I've been reading some past Sedona posts and it looks like there are some real Sedona fans on this board. I'm hoping you will have some advice for me.

Quick background - my mom is getting married and wants it to be super small (probably 10-15 ppl). She wants it to be out of town (she's in Portland, OR) and far enough away that extra people (ie certain relatives) wouldn't want to go, but not so far that her fiances kids (in WA and NV) couldn't afford it(they are grown). She is a busy lady and I'm trying to help out with some leg work. After looking at many areas, I have decided that Sedona might be the spot. I'm a little worried that it's not quite far enough away from Portland/Seattle, but I haven't been able to come up with anything farther away, but TOO far away.

Any ideas of a good location in Sedona for a SMALL wedding? I see that some of the nice hotels are set up for LARGE, fancy weddings.

While she appreciates the beauty of the outdoors I don't think she'd be excited about one of the 'out in the wilderness' weddings. Something at a hotel or restaurant or something like that. A space that has a beautiful outdoor setting with an indoors available would be perfect.

What about lodging? I think we would need a couple different places - one nicer and one more affordable.

What's a good time of year? (she is one of those 'always cold' people so the warmth will be a plus!)

Thank you in advance!
Sara

Sara, I am not an expert on Sedona but we stayed at the Enchantment Resort a couple of years ago and sitting in the restaurant with the sunset bouncing off of the red rocks, I mentioned to my husband--wow what a great place to be married--Sedona--spritual--sunset--red rocks, I think it would be great

At first I thought this was going to be a red rocks version of the beachside wedding thread.

When we were on a Vortex jeep tour and stopped by a river, there was a "wilderness" wedding - a small wedding party clustered around a small natural curve in the rocks having a simple but absolutely gorgous wedding.

But, you don't want that so I strongly second Enchantment resort. There are several "affordable" lodging option nearby. One of the Best Westerns in town gets great raves. The spa at the resort is wonderful - would be great for a pre-wedding bonding experiences for a few of you.

Great location idea!

Thank you for your responses!
The Enchantment Resort looks beautiful.

How does it compare with L'Auberge or Amara Creekside?

I love the look of those two with the creek setting.

Enchantment Resort looks pretty spendy - like $500-$1000 a night according to their website. Is it worth it? I have a hard time justifying spending that much on a room.

We were in Sedona recently. I don't have any specific info on weddings for you, but one night we had dinner at L'Auberge. There were 2 wedding parties - at least we saw the reception/ dinner part. They were outdoors creekside , at different ends of property, so there was a lot of space between the two parties. What we saw of L'Auberge it seems that it would be a good place especially for a small wedding. It might be just what you're looking for. It is centrally located, probably no red rock views, but a pretty and tranquil setting.

sks, take a look at the Radisson Poco Diablo resort website.

I was there last September for the Saturday jazz festival. It's a nice area - with a gazebo (wedding gazebo) - with some good views of the red rocks.

Hope this helps somewhat.

sks, I just thought of a couple more suggestions:

Adobe Village Graham Inn. I've read some excellent reviews about this place, but haven't been there.

And there is a chapel in Tlaquepaque (sp?). Don't know how commercial this last suggestion is but I remember that there was a wedding occurring there one time I was there.

Good luck to your finding the best setting for your wedding!

There is a new magazine "Destination I Do" that did a piece on weddings in Sedona recently. It had a lot of info about getting married in the area. I think it is available at Barnes & Noble. They also have a web site destinationidomag.com.

We stayed at a great little B&B in Sedona; Cnayon Villa. You could probably have the ceremony on their patio, have a reception in their dining room and all the guests could stay here. This is the most immaculate B&B I ever stayed at...

http://www.canyonvilla.com/index.php