the Sleeping Lady is such a treat, though. It’s just outside of town away from the bustle, and is the most peaceful experience. You can make your morning coffee and sip it out of the adirondack chairs outside your room, while mama and baby deer make their way around. There is a spa, pool and hot tub, a sweet cafe to fine at called O’Grady’s as well as a few other dining options, and an organic garden to take a morning stroll in or post up with a good book.

Adventure Activities – Oh Leavenworth. There’s truly no shortage of adventure here either. Fabulous hiking, water rafting or floating, horseback riding, mountain biking, brewery or winery hopping, the list goes on!

Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park

The Kalaloch Lodge has recently become one of my favorite elopement venues. Nestled on the Washington coast, it is the perfect elopement or intimate wedding lodging for those who want to do a ceremony on the coast, adventure into the rainforest, or to just spend time with loved ones in a beautiful scenery. The cabins are so cute, with beautiful natural light for photos and the sweetest details. I recommend making sure you get one with an ocean view – it will make for the loveliest slow morning of your elopement day. There’s also a restaurant to have a celebratory meal.

Adventure Activities – There are too many! Walks along the coastline and beach combing, checking out the Hoh Rainforest and Hall of Mosses, visiting Forks (the town Twilight was based in!), or going on a scenic hike are all at your fingertips.

Summer Camp Inspired Elopement Lodging in Oregon

Loloma Lodge

Loloma Lodge in Oregon is cozied up to a beautiful river, and located at the foothills of the Oregon Cascade mountains – you could even check out the PCT while you’re there! It’s the perfect wooded summer camp venue for celebrating with your loved ones, while there are tons of options for an adventure session just the two of you the next day.

Adventure Activities – Hiking a section of the PCT, rafting on the Mckenzie River, golfing, or mountain biking are just a few!

Upscale and Outdoorsy Wedding Venues in California

Autocamp – Yosemite, Russian River (Sonoma area), and Joshua Tree

I got to visit Autocamp for the first time in Russian River a few years back and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. These luxury airstream campgrounds are perfect for feeling like you’re right in the midst of nature, without sacrificing the finer things like fluffy towels and nice showers. There are locations popping up all over, but I’d highly recommend the Russian River, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree campgrounds!

Adventure Activities – Autocamp thinks of everything and rest assured, each of these stunning locations is central to SO many amazing adventures to be had!

Ventana Big Sur

One of the most beautiful and upscale accommodations on the California coast, Ventana is where you want to stay for your adventure elopement or wedding. Whether it’s luxury glamping in one of their yurts, or indulging in a spa day back at the lodge, rest assured it will be the perfect stay.

Adventure Activities – Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or meandering the coves of Big Sur are all amazing ways to adventure while you stay at Ventana. And yes, i firmly believe a spa day and lounging by the pool counts as an adventure too 😉

Best Accomodations in Whistler for Your Adventure Elopement

Nita Lake Lodge

Nita Lake Lodge is a Conde Nast recognized luxury hotel that will make your adventure elopement or intimate wedding that much more special.

Adventure Activities – Whistler is chalk full of adventures… hiking, mountain biking, gondola rides, alpines lakes and more are all awaiting you!

Upscale Elopement Lodging in Utah

Amangiri

Amangiri is the creme de la creme when it comes to luxury in Utah. Immersed in the Utah desert rock formations that we know and love, it is the epitome of an upscale experience while in the outdoors. Exploring the endless canyons and crevasses of this mars-like utopia while you celebrate your love will be an adventure you won’t forget.

Under Canvas – Moab, Zion, or Bryce Canyon

Under Canvas is another multi-location experience that is taking the outdoor world by storm – I mentioned them earlier about Crystal Sky Camp at Mount Rainier, too! With Under Canvas, you’re guaranteed to have a glamping experience for your wedding or elopement like no other, and you’re family and friends will have a blast, too.

Autocamp – Zion

Another fabulous Autocamp option, at Zion National Park. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s a life goal of mine to hit up all of their locations.

Best Adventure Wedding Accomodations in Colorado

Dunton Springs

You may recognize this one because last year, Lily Collins got married here! Dunton Springs is a beautiful piece of land in Colorado that will be sure to keep your guests entertained and comfortable, while providing one of the most stunning atmospheres for your intimate and adventurous wedding.

Stunning Airbnb’s for Your Alaska Elopement

Lastly, I wanted to include some stunning lodging options based in Alaska, a place I am hoping to be shooting at in the near future for my adventure elopement couples. Alaska has some of the worlds most wild landscapes – meadows and glaciers and mountains galore. AND, you can even have a helicopter take you to glaciers and landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible. Anyone down for an Alaskan helicopter elopement??

This Cottage with Ocean Views

This Darling A-Frame Cabin and it’s Twin Next Door Neighbor

This Beautiful Home With High Ceilings

This Fun Home With Cool Architecture and a Spiral Staircase

How To Plan An Adventure Elopement Or Camp-Inspired Wedding

First off, you’re in good hands! The merger of nuptials and nature are pretty much my thing, so when my clients work with me, I go into full on travel planner meets junior ranger meets wedding coordinator. Whether it’s just you and your partner eloping at a rad destination, or you’re bringing a few loved ones to live out your bougie summer camp wedding dreams, I’ve got you covered. That being said, here are a few simple steps to guide you in your decision making.

1. Decide on what kind of scenery and what time of year you’d like (if you have specifics, great! If not, no sweat. Your elopement photographer can guide you to the perfect location and season if you need).
2. Pick out a date and book your elopement photographer!
3. Decide if you’re inviting guests, and if so, how many?
4. Book your accommodations! Feel free to go all out – this is your wedding day and you are allowed to! Consider any guests with this step as well.
5. Book your other vendors. Hair and makeup artists, florists, caterers, etc.
6. Plan out your activities and adventures! Your elopement photographer can totally help with this. From a paddle boarding adventure to welcome your guests into the weekend, to trails for the most epic views for your private adventure session later, you’re elopement photographer can help you figure out all the fun ideas.
7. Solidify details. Wedding attire, any special items or meaningful ceremony ideas to include, and of course making sure you’re packed and prepared for all things adventure.

Multi-Day Adventure Wedding Timeline Example

Day 1:

2pm – Welcoming guests as they arrive to the Airbnb you two are staying at; hand out sack lunches and snacks as everyone excitedly boards the old school bus you rented to get you all around

3pm – Arrive at a secluded lake and have a paddle boarding party with your guests! People can relax, picnic, paddle board, and get excited for the weekend!

6pm – Head back to the Airbnb

7pm – Laid back lawn games, pizza and s’mores around the campfire. People hang out chatting and enjoying company until the stars come out.

10pm – Everyone heads to their own lodging for a good night’s rest

Day 2:

Noon – Photographer arrives for getting ready photos and detail shots

1:30pm – First look with your partner and time for some portraits; exchange gifts

2:30pm – Family formal portraits; Wedding party photos if you have one

3:30pm – Guests arriving

4pm – Ceremony

4:30pm til close – cocktail hour, sunset photos, dinner, toasts, and hanging and dancing with your friends til the end!

Day 3:

6pm – We meet at the trailhead of a beautiful mountain view hike

7:30pm – Reach the top, change into wedding clothes one last time!

7:45pm – Explore, take photos, soak in the views and reminisce on the weekend you’ve had together!

8:45pm – The sun begins to set, we pop some champagne! And finish off with some dreamy blue hour photos.

9:30pm – Head back down the trail

10:30pm – You did it! Your badass, intimate and adventurous wedding weekend is in the books. There will never be another one quite like yours. I’m so proud of you for staying aligned to YOU.

Travel Resources For Your Adventure Elopement

Credit Card Rewards

I’m a big fan of my Chase Sapphire Preferred, and I know a lot of people who also love their Capital One Venture Card. Utilizing a good travel credit card can be a great way to save big on your adventurous wedding that may include some travel, so poke around and see if you can get a great welcome bonus if you’re ion the market!

Lodging

Hipcamp is an awesome resource!

Airbnb and VRBO are also awesome options to look into for your guests lodging, or even your wedding if the property allows parties!

Flight Watching

Google.com/flights and Hopper are my two favorite sites for keeping an eye on flight prices!

I hope this blog post gave you lots of inspiration for your adventure wedding with a summer camp flair. There are so many beautiful venues, resorts and campgrounds to choose from, so just listen to your gut and remember to stay aligned with what you want for this intimate day. And remember, I’m here to help!

Connect with Emma

My Travel Schedule

Adventure Elopement and Wedding Photography Info + Packages