Question 1

Is K Bar S Lodge open year-round for weddings?

Accepted Answer

No — K Bar S is a seasonal property open from mid-April through October. If you are considering a late-October wedding, confirm the exact closing date with the lodge directly, as it can vary slightly by year. November through March weddings are not available at this property. For a winter Black Hills wedding, Hotel Alex Johnson in downtown Rapid City is our most-recommended alternative.

Question 2

How do we handle the 1880 Train schedule for our outdoor ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Get the current train schedule from the venue or directly from the 1880 Train timetable — the schedule is published and the passing times on your date are determinable in advance. Build your ceremony window to start at least 10 minutes after a scheduled passing to give yourself buffer. We factor this into every timeline we build for K Bar S weddings. If you prefer not to manage the variable, the Lakota Room provides a full indoor ceremony option that is unaffected by outdoor noise.

Question 3

Can guests stay on the property at K Bar S Lodge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hotel rooms are bookable on the property, so K Bar S works as a real destination option when guests travel in from out of state. Keystone is also close to Hill City, which has additional short-term rental inventory, and the 25-minute drive from Rapid City makes the lodge accessible for guests who prefer to stay in the city. Confirm room-block availability early, as the lodge fills during peak summer weeks.

Question 4

Does K Bar S have a complimentary bridal room for getting ready?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the lodge provides a complimentary bridal room for the couple and attendants to use on the wedding day. The space allows us to begin coverage on-site without coordinating a separate hotel pickup, which simplifies the early-day timeline considerably.

Question 5

What is the capacity for a wedding at K Bar S Lodge?

Accepted Answer

The Lakota Room accommodates up to 200 guests for a seated reception. The Glass Gazebo handles outdoor ceremony seating up to the same count. If you are planning a wedding above 150 guests, confirm current capacity configuration with the lodge team — setup options can affect the usable floor plan.

Question 6

Do we need a permit to get married at K Bar S Lodge?

Accepted Answer

No. K Bar S Lodge is a private venue and does not require a permit for ceremonies. However, if you want to use the Mount Rushmore National Memorial grounds for any part of your portrait session, a commercial photography permit from the National Park Service is required. We manage that permit whenever the monument is part of the plan.

K Bar S Lodge Wedding Photographer