The Elkhorn Lodge

WESTERN HOSPITALITY SINCE 1874

Elkhorn Lodge and Guest Ranch
600 W. Elkhorn Ave
Estes Park, CO. 80517
Lodge 970-586-4416
Stables 970-586-5225

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Weddings

The Elkhorn Lodge & Guest Ranch has been hosting large and small weddings for the past years. Our largest wedding was 450 persons; a very formal (tux/gowns) reception dinner for 100 in our Main Lodge Dining Room - one table was set with 50 persons on each side; the wedding was in the Main Lodge Dining Room with 200 chairs set auditorium style with center isle; the reception was served in our Court Yard with appropriate bar set-up and a 3-piece jazz band followed by dancing in the Main Lodge Dining Room where we had 3 bars and a 9-piece dance band.

Our smaller weddings range from 2, where the Lodge owner was the best man, to very informal and simple weddings and receptions for 40 to 100.

Our average wedding size approximates 175 persons. We are the only large lodging business (capacity of 275), located within walking distance to the Downtown area that also has a variety of options for weddings and receptions - from very formal to totally informal.

The most important consideration for a wedding couple planning a large wedding (over 150) is to select a location that offers both: (1) the wedding events, including rehearsal, wedding and reception options; and (2) the sleeping accommodations for the entire party. A secondary item of importance is to locate a facility that has affordable prices as every wedding couple has family and friends that are not able to afford expensive lodging.

Wedding events are typically a combined wedding celebration and a family reunion. Large wedding groups should give the highest priority to locations with the facilities to provide economical lodging - keeping families together for a few days is important, especially for those attending from out-of-state, where the cost of transport is the major expense.

Additionally, for wedding groups, it is especially important for the close families of the wedding couple to have an opportunity to get to know the new members of each respective family, and that is difficult to accomplish when the only frequent meeting place is a motel parking lot.

Just Married!

We offer amenities not available at most other large lodges including our location - where folks can walk to downtown, go fishing in the Fall River [great for fly-fishing], take a trail ride, hike Man Mountain - all within walking distance where individuals of large family groups can all do whatever they wish without the hassle of sharing cars (anyone that knows Estes recognizes the traffic & parking nightmare).

Our second major amenity is one of economy; we do not have a liquor license so that groups can BYOB as they wish - all other large resorts/lodges either prohibit such small pleasures or charge a hefty $5 plus for a mixed drink.

Another important consideration is, if alcohol to be consumed at the rehearsal, reception and/or informal family gathering, the risk of a DUI as folks drive back to their accommodation. A quick way to ruin an otherwise wonderful event.

For a comprehensive pricing structure for any and all combinations of the Elkhorn’s wedding event options, please visit our pricing page.

To view pictures of past weddings, please visit our gallery page.