Dunafon Castle in Lakewood, Colorado is one of the most magical wedding venues in the Denver foothills — and our team at From the Hip Photo has had the privilege of capturing celebrations here for years. Tucked into a quiet canyon just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, this stone castle delivers the romance and grandeur of a European estate with the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies as its backdrop.
When Jen and Derek chose Dunafon Castle for their late summer wedding, we knew the photos were going to be something special. Between the castle’s lush gardens, dramatic stone archways, and golden afternoon light filtering through the canyon walls, every corner of this venue is built for photography. Here’s a look at their day — and everything you need to know about planning your own Dunafon Castle wedding.
Why Dunafon Castle Is Perfect for Wedding Photography
Not every venue photographs well from every angle, but Dunafon Castle is genuinely one of those rare locations where the camera loves every direction you point it. The castle itself is a hand-built stone structure surrounded by mature cottonwood trees, a creek, and carefully maintained gardens. The property sits in a natural canyon, which means the light changes beautifully throughout the day — soft and diffused in the morning, warm and golden by late afternoon.
For wedding photographers, this matters. The canyon walls act as a natural reflector, bouncing soft light onto faces and eliminating the harsh shadows you’d get at a wide-open venue. Couples who book late summer or early fall weddings here benefit from Colorado’s best golden hour light — exactly what Jen and Derek got on their big day.
Jen and Derek’s Dunafon Castle Celebration
From the Hip Photo has been capturing candid, creative wedding images for over 15 years, and we are still in love with the wedding day experience. We were thrilled to be a part of Jen and Derek’s day. Our goal is always to capture the true essence of each couple — the laughter, the tears, the quiet glances that happen when nobody thinks the camera is watching.
Jen and Derek’s celebration had all of that and more. Their ceremony took place in the castle’s outdoor garden area, framed by the canyon walls and wildflowers. The late summer timing meant warm temperatures, long golden light, and the first hints of fall color starting to appear in the cottonwoods above. It was the kind of day where everything just comes together naturally.
The Castle’s Architecture and Grounds
One of the things we love most about Dunafon Castle is that it is not just a beautiful venue — it is a genuinely unique one. The castle was hand-built by a single stonemason over the course of decades, and that craftsmanship shows in every wall, arch, and staircase. The stone textures provide incredible depth and character in photographs, whether you’re shooting tight portraits against a wall or wide shots capturing the full scope of the property.
The grounds include a creek that runs along the property, stone pathways through the gardens, and several distinct areas that each offer a completely different photographic feel. The grand ballroom inside the castle features dramatic window light that is perfect for reception portraits. As Jen and Derek’s photos show, the light streaming through those windows creates a naturally romantic atmosphere that is hard to replicate anywhere else.
Best Photo Locations at Dunafon Castle
After photographing multiple weddings at Dunafon Castle, our team has identified the spots that consistently produce the most stunning images. The stone archway near the main entrance is one of the most popular portrait locations — it frames couples beautifully and the texture of the hand-laid stone adds visual interest to every shot. The garden pathway leading to the creek is another favorite, especially during golden hour when the low sun backlights the cottonwood canopy.
For ceremony shots, the outdoor garden area provides natural elevation changes that give photographers clean angles on both the couple and their guests. The reception in the ballroom benefits from the castle’s large windows, which let in enough natural light to create a warm, candlelit atmosphere without making the space feel dark. We always recommend that couples schedule their portrait time about 90 minutes before sunset to take full advantage of the canyon light.
Planning Your Dunafon Castle Wedding
If you are considering Dunafon Castle for your wedding, there are a few things worth knowing. The venue is located at 7521 S Turkey Creek Rd in Morrison/Lakewood — about a 25-minute drive from central Denver. The canyon road leading to the property is scenic but narrow, so let your guests know to allow a few extra minutes for the drive. The venue accommodates both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, with indoor and outdoor ceremony options available.
Late summer through early fall is arguably the best time for a Dunafon Castle wedding, at least from a photography perspective. The light is golden, the temperatures are comfortable, and the surrounding foliage adds layers of color and texture. That said, winter weddings here are equally dramatic — fresh snow on the castle’s stone walls creates a fairy-tale atmosphere that is hard to match at any other Colorado venue.
For photography, we recommend building in at least 60 to 90 minutes of dedicated portrait time separate from your ceremony and reception. This gives us time to capture the venue’s best spots without rushing, and lets you and your partner actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling like you are running from one photo location to the next. Dunafon Castle has enough variety that you do not need to leave the property for additional photo locations — everything you need is right there.
Reception and Dancing
The reception at Dunafon Castle is where the energy really picks up. The ballroom’s intimate stone walls and warm lighting create a cozy, celebratory atmosphere that gets people on the dance floor. Jen and Derek’s reception was no exception — their guests filled the space with laughter, toasts, and dancing well into the evening.
For photographers, the reception is where candid storytelling really shines. We watch for the quiet moments between the big ones — a parent wiping away a tear during toasts, friends sharing a laugh on the dance floor, the couple sneaking a private moment together while guests mingle. These are the images that couples tell us they treasure most years down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dunafon Castle located?
Dunafon Castle is located at 7521 S Turkey Creek Road in the Lakewood/Morrison area of Colorado, about 25 minutes southwest of downtown Denver. The venue sits in a natural canyon in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
What is the best time of year for a Dunafon Castle wedding?
Late summer through early fall (August through October) offers the best combination of weather and light for photography. The canyon catches golden afternoon light beautifully, and fall foliage adds rich color. Winter weddings are also stunning if you want a snow-covered castle backdrop.
How much time should we set aside for wedding portraits at Dunafon Castle?
We recommend 60 to 90 minutes of dedicated portrait time, ideally starting about 90 minutes before sunset. This gives your photography team time to capture multiple locations on the property — the stone archways, garden paths, creek area, and ballroom interior — without feeling rushed.
Does Dunafon Castle work for both large and intimate weddings?
Yes. The venue’s layout accommodates both intimate celebrations and larger gatherings. The outdoor garden ceremony space can seat a range of party sizes, and the grand ballroom provides a warm, enclosed reception space. The property’s multiple distinct areas also give guests room to spread out.
Book Your Dunafon Castle Wedding Photography
All of us at From the Hip Photo are grateful to have been part of Jen and Derek’s Dunafon Castle wedding, and we would love to be part of yours. Whether you have already booked the venue or you are still exploring Colorado wedding locations, our team brings over 15 years of experience photographing celebrations across the state. We know how to use the light, the landscape, and the moments in between to create images that feel as real as the day itself.
Ready to start planning? Contact us to chat about your Dunafon Castle wedding photography.
