The Best Camp Wedding Venues in the Southeast

Imagine your wedding not as a single-day whirlwind, but as an entire weekend filled with bonfires, paddleboards on the lake, morning coffee in the cool mountain air, and late-night storytelling under the stars. Camp wedding venues in the Southeast make that possible—giving you an immersive, joy-filled experience where you get to relax, explore, and actually be with your favorite people for more than just a few rushed hours.

If you and your partner love the outdoors, crave quality time with loved ones, and want your celebration to feel like the best summer camp weekend ever—but elevated—a camp wedding might be the perfect fit. These venues offer built-in adventure, on-site lodging, and a laid-back atmosphere that encourages connection in a way traditional venues simply can’t.

As a photographer who specializes in non-traditional, experience-driven weddings and elopements across the Southeast, I help couples plan and capture celebrations that feel intentional, relaxed, and true to who they are. After nearly a decade photographing outdoor weddings, camp weddings are some of my absolute favorites because they let couples slow down, be present, and make memories beyond the ceremony itself. If you want photos that reflect the feeling of the entire weekend—not just the timeline—you’re in the right place.

Ready to start dreaming up your own camp wedding? Let’s dive into the best camp wedding venues in the Southeast. And if you’re looking for a photographer who knows these spaces well and can document every moment beautifully, I’d love to connect with you.

Who Should Consider a Camp Wedding?

Camp wedding venues are ideal for couples who:

• Want a relaxed, nature-inspired setting rather than a traditional ballroom.
• Love adventure and want to incorporate activities like hiking, canoeing, or zip-lining into their wedding weekend.
• Want to maximize time with guests instead of rushing through a single-day timeline.
• Value a destination-style experience without having to travel too far from home.

The Benefits of a Full Weekend Wedding

One of the biggest challenges of a traditional wedding is that you barely get to see your guests. Between the ceremony, dinner, and dancing, the day flies by. With a camp wedding, you get the entire weekend to relax, explore, and actually enjoy your time with friends and family.

Here’s what a camp wedding weekend could look like:

Friday: Welcome Party & Campfire Kickoff

• Guests arrive and settle into cabins, yurts, or glamping tents.
• Casual welcome dinner or cookout.
• Bonfire with s’mores, live music, or a fun icebreaker activity like trivia.

Saturday: The Big Day + Adventure

• Morning: Group yoga, a short hike, or canoeing for guests who want to explore.
• Afternoon: Wedding ceremony with scenic views.
• Evening: Reception with local catering, a dance floor under the stars, and a late-night bonfire.

Sunday: Farewell Brunch & Departure

• Coffee and brunch with guests before heading home.
• Optional morning activities like a nature walk or paddleboarding.

The Best Camp Wedding Venues in the Southeast

Each of these venues offers a unique setting for your camp wedding, from lakeside retreats to cozy mountain hideaways:

• Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing (New Castle, VA) – A remote, adventure-focused venue with hiking, canoeing, and zip-lining.
• Glamping Retro (Erwin, TN) – A chic, vintage-inspired retreat with Airstreams and safari tents.
• Camp Holiday Trails (Charlottesville, VA) – A beautiful setting with access to hiking and horseback riding.
• Camp Friendship (Palmyra, Virginia) – Perfect for large gatherings with lake activities and wooded trails.
• Camp Highlander (Horseshoe, NC) – A beautiful NC mountain venue with lake activities 
• Montfair Resort Farm (Crozet, Virginia) – A peaceful lakeside setting with charming rustic cabins.
• Blue Moon Rising (McHenry, Maryland) – A stunning eco-friendly venue with handcrafted cabins.
• JuneBug Retro Resort (Asheville, North Carolina) – A funky vintage-inspired venue with Airstreams and open fields.
• Camp Pinnacle (Flatrock, North Carolina) – A scenic mountain camp with lake access.
• YMCA Silver Beach (Jamesville, Virginia) – A beachfront retreat perfect for a waterfront wedding.

Many of these venues also offer activities like rock climbing, tubing, fishing, and ropes courses, making your wedding weekend feel like an epic getaway.

Why Choose a Destination Wedding?

Even if you’re getting married within driving distance of home, a camp wedding provides a destination-style experience without the hassle of flights and passports. Your guests get a mini-vacation, and you get more time to celebrate in a place that feels totally unique.

Ready to Plan Your Camp Wedding?

A camp wedding is more than just a venue—it’s an experience. If you want your wedding to feel like the best weekend of summer camp, I’d love to help you capture every moment. Get in touch here to start planning your unforgettable wedding weekend!

If you’re looking for an adventure wedding venue instead, check out this guide to the best adventure wedding venues in the Southeast.