Our destination wedding is set for Moab, and we are looking for group accommodations for our party of 50+ people.  Our coordinator for the wedding ceremony and reception suggested that we check into staying at the Aarchway Inn.

After I found out that the other location we were looking at did not have rooms available, I began frantically searching for a next best solution.  What I found at the Aarchway Inn was a not only next-best solution but perhaps a better option for our needs.

The Aarchway Inn has not only a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom but also family suites and apartments for an affordable price range.  It isn’t located in downtown Moab, but they do offer a complimentary guest shuttle to take you to and from the town and hotel.  Also is a spa and heated outdoor pool which is great for our adventure theme.  We want our guest to feel that our destination wedding is a great vacation for them as well an amazing opportunity to celebrate with us at our event.

We have contacted the Aarchway Inn for group rates and discounts available for planning a wedding at Moab, and they only offered a generic email contact to send in my request.  I think we will get some personal help with our request because the Archway Inn boast that they are the finest of all Moab hotels and I will be looking to them to create a memorable lodging experience for us and our guest.

Average cost of room: $139 – $299 per night

Contact the Aarchway Inn for more information

Cost: $$$$ (Compared to other area venues)
Size:  Intimate to large group accommodations

Red Cliffs Lodge is a great location for a wedding in a lodge resort in the desert of Moab country.  It is a bit of a drive from Moab town but worth it for the serenity and breath taking views as you travel up the Colorado River to the resort.  We have visited Red Cliffs Lodge several times for past weekend vacation to Moab, but planning a wedding was a whole new adventure.

The Red Cliffs Lodge can accommodate small groups and big events with their several options from riverside deck to the large dining space in the lodge, and for those wanting a small intimate setting; try the wine tasting room for your group.

I have been working with the event staff planning a wedding for 50-100 guest and looking at various options for an October wedding. Since they have so many options for where we can hold the event, it was worry-free about weather upsets or if our guest list grew beyond our originally planned group.

Since they offer lodging for all of our guest, we immediately checked for our date to reserve group set of rooms.  Our date happens to fall on a popular Moab event, so we were not able to secure the group rooms at first try.  The event staff is working diligently to make accommodations for our guest and wedding party.

Red Cliffs Lodge has offered the best group rate for lodging at a 20% discount off of their regular room rate.

Conference rates are reasonable for the luxury lodge and setting, from as affordable as $600 day rate for the wine tasting room, up to $1200 for the Rio Grande Reception Room.  Catering is available for $19-$35 a plate for the full dinner entree. Of course there is additional services available like cake cutting services and of course setting you and your guest up for Moab activities.

It was the Moab adventure options that ultimately made us choose to do a riverside ceremony on the Colorado River instead of holding the event at the lodge, but we will still choose Red Cliffs Lodge as our party and guest lodging accommodations.

Summary:
For a decent amount of money you can create a true desert oasis wedding at the Red Cliffs Lodge, where you and your guest will really feel as if they are part of a unique experience in the vast beauty of Moab, Utah.

Pros:
Scenery
Experience
Wine tasting room on-site
Complete event options (Ceremony, Reception, Lodging) for a destination wedding
Great staff

Cons:
Quite a drive from town (Moab)
Picking up any last minute items requires a 20+ minute drive to town
Pricey for a budget or DIY wedding

CONTACT RED CLIFFS LODGE for more information on event planning, rates or destination wedding information