The Camp Hale wedding venue made sense for Kirsten and Blair from the beginning. They’re Vail locals who spend their winters skiing and snowboarding, so getting married in the same mountains that have shaped so much of their relationship couldn’t have been more fitting. They even celebrated their engagement on the slopes, so there was never really another venue that could compete. Camp Hale felt like home.
Their entire wedding reflected that same feeling. Their dogs were there, guests spent the day soaking in the mountain views, and everyone seemed completely present. Even when the power went out during the reception for about fifteen minutes… nobody panicked. People laughed, grabbed another drink, and waited for the music to come back on before picking up exactly where they left off.
If you’re dreaming about getting married in the Colorado mountains, here’s why Camp Hale deserves a spot at the top of your venue list.
Why Couples Love the Camp Hale Wedding Venue
Camp Hale has this way of feeling both expansive and incredibly peaceful at the same time. Huge mountain views surround you in every direction, but the property still feels private and tucked away. It sits just 15 miles outside of Vail, surrounded by the White River National Forest, making it easy for guests to access without sacrificing that “middle of nowhere” mountain feeling.
One of the coolest parts about the property is its history. Camp Hale was once home to the 10th Mountain Division, where thousands of American soldiers trained during World War II. After the war, many of those soldiers helped build Colorado’s ski industry, including Vail Mountain. For couples who love skiing like Kirsten and Blair, that’s a pretty incredible connection.
The scenery doesn’t hurt either. The ceremony takes place on a private island surrounded by the Eagle River, with mountains stretching across the entire backdrop. It’s a view that honestly doesn’t need much decorating. Add a couple of floral arrangements, and nature takes care of the rest.
What a Wedding Day at Camp Hale Actually Looks Like
One of my favorite things about Camp Hale is the flow. Everything happens right here.
The morning usually begins at the Camp Hale Lodge, where both sides of the wedding party have plenty of space to get ready. The cabins included with the venue package make it even easier to stay on-site the night before.
From there, guests make their way to the ceremony island. Watching Kirsten walk down the aisle with mountains in every direction and the river surrounding the ceremony space was so amazing. Their colorful florals added the perfect amount of personality without taking away from the landscape.
It was obvious these two absolutely adore their dogs. They weren’t just making a quick appearance for a photo; they were part of the story. Seeing them included throughout the day was personal, and it’s one of the reasons I love outdoor venues like Camp Hale so much. There’s space to make your wedding actually reflect your life.
After the ceremony, everyone wandered over for cocktail hour beneath the bistro lights while soaking in the mountain views. It never felt crowded or hectic. Just relaxed conversations, good drinks, and guests enjoying being outside.
Endless Portrait Locations Without Leaving the Property
Another reason I love photographing weddings here? We barely have to leave the venue to create an entire gallery that feels incredibly diverse.
Within just a few minutes, you can photograph:
- Wide-open mountain meadows
- The Eagle River
- Forest trails
- Wooden cabins
- Open fields
- Historic buildings
- Quiet roads with mountain backdrops
- Sunset overlooking the valley
Kirsten and Blair’s portraits perfectly showed how much variety Camp Hale offers. One minute we were walking through open sagebrush fields with mountains surrounding us, and the next we were tucked beneath towering pines with their sweet golden retriever happily joining in. We spent most of the time wandering, talking, and letting them enjoy a few quiet moments together before heading back to celebrate.
The Reception Tent Is the Perfect Blank Canvas
The reception tent at Camp Hale is one of those spaces that works with almost any wedding style.
Whether you’re planning something elegant, colorful, rustic, or somewhere in between, the white draping and open layout let your design really shine. Kirsten and Blair leaned into soft summer colors, wildflower-inspired arrangements, woven textures, and natural wood details.
The tent can comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests, but because of the draped ceiling and warm lighting, it still feels cozy even with a smaller guest count. One of my favorite design moments was the greenery installation suspended above the dance floor. It added so much life to the space without competing with the mountain views just outside the tent.
As the sun disappeared behind the mountains, dinner turned into toasts, toasts turned into dancing… and then everything suddenly went dark. The power had gone out. Instead of letting it ruin the evening, everyone rolled with it. People laughed, chatted, and waited together until everything came back on about fifteen minutes later. Then the dance floor filled up again as if nothing had happened. Honestly, it fit the vibe perfectly—laid-back, joyful, and completely focused on celebrating rather than stressing over things no one could control.
Sometimes those unexpected moments become the stories everyone tells for years.
Camp Hale Wedding Venue Pricing & Packages
One thing couples appreciate about Camp Hale is that many of the essentials are already included, making planning a little simpler.
Wedding Packages Include
- Private ceremony island
- Cocktail hour lawn
- Beverage service
- 40′ × 80′ reception tent
- Camp Hale Lodge access
- Two complimentary overnight cabins
- Access to trusted preferred vendors
Wedding Pricing
- Monday–Thursday: $14,000
- Friday & Sunday: $17,000
- Saturday & Holidays: $20,000
If you’re planning something more intimate, Camp Hale also offers weekend buyouts, micro wedding packages, and elopement packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Hale Weddings
How far is Camp Hale from Vail?
Camp Hale is located about 15 miles from Vail, making it an easy drive while still feeling wonderfully secluded.
How many guests can Camp Hale accommodate?
The venue can host up to 250 guests for both the ceremony and reception.
Can you have a smaller wedding at Camp Hale?
Absolutely! In addition to full wedding weekends, Camp Hale offers micro-wedding and elopement packages for couples wanting a more intimate celebration.
Does Camp Hale include lodging?
Yes! Wedding packages include two complimentary cabins, and there are plenty of additional lodging options nearby in Vail, Minturn, and Red Cliff.
Is the Camp Hale wedding venue dog-friendly?
It can be a fantastic choice if your dogs are part of your family. Kirsten and Blair included theirs throughout the day, and it made the celebration feel even more like them. If you’ve always pictured your pup tagging along for portraits or greeting guests, Camp Hale offers plenty of outdoor space to make that happen.
Is Camp Hale worth it?
If you’re looking for a venue that combines incredible mountain scenery, meaningful Colorado history, flexible event spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere, I’d say yes. It’s the kind of place where guests naturally slow down, couples actually get to enjoy their wedding day, and the mountains become part of the experience.
For Kirsten and Blair, it wasn’t just where they got married; it was where their love for the mountains, their dogs, and their community all came together in one unforgettable place. And that’s what makes Camp Hale so special. It’s not trying to be anything other than Colorado at its very best.
Featured Vendors
Venue | Camp Hale
Photographer | Samantha Ruscher Photo
Planning & Florals | Petal & Bean
Videographer | Addy Lehman Films
Film Assist | Nicholas Crandall Photography
DJ | Wander Beats
Catering | Vail Catering Concepts
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