Top 10 Reasons to Get Married at Camp
Live out your childhood fantasy by getting married at summer camp! Having your wedding at camp is gaining in popularity among couples. Katie Watkowski, wedding planner at The Event Design Company explains “Couples are seeking unique wedding destinations more and more. Camp weddings provide a unique, rustic feel and an unforgettable experience for guests and the married couple”.
In 2018, my wife Ayla and I were married underneath the towering pine trees of Camp George in Seguin, Ontario. Here are my TOP TEN reasons to get married at Camp George.
- Beautiful Nature
After getting engaged, we decided to check out Camp George as a possible venue for our wedding. We were led on a tour of the site, and instantly fell in love with camp. Leaving the city and stepping into nature is both instantly relaxing and magical.
- Stunning photos
We knew how important it was to have the perfect family photos. They would become mementos for years to come. We decided on the swim docks with the lake and rocky shores in the background. It was stressful to herd our family to be part of the photos – but you can’t tell by the photos!
- Overnight lodging
It may not be a 5-star hotel, but camp is well suited to host hundreds of people in both private rooms and shared cabins. It’s worthwhile to stay overnight to see the night stars and avoid a roundtrip drive back home. Our friends stayed in cabins together organized by friend groups.
- Surprisingly Delicious Food
Camp George made delicious appetizers and entrees that were miles above regular camp food, including: spring rolls, plated salad, and roast chicken. My mother-in-law was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the meal service!
- Fun For All Ages
A camp wedding gives guests an opportunity to relive the glory days of camp or experience it for the first time – with the addition of an open bar 😊 We had access to all the activities on site including: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, basketball, sports field, high ropes course, etc. We played a big game
of bump on the basketball court!
- The Unexpected
During the sunset, our guests spontaneously jumped into Maple Lake and swam to the nearby island rock. It was surreal to be witnessing the most spectacular sunset while surrounded our love ones in the middle of a lake!
- Great Facilities
These were my two favourite spots surrounded by nature:
Chapel – equipped with wooden benches underneath an old grove of pine trees with a stage overlooking the lake.
Dining Hall – It has an incredible wrap around porch overlooking the lake and perfect for watching the sunset.
- Affordability
It is significantly more affordable to get married at camp then in the city. Camp is in a remote area while still having the facilities and catering on site, helping to reduce the co
sts of rentals.
- Rain Plan
You’re excited to get married in nature – and it’s calling for rain on the big day! Camp George has you covered (literally.).
The Pavilion (coming Fall 2020) is a multi-use, roofed building with a stage and open walls overlooking the forest.
(Photo Coming!)
- Beer Canoe
This was a huge hit!
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If you’d like more information about having your wedding at Camp George, visit our website or contact Jared Kaminsky, Assistant Director, at jkaminsky@urj.org or call
Post script and full disclosure: One year after our wedding, I decided to work for Camp George as their Assistant Director. I now manage the retreat centre. Some things are meant to be 😊