FAQs

Question

Do I have to stay overnight at Camp Merrie Woode?

Answer

Nope! We have a hotel block booked at Comfort Inn and Suites in Plainwell and there are a fair number of Vrbo and Airbnb options nearby between Grand Rapids, Plainwell, and Kalamazoo. The lodging at Camp Merrie Woode is totally optional (but also totally free!). While we would love to spend the weekend at camp with you, we also understand peoples' differing needs and desires AND you can still have a blast and access the camp all weekend while also choosing to stay off-site!

Question

What is the lodging like at Camp Merrie Woode?

Answer

Camp Merrie Woode is a Girl Scout Camp so the cabins are designed for summer campers. All the cabin spaces have electricity and heating. Most cabins do NOT have attached bathrooms but clean bath and shower houses are within a 1-4 minute walk from all of the cabins. Some cabins have attached kitchenettes while all other cabins are within a 1-2 minute walk from a gathering space that includes a kitchen space (including fridge and freezer access, microwave, coffee maker, and an assortment of cookware). If you're bringing your own food, there will be plenty of space to store it - all we ask is that you clearly label it as yours, don't eat other peoples' food, and clean up after yourself in the cooking spaces!

Question

Will I be able to choose where I stay at Camp Merrie Woode?

Answer

We know you well and we've seen the spaces at camp, so we'll be planning the cabin assignments at camp if you're staying with us on-site. We plan to group families and/or friends together with people they know. If you have specific requests regarding housing, there will be a spot to enter that when you RSVP.

Question

What should I bring with me if I'm staying overnight at Camp Merrie Woode?

Answer

Great question! We'll be emailing our overnight guests a suggested packing list along with additional details about their assigned lodging closer to the date. But in short: you will need to bring your own bedding and towels, warm layers for fall in Michigan, toiletries, and food or a plan for food outside of Saturday dinner.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

YES! We adore our nephews and nieces and our friend's babes. We also understand the chaos that comes with including the kiddos too - please don't fret if they laugh, cry, or make funny noises, it's all part of the celebration! : )

Question

I have a food allergy/dietary restriction, can I make a special request?

Answer

Jess herself has a food allergy and knows how important this question is! Our caterers can accommodate gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian restrictions and allergies. All food allergies or restrictions should be communicated to us in your RSVP. For any allergies/restrictions beyond those listed above, we will do our very best to coordinate with our caterers and keep you in the loop. Please be sure to include any dietary information in your RSVP to the reception!

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

We have the whole camp to ourselves for the weekend so there will be plenty of parking! Please plan to park in the designated parking lots (we'll have maps and signs around). We cannot have vehicles driving through camp past the parking areas. For those who need assistance getting to the ceremony and reception spaces, we will have a shuttle available to give you a ride from the parking lot.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Camp Merrie Woode is quite lovely and is a lot of property too - you're welcome to arrive on the property earlier in the day even if you aren't staying at the camp for the weekend to enjoy the hiking trails, lake side, and fall foliage. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot to the ceremony space (we'll have maps and signs!), so please be sure to include extra time for the walk.

Question

Still have specific questions?

Answer

Reach out to Peter and Jess at jessport.16@gmail.com and we'll do our best to get back to you with an answer : )

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

You can find our registry linked here on our website in the Registry tab!

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP by August 1, 2024! We realize this may be a little early for some folks, but this will help give us time to organize the cabin assignments and seating assignments and communicate everything to y'all properly.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

Yes! We will have a welcome bonfire for anyone that wants to attend on Friday night at 7-8:30pm at camp. S'more fixings provided! This is a casual hang-out, optional event. You are also more than welcome to explore the trails, lake, and beauty of camp throughout the weekend. We'll have some lawn games, card games, and board games scattered around camp, and we may even start an impromptu kickball game at some point over the weekend :)

Question

What meals are provided throughout the weekend?

Answer

We will provide dinner on Saturday night for everyone. If you are utilizing the optional, complimentary lodging at Camp Merrie Woode, there are a handful of fully equipped kitchenettes with fridges, stoves, and cookware that are open and available to our guests throughout the weekend to use for their meals. There are grocery stores, gas stations, and a few restaurants near camp as well.