This Lake Tahoe summer camp wedding took place over a full day at Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe. Instead of a traditional venue, the couple chose a summer camp setting where everyone could stay, gather, and celebrate together in one place.
They hired me for 8 hours of wedding photography coverage, which allowed me to capture the main events of the day. I started with getting ready at two different locations. The groom and his friends were at Camp Concord, and the bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready at Camp Richardson. From there, everything came together back at camp for the ceremony, reception, and dancing under the stars.
What stood out most about this Lake Tahoe summer camp wedding was how personal it felt. From the colorful wedding party to the relaxed, outdoor setting, the entire day reflected the couple’s personalities and priorities. It also meant they could ride mountain bikes together on the morning of their wedding day!
Getting Ready at Camp Concord and Camp Richardson
I started the day with the groom and his groomsmen at Camp Concord. They were getting ready outside on a wooden deck, hanging out and helping each other with final details. This may be only wedding I’ve ever photographed with bolo ties!
After that, I drove over to Camp Richardson where the bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready near the lake.
The bridesmaids and the bride all wore colorful red and purple flower crowns.There was even a colorful flower crown for the flower girl.
One of the standout details from this Lake Tahoe summer camp wedding was the wedding party. The seven bridesmaids each wore a different color of the rainbow. Paired with floral crowns, it made for the most colorful bridal party ever. We stopped at the pier for a few quick photos before heading to Camp Concord.
Ceremony at Camp Concord
The ceremony took place at the small amphitheater at Camp Concord. This is one of the reasons a Lake Tahoe summer camp wedding is a great outdoor venue option. You get a natural, rustic setting that already feels built for gathering, without needing to add much.
During the ceremony, I focused on candid moments between the couple, as well as reactions from the wedding party and guests. At 3:30pm on a late summer afternoon, the high elevation sunshine can be pretty bright. Exposing for the highlights and finding the right angles, I was able to get some great shots of the bride, groom, and their wedding party.
I love capturing emotional moments and joyful hugs from family. So, I always keep my camera up when I see guests approaching after the ceremony.
After the ceremony, we spent some time nearby capturing a mix of family portraits and more relaxed group moments in the forest. By this time of day, the sunlight was softer. I guided the groups to an area where there was some nice light filtering through the trees behind them.
Sunset Photos in the Meadow
Later in the day, we stepped away for sunset portraits in a nearby meadow filled with aspen trees.
Golden hour in Lake Tahoe always brings a softer, more even light, and this setting worked perfectly for that transition from daytime to evening. We also stayed out into blue hour, capturing a few quieter moments as the light faded.
Reception and Dancing at Camp Concord
The reception also took place at Camp Concord, with guests gathering inside at long wooden tables for a camp-style dinner and toasts.
This was one of the best parts of the day and it reminded me of being a kid at summer camp. This was exactly the kind of atmosphere the couple wanted for their wedding reception.
As the evening continued, the celebration moved outside onto the large wooden deck. String lights hung overhead, and everyone gathered around for the couples first dance and parent dances.
Being outside, under the stars, with everyone gathered close made it feel less like a formal reception and more like a big party with friends.
Lake Tahoe Summer Camp Wedding Photography
A Lake Tahoe summer camp wedding offers something different from a traditional venue. It brings everyone together in an outdoor, slightly more rustic setting.
Camp Concord is a great example of this. With cabins, open space, and a built-in layout for events, it eliminates needing to move between multiple locations.
If you’re planning a Lake Tahoe summer camp wedding and want photography that focuses on real moments and the overall experience of the day, click over to my contact page and reach out. I’m always happy to share insight and help you make the most of a setting like this.
