Fairy lights softly glow, strung between the tall trees surrounding the heart of camp. The band picks up their instruments, and the sounds of guitars and violins drift across Lake Minnewashta. As dusk falls over Camp Fire, the bride and groom come together to enjoy their first dance. Surrounded by family, friends and the occasional hooting owl, this warm summer night will be one to remember for a lifetime.
Photographer credit: Ellen Gustafson Photography
Natural features for a rustic feel, close to home
As the stars twinkle into the night sky, it’s hard to believe this beautiful, wilderness wedding is happening just outside the Twin Cities. Camp Fire offers the scenic beauty of a North Woods wedding, without having to travel miles from home. With 103 acres of beautiful woods, natural prairie, lakeshore, marsh, and hiking trails it is easy to envision saying “I do” surrounded by family, friends and the beauty of nature.
Photographer credit: Zoe Prinds-Flash Photography
Previous wedding parties love the convenient location of Camp Fire saying; “Camp Fire was exactly what we were looking for in a wedding venue; near a major airport, lodging available on site and nearby, picturesque so we could do the ceremony and reception there, and the dining hall was perfect back up plan in the event of inclement weather.”
There is something for every wedding vision at Camp Fire. We’ve seen ceremonies range from intimate gatherings in the Big Woods, to bride and groom boat rides across Lake Minnewashta. The property is yours to bring to life and create your perfect day.
Photographer credit: Ellen Gustafson Photography & Geneoh Photography
“We love the beauty and uniqueness of the space. We love that our guests could roam and enjoy all the outdoors had to offer.”
Your guests will love the freedom of exploring the property; and there are endless opportunities for fun activities and adventures to incorporate into your day.
“We also wanted to extend the wedding weekend to the day before activities. Having a canoeing experience on the lake was a great way for our wedding party to bond!”
The natural features of Camp Fire are the biggest draw for many couples, but the property also boasts new amenities, rustic cabins, and historical buildings that can be utilized for ceremonies, receptions, photo backdrops, wedding parties and anything else you can imagine!
A wedding for every season
Trees bare of leaves, softly layered with fresh snow stand tall while flakes slowly drift from the sky and transform Camp Fire into a winter wonderland. The soft glow of light shining from the Community & Dining Center illuminates the snow dusted ground, and the warmth of the fireplace keeps guests comfortable and cozy throughout the night.
In the fall, guests crunch over leaves and the trees are dressed to impress in vivid oranges, reds and yellows. Crisp autumn air and and the scent of a bonfire sets the mood for an authentic Camp Fire camp experience. Autumn weddings are perfect for enjoying the last days of summer, and guests can roast a s’more, wander the lake shore and enjoy the leaves changing color in the Big Woods.
Photographer credit: KristineAnna Photography
All season weddings have become a reality with the addition of our brand-new Community & Dining Center. Built in 2020, this space is the perfect canvas to create your ideal wedding. With high vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, gorgeous light fixtures and large windows to let in tons of natural light, our Community & Dining center combines the natural beauty of a rustic wedding with the comforts of a country club or reception hall.
The Community and Dining Center features flexible seating for up to 200 people, upper and lower level kitchen spaces, complete AV systems on both levels, terrace and patio spaces, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces including a restored fireplace that stood in the original dining center on Camp Fire since 1954.
Your wedding gives back to the community
Most days of the year, the woods of Camp Fire are filled with laughter and joy as youth explore nature. Holding a wedding at Camp Fire supports our ongoing mission of helping youth discover their spark, become confident leaders, and stewards of the environment through experiencing all that nature has to offer.
When you rent Camp Fire you’re helping us pour into the community by supporting scholarships for youth to attend summer and school break camps, reducing and waiving fees for school field trips, helping youth participate in leadership programs, and creating opportunities for outdoor learning and adventures for youth and teens.
Photographer Credit: Paul Vincent Weddings
Say you will to a Camp Fire wedding
Strolling down a tree lined path in hiking boots and a wedding dress, a happy wedding couple enjoys a moment to themselves. Surrounded by crickets softly chirping and birds singing out they make their way to the shore of Lake Minnewashta as the sun sets over the water.
Photographer credit: Zoe Prinds-Flash Photography
“Camp Fire was the perfect venue to showcase our love for the outdoors. We love hosting large events and Camp Fire had the space to accommodate everything we needed. It was so cool how we had exclusive use to the property, our guests were absolutely amazed, as were we!”
With so much to explore, there is no end to the adventures wedding parties and guests can experience and the memories you will make at Camp Fire.
“Our wedding day turned out absolutely amazing! It was everything we could have hoped for and more. Camp Fire was the perfect venue for us!”
We’d love to make your dream wedding a reality! To learn more about holding a wedding at Camp Fire, scheduling a tour or to contact our events team visit: campfiremn.org/weddings.
Header image photographer credit: Paul Vincent Weddings