Muley Hill Lodge Wedding | Jena + Sean

As a Black Hills wedding photographer, I get to witness so many beautiful celebrations, but Jena and Sean’s Muley Hill Lodge wedding stands out for its heartfelt simplicity and laid-back joy. Traveling from Elizabeth, Colorado, they chose the hills of South Dakota for a destination wedding that felt relaxed, meaningful, and deeply personal.

From the moment the day began, everything about this wedding felt calm and intentional. With around 150 guests and on-site lodging for their closest family and friends, Muley Hill Lodge created the perfect environment for everyone to settle in and truly enjoy the experience together.

Thoughtful wedding details, rain and all

Spring weather in the Black Hills can be unpredictable, and this day brought a bit of rain that made photographing the wedding details a little more challenging than usual. Finding a dry spot with good natural light for a flat lay took some creativity, but this is where Muley Hill Lodge really came through.

The covered deck at the lodge gave us the perfect space to photograph Jena and Sean’s details without feeling rushed or stressed. Being protected from the rain while still having beautiful light made all the difference.

Jena and Sean also brought a few heirloom ring figurines that were especially meaningful to them. Having the extra time and space allowed us to slow down and make sure those pieces were thoughtfully photographed, preserving details that might otherwise have been overlooked on a busy wedding day.

It’s little things like this that make Muley Hill Lodge such a great venue. Even when the weather doesn’t fully cooperate, there are built-in solutions that help the day continue smoothly.

Getting ready in the Muley Hill Lodge bridal suite

The bridal suite at Muley Hill Lodge is a studio located upstairs above the main lodge, tucked away from the bustle of the day while still being close to everything. With a generous amount of natural light pouring in, it became a beautiful setting for some quiet, intimate moments between Jena and her mother. These are the kinds of moments that often happen in between the big events, and having a peaceful, light-filled space made them feel especially meaningful.

This suite is another reason Muley Hill Lodge works so well for weddings. It gives couples room to breathe, slow down, and be present before the day unfolds.

A heartfelt spring ceremony at Muley Hill Lodge

The ceremony took place at the top of the walkway, with open pasture stretching out behind the altar. One of the most memorable moments of the day was Jena’s entrance. She was driven across the field behind the ceremony space, where her father and mother met her to walk her down the aisle together. It was emotional, intimate, and incredibly beautiful.

Adding to the magic, Jena created all of her florals by hand. They were stunning and thoughtfully designed, and having access to the on-site garage made storing and prepping them completely stress-free. This is one of the many reasons Muley Hill Lodge works so well for couples planning a destination wedding.

The groom slips up during the processional

One of the most unforgettable moments of the day happened right after Jena and Sean were pronounced married. As they made their way back down the aisle, Sean dipped Jena in celebration… only to realize just how uneven the ground was beneath their feet. For a split second, it looked like she might actually hit the ground, but he caught her just in time.

Instead of panic, they both burst into laughter, completely unbothered and fully present in the moment. It was the kind of small, imperfect moment that perfectly summed up the day. Real, joyful, and full of grace.

It’s a memory they’ll never forget, and a reminder that weddings don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s those little slip-ups that become the moments you smile about the most years down the road.

A stress-free destination wedding in the Black Hills

Even with spring temperatures that leaned a little chilly, the wedding party were absolute troopers. The day did run behind schedule, with the ceremony starting close to an hour late, but the energy stayed calm and joyful throughout. My role was simply to keep things grounded and moving smoothly so the couple could stay present and relaxed, which they absolutely did.

Just-married portraits at Muley Hill Lodge

Right after the ceremony, we stepped away for a short round of just-married portraits. With spring temperatures feeling especially chilly, we kept things efficient while still making the most of the beautiful surroundings at Muley Hill Lodge.

Those few minutes were more than enough. The pasture views, soft spring light, and the quiet calm after the ceremony created the perfect backdrop for portraits that felt natural and unforced. Jena and Sean were still riding the high of saying their vows, which made these images feel especially meaningful.

This is one of the things I love most about Muley Hill Lodge as a wedding venue. You don’t need to wander far or carve out a long block of time to get beautiful portraits. Everything is right there, which keeps the day moving smoothly and allows couples to stay present instead of feeling pulled away from their celebration.

Reception in the red barn

The celebration continued in the iconic red barn at Muley Hill Lodge, where dinner and dancing unfolded in a warm, welcoming space. With catering provided on site by Muley Hill Lodge, the entire day flowed seamlessly from start to finish.

What is Muley Hill Lodge’s address?

Muley Hill Lodge is located at:
21301 US Highway 85, Deadwood, South Dakota 57732

Nestled in the Black Hills, this venue offers sweeping views, on-site lodging, and a peaceful setting that is ideal for destination weddings and full weekend celebrations.

Why Muley Hill Lodge is perfect for destination weddings

Muley Hill Lodge is an incredible option for couples traveling from out of state. With lodging on the property, ceremony and reception spaces on site, and room to store decor and florals ahead of time, it removes so many of the common stressors of wedding planning. Jena and Sean’s day was the perfect example of how relaxed and meaningful a wedding here can feel.

If you’re planning your own Muley Hill Lodge wedding and want a photographer who keeps things calm, intentional, and true to how your day feels, I’d love to connect with you.

• Inquire here to start planning your Black Hills wedding.