Camp Namanu Wedding

A Stormy Forest Wedding at Camp Namanu

When Sam and Adam first reached out about their plans for a spring wedding at Camp Namanu, I was immediately excited. Camp weddings are hands down my favorite, and somehow I hadn’t had the chance to photograph a wedding here yet. With more than 550 acres of forest, historic camp buildings, and easy access to the Sandy River, it checked all the boxes for me.

Needless to say, I was all in.

Their wedding day ended up delivering just about every type of weather Oregon could throw at us. We had sunshine, torrential rain, hail, thunder, and lightning, sometimes all within the same hour. Despite the constantly changing forecast, the day never missed a beat. Everyone rolled with it, the venue’s backup plans worked seamlessly, and the weather only added to the experience. It was one of those wedding days that felt uniquely Pacific Northwest, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

About Camp Namanu

Located just outside of Sandy, Oregon, and about an hour east of Portland, Camp Namanu is one of the most unique wedding venues in Oregon. Founded in 1924 by the Camp Fire Girls, it was Oregon’s first all girls summer camp. The camp became coeducational in 1979 and, after more than 100 years of operation, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Camp Namanu still serves as a summer camp and retreat center, hosting youth programs, outdoor school, retreats, and a limited number of weddings each year. Accommodations are a mix of historic cabins and newer lodging, giving guests plenty of options while maintaining the camp’s character.

One of the things that makes weddings here feel so special is that they are not the camp’s primary focus. Because summer is reserved for camp programs, most weddings take place in the spring and fall, with very limited summer availability. Instead of feeling like a venue built for weddings, Camp Namanu feels like a place with a long history and purpose that just happens to be an incredible setting to gather your favorite people for a weekend celebration.

Planning a Camp Namanu Wedding

Camp Namanu is well sought out option for couples who want more than a single day wedding. With campfires, lawn games, on site lodging, and plenty of room to spread out, it naturally lends itself to a full weekend experience with family and friends. While one night rentals are available, many couples choose to make a weekend of it.

Overnight rentals include guest accommodations, dining and gathering spaces, and access to the ceremony site. Lodging ranges from rustic cabins and treehouses to newer accommodations, allowing guests to choose the experience that best fits them. For Sam and Adam, the weekend started with a karaoke night before the wedding and ended with a packed dance floor that kept the celebration going long after dinner.

Although the camp can accommodate up to 1,400 campers during the summer season, wedding events are generally centered around spaces that can host up to 300 guests. With enough lodging for most guests to stay on site, Camp Namanu makes it easy to keep everyone together for the entire weekend.

One thing I always appreciate about Camp Namanu is that it has solid backup plans for Oregon weather. The primary ceremony site is outdoors, but indoor options are available if needed. Sam and Adam’s early June wedding brought just about every type of weather imaginable, and their ceremony was moved to Uncle Toby’s, one of the camp’s historic gathering spaces. The change was seamless and still felt true to the venue, with natural wood interiors and plenty of room for their 200 plus guests.

The original plan also included an outdoor dinner, but when the weather shifted, the celebration moved into Raker Hall. Having well established indoor spaces meant the day could continue without stress, proving that a little Oregon weather doesn’t have to change the experience, just the location.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer for Your Camp Wedding?

Camp weddings are some of my favorite weddings to photograph. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Camp Namanu or another camp venue in Oregon, I love documenting the full experience, from the big moments to everything that happens in between.

If you’re looking for a photographer for your Camp Namanu wedding, I’d love to hear more about your plans.

A big thanks to all the vendors who participated in making this day amazing!

Planner: Your Perfect Bridesmaid
Florals; Songbird Floristry
Catering: Roam Pdx
Bar: Every Hour Happy Hour
DJ: Jess the Ripper
Rentals: Arden Event Co.
Suits: Indochino

  • A close up of two pairs of high platform sparkly dance shoes.
  • Two grooms putting ties on while looking in the mirror.
  • Two grooms get ready together on their wedding day.
  • A couple walks together in a forest and holds hands.
  • A wide view of trees in the rain.
  • A wedding couple are riding in a golf cart in a rain storm.
  • An alter at an indoor wedding at Camp Namanu.
  • A groom and his mother laugh.
  • A groom and a guest at his wedding at camp Namanu.
  • The indoor ceremony space at a camp Namanu Wedding.
  • A couple laughs at the alter of their wedding.
  • A wide view of the alter at an indoor ceremony.
  • Parents of newlyweds crying during the wedding ceremony.
  • A close up of a wedding guest crying during a wedding ceremony.
  • A newlywed couple celebrate at the end of their wedding ceremony at Camp Namanu.
  • A wide view of a tablescape of in a cabin style reception.
  • Wedding reception table decor at an indoor camp style wedding.
  • A close up of a plate and menu at a wedding reception.
  • A close up of vegetables at a wedding cockail hour.
  • A wide view of the cocktail hour space at Camp Namanu.
  • A wide shot of the entry way to Camp Namanu.
  • Details of a dinnerware lit by candles at a wedding reception.
  • Wedding guest eat dinner by candlelight.
  • A mother of the groom gives a wedding speech.
  • Two grooms hold hands in a forest at their wedding at Camp Namanu.
  • Grooms embrace and smile at each other on their wedding day.
  • Newlyweds embrace and laugh together.
  • A couple smiles for a wedding portrait at sunset.
  • Two newlyweds look into each others eyes.
  • Newlyweds kiss during sunset photos.
  • A wide view of the reception space at Camp Namanu.
  • Wedding guests dancing at a wedding reception with dj lights.
  • A groom dances cheerfully at his wedding reception.
  • Wedding guest smile for the camera at a wedding reception.
  • Wedding guests on the dance floor dancing.
  • Two grooms take off and throw their jackets into the crowd of guests at their wedding reception.
  • A groom jumps onto the dance floor of his wedding reception.
  • A wedding guest dances on the dance floor wearing a bedazzled helmet.
  • A groom takes a shot on the dance floor.
  • A close up of a disco ball and flowers at a wedding.

Planning Your Oregon Engagement or Wedding? I Can Help

Make sure to check out my Best Nature Wedding Venue Guide to see some of the best that Oregon has to offer! Whether you’re envisioning mountain views, an oceanfront ceremony, or exchanging vows beneath a canopy of towering trees, this state offers an incredible variety of scenic wedding venues to match your vision.

If you are on the search for your wedding photographer and like what you see, contact me to say hello or check out my reviews on google!

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two grooms stand hand in hand overlooking the columbia river gorge from the griffin house.

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