When it comes to selecting a wedding venue, there are countless factors to consider, from the accessibility for guests to photo-friendly vistas and so much more.
One thing is certain: couples planning their big day are increasingly seeking flexible venues with indoor and outdoor options that are also in destinations that offer guest activities and scalable planning services.
Each of the following five venues offer stunning backdrops in natural locales, as well as comprehensive planning services, accommodations, and engaging activities for guests making their wedding trip as much a celebration as a vacation.
Here’s your opportunity to choose the picturesque venue that serves as the ideal place for a wilderness wedding.
- Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, MO: With sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake, and a policy of offering weddings anywhere on property by request, Big Cedar Lodge is the perfect place for hosting weddings of all kinds, from intimate elopements at The Garden Chapel to large-scale celebrations on the Grandview Lawn overlooking Table Rock Lake. Situated on 4,600 acres in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge boasts more than a dozen nature venues, restaurants and comprehensive catering services, dedicated wedding planners, more than 30 accommodation types to cater to every guest’s needs, and outdoor adventure experiences ranging from hiking and fishing to a nature-inspired Spa and Salon. Each of its venues and landscapes offer a luxurious yet back-to-nature setting for a stunning wilderness wedding.
- Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection in Meadows of Dan, VA: The award-winning Primland Resort is a luxurious, hidden-gem wedding destination in the heart of the unbridled Virginia wilderness. With a variety of indoor and outdoor venues situated across 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland offers a backdrop connected to the wild spirit of nature in an untouched enclave of Virginia. The resort boasts a number of natural backdrops for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including its Tree Houses, which are wrapped in the literal embrace of towering oak and pine trees; and the Observatory Library, which offers 360-degree views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. Guest activities include horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, spa services, and world-class dining.
- Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, MO: The 10,000-acre nature park boasts more than five on-site venues for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes, all offering unforgettable natural backdrops ranging from waterfalls and ponds to lush forests. For ceremonies in any venue, from the Hope Wilderness Chapel—a hand-crafted pine, oak, and cedar venue with a waterfall view—to its custom outdoor venues and signature restaurant Canyon Grill, Dogwood Canyon’s special events manager works closely with each couple (virtually or in person) to curate an intimate, highly personalized wedding event.
- Greenhorn Ranchin Quincy, California: Nestled in the breathtaking Northern Sierras of California, Greenhorn Ranch has been enchanting Californians and adventure-seekers alike since 1962, standing as a picturesque and enchanting destination, the property serves as the perfect one-of-a-kind rustic wedding venue where couples can exchange vows surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Just an hour and a half drive from Reno in a rather undiscovered region of California, this 608-acre haven beckons guests with its unrivaled location and jaw-dropping views. Discover the charm of the ranch’s unique accommodations, where recently updated rustic cabins and a refurbished airstream trailer promise a unique stay amidst nature’s embrace for guests and the happy couple.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Park City, Utah: Utah’s beloved luxury retreat, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a hidden-gem destination in the scenic Wasatch Mountain Range. Located on a sprawling 3,500-acre private ranch, The Lodge at Blue Sky is a year-round mountain retreat well-suited for intimate or large wedding celebrations. With endless activities to immerse in nature and get off-the-grid, couples and their guests can go for hikes and horseback rides through the Wasatch Mountains, embark on an off-road RTV tour, enjoy outdoor-driven wellness experiences, and a private farm-to-table dining experience at one of the mountaintop yurts. Additionally, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings, the resort offers an abundance of accommodations for large parties including 46 guest rooms, suites, and creek houses for an entire hotel buy out. Combining western authenticity with luxury, the remote setting provides an idyllic experience for wilderness weddings
