Proposals and weddings: rules, current limits and photography
Glen Eyrie no longer hosts weddings on-site, but engagement and portrait photo sessions are permitted on the grounds with advance booking. Proposals are allowed on the property, though you should confirm availability, any area closures (the Castle is under renovation), and the property’s no-alcohol, no-pets rules before you arrive.
In this guide
Can I propose at Glen Eyrie?
Yes — proposals and private engagements are allowed at Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center. The property welcomes couples for photography and personal celebrations, but it does not host wedding ceremonies or receptions.
Because the Castle is undergoing a multi-year upgrade and some indoor spaces may be closed, contact the property in advance to confirm which outdoor areas and rooms are available for a private moment or small gathering.
- Advance booking is recommended so staff can confirm access and parking.
- The property is alcohol-free and marijuana-free; no alcoholic beverages are permitted anywhere on the grounds.
- Pets are not allowed on property; only service animals are permitted.
| Contact options | Notes |
|---|---|
| Property phone (front desk hours listed) | Front desk staffed daily; check-in/out policies vary (see property site) |
| BookResorts agents (24/7) | +1 (888) 605-1350 — agents can help with booking the stay |
| Advance online/phone reservation | Required for tours, Tea, and overnight stays; recommended for photo sessions |
Wedding policy — what you need to know
Glen Eyrie explicitly states it no longer hosts weddings on-site because the Castle is undergoing renovations. The meetings-and-events program continues for conferences and retreats, but weddings as ceremonies or receptions are not available.
Older venue listings that describe ceremony capacities or historic event spaces pre-date the current policy. Do not rely on those older guides for booking a wedding at Glen Eyrie.
- No on-site weddings or receptions per the property’s meetings page.
- Meeting and conference spaces (for conferences/retreats) remain available — the Great Hall is listed as the largest indoor meeting space.
- If you find third-party wedding listings for Glen Eyrie, verify them directly with the property because they may be out of date.
| Space | Context |
|---|---|
| The Great Hall | Largest meeting room on the property; used for conferences and special events (not weddings currently) |
| Outdoor grounds | Photo sessions are permitted on the grounds but check for closures and scheduling |
| Castle interior | May be partially closed during renovation; confirm availability |
Photography sessions: permissions and booking
Engagement, portrait, and commercial photo/video sessions are allowed on the Glen Eyrie grounds, but require advance arrangements with the property. You cannot simply turn up with a photographer and expect unrestricted access.
Reserve your session ahead of time so staff can confirm the exact locations, any fees (if applied), timing, and rules for equipment and crew size. The property requires reservations for tours, Tea, and overnight stays; photography sessions follow the same expectation for advance notice.
- Contact the property to request permission and schedule a time — allow extra lead time if you want a specific location.
- Indoor Castle spaces may be unavailable due to renovation; plan for outdoor spots (gardens, terraces, pathways) as alternatives.
- Large lighting rigs, large crews, or special equipment should be disclosed in advance; staff may limit access or require a designated meeting-room reservation for large shoots.
| What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Location (grounds, terrace, specific lawn) | Castle renovations can close interiors; outdoor spaces are more likely to be available |
| Time and date | Avoid conflict with public tours, Tea service, or retreat programming |
| Equipment and crew size | Staff may limit large setups or require additional approvals |
Rules photographers and couples must follow
Glen Eyrie enforces property-wide policies that apply to all visitors and photography sessions. The estate is alcohol-free and pet-free; smoking is not allowed in buildings. Violations that require cleaning can be charged to the card on file.
Respect public programming (Castle Tours, Afternoon Tea) and retreat activities. If your shoot overlaps with a scheduled tour or tea, staff will direct you to an alternative time or area.
- No alcohol or marijuana anywhere on property.
- No pets on property — service animals only.
- Follow posted signage and staff instructions; respect private retreat groups and scheduled events.
- Reserve specific areas in advance and arrive on time to avoid conflicts with other guests.
| Policy | Possible consequence |
|---|---|
| Smoking indoors or in rooms | $250 cleaning fee may be charged |
| Bringing pets into buildings | $250 cleaning fee; pets are not permitted |
| Unauthorized large shoots | Staff may restrict or stop the session until approvals are obtained |
Best places on the property for a proposal photo
Outdoor terraces, the Rose Garden and the lawn areas near the Castle façade are commonly used for photos. Because the estate is large, staff can suggest a spot that fits your privacy needs and timing.
Garden of the Gods is adjacent to Glen Eyrie and offers dramatic red-rock backdrops if you want a more rugged or wide-open look; that park is separate from Glen Eyrie and may have its own permitting rules.
- Castle façade and front lawn — classic castle background (availability varies during renovations).
- Rose Garden and small waterfall — intimate garden setting on the grounds.
- Terraces and paths near the Castle Music Room — close to Castle facilities and the Tea venue.
| Spot | Notes |
|---|---|
| Castle front lawn | Good for small groups and formal portraits; confirm access due to renovations |
| Rose Garden | Smaller, more private setting for intimate proposals |
| Terrace/Patio areas | Near dining and cafe spaces; expect foot traffic during Tea hours |
Timing, logistics and on-the-day tips
Plan proposals and photography around the property’s scheduled activities. Castle Tours and Afternoon Tea are regular events; avoid booking a session that conflicts with those times unless staff confirm it’s fine.
Front-desk staffing is listed as daytime hours with a Gatehouse option outside them. For early-morning or late-evening sessions, confirm arrival instructions and where to check in so staff can greet your party.
- Front desk is typically staffed during daytime hours; late arrivals may check in at the Gatehouse.
- Advance reservations are required for Castle Tours, Afternoon Tea, overnight stays, and recommended for photography sessions.
- Bring a copy of your session confirmation and contact numbers so staff can locate and assist you on arrival.
| Item | Typical info |
|---|---|
| Check-in time (rooms) | Standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM; late check-in up to midnight in some cases |
| Check-out | Guests are asked to check out before 11:00 AM |
| Reservation confirmation | Keep printed/digital confirmation and contact numbers |
