When I began searching for a reception and ceremony location in Sun Valley, I hit a major dead-end. I had no idea where to start or what was available (and I've lived here for 20 years!). In my searches I've found a few, and chosen one—but I thought I'd share links and images to local venues to help you along the way.
If anyone rents their private property, or has a location to add to the list, don't hesitate to email hitched@sunvalleymag.com
* please make note that any of the prices I've listed below are as of summer 2010 and are subject to change.
The Knob Hill Inn – Ketchum
(approx. 1 mile North of Ketchum)
I completely spaced adding the Knob Hill Inn to my initial list – but thanks to Stephanie who's getting married there next week – I've remembered how special the location is. With beautiful views of the Boulder Mountains, a picturesque garden, all the rooms to rent for your guests, and a full catering crew and bar The Knob Hill Inn takes a lot of the leg work out of planning a local wedding.
960 N. Main Street
Ketchum, ID 83340
208.726.8010
Inn at Ellsworth Estate – Hailey
(approx. 12 miles South of Ketchum/Sun Valley)
The Ellsworth Estate is a great little Bed and Breakfast establishment in the center of Hailey with gorgeous grounds. Lined with shrubs and trees, it feels nice and secluded and is suitable for outdoor/tented receptions.
702 3rd Avenue South
Hailey, Idaho 83333-4423
info@ellsworthestate.com
For rates and availability call Ronnie at 208.788.6354
Sawtooth Meditation Chapel – Stanley
(approx. 60 miles North of Ketchum/Sun Valley)
This is a quaint log Chapel is located within the city of Stanley, Idaho.
Ceremony: $375 for up to 3 hours • $125 per hour for each additional hour
Wedding & Reception: $750 Maximum of 7 hours
info@stanleychapel.com
208.774.2952
Ketchum Parks Locations:
Ketchum Forest Service Park – Ketchum
Located in the heart of Ketchum. This public park is where Ketchum Alive takes place every Tuesday in the summer. It's surrounded by fences and picturesque views of Baldy.
Ketchum Rotary Park
This park gives one a sense of privacy and is on the river just north of Ketchum on Warm Springs Road. It's located directly across from the YMCA and Ketchum Skate Park and has an existing covered area. Make sure to double check for size limitations.
Lucy Loken Park
Ketchum's newest, the Lucy Loken Park is located at the end of Walnut avenue and sits on Trail Creek. Make sure to double check for size limitations.
For special event permit inquiries, please call the special event coordinator at 208.726.7820.
Kirk would be happy to help. Remember, when calling about reserving space at any Ketchum park, remember to ask about glass wear regulations, time limitations and noise ordinances.
Elkhorn Springs Restaurant – Sun Valley
(just east of Ketchum)
Located in Elkhorn Village this new building is fully equipped for a wedding of up to 250 people. Ponds, Fountains and an outdoor deck make for a great outdoor cocktail hour.
97 Badeyana Rd
Sun Valley, ID 83353
dbacca@hennessyco.com
To make a reservation contact Debbie Bacca at The Hennessy Company
208.725.2256
Galena Lodge – Galena
(approx. 30 miles North of Ketchum)
A Rustic Lodge situated in the Boulder Mountains. The ceremony site is in the beautiful Senate Meadows and has an amazing backdrop. The reception can be held on the lawn outside the Lodge, or inside depending on your wedding size. Galena has a number of catering options as well. Wedding packages are all very reasonably priced. Call for a quote and availability. (it books quickly!) Katherine and Gabe held their ceremony and reception here.
15187 State Highway 75
Ketchum, ID 83340
info@galenalodge.com
208.726.4010
Red Fish Lake – Stanley
(approx. 60 miles North of Ketchum)
Catering, Lodging, Water, Sand and views all in one! Red Fish Lake does a great job making your wedding a real Idaho experience. Tables, chairs and tents are all available from the Lodge as well as set up and tear down crews. Try to reserve your date as far in advance as possible. Red Fish Lake will continue normal operations during your ceremony and reception so keep this in mind if you're looking for a more private setting.
audra@redfishlake.com
phone: winter 208.644.9096, summer 208.774.3536
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch – Stanley
(approx. 60 miles North of Ketchum)
Situated amidst the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch can accommodate a wedding of about 150. It's stunning views and rustic vibe make this location really special. Whether you want to rent the entire ranch exclusively, or just the meadow for a ceremony, the crew there will help you fulfill your vision. Amazing food and great accommodations are an added bonus.
Stanley, Idaho 83278
info@idahorocky.com
208.774.3544
Wild Horse Creek Ranch – Mackay
(approx. 20 miles East of Ketchum)
Wild Horse Creek Ranch is located over Trail Creek Summit in the beautiful Challis National Forest. The ranch hosts dozens of daily activities and with great western cuisine, elegant rooms, tee pees and a backdrop of the Pioneer mountains you won't be disappointed.
4387 Wild Horse Creek Road
Mackay, Idaho 83251
sales@wildhorsecreekranch.net
208.588.2575
Sawtooth Botanical Gardens – Ketchum
(approx. 4 miles South of Ketchum)
The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens is located just South of Ketchum and offers a few different options for your Sun Valley Wedding. Both the Garden of Infinite Compassion and the Formal Perennial Gardens are surrounded by stunning flowers, views and sweet little romantic bridges. This space doesn't really seem to work for a larger wedding unless you go with standing only. There's a great lawn for a tent though, and the Gardens are equipped with a commercial kitchen, green house, and meeting room that help your wedding run seamlessly! This is a public garden so keep in mind that normal operations may be running during your event.
info@sbgarden.org
Gimlet Road at Highway 75
Ketchum, Idaho
208.726.9358
The Valley Club – Mid-Valley
(approx. 7 miles South of Ketchum)
Many a sensational weddings have been held at the Valley Club, mostly for it's beautiful grounds, excellent service and the fact that it can accommodate a larger wedding. Jared and Genevieve held their winter wedding at the Valley Club, as it makes for a great winter location as well. Rates and availability vary depending on your membership status, but it might be possible to have a member "host" your wedding. Make sure to ask about this when you call.
100 Club View Drive North
Hailey, ID 83333
208.788.5400
Barry Bevers – General Manager
208-788-5400 ext 12
barry@thevalleyclub.org
SUN VALLEY COMPANY LOCATIONS
So as many of you know Sun Valley Co. holds claim to some of the most beautiful locations around. They also have this whole wedding business dialed. They'll organize your event, rent you dance floors, stages and everything else, serve fabulous drinks, design and bake your cake and have a professional, proficient staff at every turn to help make your day go off without a hitch. Reserving a spot at a Sun Valley Location really takes a lot of the D-I-Y out of your wedding planning.
If you contact either Nicole or Fanny you can make an appointment to see these great places in person.
Wedding Coordinator: Fanny Horn
208.622.2101
fhorn@sunvalley.com
Special Events Coordinator: Nicole Ackerman
208.622.2039
nackerman@sunvalley.com
Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge
Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge is located at the base of Dollar mountain and is Sun Valley's newest lodge. With it's rustic elegance, great amenities and ample parking, the Lodge is a great place for any size wedding.
The rental fee for Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge is $5,500.00, plus 8% tax (remember most Sun Valley Co. pricing includes extras, like existing tables and chairs, parking, etc . . .)
Duck Pond Lawn
If you imagine your day as intimate ceremony complete with a charming little pond, sensational swans and epic views of the mountains then the Duck Pond Lawn might be the perfect place. Located in the middle of Sun Valley Village this would be a great choice for a smaller more low key ceremony.
The rental fee for the Duck Pond Lawn is $1,500.00 plus 8% tax.
Lodge Dining Room
The Lodge Dining Room is located on the 2nd floor of the Sun Valley Lodge. It's floor to ceiling windows over look Sun Valley as well as Bald Mountain. It's 2 terrace design allows your guests to look down on all the action. The rental fee includes the Dining Room, existing tables, buffet tables, chairs, baby grand piano and dance floor.
The rental fee for the Lodge Dining Room is $4,000.00, plus 8% sales tax
River Run Lodge
The River Run Lodge is located at the Base of Baldy on the River Run side. It has two great patios, outdoor fireplaces, as well as floor to ceiling fireplaces inside. A great bar and quintessential Sun Valley decor. This venue can hold a lot of guests, so is probably more appropriate for the weddings of the larger variety.
The rental fee for River Run Lodge is $6,500.00 plus 6% sales tax, and includes use of the facility, existing tables, chairs, patio furniture, restrooms, and parking area. The rental fee also includes the set-up and tear-down.
Trail Creek Pavilion
Trail Creek Pavilion has long been referred to as one of the best places in the Valley to get married. It boasts 360* views and is located on the lawn at Trail Creek Cabin. This space comes fully equipped by Sun Valley and really is worth taking a look at. Our contributing couple Brooke and Craig tied the knot here this Spring. It can hold up to 340 people tented.
The rental fee for Trail Creek Pavilion is $8,000.00 plus 8% sales tax, and includes use of the Tent, the Bridal tent, the Pavilion Lawn, Tables, Chairs, Dance Floor, Cocktail Tables, Restrooms, and the Parking Area. The rental fee also includes the set-up and tear down of the selected table layout. It's possible to rent Trail Creek Pavilion and Trail Creek Grounds, for a venue fee of $10,000.00 plus 8% sales tax.
Trail Creek Cabin
The Trail Creek Cabin is a fantastic place to get married in the winter, because of it's rustic mountain feel, cozy fireplaces, and of course the fact that you can take a horse drawn sleigh to your reception! For summer weddings you can make use of the adjacent Cabin Meadow with its views of Baldy, and the river below.
The rental fee for Trail Creek Cabin is $4,000.00 plus 8% sales tax, and includes use of the Cabin, the Cabin Meadow, existing tables, chairs, the deck, restrooms, and parking area.
** Sun Valley has a number of other venues available for your special day, including the Round House Lodge and the new White Clouds golf course. Call Nicole D. Ackerman the Wedding Coordinator and she'll be happy to let you know about availability etc . . . 208.622.2039 Office • nackerman@sunvalley.com **
CHURCHES
We have a number of beautiful secular locations where you can exchange your vows. The following is a list of those I know – make sure to call your parish office to discuss pre-marital counseling, space limitations, do's and do not's etc . . . Many local churches ask that you reserve your date no less than 6 months in advance.
Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church
PO Box 1650
Sun Valley, ID 83353
208.622.3432
Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood
100 Saddle Road
Ketchum, Idaho 83340
208.726.5123
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1070
Sun Valley, ID 83353
208.726.5349
Church of Life
406 South Main Street
Hailey, ID 83333
208.788.2992
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints
821 Broadford Road,
Hailey, ID 83333
208.788.4150
