The Texas Hill Country has its share of beautiful properties, places that offer views of sunsets and vast rolling fields. Camp Hideaway is a wedding and event venue in Gillespie County that gives its guests a truly Texas view.
Owner, Judson Sutherland, and his wife, Wendy, looked at other properties in the area along the rural roads near Luckenbach Texas, while determining a place to start a wedding venue.
But when they drove up the driveway of what is now Camp Hideaway, they both got chills.
“We came onto the property and were literally driving up the drive and looking at each other like, oh my goodness, this is incredible,” said Sutherland.
Sutherland and his wife were motivated to purchase the property during the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Sutherland said, “We realized this is actually a really awesome idea, because people now more than ever appreciate the value of getting away and being out in God’s creation.”
With a property set to view the best of the Texas sunsets, Sutherland set out to hire a staff that matched his vision for loving and serving people.
“Everyone sitting here is an A-player, everyone sincerely cares about helping people,” said Sutherland. “Everyone cares about working hard and cares about helping each other.”
Ollie Bushula, operations manager for the venue, worked at resorts all over the world before meeting Sutherland in Drippings Springs where the two instantly became friends. Facilities manager, Jeremy Jensen, spent much of his life in Colorado as an electrician and material mover. Kelsey Fisher, sales manager, developed a passion for weddings shortly after graduating from Texas State University in San Marcos.
When Sutherland purchased the property from the previous owners, the location and amenities were already noteworthy. The hilltop location featured two homes, Ranch House and Sunrise House, capable of sleeping 10 guests on the grounds between the two.
Many Gillespie County wedding venues do not provide any accommodation, so the two houses set Camp Hideaway apart. But soon, the venue plans to expand their overnight operation.
“We’re going to start adding some luxury glamping tents, as well,” said Bushula. “We will have that feel of a safari, but also elevated.”
Luxury tents and yurts have gained popularity as B&Bs across the state, but there are few in Gillespie County. With the views at Camp Hideaway, luxury tents give the guests easy access to sunsets and night skies.
As a wedding venue, the increase in beds provides possibilities for the wedding arrangements of their guests.
“Once we complete these, it will be possible for the entire wedding party to stay at Camp Hideaway,” said Sutherland.
The plan is to build 12 luxury tents that will be heated and cooled, 400 square feet of space per tent, and will feature a private deck and full kitchen.
“We’re (also) building a resort pool at the bottom half of the property,” said Sutherland.
With the additions in accommodation and amenities, the staff at Camp Hideaway is hoping to diversify the use of the space to include not only weddings, but also family reunions, corporate events and spiritual retreats.
Much of the appeal for a Texas Hill Country wedding venue is the scenery and surrounding landscape. Sutherland pointed out that Camp Hideaway is a short drive from area attractions such as Luckenbach, wineries, and downtown Fredericksburg.
“The lodging on property is a huge selling point,” said Fisher about the property’s appeal. “A view is a requirement and an outdoor ceremony option. Also, an indoor/outdoor feel.”
With a vision for putting their guests first and creating a memorable experience, the staff at Camp Hideaway is invested in a long-term future.
“We’re not offering a venue to rent,” said Sutherland. “The actual purpose of what everyone on our team is doing is loving people through our hospitality.”
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