I'll keep everything
fun, calm, efficient and running smoothly
so you can get all those amazing pics
spending less time posing
and more time celebrating!
460 Indian Head St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA
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Rustic Wedding Winner in my books. This lakeside property has on-site cabins/houses for you to get ready in. The camp vibes are amazing. It feels like you're in a pine forest overlooking a perfect lake. The main lodge looks like a Hollywood set for a camp lodge. It's got that rustic vibe, but is clean and well tended. That vibe can't be faked. It's simply authentic and has all the right feels for that relaxed stress-free wedding without all the fuss and foo foo other veneus put on. Some of my best and most fun weddings have been at this venue because the crowd it attracts are awesome chill people who know how to have fun.
Ceremony
Gotta be real on this one. As awesome as the property is, it was never intended to host weddings, so the ceremony spot is just the back deck - which is small. Seats are crammed in tight, support beams obstruct views, the "aisle" is maybe four steps and some guests will be standing. BUT, it has an amazing view of the lake behind and if you're just doing a 15 minute "I Do" then it's totally worth it.
Camp Kiwanee
What if it rains?
This property is intended for good weather. If we can't get outside, the vibe changes drastically. Best thing is though, it's never been a problem and almost certainly won't be for you. Most weddings at Camp Kiwanee are in the summer, so the sun sets late and rain is only fleeting and passing quickly. There's almost always an ability to go out and get all those amazing pictures at some point before we lose light.
For the ceremony, I'd assume guests sit at the their tables and you're on the dance floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Camp Kiwanee in Hanson a great place to get married?
The vibes are SO good. Ever watch Dirty Dancing? That iconic camp vibe? That lodge with the wood columns and wrap-around deck? Yeah, it's the perfect rustic wedding vibes.
2. Where are the best places for wedding photos at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson ?
That back deck has the stairs that lead down to a platform overlooking the lake. It's not huge, but we can do all the wedding party and family pictures there and it's stunning.
3. What's the best time of day for portraits at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson?
Family and wedding party pictures would typically occur either immedaitely following "First Look" or direclty after the ceremony during cocktail hour unless you built in a gap between a church ceremony and arriving on property.
Regardless, at some point just before or near sunset I'll take just the two of you outside again for those soft-light intimate shots. It should only take like 10 minutes but these are the shots you hire me for. These are the jaw-dropping, tier enducing, OMG shots.
4. Is a first look a good idea at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson ?
Absolutely! The first look gives you a chance to truly see each other. Express your thoughts. BE together for a moment - away from everyone else. Now you get to enjoy your own cocktail hour. Now it's not such a whirlwind. You're not as rushed, so less anxiety. Totally worth considering.
For the traditional "I want to see her coming down the aisle", let me give some perspective. First, when she gets there you need to just shut up and get married. You can't stop and talk. At a first look you can. Second, that heart-fluttering HOLY CRAP feeling when all your guests stand and you realize this is real, this is happening! That feeling doesn't go away just because you already saw each other. It actually may be enhanced.
5. What happens if it rains on your wedding day at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson ?
In all my years, I've only had maybe a handful of weddings that were 100% completely washed out. It's so rare it's not worth discussing. Yeah, maybe the ceremony gets moved indoors. Maybe the family and wedding party pics are on the dance floor but there will almost certainly be an opportunity between drops to run outside for a few pics of the two of you.
6. How much time should we set aside for wedding photos?
I typically like an hour, but I'm SUPER efficient. It really comes down to how large your group is. How many in the wedding party? How big is your family? Are there divorces with step family? Are there grandparents? Do you want to include aunts, uncles, cousins? The smaller the group the easier it is obviously.
7. Can we stay on schedule without feeling rushed?
This is my super power. You could be WAY behind schedule, then it comes time for the family and wedding party pics and poof, you're back on schedule. I can be amazingly efficient to power through all those combinations so you can lower the anxiety and not lose any of your wedding.
8. What's your favorite photo location at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson ?
To actually get down to water level and get some cool beach and sunset shots we kinda need to hike. Legit, down a path that's a bit overgrown and could bust an ankle, but worth it.
9. Have you photographed weddings at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson before?
I wouldn't be talking about it otherwise - absolutely. There's a benefit to knowing the flow of things. Where you're allowed to go and where's off-limits. Knowing where the shadows will fall and knowing what will be in bloom. Even just knowing how the staff approaches the day and their personalities. It all helps make the entire day run smoothly for you. There's an unspoken "nod and wink" between me and the day-of coordinator keeping everything perfect so you get the most out of the day.
10. What should couples know before getting married at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson?
You're not really getting a "Wedding Venue". You'll have someone from the property to help with everything but it's not the pampered overly-attentive graduate from Johnson & Whales at your beckon-call. It's rustic. I like to say "authentic". Every wedding I've done there has been amazing, because the couples that choose such a venue are down-to-earth and real.
11. How many guests does Camp Kiwanee in Hanson work best for?
Yeah, I wouldn't go nuts on the guest count. It can fill up FAST and leave you with 2 square feet for a dance floor if you put too many tables in.
12. Is Camp Kiwanee in Hanson good for indoor and outdoor weddings?
Ummmm, yeah,. . . it's more about the access to the grounds and that camp vibe. Most of your wedding is indoors anyway, so it's not a huge deal if you're forced inside for everything, but it absolutely could create some cabin-fever vibes.
13. Where do you usually take family photos?
That back deck is perfect. It overlooks the lake and is easy for everyone to access.
14. Is sunset really worth stepping away from the reception?
Definitely. That back deck faces west over a lake. It's perfect. Plus, I'll be getting way more than just sunset. That time of day is perfect for the soft romantic shots.
15. What makes photographing weddings at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson unique?
It feels like it's yours. You're not sharing it with other brides, golfers, members, etc. This is all about YOU and your wedding and your people. There's nothing pretentious or stuck-up about it. It's gorgeous and has its own solid vibe that will make everyone feel welcomed, comfortable and at ease to have the time of your life.