Private Events

at the St. Elmo

A storied setting for every occasion.

Since 1898, the St. Elmo has welcomed travelers, neighbors, and friends through its doors. Today, our historic hotel and tavern offer a one-of-a-kind setting for gatherings that feel warm, personal, and unmistakably Ouray. 

From intimate dinners and milestone celebrations to corporate retreats and wedding weekends, the St. Elmo brings together historic spaces, thoughtful food and beverage, and 12 unique rooms and suites in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. 

Whether you are gathering for a few meaningful hours or settling in for an entire weekend, our team will help you create an experience that feels personal to your group.

Event Offerings

St. Elmo welcomes meaningful gatherings of all kinds, including wedding receptions, cocktail parties, corporate events, private dinners, holiday parties, and all the moments for celebration in between. 
We are proud to provide a full range of offerings: Chef Paolo’s culinary prowess, a set of distinctly colorful historic spaces, and a 12-room boutique hotel with Ouray’s stunning mountain amphitheater as the backdrop.

  • Host up to 25 guests in the Party Room, reserve the Main Dining Room or Patio for groups of up to 50, or choose a Full Tavern Buyout for events of more than 50 and up to 100. 

    Larger events are designed to flow between indoor and outdoor areas rather than seat everyone together in a single room. Final capacity depends on the layout and space needed for dining, meetings, wellness activities, dancing, live music, or other event elements.

  • Food and drink are an important part of the experience at St. Elmo. Depending on your guest count, selected space, and event format, dining may include selections from the Tavern menu, a prix fixe menu, or a curated buffet. 

    Beer and wine service and full-bar packages are also available to complete the experience.

  • Create a private home base for your group in the heart of Ouray with exclusive use of all 12 hotel rooms and suites, along with the hotel’s lobby, vinyl listening room, hot tub, sauna, and guest spaces. 

    Hotel buyouts are ideal for wedding weekends, corporate retreats, family reunions, wellness getaways, and other overnight gatherings. Tavern and Patio reservations may be arranged separately.

Explore our Spaces

  • The Party Room

    Capacity: Up to 25 guests
    Dining: Full menu, prix-fixe, or buffet

    A tucked-away setting for smaller groups

    Located within the Main Dining Room, the Party Room works well for meetings, workshops, private meals, showers, birthdays, and intimate celebrations.

    During regular dinner service, the space is semi-private. A row of dining booths separates it from the main tavern room seating area.

  • Main Dining Room

    Capacity: Up to 50 guests when reserved independently
    Dining: Prix-fixe or buffet

    Historic character with room to gather

    Reserve the Main Dining Room for seated meals, company events, holiday parties, celebrations, and other occasions that benefit from a setting with personality. 

    The space can be arranged around the needs of your event, with the adjoining Party Room included for additional seating, activities, or a quieter place to connect.

  • The Patio

    Capacity: Up to 50 guests when reserved independently
    Dining: Prix-fixe or buffet, also great for cocktail hours and receptions

    A front-row seat to Main Street and the San Juans

    Set along Main Street in downtown Ouray, the Patio combines the energy of town with views of Cascade Falls and the surrounding mountains. Beneath the string lights, it offers a memorable outdoor setting for wedding ceremonies, private dinners, wellness activities, company events, celebrations, and live music. 

    The flexible open-air space can accommodate ceremony layouts, group activities, dining, mingling, and entertainment. Existing dining furniture is included, while specialty seating and other event-specific equipment must be arranged separately. 

    Patio availability and event layouts depend on the season and weather.

  • The Patio Bar

    Capacity: Up to 30 guests when reserved independently
    Dining: Best for cocktail hours and hors d'oeuvres

    Our tavern’s hidden gem with vibrant charm and captivating views

    The Patio Bar is an excellent spot for a cocktail hour prior to or following an intimate dinner in any of our other spaces.

    Partial or full tavern buyout allow your guests to flow easily from this special space to the patio itself or the connected tavern dining room for drinks, dinner, and dancing throughout the evening.

  • Full Tavern Buyout

    Capacity: Up to 100 guests
    Dining: Buffet for groups of more than 50

    Exclusive access, inside and out

    A Full Tavern Buyout gives your group exclusive use of the entire Tavern, creating a private indoor-outdoor setting that can evolve throughout your event. Move from cocktails to dinner, presentations, live music, dancing, or quieter conversation. With the freedom to shape each area around your plans, the Tavern becomes entirely your own for the occasion.

    This option is required for events with more than 50 guests and can accommodate up to 100 people in a flowing format rather than seated together in one area. Smaller groups may also choose a Full Tavern Buyout for greater privacy and flexibility.

Your Event Starts Here

Every gathering at St. Elmo begins with a conversation. Share your vision with our team, and we’ll help you explore the spaces, dining options, accommodations, and details that can bring it to life.