How to Build Your First Retreat on a Shoestring (and Walk Away With Priceless Marketing Collateral)
Okay, let’s clear the air first: Your first retreat isn’t about making a profit—at least not yet.
It’s about creating proof.
Proof that you’re the real deal.
Proof that the experience you provide changes lives.
Proof that you belong at the front of the room (or circle, or beach—wherever your soul is calling).
So, let’s dive into exactly how to pull off your first retreat with limited funds and walk away with content gold.
Start With the End in Mind
No matter the size, budget, or length of retreat, you need clarity on what you want it to do for your brand (of course in addition to how it will impact your customers).
Are you a coach showing potential clients what deep transformation looks like?
An author or thought leader building high-level connections?
A healer collecting testimonials that showcase your powerful work?
Get clear on the exact vibe and outcome you want. I.e. I want to do a retreat in 6 months on confidence—then your first retreat should start laying the groundwork for that.
How to Create Magic on a Modest Budget
I see you dreaming of Bali villas and celebrity chefs but slow your roll. When you’re starting out, there are smarter ways to create a powerful experience without putting large sums of money at risk.
Must-Haves
Photographer: Hire a photographer to capture the key moments—group shots, candids, and rituals.
Pro Tip: Can’t afford a full day? Book them for 1–2 focused hours during a powerful session or ceremony. If that’s still out of reach, a friend with a good eye can help but professional photos are an investment that will pay off big time in your future marketing.
More Than a Photographer—A Storyteller
My photographer and Chief Storyteller for AZ Soul Retreats, Mariah Coen (pictured above with me), has the rare gift of capturing the feeling of a retreat, not just the visuals. She knows exactly when to step in (and when to disappear), and I trust her completely to document the moments that matter. If you can find someone like that, even for just a few hours, it’s worth every penny.
Pro Tip: Don’t just hire a photographer. Find a storyteller.
One Deep, Powerful Experience: Invest in one session that moves the needle—breathwork, energy healing, ceremony, or a movement-based experience.
Pro Tip: This is the “anchor moment” your attendees will talk about—and share. Prioritize depth over a packed agenda.
Support Guide or Co-Facilitator: Bring someone who can hold space or support the experience. It frees you up to lead instead of managing the minute-by-minute for the entire day.
Pro Tip: Choose someone who complements your energy and helps you stay in your zone of genius.
Where to Save
Venue: The venue sets the tone, influences the energy, and gives your photographer something beautiful to capture. But you don’t need to drop a big deposit or take on financial risk to find a space that works. Choose a spot that’s naturally beautiful, fits your retreat theme, and offers a sense of calm and connection.
Pro Tip: Have access to a beautiful home (yours or a friend’s)? Use it! Hosting locally can reduce costs and add intimacy.
Meals: Skip the catering. Do potlucks, BYO lunches, or share group orders.
Pro Tip: Shared meals create connection and guests usually love contributing something simple.
Swag: Ditch the big merch budget. Offer handwritten notes, oracle cards, or small meaningful gifts.
Pro Tip: Thoughtful touches beat branded water bottles every time.
Lodging: Let guests book their own.
Pro Tip: Provide a list of nearby options with a range of price points. Your clients will appreciate the guidance and flexibility.
Content Is Queen—Capture It Intentionally
Repeat after me: Content, content, content. It’s what will sell future retreats!
Your retreat’s lasting value isn’t just during your time together, it’s the stories and images you leave with.
Before the Retreat:
Legalities: Add a media release to your intake form.
Permission: Let guests know you’ll be capturing content and when the camera will be out.
Pro Tip: Frame it as part of your mission, “I want others to see what’s possible through this work.” My experience is that people want to help and will be excited to see what you’re creating.
During the Retreat:
Have your photographer present during high-energy moments (opening circle, workshops, nature walks) to maximize your content haul. Make sure you get video as well as photos as videos are the currency on social media platforms.
Pro Tip: Use the golden hour (as the sun going down) for solo photos or shots of journaling or meditation. It’s visual storytelling magic.
During your closing ceremony, capture client “aha” moments. A quick voice memo on your phone works perfectly and is very discreet. No need for a big production.
After the Retreat:
Send a warm, genuine thank-you—and let guests know you’re collecting feedback to both share the magic and improve future experiences.
Try prompts like:
“How were you feeling before the retreat?”
“What shifted for you?”
“What would you tell someone considering this experience?”
Make it easy and pressure-free. Voice memos, DMs, casual emails—they all count.
Pro Tip: Be upfront that you’re gathering reflections for two reasons: to spotlight the magic (testimonials) and to make your next retreat even better. Want to sweeten the deal? Offer $50 off their next retreat if they send a short video you can use in your marketing. A little incentive goes a long way.
Position the Retreat as a Launchpad (Not a One-Off)
Don’t let your content die in a folder. Use it to build momentum and credibility.
Turn testimonials into captions, reels, and sales page quotes.
Highlight your photos across social, email, and future retreat launches.
Share personal takeaways in your newsletter to build emotional connection.
Create a short highlight reel to create FOMO (and future sign-ups).
Pro Tip: Start a “Retreat Content Bank” folder on your desktop with labeled subfolders (testimonials, images, B-roll) so it’s easy to find and repurpose when you need it.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
You don’t need white sand beaches or a seven-course meal to lead a powerful retreat or to walk away with the social proof that makes your next one easier to fill.
A simple, low-cost, DIY retreat can give you everything you need to grow: meaningful photos, authentic testimonials, and lived proof of your impact. When people can see the change you create, they’re far more likely to invest in your future experiences.
What you do need is clarity, connection, and the courage to begin.
If you walk away with 6 strong photos, 2 glowing testimonials, and one transformation that changes a life (maybe even your own), you’ve already succeeded. That’s the magic of retreats.
You didn’t just host an event.
You sparked a ripple effect.
And that, my friend, is priceless.
Your friend and Retreat Architect,
Michelle