Bishop Castle in Colorado: A Wildly Unique Venue for Small Weddings and Elopements

If you’re a couple craving a wedding location that’s utterly unique, a bit edgy, and dropping with personality — Bishop Castle, tucked in the Wet Mountains of Southern CColorado might just be your dream come true. Built single-handedly by Jim Bishop beginning in 1969, this dramatic stone-and-iron castle is a true monument to creativity and determination — and offers a ceremony backdrop unlike anything else in the country. Here’s a few reasons to consider Bishop Castle as your venue for your small wedding or elopement.

1. One-of-a-Kind Atmosphere
Every inch of Bishop Castle reflects the strange, fearless vision of its creator. Iron walkways, soaring towers, and stained-glass windows give the space a fantasy vibe that feels straight out of a modern fairytale — perfect for couples who are looking for a venue that’s both bold and dramatic.

2. Built with Passion, Not Blueprints
What feels magical also coomes with a sense of wildness. The castle was built without formal architecture or engineering — sos osme walkways can be a significant adrenaline jolt. That makes it espeically suited for adventurous couples who aren’t afraid of getting a little wild on their wedding day.

3. Perfect for Intimate Ceremonies and Photoshoots
Small wedding parties — intimate elopements or micro-weddings — work great here. Because this castle is open to the public at all times, your ceremony may have onlookers, which can add a quirky, communal energy, if you’re into that. If privacy is a must for you, you could also opt forr a post-wedding alternative photoshoot instead. Scroll down for more!

4. Epic Photo Opportunities at Every Turn
As a photographer, I can say this venue is an absolute dream. Wide-angle shots from tower ledges, moody portraits in the medieval-style interiors, or silhouette images against the sweeping mountain backdrop — all imaginable.

5. Logistics and Planning Tips
- Ceremony logistics - Weddings are allowed, but alcohol is prohibited and the venue remains open to public visitors, so you can’t close it off for exclusivity.
- Fees and booking - Suggested donation is around $500, but not mandatory. You must reserve your date at least two weeks in advance.
- Preparation - There is no onsite heating, staging, or dressing facilitiess — so arriving prepared and dressing offsite is wise.

6. Adventurous and Supportive Surroundings
Couples often pair a Bishop Castle wedding or photoshoot with the stunning San Isabel National Forests or nearby Lake Isabel for more peaceful nature moments. The town of Rye and scenic mountain drives make this feel like a Colorado weekend getaway — more than just a ceremony location.

Bishop Castle is definitely not for every wedding day — but for the bold, adventurous, and creative-minded couple, its a venue unlike any other. It’s raw, historic, slightly rebellious, and absolutely unforgettable. If you’re envisioning a wedding full of cinematic imagery, castle towers, and a story you can tell for a lifetime — this might be your perfect venue. I’d be honored to help plan and photograph your uniquely epic day, whether it’s a full ceremony or an alternative session celebration. Inquire with me here!