Photographing a Wedding at Cherokee Ranch & Castle in Sedalia, Colorado
A real castle, mountain views, and a quick drive from Denver
If you want a Colorado wedding with a historic Castle and mountain combination, you might love Cherokee Ranch & Castle. While many venues in Colorado have a rustic ranch vibe, Cherokee Castle lets you swap it for a historic castle, offering a more elegant setting. Below, I share what I love about Cherokee, who will love the venue most, and what you should know before booking.
Quick Venue Facts
Venue: Cherokee Ranch & Castle
Location: 6113 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135
Vibe: Historic, elegant, castle, mountains, ranch
Type: Castle with indoor and outdoor options
Cherokee is great for couples looking for a unique venue with original paintings from the 1700s and 1800s, a real castle, and mountain views, all just a short drive from Denver.
Cherokee, the perfect venue for...
Cherokee will make your short list of perfect venues in Colorado if you:
Love a mountain wedding but want to stay close to Denver.
Want an indoor option as beautiful as the outdoor space.
Prefer a high-end look without renting or purchasing a ton of decor.
Who might not love it: Cherokee Castle’s historic indoors doesn’t accommodate ADA weddings. While they might technically be ADA accessible ( I do not know if they are or not), the vendor entrance allows for a non-stair entrance; someone wheelchair bound might feel dependent upon others to help them get around during the day. If ADA accessibility is a priority, make sure to discuss the details with the venue and any possible accommodations before booking.
What Makes It Special
The history. The original artwork inside the castle often surprises visitors, as does the story of Tweet Kimball, who had an impressive and inspiring past. Today, Cherokee, a nonprofit, hosts many family-friendly events all year. Make sure to check out the entertaining history of Tweet Kimball’s purchase of Cherokee in the 1950s.
The combination. You won’t find another place in Colorado quite like Cherokee, a castle with stunning mountain views.
The grounds. Couples and guests often mention the amazing back view, the original artwork, and how spacious the ranch feels in their Google reviews.
My Favorite Photo Spots
The back terrace. An hour before the sun sets, the hills and mountains glow, creating a fairy-tale-like backdrop.. The evening light, combined with the epic view, creates my favorite photo spot at the venue.
The bell. After the ceremony, couples ring the bell, making it a great spot for portraits.
Inside the castle. Every room makes a great and unique backdrop, from the main hall to the pink bathtub. I’ve done engagement sessions here as well, and the interior always impresses. Engagement sessions at Cherokee cost $250 per hour.
Best light: Afternoon and golden hour.
Timeline and Photography Tips
Plan a first look. Since the castle's narrow, historic nature makes indoor space tight with larger guest counts, taking portraits before guests arrive helps keep things relaxed.
Allow extra time for portraits. The indoor spaces make a perfect backup option for portraits or the ceremony in case of rain, but you’ll want some flexibility in your schedule to use them.
Expect darker photos if you host your ceremony indoors. Since the Castle doesn’t allow flash in areas with historic artwork.
Keep in mind, it’s a historic venue. The Castle does not allow guests to sit or move the original and fragile furnishings. There are also some restrictions on posing and decorating.
Photographers, scout the venue ahead of time. Arrive early, since there are lots of spots with different lighting, and you’ll want time to plan your shots.
When to Book
If you want the most dramatic mountain views, I recommend booking a summer wedding. Since you can drive to Cherokee from Denver in 45 minutes , the proximity and the fact that you do not have to go down I-70 make Cherokee a great year-round venue. Just keep in mind, the private winding drive to the castle can make winter travel difficult with heavy snowfall.
Practical Details
Capacity: Up to 150 guests in peak season and about 75 to 80 in off-peak season, depending on the spaces used.
Pricing from the 2025-2026 guide:
Peak (May-Oct)$10,000$9,000$7,000Off-Peak (Nov-Apr)$7,500$6,700$4,900
Off-peak season: Intimate indoor ceremonies and receptions in the Castle’s Great Hall, up to 75 guests.
Peak season: Outdoor ceremonies and receptions in the Veranda Tent, up to 150 guests.
What’s included:
8-hour venue access, including setup and cleanup
One-hour ceremony rehearsal
Advance walk-through planning meeting
Private dressing suite
Guided stationary tours of the castle during cocktail hour
Tables and white resin-padded chairs
Unlimited scenic photography locations
Additional costs:
Refundable damage deposit: $1,000
Security detail: $250 to $500, based on event size
Electronic payment fee: 3.85% (waived for check payments)
Required liability insurance: $2 million aggregate coverage
Additional venue hours: $700 per hour
End time: There’s no noise limit here, so you can keep the celebration going as long as you want.
Parking: Cherokee offers on-site parking, but if you have many guests, you might want to arrange a shuttle.
Vendor access: The hallways inside are narrow, but vendors do have a separate entrance.
Questions to Ask When You Book
Ask about the indoor and outdoor options for your date. Since the layout changes a lot depending on the season and weather, it’s helpful to know how your day would go in each situation.
Why I Love Shooting Here
Cherokee has a high-end feel without needing much extra decor, it’s close to Denver, and the staff is wonderful. It’s a special place run by truly great people.
Contact Cherokee Ranch & Castle
6113 N Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, CO 80135
303-688-5555
