Best Retreat Centers in New York

A Guide to the Best and Most Unique Retreat Centers in New York

Finding a retreat center that is perfectly suited to the needs of you and your group can be a real challenge. There are so many factors to consider when looking for the perfect venue, such as catering, activities, accommodation, location, and so on. For this reason, our team has compiled a list of 7 of the most unique, picturesque, fun-filled, or simply the most relaxing retreat centers they could find in the great state of New York.

Each of the venues in this list is totally unique compared to the others and is certainly not the type of place most people get to take advantage of all the time. So no matter what type of event you are planning for, be it a wedding, a high-school group, family reunion, corporate getaway, birthday party, or just a chance to switch off and relax in nature, we hope that you’ll find ideas and inspiration from the venues we have shared below.

Rent an entire summer camp - Camp Schodack

What the Venue Says…

“Treat your friends, family or colleagues to a weekend of swimming, campfires, and pool parties. With tons of field sports and traditional camp fun like archery and go-carting, it’s sure to be a weekend to remember.

Having your own 100+ acre private resort for the weekend not only makes a great venue but also gives your guests a chance to meet each other and spend some quality time with everyone there.

By holding their event at Camp Schodack, our guests have been able to make their dream events come true. Whether it is a wedding, corporate retreat, or a school group, an event that would normally cost significantly more at a traditional hotel lasts longer and involves so much more.”

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/large-group-events

Kick back and enjoy a spa - Camp Schodack

What the Venue Says…

“The 12,000-square-foot Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck facility features 14 treatment rooms with fireplaces and private sound systems, a co-ed resting area complete with meditation rock, an Aqua Terrace, an outdoor oasis with a fireplace, bar, and a hot thermal pool. The European-style menu includes anti-aging facials, soothing massages, restorative body treatments, and hand and foot therapies. 

The 49-room resort has all the modern comforts, including French-style soaking tubs, European-tiled walk-in showers, and fireplaces that inspire you to bask in their glow. Capitalizing on the Hudson Valley’s lauded agricultural heritage, the resort’s restaurant—Willow by Charlie Palmer—provides yet another option to indulge thanks to its progressive American cuisine, which relies on seasonal produce from multi-generational farms. As the third addition to the Mirbeau portfolio, the property helps you leave the world behind.”

Find out more: https://www.rhinebeck.mirbeau.com/

SWITCH OFF AND RECONNECT - SPRINGWATER CENTER

What the Venue Says…

“Located an hour south of Rochester, New York, Springwater Center offers silent meditation retreats and year-round guest visits in a beautiful and spacious facility on 212 acres of country land with streams, meadows, forests, a pond, and miles of walking trails.

There are no rituals, required beliefs, or assigned practices.

The essence of retreat at Springwater is being together in the simplicity and openness of silent awareness. Attending moment-to-moment to what is happening within and without, in a spirit of wonder, curiosity, and discovery.”

Find out more: https://www.springwatercenter.org/

EMBARK ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY - SHALOM MOUNTAIN

What the Venue Says…

“For more than 40 years, people from all walks of life have been coming to Shalom Mountain and experiencing transformation and healing in their journey of self-discovery. Many people are searching for a new direction in life or to deepen their spiritual journeys. People in partnered relationship come to find new paths in loving each other, with a desire to be fully alive in their relationships. Some come to heal old wounds that they have carried for too long and now want to lay down. Others arrive here because they need to grieve their losses and know joy once again.

A Shalom Retreat® is a place where you can know yourself as whole, complete and lovable—an embodied, emotional, spiritual being. We celebrate the body’s wisdom and its gifts. You can learn to unblock the stuck places and open your heart once again. The retreat takes place within a circle of people, supported by intentional loving, where you can experience a focused time for your own individual work.”

Find out more: https://www.shalommountain.com/shalom-retreats

Stay at an old lodge & speakeasy - Lake clear lodge

What the Venue Says…

“25-acres of meandering spaces secluded artisan lodgings amid playful "Healing Woods" with serene beach and clear waters. Naturally luxurious with four generations of authenticity. Where simmering stocks with nourishing foods from the heart continue in a family-built 1886 Main Lodge with Stagecoach dining room and 1920s Speakeasy. A destination of magical experiences where traveling is equal parts rejuvenation and discovery for adventurers, romantics, and families.

Our strategic location between Saranac Lake/Lake Placid and Tupper Lake makes it effortless to explore some of the Adirondack's best activities. Within a short drive, you can visit The Wild Center, a historic downtown, the Olympic Village, and so much more. Let us be your Adirondack Guide.”

Find out more: https://www.lakeclearlodge.com/

Visit a classic homestead - The Y at Watson woods

What the Venue Says…

“Located in the rolling hills of Painted Post, New York, The Y at Watson Woods is proud to be serving the community. We are excited to share that we have expanded on our partnership of five decades with the YMCA. Our property is now The Y at Watson Woods.

While our name may have changed, our mission will not. We will continue to serve as the host site of YMCA Camp Corning’s Day Camp, as well as a place for longtime guests of the retreat and conference center to hold events for spiritual reflection. Planning is underway to include family and overnight experiences, along with unique group gatherings, weddings and conferences.”

Find out more: http://www.watsonhomestead.com/

Stay in a Mountain Top Castle - Mohonk Mountain House

What the Venue Says…

‘Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? Do you get overwhelmed from planning and wrangling the details? When you choose Mohonk, we take care of it all. Down to every last detail.

When you’re here, the only thing you need to focus on is relaxing and exploring our mountaintop. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, wellness enthusiast, history buff, or a foodie, there’s something here for everyone.

At Mohonk, everything you need for an unforgettable Hudson Valley getaway is at your fingertips. With so much included in your overnight rate, spend more time making memories than planning for them.”

Find out more: https://www.mohonk.com/

5 Ideas For A Perfect Upstate NY Fall Wedding

5 Ideas & Locations For The Perfect New York Fall Wedding

When it comes to looking for the perfect time and place to get married, you would be hard pushed to pick a better spot than Upstate New York in the Fall. The golds, reds, ambers, and greens come together perfectly to compliment the warm days and evenings.

With so much choice out there though, finding a venue that perfectly suits your needs and vision can be a challenge. So we put our team to the test to find 5 beautiful venues that are all unique and amazing in their own way.

Ranging from Summer Camps to Casinos, we think that you’ll find ideas and inspiration from the list we have compiled here to help you plan your dream Fall wedding.

Spend a weekend at summer camp - Camp Schodack

Have the wedding that your friends and family will be talking about for years to come. Make use of our two heated swimming pools, an extensive adventure course (including a high and low ropes course, 300-yard zip line, and 40' climbing tower), 7 tennis courts, multiple basketball courts, fields for all team sports, a go-kart track, miles of beautiful hiking trails through our private woods, lots of multi-purpose indoor spaces, a large indoor theatre, an outdoor amphitheater seating over 500 people, a golf driving range and more.

Take advantage of all our fun activities, amazing catering, and more…or just relax by the pool! It’s your choice!

Find out more: https://www.schodack.com/facility-rentals/

Win big at the casino - Turning Stone Resort

Whether you’ve dreamed of your wedding your whole life or never saw it coming until “the one” came along, your wedding should be one of the most unforgettable events of your life. As New York State’s most awarded resort and an all-encompassing wedding destination, Turning Stone Resort Casino has the variety of venues and depth of talent to turn your wedding into an extraordinary event.

From the Tudor-style Shenandoah Clubhouse on our championship golf course to an outdoor wedding on the Great Lawn at The Lodge – winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award and AAA Four Diamond Award - or one of a dozen other venues, Turning Stone offers the ideal venue for any size or style of wedding you’ve imagined.

Find out more: https://www.turningstone.com/groups-events/weddings

Get down on the farm - Bloomington Hill Farm

Guy Jones started farming in the Hudson Valley in the early eighties, not long after he gave up his storefront law office in Albany, New York. In the beginning, Blooming Hill sold vegetables at farmers' markets locally and in New York City at the Union Square Greenmarket.

Today we're still known for our unaltered, eclectic and broad produce offerings - we grow and forage over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables on a hundred acres in Orange County, NY, and we are proud to sell to some of the best restaurants in New York City, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley.

Find out more: https://www.bloominghill.farm/weddings

Celebrate in the Capital - The State Room

Located on historic State Street, The State Room is the perfect illustration of historic beginnings serving a modern purpose. This hall of fame award-winning venue, also Albany’s first skyscraper, was originally constructed in 1901 to serve as Albany’s City & County Savings Bank.

The State Room embodies the architecture and splendor of the early twentieth century. Featuring hand-painted vaulted ceilings, marble walls, grand bay windows, and gold embossed Corinthian Columns. Step back into history here, at The State Room.

Find out more: http://thestateroomalbany.com/

Enjoy time at a country club - Mohawk River CC

We offer breathtaking scenery, ceremony and wedding reception sites, modestly priced wedding packages, and a talented culinary and events team to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. We've got everything handled! From the grand ballroom and food to the catering service and décor, Mohawk River Country Club is the perfect place to choose for your wedding venue.

A successful wedding reception has an entertaining beginning, middle, and end. When you book your wedding with Mohawk River Country Club, our event staff will make sure that every aspect of your wedding is taken care of, with finesse. We can't wait to service you, your guests, and your beloved's family!

Find out more: https://www.mohawkrivercc.com/weddings

Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany

Check Out The Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany, NY

Searching for a great group retreat location can be a real challenge. That is why we have put together a list of 5 of the best available in the Capital Region. Below you will find venues that are all unique in what they offer, but they are all venues that know how to host a great event, no matter what you are looking for.

So if you want to go glamping for a weekend, hire an entire summer camp to yourselves, stay in a spacious country lodge, or relax and kick back in a spa, you will find something in our list below that will tick those boxes.

We hope that no matter what you are looking for, you will find ideas and inspiration from the venues below to help you with your search for the perfect retreat center for your group.

Camp Schodack / Berkshire Retreat Center

Camp Schodack is a beautiful countryside venue in Nassau, New York. This retreat was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It’s rich history and beautiful landscape make Camp Schodack a perfect venue for groups looking for privacy and plenty of activities for their group.

There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to plan your retreat, and spacious indoor venue space for anyone needing additional space. No matter what your plans may be, Camp Schodack will make it spectacular. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails for a nature-seeking guests. The venue also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests as well as dining facilities with thew same capacity.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Emerson Resort & Spa

Designed with the splendor of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley in mind, open spaces and oversized windows expose stunning views and bring the beauty of the outside in. Enjoy spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn or Adirondack-style Lodge, nature-inspired treatments at our award-winning spa, our signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, The Shops at Emerson, and the not-to-be-missed World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, fishing and outdoor concerts are just a few of the numerous nearby activities. Or, explore the eclectic and historical towns of Phoenicia, Woodstock and Saugerties. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Catskills.

Find out more: https://emersonresort.com/

Handsome Hollow

This silvery-grey fox is 240 years old and once a working dairy barn. Not only will you have 4000 sq. ft of sweet space to soiree, a restored 18th century farmhouse to hang your hat in but Handsome Hollow sits on 93 acres of pristine wilderness. Explore endless trails, creeks, hemlock groves, maple forests, blueberry fields, springs, an old bluestone quarry and Big Fork Mountain.

Handsome Hollow is a truly rare place. The stunning, 93-acre property with fields, meadows, forests and mountain views, is the location of a restored 18th century barn. Also on the property, is a chic, stylishly designed, 120-year old farmhouse. Handsome Hollow is an idyllic, unforgettable wedding destination in the Catskills.

Find out more: http://www.handsomehollow.com/

Spillian

We welcome groups of friends, colleagues, family members for an all-inclusive weekend or a week at Spillian. Our chef and staff are on hand to make your stay utterly effortless! Relax, challenge yourselves and your imaginations, and revel in being together. Whether your dream is slow-paced porch-sitting punctuated with feasting and silly games in the library or an expansive weekend exploring the Catskills or a project together, Spillian embraces its visitors as family. Remarkable things happen at these gatherings!

We can host up to 18 overnight guests onsite, and can accommodate more daytime guests who are staying elsewhere for meals and any activities you’re dreaming. (We’re happy, by the way, to help you find additional lodging.)

And we offer virtually limitless choices  of special experiences, from spa services to guided adventures throughout the Catskills, informal workshops and cooking classes, wine and spirit tastings, and more, or simply the chance to read that great book you’ve been wanting to get to as you sit in front of the fire.

Find out more: https://spillian.com/

The Arnold House

If you are looking for a rustic country backdrop but don't want to compromise on great local food for your private event, The Arnold House on Shandelee may be just what you are looking for! We offer weddings & events year-round and can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. Located 2 hours north of New York City in the western Catskills, the Arnold House is a country retreat set on seven acres and nestled into the forest of Shandelee Mountain.

We specialize in rustic barn and outdoor weddings on our beautiful grounds, including ceremonies in our meadows and near our pond, but also offer cozy cold weather affairs with our roaring wood stoves and comfortable indoor seating. These events can be held in our Tavern, 1960’s Dining Room, Sun Room, BBQ Barn or outside in the meadows. Our goal is to work with each individual party to make sure we customize to taste, style and budget.  

Find out more: http://www.thearnoldhouse.com/weddings

Best Wedding Venues In Albany

5 Amazing Albany Wedding Venues

Below we have out together a list of 5 of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in the Capital Region. Each of the amazing venues here offer something different from the rest, and we are sure that you will find a venue here that suits the needs of you and your guests.

We understand how hard it can to find a venue that is perfect for you and your partner, but we hope that you will find ideas and inspiration from our selections below. And, if you do not find anything you like here, then we hope that you enjoy looking at this amazing locations whilst you continue searching for your ideal wedding spot.

Father/daughter dance at in the Dinning Hall at Camp Schodack

The Summer Camp - Camp Schodack

Camp Schodack is a beautiful countryside wedding venue in Nassau, New York. This retreat was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It’s rich history and beautiful landscape make Camp Schodack a perfect venue for couples looking for privacy and elegance on their wedding day. There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to plan your ceremony and tented reception, and spacious indoor venue space for a more elegant reception. No matter what your wedding plans may be, Camp Schodack will make it spectacular.

Camp Schodack wants to make your wedding everything you’ve always dreamed. You’ll get to work with their wedding coordinator to plan every detail, from the catering to the decor and everything in between. They offer DIY packages for you to bring in their own food and drink, or you can choose from one of their many catering options. Catering with Camp Schodack offers buffet options, barbecue, food carts, and plated meals for every style wedding. Overnight accommodations are also available through Camp Schodack for up to 500 guests.

Find out more: https://www.schodack.com/facility-rentals/

Main room of the Albany Hilton

The Fancy Hotel - The Albany Hilton

The Hilton Albany is a downtown hotel venue hosting weddings for couples in the Albany, New York area. The hotel's modern ballroom will transport couples to another world for the wedding of their dreams. Located just 15 minutes from Albany International Airport, this venue beams style and convenience.

Couples can invite up to 1,350 guests to join them on their special day. The glittering Governor's Ballroom, with cream accents and delicate chandeliers, hosts the largest parties. The Hudson Ballroom also offers space for receptions on the patio level of the Hilton Albany. Smaller spaces are available for more intimate receptions.

Within the walls of the Hilton Albany, couples and guests will find 385 guest rooms. The rooms and suites offer modern accommodations, with views of the city of Albany. Suites feature a sofa, two televisions, a refrigerator and full-size wet bar, making them the perfect option for close family or the wedding party.

Find out more: https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton/

Main atrium set for dinner at Kiernan Plaza

The Historic Building - Kiernan Plaza

Kiernan Plaza is a historic wedding venue located in Albany, New York. Offering a grandiose space with a great deal of charm, elegance, and beauty, this venue is suitable for hosting ceremonies and receptions of all kinds. With indoor and outdoor areas, it is also versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of concepts and themes.

Kiernan Plaza is perhaps one of the most important buildings contributing to the growth of Albany during the twentieth century. Originally built in 1899 as a grand train station, Kiernan Plaza has been renovated and is a gem of Downtown Albany featuring wedding and event space in one of Albany's most historic landmarks. Kiernan Plaza retains much of its historic character with enchanting architecture, original marble, beautifully adorned high ceilings, ornate stairwells, and dazzling chandeliers. Enjoy the convenient downtown Albany location at this stunning event venue catered exclusively by Mazzone Hospitality.

Find out more: https://mazzonecatering.com/assets/kiernan-dd-promo-compressed.pdf

View from the top of Oak Mountain

On The Mountain - Oak Mountain

Oak Mountain is a banquet hall in the Albany, New York area ideal for couples seeking a rustic mountainous venue. The wooden accents and surrounding mountain vista makes this venue a romantic getaway for a wedding. Surrounded by the Adirondacks, couples can escape an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Albany to reach Oak Mountain.

With a guest maximum of 250 guests, this venue welcomes couples looking for a wedding with a view. A mountaintop ceremony overlooking a sea of green peaks awaits couples at Oak Mountain. The lift ride to the top provides a memorable experience for all. From there, move to the reception in the banquet hall’s Great Room. This room’s cathedral ceilings, wooden accents, and wall of windows give it an air of openness and comfort. Before the night’s over, couples can head outside to the onsite fire pit to roast marshmallows with their guests for a creative dessert option.

Find out more: https://oakmountainski.com/weddings/groups-weddings

View over the lake at Stone Bridge Farm

On The Farm - Stone Bridge Farm

Stone Bridge Farm Hospitality offers a beautiful and sophisticated farm setting venue with amazing views and endless photo opportunities. We can accommodate nearly any idea you have, whether you choose to make use of our beautiful indoor arena, rent one of our immaculate homes, bring your own tent, or any combination of an indoor/outdoor setting.

Stone Bridge Farm Hospitality is located in Schuylerville, New York. Our venue includes more than 90 acres of breathtaking views, indoor event space and housing accommodations. Stone Bridge Farm is 10 miles from Saratoga Springs, offering proximity to restaurants and local culture while ensuring privacy for your event. A short 25 minutes ride finds you in the Glens Falls/Queensbury area. The adjacent Green Mountains of Vermont make a beautiful scenic backdrop for your wedding, and provide endless possibilities for gorgeous photographs.

Stone Bridge Farm Hospitality can accommodate small intimate events, such as an elopement or rehearsal dinner, or a larger event of up to 350 guests. The options for the location of your event within the property are nearly endless as we have multiple sites for your tented event, and provide several choices for an indoor event.

Stone Bridge Farm also has options for smaller, more intimate events. We host showers, parties, and other celebrations. We have on-site lodging to accommodate up to 30 guests.

Find out more: https://www.stonebridgefarmhospitality.com/

Amazing Wedding Locations Around the World

Amazing & Unique Wedding Locations

When it comes to planning your ideal wedding, the location is the most important part (after finding the perfect partner of course!) Your venue sets the tone for every part of your wedding, so finding the one that best suits you and your partner is key.

Whether you are looking for something totally glamorous, completely unique or just something to inspire you, we think you’ll find the amazing venues below each offer something that sets them apart from others.

Rent An Entire Summer Camp - Camp Schodack, New York

Why get a hotel or a conference center for three hours when you could book your own private resort for the weekend? Bring the family, friends, colleagues and whoever else wants to enjoy an unforgettable weekend!

By taking over an entire Camp for the weekend, you and your guests have access to everything that the Camp offers. You can zipline down the aisle, have bridesmaids vs groomsman go-kart challenges and finish every night with all of your guests sat around a bonfire roasting marshmallows.

A venue like Camp Schodack has over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to plan your ceremony and tented reception, and spacious indoor venue space for a more elegant reception. No matter what your wedding plans may be, Camp Schodack will make it spectacular for you and up to 500 guests!

Find out more: https://www.schodack.com/

Spend A Night At The Museum - Natural History Museum, London

London’s most iconic museum has gained its Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships license so you can now legally get married at the Natural History Museum.

If the wedding ceremony of your dreams involves declaring your vows surrounded by a bunch of prehistoric characters (and we’re not talking about your in-laws) then you’re in luck. You can now official get married at London’s Natural History Museum.

The iconic London venue recently celebrated receiving its Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships license. As of September 2019, the Museum is able to host official wedding ceremonies as well as larger or more intimate receptions. It was previously possible to hold your reception at the venue, but now a woolly mammoth could bear witness to your marriage. And we’re very much on board with this.

Find out more:https://www.nhm.ac.uk/business-services/venue-hire/weddings-private-events.html

Take To The Seas - Star Ship Cruises, Sydney

Congratulations, you’re engaged to be married! Welcome to the multi-award-winning Starship Sydney and Starship Aqua, where your wedding will be a glittering occasion set against one of the world’s most coveted backdrops. A once in a lifetime event such as this deserves for every element to be seamless and beautiful. Over the years, countless weddings have been held aboard Starship Sydney and Starship Aqua and we’re proud to say that each and every one has held its own individual charm.

For any bride, groom and their families, weddings are notoriously busy days with so much to consider, and so many people to please. You’ll be heartened to know that Starship Sydney has decades of experience behind us. We know just how to have proceedings running so smoothly that you’ll marvel at how effortless it all seemed.

Find out more: https://www.starshipsydney.com.au/weddings/

Get Back To Nature - Tennessee State Park, Tennessee

There’s something about the outdoors that seems to rise to the occasion of a wedding. The way color palettes of earth and sky highlight the purity of the moment. The way the browns of timber and the greens of grass provide a backdrop for the white of the wedding dress. The way the afternoon light illuminates the face and hair of a radiant bride. The elegance and simplicity of the outdoors draws the hearts of wanderers and leads them to the place where they no longer wander alone.

If a natural setting wedding has captivated your dreams, you have come to the right place. Whether you need space for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions or anniversary celebrations, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Tennessee State Parks.

It’s not every day that your wedding photos can include a waterfall, breathtaking overlook, or the Appalachian Trail. We don’t know about you, but that sounds a lot more unique to us than the staged photos your friends took in front of some random bushes. Even beyond the photos, it’s just a cool experience to retreat to a destination with so much natural beauty. We all know that life is an adventure, and we think your life together should start with its own adventure.

Find out more: https://tnstateparks.com/blog/5-reasons-to-get-married-in-a-tennessee-state-park

Take over a Theme Park - Disney Land, California

Fancy being a princess for a day? Disneyland has announced that you can now get married in the heart of the Florida theme park, with a clear view of Cinderella's Castle. You can also travel to your wedding in her pumpkin coach, like an actual Disney Princess.

Not only does Cinderella Castle provide a stunning backdrop for your nuptials, but you can arrive at your ceremony in style with Cinderella's Coach and for your wedding party a classic turn-of-the-century Main Street Vehicle.

The venue is fit for royalty - so couples who want to get married here should probably make sure they are dressed in the plushest outfits they can find. All you need to do is add some seating, charming décor, and a little bit of pixie dust and voila! You have a wedding ceremony venue that is a real-life fairy tale.

Find out more: https://www.disneyweddings.com/california/

Top Tips For Planning a Summer Camp Wedding

Planning a Camp Wedding or Event?

So, you want your wedding to be different, fun, not just a wedding weekend but a place you and your guest can relax, enjoy and experience something new. Not to mention something you and your guests can talk about for years to come! Finding the right venue is the key what a better place then at a Camp setting! It could be a Boys/Girls camp, or a campground, oh the fun you will have! You have the lodging, the hall, the activities, what else do you need? Trust me there are many things you may not be thinking about. Here are a few things to consider when hosting a wedding/Event at a Camp.

Take Care of Your Guests

Your guests are rock stars for making the trip to the camp, so give them the goodies they deserve (and need!). Greet guests with a welcome bag in their rooms filled with local treats, campsite maps, daily itineraries and local areas to visit. And seeing as the nearest pharmacy might be miles away, this isn’t the time to skimp on necessities. Make sure every room and restroom is stocked with soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bug spray, sunscreen and allergy medication—better safe than sorry. And if you’re in a climate that gets chilly at night, always have cozy blankets and throws at the ready.

Budget for Camp Extras

Since your campsite is most likely not a full-service wedding venue, factor additional expenses into your budget like party rentals, proper lighting, linens, tableware, suitable restrooms and additional lodging (in case the camp can’t sleep everyone, or you don’t want your grandparents cramped in bunk beds). If you do block extra rooms nearby, don’t forget transportation to shuttle guests to and from the camp and something you probably haven’t thought of? Hiring a lifeguards/activity director—you’ll want a certified pro on duty during any activities involving water (especially if drinks are flowing).  

Accessibility

If your Camp doesn’t have a vendor list, or they do, but you want to go with someone else make sure your vendors are familiar with the venue and setting, along with what they will need to supply before booking. You could be looking at increased labor costs for rentals and catering. Caterers may need extra generators, cooks’ tents, Linens, tableware etc. Find out exactly what’s included from not only the camp but the caterers.

Signage

Camps are big and can be overwhelming especially if you have activities involved, along with different locations for ceremony, cocktail hour etc. Yes, you will have a map BUT your guests will not be carrying around all weekend.

Hiring a Wedding Planner/Coordinator

I’m sure your thinking “we got this; we have a few days before to start setting up it’s all good!” In a perfect world, sure, in reality not so much. How will you be in charge, checking in the vendors, making sure everything and everyone is on time? Having the extra set of eyes, someone who knows the property and can direct the vendors, answer technical questions, set up the décor, tables chairs, etc. Be there greeting the guests and helping them find their way to their cabin. While they are doing all this, you can be enjoying the camp, activities, your guests and most of all relaxing and having fun!

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Linda Smith is the owner and creator of 'Your Day Your Way’ Wedding Planning. You can find out more about Linda, her team and the work they do here http://www.yourdayyourwayweddingplanner.com/

You can fund out more about hosting your own wedding or event at Camp Schodack by contacting a member of our team or clicking here