Reception options
Reception options include informal outdoor, more
formal outdoor/indoor, and indoor sites. Outdoor receptions are
the most informal, ranging from a sit-down barbecue to a cocktail
reception featuring varied appetizers, presentation of the wedding
cake, and follow-on socializing. These events may be at one of
the Elkhorn’s pavilions, an open picnic/mountain area, or
the ‘totally-wild’ Hayloft [only for real Western
folks].
The indoor/outdoor option for groups of over 80 guests includes
the Elkhorn courtyard and ballroom combination. Normally buffet
meals with seating in the courtyard and pavilion area; groups
up to 400 can be accommodated. The Ballroom opens to the courtyard
area and is normally used for the wedding cake toast and cutting,
followed by dancing while an cocktail party continues in the courtyard.
Bar facilities are typically located in a small alcove immediately
at the entry of the Ballroom. The Ballroom will accommodate a
small band or DJ; and all activities must move into the Ballroom
at 10 P.M., to contain the sound, unless wedding guests have occupied
the entire Main Lodge (30 rooms).
The most formal option is Elkhorn’s
Dining Room, one of Estes’ most historic such rooms
that, according to our more senior regular guests, hasn’t
changed since the 1920’s. This room provides for a full
buffet meal for up to 250 and offers space for a large wedding
party head table and dance space. You may determine the degree
of formality as well as any special table decor, including either
white or forest green table linens/napkins. The Elkhorn will provide
time for the wedding party to decorate as you desire, depending
on whatever special theme you have selected; further you have
Elkhorn’s traditional hospitality featuring a maximum of
flexibility.
Costs for the reception sites and services:
*white linen extra
All other decoration or amenities, i.e. canopies,
are additional, and a 20% gratuity is added for all set-up costs.
Rehearsal alternatives
Depending on the size of your wedding party, you
may select from several unique Elkhorn alternatives for rehearsal
events, including:
[1] a steak dinner
trail ride
[2] a Chuckwagon dinner at our Mountain site to a barbecue cookout
at one of our picnic areas
[3] a one-of-kind whing-ding at the Elkhorn’s Hayloft
- this National Historic facility is unique in the Nation and
can provide food, dance and kibitzing for up to 200, and is only
for cowboys/girls, as the lower level is a true working horse
barn, and surrounding corrals contain approximately 75 horses;
or
[4] a larger, more formal dinner/party option is available in
the Dining Room.
Your choice of your families’ accommodations will be at
the Elkhorn, except for those few insisting on fancier digs. The
proximity of your family and friends to the Elkhorn’s unique
alternatives make the selection of a rehearsal option relatively
simple, and a safe harbor for those indulging in alcoholic refreshments
- this factor is a potential concern for both rehearsal &
reception events. Elkhorn’s Sheriff cheerfully assists those
‘walking or crawling’ under the influence.
Our rehearsal functions are typically one of the wedding couple’s
highlights, and Elkhorn’s staff can provide non-professional
photographic coverage at slight added cost; although no guarantees
are provided with this service.
Costs for exclusive use rehearsal sites and/or services (Dining
room rates are under the Menu options):
All other decoration or amenities, are additional,
and a 20% gratuity is added for all set-up costs.
Food & spirits
The Elkhorn’s own Chef prepares all food
provided for your guests. Special menus are available upon your
request. Specific individual counts required 5 days before your
event. The following represent illustrative examples of typical
menus and cost/person:
Buffet style service in Dining Room and/or catered
to Courtyard/Ballroom area:
Prime Rib - carved at the buffet table
$33.50
New York Steak - grilled to your preference
$28.50
Trout Almandine - fresh & grilled
to perfection $22.50
Chicken Breast - moist & tender $18.95
Roast Beef - sliced & cooked to perfection
$19.50
Barbecue Beef or Chicken pieces - Elkhorn’s
own special $17.50
[all above include house salad, baked or mashed
potato fresh vegetables, rolls, desert and coffee]
Chuckwagon specials [grilled over open fire
at mountain campsite or Hayloft]:
Tender prime steaks - cowboy beans, potato
choice, slaw & rolls $19.50
Chicken breasts (same menu as above) $17.50
Hamburgers & Brats (similar menu to
above) $12.50
In each instance above, the main dish is limited
to one/person - the hamburger/brats are giant. In addition to
the above costs, there is a 20% gratuity for all food services
with exception of the Hayloft, where there is a 30% gratuity.
Taxes are 7.8%.
Alcoholic Beverages: At
most other Estes locations, you may serve no alcohlic beverages
or pay $4-$6/drink . A significant cost savings for your Elkhorn
wedding parties is that you may supply your own spirits. Events
requiring bar services should contract Elkhorn affiliated staff;
these are typically foreign students eager to earn extra funds
and, are acquainted with the Elkhorn facilities with access to
bar supplies, etc.; the suggested rate for these folks is $10/hr
for up to 40 persons, an additional person is required for each
additional 40 persons. Wedding parties have the exclusive responsibility
of monitoring their guests so that those driving following wedding
festivities are unequivocally legally capable . Groups attending
from another location, i.e. the Stanley Hotel, may make provision
for Elkhorn’s cowboy shuttle service - not fancy, just plan
fun like all of Elkhorn’s attractions.
Determining your estimated wedding costs
You may use the following form for estimating
your wedding costs.
