Thursday, February 12
Arrivals & Welcome
Guests arrive throughout the day. As evening falls, join us for a welcome dinner and a first dip in the natural hot springs beneath the stars.
Helena & Mark's Winter Mountain Wedding
February 14, 2026 · Dunton Hot Springs · Dolores, Colorado
Welcome to Our Celebration
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You are warmly invited to join us for an intimate, timeless celebration in the high-alpine winter. We will gather in a historic 1800s mining town — now a luxury retreat — where snow drifts gently, fires crackle in stone hearths, and the peaks stand watch in quiet reverence.
Come prepared for beauty, quiet moments, and shared joy as we gather in gratitude for the life we share and those who have shaped it.
Weekend Itinerary
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Friday, February 13
Winter Fun & Rehearsal
Savor a day of alpine indulgence: yoga, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, ice skating, or time spent by The Saloon's roaring fire. Dress in cozy loungewear or your coziest snowsuit. That evening, gather for a Valentine's Eve rehearsal dinner.
Saturday, February 14
Wedding Day Celebration
Spend the morning at leisure: enjoy yoga, snowshoeing, or another dip in the hot springs before preparing for the ceremony. The ceremony will take place in the open-air chapel (weather permitting). Layer well — furs welcome. Afterward, celebrate with cocktails in The Saloon, a candlelit reception dinner, and dancing into the night.
Sunday, February 15
Farewell Brunch & Departures
We'll close the weekend with a farewell brunch — one last toast to love and mountain magic before departures.
Travel & Accommodations
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Getting There
Transportation
Lodging
Getting There
Arrive via Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) or Durango Regional Airport (DRO) — both offer connections from major hubs. Please plan to land by 2:30 PM on Thursday, February 12 to join the evening welcome events.
Transportation
Complimentary shuttles will depart from both Montrose Regional (MTJ) and Durango Regional (DRO) airports at 3:00 PM on Thursday. Return shuttles will depart Dunton around noon on Sunday, February 15. On-site parking is available for guests who prefer to drive; 4WD or winter tires are recommended for the mountain roads.
Lodging
All guests will be housed in Dunton's meticulously restored 19th-century cabins. Check-in begins Thursday after 3 PM. Each party will be paired with a cabin after RSVP. Every cabin features authentic period details with modern luxury amenities.
Important: Presidents' Day weekend — book flights early.
Winter Ranch Formal
Dress Code Guidance for The Ceremony
Our ceremony will take place outdoors, surrounded by snow and mountain light. Winter Ranch Formal reflects the spirit of Dunton — elegant yet unpretentious, polished yet perfectly at home in nature.
Guests are invited to interpret the dress code in their own way: tuxedos and gowns are as welcome as dressed-up denim, tailored separates, or pieces of luxurious winter fabrics such as velvet, silk, tweed, or wool.
Warmth and texture are the guiding notes — furs, capes, and handsome outerwear encouraged. The aim is refinement with ease, an understated sophistication that honors both the mountains and the moment.
Inspirations for The Look
Elevating Your Winter Formal Style
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To harmonize with the alpine setting, think of textures and tones that reflect warmth and depth. This is a celebration of contrast — silk against snow, velvet beside firelight, wood and tweed under the stars.
Color Palette Suggestions
Embrace rich, natural hues inspired by the landscape: deep emerald, oxblood, midnight, and bronze. Jewel tones, winter whites, and metallic accents — gold, pewter, rose — pair beautifully with Dunton's wood and stone.
Spirit of the Evening
The look is cinematic but natural — formal enough for a ceremony, relaxed enough to toast by the fire. Think refinement grounded in place: an evening where mountain air meets quiet grandeur.
Remember, layering is key for comfort. Warm undergarments and discreet thermals can make a big difference without compromising your appearance.
What to Pack
Dunton's winter invites warmth, texture, and ease. Each day carries its own rhythm — from mountain adventures to candlelit celebrations.
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Thursday — Arrival & Welcome
Casual mountain attire — cozy knits, denim, and boots for settling in and dining fireside.
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Friday — Winter Leisure & Rehearsal Dinner
Western Chic — refined mountain style with a nod to the American West. Think suede, leather, denim, and polished accessories.
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Saturday — The Wedding
Winter Ranch Formal — elegant attire adapted for snow and mountain terrain. Tuxedos, gowns, or dressed-up denim all welcome; warmth and texture encouraged.
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Sunday — Farewell Brunch
Relaxed and comfortable
Frequently Asked Questions
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Connectivity
Cell service is limited. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. All calls made from the landline are free.
Weather & Packing
February temperatures typically range from 10-30°F. Pack warm layers, snow boots, gloves, and hats. Bring swimwear for the hot springs and snow clothing for outdoor adventures. Please note: the mineral-rich waters at Dunton can discolor light-colored fabrics, so we suggest dark swimwear. (Dolores averages over 300 days of sunshine a year — expect sun and light in equal measure, so bring your sunnies!)
What you don't need to pack: Dunton provides robes, towels, hairdryers, basic toiletries, and all winter activity equipment. Bring only your own personal items and clothing — the essentials are covered.
What's Included
Your stay includes all meals and beverages, access to the hot springs, guided winter activities, snowball fights, and the most fun! Spa services are available a la carte.
Wedding Gifts
Your presence is the only gift we need. Truly. No other gifts, please.
About Dunton Hot Springs
Our wedding venue is a meticulously restored 19th-century ghost town nestled in an extraordinary alpine valley. This exclusive mountain hideaway is composed of hand-hewn log cabins, natural thermal pools, and snow-dusted trails beneath towering peaks.
Private hot springs, a candlelit saloon, and a surrounding wilderness of pristine silence create an atmosphere of quiet luxury and timeless beauty.
For our celebration weekend, this remarkable place becomes entirely ours — a private world of winter wonder where history, nature, and romance converge.
