Meetings and conferences at Glen Eyrie: spaces, capacities and planning tips
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center offers 13 meeting rooms and more than 17,700–18,000 sq ft of event space, with the largest indoor venue The Great Hall seating up to 200 in auditorium layout. The site supports conferences, retreats and group stays with on-site lodging (95 rooms across seven buildings), free Wi‑Fi and free self-parking.
In this guide
At a glance: who this venue suits
Glen Eyrie is a non-profit retreat and conference property operated by The Navigators. The property markets itself to spiritual retreats, conferences, family reunions and couples' getaways.
The estate is historic (19th‑century castle) and spread across large grounds near Garden of the Gods, so programming that benefits from quiet meeting rooms, private trails and outdoor breakout space fits best.
- Perfect for retreats, corporate offsites, training and church or faith-based gatherings
- Not a commercial resort for nightlife or alcohol-centered events — the property is alcohol‑free
- Offers on-site lodging and multiple meeting rooms, so many groups can stay and meet on property
Key indoor meeting spaces and capacities
Glen Eyrie lists more than 17,700–18,000 sq ft of meeting space across 13 rooms. The Great Hall is the largest indoor space; several lodge meeting rooms and small boardrooms are available for breakout sessions.
Below are commonly requested rooms and published capacities (use these for initial planning; confirm exact layout and AV availability with the venue).
| Room | Square feet / Typical capacities |
|---|---|
| The Great Hall | 2,152 sq ft — Auditorium 200; Classroom 100; Rounds 128; Boardroom 40 |
| Big Horn Lower | 1,244 sq ft — Theatre 100; Classroom 48–64; Banquet/Seated 56 |
| Big Horn Upper | 546 sq ft — Theatre 40; Classroom 24; Banquet/Seated 32 |
| Oaks | 752 sq ft — Theatre 50; Classroom 36 |
| Granary (Carriage House) | 350 sq ft — Theatre 30; Classroom 24; Banquet/Seated 18 |
| Pink House Boardroom | 623 sq ft — Banquet/Seated up to 18 (entire Pink House offers small meeting spaces) |
Layouts, AV and capacity planning tips
The Great Hall lists multiple configurations (auditorium, classroom, rounds, boardroom). When requesting a quote, specify your preferred layout and expected audio/visual needs so the venue can confirm capacities and room set.
Glen Eyrie publishes capacities; for comfort add a contingency (e.g., 5–15%) when planning food service or registration areas. If you need strict fire-code maximums, ask the venue to confirm the exact occupant load for your chosen setup.
- Confirm whether you need the Great Hall Balcony (holds 40 auditorium‑style) for overflow seating
- Request AV specs early — third‑party AV or on‑site connections may affect set and capacity
- Plan for registration and coffee breaks in adjacent foyers or the Castle terrace to avoid room congestion
Food, beverage and house policies important for planners
Glen Eyrie has on-site food options including the Castle Dining Room for group meals, a Gift Shop & Cafe (coffee and light fare), and Afternoon Tea in the Castle Music Room. Breakfast is available for an additional surcharge rather than being included automatically with rooms.
Crucially, the property is alcohol‑free and marijuana‑free — no alcoholic beverages may be brought onto or consumed anywhere on the grounds. Confirm catering plans and any external vendors with the event team to ensure they comply with the property's policy.
- Afternoon Tea is a distinct, ticketed service in the Castle Music Room with advance reservations required
- Castle Dining Room can be used for group breakfasts, lunches and dinners — check published capacities for banquet setups
- Discuss dietary needs (vegan/gluten‑free options are available for some services, e.g., tea menus) when you book
On-site lodging and room blocks
Glen Eyrie offers 95 overnight guest rooms across seven buildings, including 17 restored rooms inside the Castle. Room types include Cedar Ridge Lodge, Oaks Lodge, Standard Room (Lodge Room), Deluxe Room (Castle Room) and Big Horn Lodge.
Standard Guest Rooms can accommodate up to 5 people total (adults, children, infants) — useful for family‑style group stays; Premier buildings (Pink House, The Eagle's Nest) have age restrictions for quieter stays (see venue for current policy).
- Ask for a room block early; the property accommodates groups and has lodge‑style rooms as well as Castle rooms
- Rollaway beds and cribs are available for an additional fee per day — confirm numbers in advance
- Confirm which buildings are available for your group (Castle rooms vs. lodge rooms differ in size and historic character)
Logistics: transport, tech, check‑in and accessibility
The property provides free self‑parking and free Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and public areas. The nearest major airport is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), roughly a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic; Denver International (DEN) is farther.
Standard check‑in is 4:00 PM, with late check‑in options; check‑out is before 11:00 AM. The front desk staffing hours vary (published listings show roughly 8:00 AM–8:00/9:00 PM) — after‑hours arrival is handled at the Gatehouse per the property.
- Arrange shuttle/transportation separately — local rideshare and car rental are typical options for attendees
- Confirm front‑desk hours for arrivals outside standard windows so late arrivals are handled smoothly
- Ask the venue about accessible meeting rooms and guest rooms if you have mobility needs; the property lists accessible features in some lodges
Outdoor meeting and activity options
Glen Eyrie sits adjacent to Garden of the Gods and has extensive grounds, private hiking trails, a terrace, picnic areas and a firepit — useful for outdoor breaks, team walks or small outdoor sessions.
Visit Colorado Springs lists an outdoor venue at Glen Eyrie that can accommodate up to 2,000 people; for any large outdoor assembly confirm permitting, sound restrictions and contingency plans for weather with the venue team.
- Use short, scheduled outdoor breaks to take advantage of nearby red‑rock views and private trails
- If you plan outdoor set‑ups (tents, stages, large audience), confirm site rules and insurance requirements in advance
- Trail safety note: terrain is natural; advise appropriate footwear for attendees joining hikes
