Dunton Hot Springs in Telluride

Dunton Hot Springs is one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Colorado, and the place that made me want to become a wedding photographer! If you’re looking for a luxury wedding venue and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for yourself and your guests, this is the one to beat.

Dunton Hot Springs is a ghost town turned luxury resort in southwestern Colorado. While it used to be a hidden gem, Dunton became an international sensation after actress Lily Collins got married here in 2021. (Shoutout to my friend Megan at Cedar & Pines who photographed that wedding — and my own vow renewal the year before!)

Now you might wonder if it’s really worth traveling to the remote location and the price tag attached to staying here. The natural hot springs, historic bathhouse, and charming cabins are all unique, but what makes Dunton feel so special is the hospitality. This is truly an all inclusive venue, with all meals and beverages included in your stay. Coffee is delivered hot to your cabin door in the morning, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all culinary delights. It’s one of those places that feels like a long exhale as soon as you come onto the property, and you leave feeling rejuvenated (and like you need to come back one day.)

How to get to Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs is located about an hour outside of Telluride in summer or two hours in winter when the shortest route is closed. If visiting in winter, it’s important that you do not try driving the summer route over Rd 38, no matter what your maps app tells you. That road does not have a gate closure, but trust that you will get stuck if you drive it after the first snowfall. You can fly into Telluride, Durango, or Cortez, and the staff at Dunton can also help arrange private airport transfers if you prefer not renting a car.

I first visited Dunton Hot Springs as a bridesmaid, when one of my best friends got married here in January of 2017. Her family generously covered the long weekend stay for all their guests, and we spent three nights snowed in during one of the biggest winters storms I’ve seen in my sixteen years of living in Colorado. To say it was a life-changing experience is not an exaggeration, as I immediately started building my new wedding photography business when I returned home from this weekend.

Since then, I’ve photographed over 300 weddings and elopements across Colorado. I’ve worked in deep snow and meadows of wildflowers, by alpine lakes and waterfalls and on mountain tops, at luxury resorts and simple backcountry cabins, and with so many incredible couples that I still have to pinch myself that this is real life. And in December of 2025, I finally got to return to Dunton Hot Springs to photograph an elopement here.

How much does a wedding at Dunton Hot Springs cost?

The cost of a wedding at Dunton Hot Springs will depend on your guest count and the season. Any weddings with more than 14 guests require a full property buyout, which starts at $40,000 per night with a two night minimum in winter and spring, and $60,000 per night with a three night minimum in summer and fall. A full buyout includes lodging, meals, and drinks for up to 52 people. You can also choose to have guests pay for part or all of their lodging.

For smaller weddings, you can choose from the small wedding add-on or elopement add-on. Small weddings allow for a max of 14 people split between up to 6 cabins, and costs $6,500 in addition to the lodging costs. Elopements allow for a max of 4 people, and costs $3,500 in addition to lodging. Both options include an officiant, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, and a short photography session. Most couples choose to bring their own photographer, which gives you a discount on the add-on cost and allows you to choose your own photographer based on the style you like.

Looking for a photographer?

Interested in getting married at Dunton Hot Springs? Contact me and let’s talk about it!