Best Wedding Venues in Sun Valley

& Other Important Tips on Getting Married in Idaho

Idaho, a gorgeous state surrounded by mountains, protected wilderness, and seemingly endless outdoor activities. Visiting this northwestern gem is the perfect way in which to reconnect with nature, relax, and marvel at the beautiful landscapes. Which is why so many couples in love choose to get married in Idaho.

More specifically, it’s well known that the gorgeous resort city of Sun Valley is rife with soon-to-be brides and grooms who simply cannot resist its rustic charm. 

Getting married in Sun Valley offers couples the chance to have a small intimate wedding with family and friends, or a luxurious ceremony of 500. This is because it’s got a number of versatile wedding venue options, giving anyone the chance to live out their best wedding dreams.

In short, getting married in Sun Valley can be whatever you want it to be, which is why I adore this city so much. 

So, for those preparing to tie the knot, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on getting married in this heavenly spot. 

Here you’ll find the best wedding venues in Sun Valley Idaho, must-know tips and tricks, hotels in the area, activities for your out-of-town wedding guests to enjoy, wedding photographers, and wedding planner recommendations. 

Basically, everything you need to know about getting married in Sun Valley, you’ll find here.
(But if you don’t, get in touch! I’m always happy to help.)

Wedding Venues in Sun Valley Idaho

There are a number of outstanding wedding venues in Sun Valley, giving you the ability to choose your absolute favorite. Consider the following six venues for your dream wedding.

1. Sun Valley Lodge

Sun Valley Lodge is a location divided up into several different venues. Do you want an indoor or an outdoor wedding? Planning a small wedding or a big celebration? All are possible, but whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain views, and service that’s impeccable.

At Sun Valley Lodge, they pride themselves on being a full-service resort, meaning that all of their facilities, skills, and professionalism falls under one umbrella. They’ve even got the means to provide horseback riding.

Sun Valley Lodge is made up of nine different venues, each romantic and charismatic in their own way. They are:

• Trail Creek Pavilion: The most popular venue in Sun Valley Lodge is Trail Creek Pavilion. It can be found in the mountainous valley and is surrounded by views of the Bald Mountain. It doubles up as an indoor and outdoor wedding venue, as guests can enjoy their pristine lawns, and their signature luxurious wedding tent. This Sun Valley Lodge wedding venue can hold up to 350 seated guests, and is available from May to October.

• Trail Creek Cabin: Welcoming newly weds since 1937, The Trail Creek Cabin is a rustic mountain-style log cabin that’s been transformed into a restaurant. It allows for 70 of your nearest and dearest, and seals the deal with a charming view of the Bald Mountain.

• Trail Creek Grounds: A venue that’s full of charm and nature, the Trail Creek Grounds offers couples the chance to experience a beautiful outdoor wedding with up to 800 seated guests. It’s surrounded by the National Forest, and can be found opposite the Trail Creek Cabin.

• River Run Lodge: This wedding venue in Sun Valley is available all-year-round, and is simply a breath of fresh air. Its elegance can be felt instantly, with floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, and large windows allowing guests to marvel upon the gorgeous Bald Mountain. This venue can hold up to 350 guests, depending on your preference. 

• Roundhouse Restaurant: Start off your magical journey by taking a gondola to the Roundhouse Restaurant, a spot that can cater for 100 guests from June to September, and November to March. This location has uninterrupted views of the Sawtooth Mountains, and has been welcoming guests since 1939.

• Dollar Lodge: For a nature-inspired big wedding, this venue can accommodate 500 seated guests and 1500 reception guests. It oozes sophistication with its floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers, and exquisite surrounding natural views.

• Sun Valley Club: An indoor and outdoor venue that offers a wraparound terrace showing off the Bald and Dollar Mountains. Inside, you’ll find a tasteful dining room, and the ability to host up to 150 seated guests.

• Limelight Ballroom: An elegant and luxurious indoor venue decorated with crystal chandeliers and a private terrace. It’s a large space that can accompany up to 550 guests, but also has the ability to be divided into three smaller venues for a more intimate wedding.

• The Duck Pond: A smaller outdoor spot for a maximum of 80 guests is the Duck Pond, available from May to September.

2. The Valley Club

The Valley Club is a wedding venue in Sun Valley that markets itself as a spot “so beautiful and breathtaking that its members come from all over the world to enjoy its ambiance and traditions”.

It’s a private club that has a way of involving all of its members in the planning process, making it the perfect place for your unique wedding vision.

And while The Valley Club is actually a golf resort and place for recreational activities, it’s far more than that. It’s a place for family and friends to come together, bask in natural surroundings, and create meaningful memories.

It’s also a fairytale location to say your “I do’s”, with perfectly pristine lawns, a romantic atmosphere, and excellent service. Enjoy your sit-down dinner on their patio surrounded by the Bald Mountain, and bask in five-star luxury as you can be sure that this venue will surely deliver all of your gorgeous wedding ideas.

They’re available for private events from October to May, making it an excellent venue for fall, winter, and spring, and they’re able to host large weddings.

Some things to note: Because this is a private members-only club, one would have to own a membership in order to get married here. The rates and availability will then depend on your membership status. 

Alternatively, you could ask a trusted friend or family member with a membership to host your wedding under their name.

3. Galena Lodge

You cannot possibly ask for a more nature-inspired venue in Sun Valley. Galena Lodge is a rustic wedding venue filled with wildflowers, and views of Galena Peak and Senate Creek. This venue is Idaho’s best kept secret when it comes to wedding venues, and remains untouched at the hand of tourists.

They have indoor and outdoor facilities, and the means to provide incredible food and catering services. In fact, the staff at Galena Lodge are accommodating and highly-skilled in helping brides and grooms-to-be in their planning.

They even have their own signature ginger beer that has been recommended by couples who have tied the knot in this heavenly and underrated wedding venue in Sun Valley. 

An added bonus? You can also enjoy tons of activities at Galena Lodge, such as skiing in the winter, and mountain biking.

4. Knob Hill Inn

As far as wedding venues in Sun Valley go, Knob Hill Inn is one that may just take your breath away. It’s a space with a perfect balance of old-world European charm and modernity, and is welcome to everyone who seeks a warm and personal experience.

Knob Hill Inn is recommended for those who lust after a beautifully-organized garden wedding with magnificent views of the Boulder Mountains. It also offers an on-site restaurant, The Grill, that has the capacity to cater for and tailor your menu needs.

For more elaborate weddings, you have the option of renting the entire property, which is a huge plus for those who crave absolute privacy in a warm and elegant setting. 

For a small elopement, the Knob Hill Inn offers private ceremonies with a package that includes a lawn, patio, or Fireplace Room ceremony, a night at the hotel, a bridal bouquet, a wedding cake for two, and $100 credit for your post-elopement dinner at The Grill.

Some things to note: if you plan to hold an outdoor wedding at Knob Hill Inn, you will be required to have a hold on The Grill, in case the weather turns. You’ll also be required to rent a tent.

5. Wild Horse Creek Ranch

Nestled perfectly in an open valley and under central Idaho’s Pioneer Mountains, Wild Horse Creek Ranch is a venue that not only offers gorgeous weddings, but also many an activity.

Here, you can enjoy horseback riding, rodeos, swimming, hot tub access, skiing, and mountaineering. They also offer wildlife viewing, which means coming across large herds of elk and deer that roam freely throughout the valley. 

For your special day, you’ll have access to an outdoor event space, on-site accommodation, and various catering options that have been recommended by many a guest.

Found 20 miles east of Sun Valley, this wedding venue is a serene piece of heaven, away from the crowds, that has the ability to bring your dream wedding into fruition. 

6. Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch

900 acres of pure solitude and natural beauty is what you can expect when you get married at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. It’s a unique venue that can be hired exclusively for you and your guests (all 900 acres and 21 accommodation spots), and is the perfect blend of luxury meets casual.

Picture a rustic cowboy and cowgirl vibe, the bride in a vintage wedding dress and boots, and the groom in an elegant suit with a cowboy hat. Sound right up your alley? Or how about going the more classical route, a simple or elegant wedding dress for her, and a three-piece suit for him? 

Your unique vision surely will come to life at this wedding venue in Sun Valley whilst offering outstanding views of the Sawtooth Range and White Cloud Mountains. It offers a ceremony area, an outdoor event space, and on-site accommodation for traveling guests.

By choosing this wedding venue, you’ll have full access to customize it as you’ve always wanted. Enjoy your special day with 150 of your guests with the ability to house 50 of your out-of-town guests in The Ranch’s accommodation.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to hire the entire venue exclusively, you can choose to rent out their outdoor Meadow Site for your big day, which has a capacity of 150 guests. 

Additional Tips and Information: Getting Married in Sun Valley

Recommended Hotels in Sun Valley for Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

Now that the best wedding venues in Sun Valley have been covered, here are a few helpful tips on accommodation in Sun Valley for traveling guests. 

Take note however, that even the more budget-friendly accommodation venues are around $100 per night.

Also, keep in mind that if you choose to have your wedding at any of the above locations, apart from Galena Lodge, you’ll have on-site accommodation for you and your guests to consider. 

Four and Five-Star Hotels in Sun Valley

Limelight Hotel Ketchum: A luxury four-star hotel offering rooms and suites with panoramic mountain views. It’s situated in a serene surrounding, has an on-site lounge for meals and entertainment, as well as fun outdoor activities. 

Sunburst Sanctuary:This four-star self-catering holiday home comes with three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room with dining area, three bathrooms, a kid’s playground, and a hot tub. It’s located less than a mile from Quarter Dollar, and offers free parking and great views.

Auberge Resorts Collection: An all-season boutique hotel found in Ketchum, Idaho. They offer 62 hotel rooms, and 12 two, three, and four bedroom residences, as well as recreational activities such as skiing and hiking. 

Note: This hotel opens in 2022, and is a five-star accommodation in Sun Valley.

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Sun Valley

Sun Valley Atelier Studio - Chic Rustique: A modern cabin with a rustic feel, this studio accommodation has recently been redesigned and has a queen-size timber-frame bed, a leather sofa, and a view of the Trail Creek Golf Course. It’s nearby Sun Valley Lake, and makes for an excellent spot for one or two people who are visiting Sun Valley.

Atelier 1007:  Found less than a mile from Dollar, Atelier 1007 is a cosy apartment with a king-size bed, a kitchenette, and comfortable furnishings. They also offer a shared hot tub and pool, and access to golf on-site, a fitness room, and easy access to the skating rink.

Sun Valley and Beyond
Wedding Photographers

What is arguably one of the most important wedding vendors along side a wedding videographer, your wedding photographer is able to immortalize your special day. Hiring a professional wedding photographer is a major investment, which is why research is imperative. 

Not only that, but making sure that you and your wedding photographer have the same vision in mind, and that you get along well with each other, will make all the difference when it comes to your wedding photography needs.

With that, here are nine excellent wedding photographers in Sun Valley and some out of state that are highly recommended.

Additionally, here are some more photographers in and around the Sun Valley area.

Kirsten Shultz at KS Weddings: Kirsten is an award-winning wedding photographer in Sun Valley with a degree in fine art photography. Her wedding photographs can be found in a number of well-esteemed bridal magazines, such as Bride & Bloom, and she has exceptional photography skills after being in the industry for more than 15 years.

Craig Wolfrom Photography: Craig’s passion for photography began as a teen whilst on a family road trip in the desert Southwest. He went on to study a degree in photography, and began capturing weddings for his friends in order to gain experience. Today, he’s one of the best wedding photographers in Sun Valley, and has a genuine love for and pride in his work.

Ray J. Gadd: A passionate and hardworking wedding photographer in Sun Valley, Ray J. Gadd realized his passion whilst traveling and participating in adventure sports. He began documenting his adventures so that he could relive those magical moments, and to inspire him to continue living the dream. Today, he captures striking wedding photography in Sun Valley, as well as sports and adventures.

Hillary Maybery Weddings: Originally from Southern California, Hillary discovered her love for photography while in high school. Today, she resides in Sun Valley, and is very proud to have been voted the “Best Photographer in Sun Valley” for the last 10 years. Her work can be found in popular bridal resources and magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings and Style Me Pretty.

Dev Khalsa Photography: With an ability to provoke laughter and tears with his work, Dev Khalsa is a passionate storyteller. He makes an extra effort to get to know his brides and grooms on a more personal level, which then allows him to capture even more candid and meaningful images. He believes in quietly catching those often-missed moments with empathy, and his wedding portfolio is really something to be adored.

Sun Valley Wedding Planners

For those who are looking for a helping hand and want to hire a wedding planner or coordinator in Sun Valley, here are the top event planners in the Idaho area.

Heather Minor Events: From consultation to installation, Heather Minor has more than 15 years of experience in the event planning industry. Heather and her team are a full-service event planning company, and are able to tailor your needs so that you can experience your dream vision. 

This wedding planner in Sun Valley has access to a number of exclusive wedding venues and vendors, and has a very impressive wedding portfolio available for reassurance and inspiration. 

Amanda Seaward’s Absolute Weddings: What started out as a hobby soon transformed into a full-time successful career for Amanda Seaward. With more than 10 years of experience, this event planner in Sun Valley has some amazingly creative visions as well as close relationships with a number of vendors throughout Wood River Valley. 

This local wedding planner too knows the area of Sun Valley extremely well, and she and her team can offer you service in complete wedding coordination, timelines for brides and grooms, and on-the-day assistance.

Wildflower Events & Rentals: This family-run business serves as a go-to for wedding rental equipment. Having worked as a wedding planner herself, owner Hannah Stauts is well-versed in everything wedding-related, and comes with a slew of creative and innovative ideas and recommendations to bring your big day to life effortlessly.

The Weather in Sun Valley

You may be able to plan and execute your dream wedding in Sun Valley, but one thing that is completely out of your control, is the weather. Make sure to check the forecast before any big planning. 

And for those who are unfamiliar with Sun Valley’s climate, here’s a little cheat sheet.

• Rain in Sun Valley: On average, Sun Valley sees around 14 inches of rain per year.

• Snow in Sun Valley: On average, Sun Valley sees around 102 inches of snow per year.

• Sun in Sun Valley: On average, Sun Valley sees around 205 sunny days per year.

Summer in Sun Valley: The warmest month in Sun Valley is July, and temperatures usually reach a high of about 82 degrees. A visit in July, August, and/or September will prove to be the best months in terms of sunshine.

Winter in Sun Valley: The coldest month in Sun Valley is January, and temperatures usually reach a low of 8 degrees. A visit in December and January will prove to be the best month for those who love cold and snowy days.

With that, renting a tent might be a good idea for those who are planning an outdoor wedding, and supplying your guests with umbrellas or parasols will make weather conditions more

Save the Date: Wedding Planning for Success

Sun Valley has become an exceedingly popular place to tie the knot year-round. For that reason, it’s recommended to book your venue at least 10 to 12 months in advance, and to book your wedding planner, videographer, photographer, entertainment, officiant, caterer, and florist at least nine months in advance.

Things to Do in Sun Valley for Traveling Guests

If you or your guests are new to the area and plan to spend a few days, there are a number of fun activities and things to do in Sun Valley. 

Skiing at Sun Valley Resort: For adults and kids alike, you can join the SnowSports School and learn how to ski. Or, if you’re already a pro, you can purchase a Sun & Snow Pass. You can also rent skiing and snowboarding equipment conveniently online. 

Hemingway Memorial Park: A breath of fresh air in summer, this memorial park offers a space for picnics, courts for tennis and basketball, two outdoor pools (one for kids and one for adults), as well as a rock-climbing wall. 

Sun Valley Center for the Arts: This is the oldest arts organization in the area of Wood River Valley, founded in 1971. It sees the likes of around 25,000 visitors per year, and offers visual and performing arts from creatives around the world, as well as educational opportunities. 

Sun Valley Ice Rink: This outdoor ice rink is not only a fun spot for families but also a great place to check out some of the best views of the valley. Here, you can watch Olympic and world-class skaters perform, or have an ice skating lesson.

Wood River Trails: This is a 20-mile paved path that’s open year-round, and offers locals and visitors the opportunity to run, bike, walk, or ski along the trail. The trail was completed in 1991, and since has been the perfect place for a breath of fresh air and some natural sightseeing.

Bald Mountain: If hiking is your thing, the Bald Mountain hiking trail is not too difficult and takes around 60-90 minutes. The view from the top is simply out-of-this-world, but be aware that the trail itself is quite rocky.

Dollar Mountain: This ski hill is part of the Sun Valley Ski Resort, and is perfect for beginner or intermediate skiers. In 2006 some of the ski runs received permanent snowmaking, which has come in handy for low-snowfall periods.

National Forest Development Road 141: This is an easy to moderate loop hiking trail in Sawtooth National Forest. It covers 3.7 miles and takes just under two hours to complete. This hiking trail is fairly easy and can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels.

Gilman Contemporary Art Gallery: A welcoming and award-winning art gallery that houses well-established and up-and-coming artists in the medium of photographs, paintings, and sculptures.

Sawtooth Botanical Garden: A large botanical garden with native and cultivated plants at a high altitude. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk, educational events, displays, and plant collections. One can also rent the space for all kinds of events at an affordable rate.

Ore Wagon Museum: At this museum you’ll find ore wagons that were donated to the city by the Lewis family. These wagons were once part of a parade that thundered down Main Street in 1958. These ore wagons are the only of their kind, and are able to withstand extreme stresses.