*Note: This article was originally published on Pride Pocket prior to merging with MyUmbrella*
Dunton Hot Springs is a dream come true. Whether you’re looking for a summer escape or a winter wonderland, this destination wedding locale is an absolute stunner. Located in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, across from Telluride (about 1 hour away), Dunton Hot Springs is a ghost town turned luxury wilderness resort. The 5-star cabins and spa boast private hot springs, waterfalls, and cold plunges. Guests at the resort have access to hiking, fishing, yoga, and many other versatile activities.
While the beauty and charm of the resort are undeniable, you may know from our Aruba installment that a #1 concern for LGBTQ+ weddings is the safety of the happy couple and their guests. Dunton Hot Springs presents an incredibly novel solution to a potential problem—they encourage you to rent out the entire town.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The rustic Colorado wedding of your dreams is not only available, but it comes with the option of complete privacy and the ability to populate the former mining village exclusively with your dearest family and friends. Talk about a safe space.
Their wedding information states:
“Renting the town allows you exclusive use of all that Dunton boasts: the original Dancehall & Saloon, Bathhouse, The Pony Express Yoga Studio, The West Fork Boxing Gym, our very own open air chapel, two spa treatment cabins, and 13 hand-hewn luxury cabins, each unique in size, charm and character from the next. Town Rental includes rooming accommodations and all meals for up to 44 guests. More intimate weddings, elopements and vow renewals are also picturesque at Dunton. Favorite ceremony sites have included the chapel, waterfall, and nearby meadows.”
Yes, I can see how the waterfall might be a fan favorite.
What is a wedding without first-class food and drink? A potentially uncomfortable family reunion, that’s what—but Dunton Hot Springs has all of your culinary bases covered. The kitchen is completely organic with chefs that work closely with a network of local organic farms and ranches to source the ingredients for their imaginative cuisine, including organic peaches, pears, plums, local grass-fed lamb, and wild Boletus and Chanterelle mushrooms. Custom meals are available, ranging from casual barbeques to formal plated dinners.
Fellow wine-aficionados should prepare to fall in love with this place. In their own words, “Complement your meals with a wide range of wines from our very own Sutcliffe Vineyard out of McElmo Canyon. Our wine cellar also includes first growth Bordeauxs, California masterpieces, super Tuscans and lusty Aussie favorites. Local beers and a vast selection of liquors are also served to please.”
Join me in a moment of fantasy and immerse yourself in this suggested itinerary and sample menu provided by their on-site wedding professionals:
Day 1
| 15:00 | Guests are arriving at Dunton Hot Springs. Team will great and accompany to their respective cabins where wedding favors will be awaiting them in their room |
| 18:00 | Welcome cocktail party on the Saloon Deck with a casual get-together BBQ – Western / Cowboy dress encouraged |
| 21:00 | Line dancing classes in the dance hall |
| 22:00 | Post Dinner smores by the fire-pits outside the saloon |
Day 2
| 8:00 – 10:00 | Breakfast in the Saloon |
| 10:00 | Morning Activities |
| 13:00 | Lunch in the saloon |
| 15:00 | Afternoon activities & Lawn games |
| 18:00 | Cocktails in the saloon |
| 19:00 | 4 course wine dinner, paired with wines from our winery, Sutcliffe Vineyards (each wine presented by Joe Buckel, the Wine Maker) |
| 22:00 | Late-night soaking in the hot-springs |
Day 3
| 8:00 – 10:00 | Breakfast in the Saloon |
| 10:00 | Morning Activities including the “Groom’s fishing group” |
| 13:00 | Lunch in the saloon |
| 13:00 | Light lunch with finger sandwiches, fruit and champagne for the bridal party in the Yoga Studio |
| 16:30 | Guests meet at the chapel with harpist playing welcome music |
| 16:45 – 17:15 | Ceremony |
| 17:30 | Special Bridal cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres |
| 18:30 | 4 course wedding dinner in the dance hall |
| 20:30 | Cutting of the cake in the Saloon |
| 21:30 | First dance in the Dance Hall, followed by lots of dancing and partying! |
Day 4
| 8:00 – 10:00 | Breakfast in the Saloon |
| 11:00 | Departure |
Four Day Itinerary
Friday Night
BBQ BUFFET on the fire: House Smoked Ribs, Smoked Pork Loin, Smoked Flank Steak, Smoked Chicken Quarters, Grilled Ginger Brined Corn on the Cob, Fresh Bread (for sandwiches if desired, Smoked Fig & Tarragon BBQ Sauce, Braised Swiss Chard & Salt Pork, Grilled Jalapeño Corn Bread, Baby Mixed Green Salad, Grilled Plumb Pie
Fish Option – Grilled Grouper and grilled vegetable skewers
**Smores at the fire**
Saturday
Breakfast 7:30AM – 9:30AM BUFFET
Grilled Eggs Benedict, Local Smoked Seafood’s, Bacon & Sausage, Soft Scrambled Eggs, Lavender French Toast, Assorted Fresh Muffins & Pastries, Fresh Yogurt & Homemade Granola
*** Lots of berries / fresh fruit***
NOON BUFFET (Casual seating around saloon & Deck):
Course One – Smoked Chicken & Whole Grain Noodle Soup
Course Two – Grilled Greyer Cheese & Heirloom Tomato Sandwich, Heirloom Tomato Bisque, Organic Baby Green Salad,
Course Three – Homemade Coconut Ice-Cream Sandwich, Chocolate-Chip Cookies
(Wedding) 4:00PM Cocktail Hour – Handcrafted Cocktails and Passed Appetizers:
Petite passed appetizers that compliment Dinner menu (not too heavy as dinner will be substantial)
5:00PM Plated Dinner:
Course One – Wild Mushroom Dark Chocolate Bisque
Course Two – Chilled Petit Green Pea, Watercress & Bing Cherry Salad, Parmesan Mint Aioli, Rendered Pancetta
Course Three –Roasted Pink Salt Foam Encrusted Texan Bison Striploin, Roasted Red Beets, Grilled Wild Asparagus, Bison Couscous
Or
Course Three –Roasted golden Tile Fish with a fresh herb & vanilla bean butter sauce
Or
Course Three –Fontina Cheese Risotto Croquettes
Course Four – Tiered Wedding Cake
Sunday
Breakfast – Brunch 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM BUFFET:
Roasted Beef Top Round, Roasted Ham, Cheese Quiche, Local Smoked Meats, Bacon & Sausage, Soft Scrambled Eggs, Root Vegetable Hash, Black Berry Waffles, Assorted Fresh Muffins & Pastries, Fresh Yogurt & Homemade Granola
*** Lots of berries / fresh fruit***
NOTE: Meals (with the exception of your reception) are served family style in the Saloon. Breakfast is served from 8am to 10am, Lunch is at 1pm, and in the evening, cocktails and appetizers are served in the Saloon at 6:30pm with dinner between 7:30pm-8:00pm.
:: SWOONS::
Party Size: Up to 44 guests can stay on the property.
Travel: Guests fly into one of several airports in the area, which include Telluride and Cortex. From there you can arrange for the resort to pick you up, or you can rent a car to explore the area.
Cost: A “Town Buy-Out” will give you and your guests exclusive access to the entire property, as discussed above. The rates are as follows…
Summer/Fall: $25,000/night with a three-night minimum
Winter/Spring: $19,000/night with a two-night minimum
In conclusion, I’d just like to say: Please get married here.
Contact Dunton Hot Springs at 877-288-9922 or reservations@duntonlife.com
http://duntonhotsprings.com/weddings-groups/weddings/
https://www.womangettingmarried.com/wedding-venue-dunton-hot-springs
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/dunton-hot-springs-dolores-co-368272
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