It's true. There are no kids under 18 years of age allowed for the entire wedding summer camp (Monday - Wednesday). This is adult summer camp - and we want to spend time with all of our friends and family with zero (child) distractions. So find a babysitter and come enjoy the days away with us!
We kindly ask that all guests are vaccinated against Covid-19. This decision is due to new variants spreading, the safety of our elderly loved ones, and the shared cabin experience. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Canoes, paddle boards, fishing gear, lawn games, musical instruments, bug spray, sunscreen, headlamp for nighttime (Nayia, bring two. You know why), water bottle, sandals, hiking shoes, layers, raincoat, warm coat for nighttime, toiletries (shampoo, soap, conditioner, hair dryers), swimsuit, beach towel, camp chair, etc. Linens, bedding, pillows, and bath towels are provided if you are staying in the NatureBridge cabins. All meals are provided Monday dinner - Wednesday breakfast at the NatureBridge mess hall, but bring snacks if you get extra hungry.
Potentially - in the Pacific Northwest (even in the summer time) rain and cold temperatures happen! We recommend you bring warm layers, hat, gloves, wool socks, and a rain jacket - just in case. Fingers crossed you wont need 'em :-)
For the welcome campfire and explorations in Olympic National Park - feel free to wear "Summer camp cozy". This means wear what you feel most comfortable in, but be sure to bring layers (perhaps a fleece and a raincoat), athletic clothes for hiking and games, and a jacket for nighttime. For our wedding ceremony and reception, please dress semi-formal. This means anything from khakis (shorts or pants) and a button down to a suit and tie for the gents and a sundress to a cocktail dress for the ladies. Chacos are welcome! We will be outside and don't want you to be too hot or cold, so check the weather before you pack and dress appropriately. As you plan your footwear, keep in mind that we'll be on grass.
Unlike other summer camps, we will not confiscate your phones! In fact, we encourage you to use them to take pictures and add the #BrellyCamp so we can enjoy the memories for years to come. There is wireless internet in the main buildings at NatureBridge. Cellphone service is intermittent: AT&T and Verizon customers will have the best luck finding reception.
From Seattle, you will take the Bainbridge Island Ferry from downtown, and then drive another 2 hours to NatureBridge. In total it is about a 3 hour journey from Seattle. Cell service is spotty at NatureBridge, so make sure to load your google maps in advance!
All of the cabins at Brelly Camp are bunk beds with 6-8 people to a room. If you aren't feeling that, no worries! There are other places to stay in the area, though you'll have to pay out of pocket. I'd check out the Lodge at Lake Crescent - it is only 200 yards away!
Unfortunately, Olympic National Park only allows camping in designated areas and NatureBridge is not a designated camping area. Come stay in the cabins with us instead!
If you are spending time in Seattle, we suggest some of the obvious tourist attractions like Pike Place Market and Gasworks Park, as well as UW's Rainier Vista. If the weather is nice, grab a bike share and ride on the Burke Gilman Trail or rent a boat to take out on Lake Union. Check out breweries in the Ballard neighborhood like Reubens or Stoup - or our favorite beer located downtown - Cloudburst. Seattle has delicious food - if you like Asian food, check out the International District for amazing sushi, Vietnamese, hot pot, or Chinese. A few of our favorite places for happy hour are Plenty of Clouds and Artusi - both close to our home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. If you're looking for that iconic photo of a lighthouse + Mt Rainer, walk the trails in Discovery Park. Best views in Seattle? Pay to go up the Columbia Tower or the Space Needle. We love the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)! Fav coffee? Elm. Fav Donuts? Raised Donuts. Fav thai? Manoa. Fav cocktails? Olmstead.
There is much natural beauty to see outside the city of Seattle. Venture down to Mt Rainier national park to hike the Paradise Trail. Come out to Olympic National Park early and visit Hurricane Ridge or hike along the Hoh River Trail. Grab lunch or a drink in towns on the water like Port Townsend or Port Angeles. Heck, if you're inkling for some high tea and maple syrup, take the 90 minute ferry ride from Port Angeles to Victoria, Canada. Back stateside, head out to Rialto Beach for a nice walk and that amazing western sunset over the ocean. There are also plenty of hikes (for all abilities) near NatureBridge - like Marymere Falls and Storm King. You will have time for hiking near NatureBridge on Monday and Tuesday during the day.
Check out NatureBridge's FAQs for wedding guests: https://naturebridge.org/retreat-space/olympic-wedding#information-for-wedding-guests