Hayley Mortimer & Greg Findley — Photographer: Craig Wolfrom 

An Idaho "I do"

Sun Valley and its surrounds offer a myriad of breathtaking locations in which to tie the knot. Megan Thomas reveals some of the best.

The spectacular setting of Sun Valley in Idaho’s rugged south-central mountains is fast becoming the hottest destination wedding spot in the West. Couples from across the country, as well as homegrown duos, embrace its unique combination of awe-inspiring scenery and first-class accommodations and services. From Sun Valley Resort’s historic Trail Creek Cabin to breathtaking mountain ranges, rugged cabins to luxurious ski lodges, wild fields to traditional churches, this valley and its surroundings offer a wagon full of rustic elegance to enhance the splendor of any union.

Whether childhood memories, family connections or shared experiences attract couples to tie the knot here, Sun Valley is sure to offer an exceptional experience. The area’s abundant recreational opportunities complete the adventure for guests. From skiing, rafting, hiking and golf to spectacular scenery and shopping, the valley’s diversity produces an unforgettable wedding celebration for all. The following are just a few of the unique wedding sites this area has to offer.

Hayley Mortimer & Greg Findley
Married: October 1, 2005
Location: Redfish Lake, near Stanley
Photographer: Craig Wolfrom

Hayley Mortimer and Greg Findley met through the
National Park Service and share a love of the outdoors. “I knew I wanted to get married in a place that was special to me, but I also knew I wanted to get married outside, in our great public lands,” said Hayley, a Ketchum native who now lives in Denver. Uniting their love of the outdoors, the couple wed at the North Shore Campground on the shores of spectacular Redfish Lake in the Stanley Basin north of Sun Valley. The setting merges the majestic Sawtooth Mountains with the lake’s serenity. “We are both outdoorsy people; we really wanted to be out celebrating the beauty of the place,” said Greg.

Sally & David Novitsky
Married: February 11, 2006
Location: St. Thomas Episcopal Church & Trail Creek Cabin
Photographer: Hillary Maybery

Sally and David Novitsky invited guests to a quintessential Sun Valley affair. “Because we had a lot of family and friends who were coming to Sun Valley for the first time, we thought (Trail Creek) would be a great way to introduce them to Sun Valley and still be unique,” said Sally, who lives in Oregon. Following a ceremony at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, guests converged at the Sun Valley Inn for cocktails before climbing into horse-drawn sleighs for a reception at the resort’s unique dining setting at Trail Creek Cabin.

Megan & Christopher Heiser
Married: June 25, 2005
Location: Fields near Hailey
Photographer: Thia Konig

Bordered by farmland and framed by the mountains surrounding Hailey, Megan and Christopher Heiser wed on family land. “We went around and checked out the usual spots, but that property has a
really wonderful energy to it,” Megan said. The couple was attracted to the wild, romantic feel of the land, and the location allowed for personalized touches. The bride’s mother landscaped, planting a flower aisle, adding a branch altar and, at Christopher’s request, she installed a fountain. “We both come from farming families. I think the outdoors and the simplicity really spoke to us.”

Calista & Tim Carter
Married: June 21, 2003
Location: Meadow near Galena Lodge
Photographer: Kirsten Shultz

The expansive Senate Meadows provided a stunning
background for the Carters’ outdoor wedding. Within walking distance of historic Galena Lodge, the meadows are surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of Galena Peak and the Boulder Mountains. “It was a place where we could have guests experience what we love about Idaho,” said Calista. The location sparked memories of the Ketchum couple’s backcountry ski treks while the Galena setting welcomed guests to the couple’s special place. “The lodge really gave them a sense of Idaho and a flavor of the Old West.”

Trina & Steve Benson
Married: March 4, 2006
Location: Roundhouse on Bald Mountain
Photographer: Elizabeth Belts Kauffman

The Bensons, who moved to Hailey from Aspen last year, chose the deck of Roundhouse, a day lodge midway up Sun Valley Resort’s Bald Mountain, as the site for their union. “We really chose the location because we both love skiing—it’s a huge part of our life,” said Steve. Fitting for the couple who loves the snow, a spring snowstorm offered a romantically private backdrop. The wedding party arrived at the historic ski lodge via chairlift. Guests were attired in ski clothes. In place of a veil the bride wore a fur hood. Following the festivities the guests skied tipsily to the bottom.