33 Stunning Dao House Wedding Photos: Estes Park Venue Guide

January 17, 2025

As husband-and-wife Colorado documentary-style wedding photographers, Dao House is one of our favorite venues to photograph in Estes Park.

Nestled between Longs Peak and Twin Sisters, Dao House Retreat offers a stunning mountain backdrop and a rustic boutique lodge for an unforgettable wedding experience with awe-inspiring views of mountains so close it feels like you could almost reach out and touch them!

Table of Contents

Dao House Wedding Portrait Locations

A bride and groom embrace amid wildflowers during their Dao House wedding

Capturing stunning wedding portraits is always a priority! This is why we love that Dao House Retreat offers breathtaking photo opportunities both on-site and just minutes away in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

A bride and groom embrace with Longs Peak in the background during portraits at their Dao House wedding
A bride and groom kiss amid golden aspen trees during a Dao House wedding

Nearby forested areas burst with colorful wildflowers in summer and transform into a golden aspen wonderland in fall. Wildflowers can still be spotted near the lodge as late as September, creating a beautiful blend of the seasons.

There’s also a pond at the base of the property that offers a serene setting with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Whatever your vision, Dao House offers a stunningly diverse landscape that provides endless opportunities for wedding portraits, capturing the very best of the mountains’ natural beauty.

A bride and groom embrace amid aspen trees during their Dao House wedding
Dao House Wedding Photos

Bonus Location: Lily Lake

For even more stunning shots, Lily Lake, one of the most scenic spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, is just a 3-minute drive away, making it a great location for wedding portraits. Lily Lake is surrounded by panoramic vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park, including the iconic Longs Peak.

Lily Lake is easily accessible with well-maintained paths, making it perfect for couples in wedding attire. The loop features a mix of evergreens and deciduous aspen trees that showcase vibrant seasonal colors in the fall.

From the lakeside trails and wooden footbridges to rocky outcroppings, forested areas and high overlooks, Lily Lake offers a diverse range of backdrops within a short walking distance.

A bridge and groom embrace at Lily Lake in Estes Park during their Dao House wedding

Getting Ready

A bride gets into her wedding gown in front of a mirror in Dao House

Dao House has multiple options for getting ready, from spacious guest rooms filled with natural light to cozy cabins. Some of our couples also opt to get ready off-site at nearby AirBnbs or VRBOs in the town of Estes Park to accommodate larger groups.

If you’re getting ready in the main lodge, your room will likely have access to the upper balcony which overlooks the mountains in the distance.

These rooms are perfect for incorporating natural light into your getting-ready photos, and you can easily step outside onto the balcony for beautiful shots with your wedding party.

Lodging Accomodations

One of the biggest advantages of hosting your wedding at Dao House is its onsite accommodations. Guests can stay in the rustic lodge rooms or private cabins, making it easy to turn your wedding into a full weekend retreat. Reserve a block of rooms and enjoy a group discount for the entire stay.

  • 70 total beds in 33 rooms
  • Options for a full property buyout
Elizabeth & Ryan's fall wedding at The Dao House in Estes Park, Colorado on Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
A bride has her makeup done in a Dao House bridal suite during her wedding
A bride has her hair done in a bridal suite during her Dao House wedding
A bride stands on a balcony at the Dao House as her mother helps her get into her gown

First Look

A favorite spot of ours beside the Main Lodge offers a perfect backdrop for first look, with panoramic views of Longs Peak. However, there are truly so many wonderful options to choose from for first look including more private spots in nearby aspen groves, trails and wildflower forest meadows.

At the base of the property, a tranquil pond reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, for a peaceful and romantic location for your first look. We often coordinate first look by the lodge since it’s easily accessible from the bridal suite and has great views. From there, we explore other areas around the property once the couple has seen each other.

A groom stands with his back to his bride and the mountains in the background right before their first look at Dao House
A groom turns to look at his bride during their first look at Dao House
A bride shares a hug with her dad during their first look at Dao House Retreat in Estes Park
A groom stands with his arms out in surprise at how beautiful his bride is during their first look at Dao House

Outdoor Ceremony Site

A bride and groom kiss during the recessional at their wedding ceremony at Dao House in Estes Park

A short walk along a trail that leads through stunning aspen groves brings guests to Dao House’s ceremony site. Framed by the mountains, the forested ceremony site is secluded and awe-inspiring.

Oftentimes, a shuttle will escort the majority of guests from the main lodge to the ceremony site, but there are a few parking spots available at the ceremony site for photographer, videographer and the couple.

Dao House Ceremony Details & Packages

  • Venue accommodates up to 125 attendees
  • Aspen Meadow outdoor ceremony site with breathtaking views and bench seating
  • Indoor alternative ceremony locations as a second option or weather back-up
  • Full wedding weekend options include rehearsal dinners, receptions, bridal showers, brunches + more
  • Mid-week pricing discounts and elopement + intimate wedding packages available
A bride is walked down the aisle by her father at the Dao House as guests stand with umbrellas
A bride laughs during her partner's vows at the Dao House wedding ceremony site
A bride and groom stand at the Dao House ceremony site under umbrellas
A bride and groom stand together during the ceremony of their Dao House wedding with Longs Peak and golden aspens in the background

Reception Hall

A bride and groom gesture to their wedding guests after their first dance

The main lodge reception area is a cozy yet spacious setting with exposed wooden beams, high ceilings, a grand stone fireplace, warm lighting and large windows that showcase the surrounding the Rocky Mountains.

The space is flexible, allowing for both intimate gatherings and larger receptions. They have customizable floor plans for dining, dancing, and socializing as well as an adjacent outdoor balcony for cocktail hour.

Dao House Wedding Catering & Dining

Dao House offers farm-to-table catering with fresh, organic, and sustainably sourced meals.

  • Options for buffet, family-style, or plated dining
  • Dao House specializes in vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, & specialty diets (keto, etc.)
  • You can rent the kitchen space for an outside caterer if you choose
A bride and groom wave napkins above their heads as they're lifted into the air on chairs in the Dao House's reception all
A bride and groom share their first dance in the reception hall of Dao House in Estes Park
Bride and groom dance into their grand entrance during their Dao House wedding reception
A groom dances with friends in the reception hall at Dao House during his wedding

Sunset & Blue Hour

A bride and groom stand in front of a sunset reflected in the glass of the Dao House's reception hall during their wedding

As the evening unfolds, you’ll want to stay close to the reception to make the most of golden hour, sunset, and even blue hour photo opportunities. The good news? You won’t have to go far!

Just off the west-side balcony of the main lodge, you’ll find stunning mountain views that make for breathtaking portraits. Additionally, the main entrance offers a unique and stylish backdrop to add variety to your evening shots.

With these convenient and picturesque locations, you can capture magical moments without missing a beat!

Sunset photos of a bride and groom on the balcony at Dao House Retreat with the mountains behind them in Estes Park
A bride and groom are silhouetted in front of the doors to the Dao House during their wedding

Additional Venue Details

Parking & Transportation

  • Onsite Parking: Dao House offers ample free parking for wedding guests, including spaces for overnight stays. 
  • Accessibility: You can easily drive to Dao House on all paved roads, but note that the drive includes mountain roads with inclines, so guests should plan accordingly, especially in winter or early spring when conditions may be icy.
  • Shuttle Services: Due to the mountain location, many couples arrange shuttle transportation, private bus or van for their guests from Estes Park or Denver. This ensures safe travel and allows guests to fully enjoy the celebration. Carpooling is a great way to double up on car rentals and ease parking congestion.
  • Denver International Airport Access: Dao House is about a 90-minute drive from DIA, making it convenient for out-of-town guests, though they should plan for rental cars or arranged transportation.
  • Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly, especially in colder months when snow or ice can impact mountain roads.

Activities for Dao House Wedding Guests

Lily Lake in the fall at Rocky Mountain National Park
Lily Lake in the fall at Rocky Mountain National Park.

Dao House Retreat offers more than just a wedding venue, it’s a mountain getaway where guests can relax, explore, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Rockies.

Wellness and Outdoor Experiences

Guests can unwind with meditation and yoga spaces, massage & energy healing services, and a sauna for relaxation before or after the big day. For adventure seekers, horseback riding through scenic meadows offers a unique way to experience the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Wedding guest of a Dao House wedding walk around Lily Lake Trail in the fall in Rocky Mountain National Park
Dao House wedding guests walk around Lily Lake on a wedding-day morning.

Located minutes from Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, guests have endless options for exploration:

  • Hiking & Nature Walks – Easy strolls are close by at Lily Lake, there are countless iconic trails in Rocky Mountain National Park (10 min), and the Twin Sisters Trailhead is also nearby.
  • Scenic Drives – Take in panoramic views along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway or venture up Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S. (seasonally open from May to September).
  • Downtown Estes Park – Enjoy local shopping, art galleries, and restaurants. Popular spots include Macdonald Bookshop, The Taffy Shop, Bird & Jim, and Snowy Peaks Winery for wine tastings.
  • Wildlife Watching – Spot elk, deer, moose, and black bears right on the property or in the national park.
  • The Stanley Hotel – Tour the famous historic (and haunted!) hotel that inspired The Shining.


Venue Booking and Contact Info

Dao House Retreat is a short drive from downtown Estes Park and 90 minutes from Denver International Airport, it’s an easily accessible – yet secluded – getaway for you and your guests.

The lodge and outdoor ceremony spaces allow you to embrace the beauty of the Rockies while having the convenience of an all inclusive venue. Dao House is perfect for couples who want a weekend-long wedding experience with lodging, wellness-focused activities, and nature-inspired serenity.

Featured Dao House Weddings

A bride and groom laugh during a documentary style wedding portrait session at Lily Lake in Estes Park, Colorado
SUMMER DAO HOUSE WEDDING
A documentary style wedding photo of a bride and groom kissing during their wedding ceremony at Dao House in Estes Park
FALL DAO HOUSE WEDDING

(970) 413-3228 

autumn.parry@gmail.com

Based in Fort Collins, CO

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