By Olivia Orman
Nestled beneath Thunder Mountain, Bridal Cave is a geological wonder that has attracted wedding business from over 3,000 couples around the world. Selected by Glamour magazine as one of the top unique wedding venues in America, this geological site provides intimate and business-friendly opportunities for newlyweds and corporate groups looking for a unique event spot this spring.
The Ceremony
Bridal Cave creates memorable weddings above and below ground. Brides and grooms have the option to wed under its world-famous, stalactite-adorned Bridal Chapel that maintains a constant 60-degree temperature year-round or a highly elevated outdoor pavilion overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks.
Regardless of whether newlywed couples opt to say ‘I do’ in the cave or the Ozark mountaintops, Bridal Cave bundles various amenities into their wedding packages. This includes a minister to perform the service, recorded pipe organ music, silk or fresh flowers for the bride and groom, services of a professional photographer, two toasting flute glasses, a bottle of sparkling cider, and free admission for the guests of the bride and groom. On top of that, the newlywed couple has a free lifetime pass to Bridal Cave!
“I cannot say enough great things about the event center and the staff. The space is so versatile. I love the way it is set up to have different designated areas if needed. The view is amazing in any season. There was plenty of space to accommodate our needs. For the reception, we set up the balcony section as the dining area, so our guests could enjoy the view. The bar area accommodated our large buffet and drink station. The large, hardwood floor area allowed us to keep people on the dance floor. This space feels like home. The staff makes you feel like family. I will use Bridal Cave Event Center again.” – Ruth McCabe-Goddard
The Events
After the wedding ceremony, newlywed couples have the option to celebrate their matrimony at Bridal Cave’s mountaintop event space, Thunder Mountain Park Event Center. This quaint, multi-purpose venue is located on one of the highest points of Camdenton County and provides a scenic overlook of the Lake of the Ozarks and the Ozark mountains.
Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park Event Space are primarily known for their weddings. However, the mountaintop’s newly renovated facility is also available to organizations looking for a scenic place to get down to business. Whether groups want to host a meeting, luncheon, dinner, training seminar, or reception, this multi-functional space can seat up to 100 attendees comfortably.
“The Camdenton Chamber’s Leadership Camden County class met at the Thunder Mountain Park Event Center for our Natural Resources session in April of 2021. Our group of 28 enjoyed meeting at this facility; it was spacious enough to accommodate our group in a conference style room set-up while also allowing additional space for our catered lunch to be set up in a separate room with a built-in bar. The event center location was ideal as our group completed the day with a fantastic group tour at Bridal Cave just down the road.” – KC Cloke, Executive Director, Camdenton Chamber of Commerce.
The Accommodations
Bridal Cave is accessible from various hotels and resorts around the Lake of the Ozarks. Accommodations options for wedding and corporate groups include, but are not limited to, Margaritaville Lake of the Ozarks, Old Kinderhook, The Lodge of Four Seasons, and Camden on the Lake Resort. For additional information regarding your group’s accommodations, contact the Lake of the Ozarks CVB.
Marriage, Meetings, Memories
Whether you’re asked to help plan your niece or nephew’s wedding or your organization’s next strategic planning session, keep Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park Event Center in mind while inquiring about venues. Switching up your surroundings this spring may very well offer the invigoration your group needs after a long winter, while also creating excitement for gathering face-to-face. After all, it’s our willingness to plan outside the box that makes events – whether marriages or meetings – all the more memorable.
MEET
Olivia Orman is a contributing writer from St. Louis.
