Timeless Elegance, Unforgettable Moments
Weddings at the Wright Opera House are designed to be as unique and unforgettable as the couples we celebrate. Our vision is to blend timeless elegance with personalized touches, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every detail reflects your love story. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views and rich historic charm, the Wright offers a distinctive venue that’s both grand and intimate. We prioritize guest comfort, accessibility, and a seamless experience from ceremony to celebration while offering the flexibility to customize your day to match your vision. Whether you're dreaming of a classic affair or something entirely your own, the Wright Opera House provides an inspiring setting where memories are made to last a lifetime.
A History of The Wright
Our
Story
The Wright Opera House, located at 472 Main Street in Ouray, Colorado, has been a cultural anchor in the community since its grand opening on December 4, 1888. Built by brothers and mining industrialists Ed and George Wright, the Opera House was inspired by Ed’s wife, Leticia, who envisioned a space for wholesome cultural opportunities to counterbalance the saloons and gambling halls of the mining boomtown. The building’s distinctive iron façade, crafted by Mesker Brothers Iron Works of St. Louis, makes it one of about 19 Mesker-fronted buildings on Ouray’s Main Street—home to one of the highest concentrations of such façades in the nation.
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For decades, the Wright Opera House served as a gathering place for weddings, concerts, plays, graduations, funerals, and even sporting events such as the state basketball finals in the 1920s. After Ed Wright’s passing in 1895, the building changed hands and uses over the years, serving as auto garages and business storefronts. The second floor was condemned after the Portland Flume flood of 1961, and the building narrowly escaped demolition in 1984 thanks to a rallying effort by the local community.
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Restoration efforts began in earnest in 1996 and gained significant momentum in 2007 when a group of dedicated volunteers formed the nonprofit Friends of the Wright Opera House. Their mission: to preserve and restore this historic venue and ensure its place as a center for arts and culture for generations to come. With the full acquisition completed in 2011, the Friends continued their work by bringing vibrant programming back to the stage—ranging from theatre and concerts to film, festivals, weddings, and community events.
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In recent years, the organization has made exciting strides, completing the Tavern at the Wright Opera House in 2020, a welcoming gathering space and bar perfect for a cocktail hour, as well as the addition of a new community room and bridal suite in 2024. In recognition of these preservation efforts and more, the Friends of the Wright Opera House received the Steven H. Hart Award for Historic Preservation from the Colorado State Historic Society in 2021.
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Today, in addition to serving as an elegant Ouray wedding venue, the Wright Opera House continues to thrive as a nonprofit cultural hub—celebrating its rich history while inspiring the future of arts, education, and community in Ouray County.