Alta is known for having some of the greatest skiing in Utah, and in the summer months, the Rustler Lodge is one of the best wedding venues in the state. Situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and surrounded by fields of wildflowers this is a picturesque wedding venue that offers an authentic mountain experience.
Take a look at what you need to know to start planning your wedding at Alta’s Rustler Lodge.
Alta’s Rustler Lodge Wedding Info
Alta’s Rustler Lodge hosts weddings that perfectly blend convenience and seclusion. Guests can access the mountain’s world-renowned ski slopes and hiking trails while enjoying a peaceful and intimate setting that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its idyllic location and exceptional service, Alta’s Rustler Lodge is the perfect venue for couples seeking a destination ski resort wedding.
The best months to host a wedding at Alta’s Rustler Lodge are June through October.
Wedding Ceremony Site
Ceremonies are held outdoors on a grand lawn facing the world-famous slopes of Alta and surrounded by fields of flowers. Indoor ceremonies can also be arranged, but the mountain view is what you want when saying your vows.
Wedding Reception Sites
There are several spaces available for receptions, both inside and out. The largest is the Rustler Dining Room, which is a 1,600-square-foot space for dining and dancing. The Eagle’s Nest bar is a smaller space but no less charming with a large fireplace and 360-degree views of the mountains.
Outdoors there is a large “cocktail” patio off the side of the ceremony venue, as well as a deck known as the rehearsal dinner deck where your guests can mingle under the beautiful canyon skies or warm themselves near a fire pit as night falls.
Bridal Suite/ Getting Ready Rooms
Couples are given a complimentary suite at the lodge where they can get ready starting at 2 pm on the day of their event if the entire venue is bought out for the day. Otherwise, there are two dressing rooms available for use.
There also is a full-service spa in the lodge where couples can book treatments.
Other unique amenities
Alta’s Rustler Lodge is one of the few spaces that offer a “buy out” option for weddings, meaning the entire place could belong to you and your guests for the duration of your wedding and the morning after.
What is the capacity?
Alta’s Rustler Lodge can host up to 200 wedding guests, but only 140 for a plated dinner.
Where is the location?
Alta’s Rustler Lodge is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 30 miles from downtown Salt Lake City and 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.
How many weddings are hosted on-site each day?
Alta’s Rustler Lodge only hosts one wedding per weekend day. If you buy out the lodge for both Friday and Saturday, your wedding will be the only one that takes place that weekend.
Are there any time or noise restrictions?
Due to town ordinances, all music and loud noise must end at 11 p.m.
Is this venue ADA-accessible?
Alta’s Rustler Lodge is able to accommodate all guests with disabilities.
What is the pet policy?
Unfortunately, the town of Alta has a pet prohibition ordinance, due to the area being a protected watershed.
Alta’s Rustler Lodge Wedding Cost
The cost to have a wedding on a Friday night is $12,500 and the cost to have a wedding on a Saturday night is $15,000. Both fees include the following:
- Wedding ceremony & reception hosting
- Access to all amenities and indoor/outdoor facilities
- Two changing rooms for the wedding day
- Setting up and taking down for the event: All dining room furniture, chairs, glassware, silverware, and bed linens
- Guest registry table
- Gift Table
*15-room minimum rental
For a weekend buyout (Friday and Saturday), the cost is $25,000** and, in addition to the above, includes exclusive use of the lodge (for 200 guests) and a Friday evening rehearsal & groom’s dinner.
**30-room minimum rental
Wedding Catering and Lodging
What are the catering options?
Alta’s Rustler Lodge catering team specializes in full-service meals and buffets and will handle all food and beverage. Menu options include pasta, seafood, locally grown vegetables, unique salads, and delicious desserts. The stuffed mushrooms are amazing and should not be missed.
What are the included decor options and restrictions?
Alta’s Rustler Lodge will provide tables and chairs for your ceremony and reception. The spaces provided are rather neutral and a perfect backdrop to be transformed for your event.
What are the lodging (on-site or nearby) options?
Many wedding couples and their guests will choose to stay at Alta’s Rustler Lodge, where exclusive lodge access to this four-star hotel is included with a buy-out wedding package. 85 elegant rooms, including 5 suites, are available onsite. Each one has a private balcony with breathtaking mountain views.
Other accommodations close by include hotel rooms and condos with a range of amenities that are accessible through shuttle service and located in the town of Alta and the surrounding Snowbird Ski Resort. Guests may also look for lodging options up Little Cottonwood Canyon on Airbnb or VRBO.
What are the check-in/check-out times for guests staying overnight?
For Friday weddings, check-in is at noon and Saturday check-out is at 11 a.m.
For Saturday weddings, check-in is at 3 p.m. and Sunday check-out is at 2 p.m.
For weekend weddings, Friday check-in is at noon and Sunday check-out is at 2 p.m.
Is there an in-house wedding planner or day-of coordinator?
Alta’s Rustler’s Lodge encourages their wedding couples to work with a wedding planner. The lodge has a wedding coordinator onsite to help with any venue inquiries and provide coordination with vendors on the day of the event, but not leading up to it. A detailed schedule and floor plan must be provided to the lodge one week before the wedding.
What are some nearby attractions?
Guests can enjoy many nearby attractions during their stay at Alta’s Rustler Lodge. Visitors can hike through the stunning mountain trails and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. For those looking for a more relaxed activity, the Lodge’s top-rated spa is perfect for unwinding and practicing a little self-care.
Snowbird, just down the canyon, also offers many activities including alpine slides, mountain coasters, rock climbing, and more.
Alta’s Rustler Lodge Contact Info
Wedding Contact
For more information, please contact the lodge’s wedding coordinator, Molly Arnold, at 801-742-4200 or marnold@rustlerlodge.com.
Physical Address
Alta’s Rustler Lodge
10380 E Hwy 210
Alta, UT 84092
Why you should get married at Alta’s Rustler Lodge
Alta’s Rustler Lodge is an amazing space for a wedding where guests can spend the entire weekend celebrating the happy couple. A beautiful ceremony at the base of the mountain can be followed by a lavish reception featuring delicious cuisine and ample time and space for dancing. The lodge has more than enough room for everyone.
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*Updated in April 2023 to reflect current wedding information. Please always confirm pricing and details with the venue, as items are subject to change
