YMCA Camp Campbell

My now spouse and I first discussed our ideal wedding location two years ago and though our initial details were sparse, we could agree that all we ultimately wanted was a funky celebration in the woods with music, dancing and interesting activities and in YMCA’s Camp Campbell, we found our perfect match. What we couldn’t have known from the first time we saw pictures and videos was how removed, pristine and borderline enchanted it felt to be there. Even in the cool January temperatures of our wedding weekend, the venue felt like the summer camp of our dreams and served as the perfect setting for what ended up being the wedding of a lifetime. From the moment we set foot on the property, our minds raced thinking about our guests walking on the lofted walkways connecting the cabins among the trees. As we surveyed the interiors, I remember the both of us grinning uncontrollably as the archery, axe throwing, basketball court and high ropes courses popped into view. With friends and families traveling from both coasts, we knew we wanted a cozy and stunning venue that would definitively and conclusively be worth the trip. On the first day of our wedding weekend as we saw the various guests streaming up the road, gawking at the trees above, we knew that Camp Campbell had delivered. Our guests loved the location and crisscrossed the property, trying their hands at the various activities, from board games to axe throwing to just exploring every inch of the place; aided by the staff distributing maps at check-in. To us, the range of activities weren’t just a distraction but they also reinforced the communal camp spirit and elevated the time preceding and following the wedding. This camp spirit was also fostered by the staff who were very helpful and receptive on site. They made sure events like the s’mores bonfire went off without a hitch and they were flexible with adjustments our planner had to make when the weather was less than ideal. Though the venue requires that they manage meals (so no outside vendors for food), the breakfast, lunch and dinner were perfectly serviceable and we really appreciated the late-night snacks they made for some of the more energetic members of the wedding who danced the night away. Though there were fewer menu options for some of our vegans in the wedding, there’s a boutique grocery store about a 5 minute drive down the road. We specifically chose this location not just because of all the factors listed above but because it offered gorgeous indoor and outdoor alternatives for the ceremony; critical for a January wedding which could be as sunny as it was rainy. Our outdoor plan for the ceremony was the redwood grove and our indoor plan was the glass atrium. Even though the ceremony ended up inside, we have zero regrets and the pictures are just as beautiful as they would have been outside. If we had to pick a shortcoming for the venue, it might be how responsive they were in the months leading up to the event. While the weekend itself went off without a hitch, there were a handful of anxious moments in the lead-up where we were awaiting a necessary contract update or pricing information. We cannot help but recommend YMCA Camp Campbell, especially if you love nature, camp vibes and staring at redwoods. My spouse and I deeply appreciate all the wonderful memories we made there and we know that any wedding held there will be similarly magical.