Dunton Hot Springs Wedding Photographer
Dunton Hot Springs Weddings
A restored 1800s ghost town buyout in the San Juan Mountains. Hand-hewn cabins, natural hot springs, and one of the most exclusive private wedding venues in the American West.
Why Dunton Hot Springs
A Private Ghost Town in the San Juans
Dunton is unlike anywhere else. A 19th-century mining town bought by a private owner in the 1990s, painstakingly restored into a luxury resort, and available only via full-property buyout. When you book Dunton for your wedding, you and your guests have the entire historic town to yourselves for the weekend.
The setting is extraordinary. Twelve restored hand-hewn log cabins, a saloon with original bullet holes in the ceiling, natural hot springs, a chapel, and the West Dolores River running through the property. All surrounded by the peaks of the San Juan National Forest with zero other development in sight.
I've photographed Dunton weddings in every season. Summer brings wildflowers and long golden-hour windows. Fall turns the aspen groves around the property into a wall of gold. Winter brings deep snow and unparalleled quiet. Every wedding here feels like a story out of a different century — and that's exactly the point.
Selected Work
Dunton Hot Springs Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Dunton Hot Springs
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
The Saloon
An 1800s saloon with original bullet holes in the ceiling, hand-carved back bar, and mountain-lodge character you can't fake. The heart of every Dunton wedding — reception dinners, after-party, and the iconic group toasts happen here.
Dunton Chapel
A tiny restored chapel in the center of the property. Beautiful for intimate indoor ceremonies when weather doesn't cooperate, or as a quiet space for the couple during the day.
The River Meadow
An open meadow along the West Dolores River with peaks rising behind. The primary outdoor ceremony location. Room for 50-80 guests with the river providing a natural soundtrack.
The Hot Springs
Natural hot springs that have flowed on this property since long before the town existed. Couples often incorporate them into their portraits or use them for a quiet pre-ceremony moment.
Cabin Suites
Twelve hand-hewn log cabins, each individually restored and appointed. Guests stay on-property. Getting-ready photos happen in the bridal cabin with San Juan Mountain views out every window.
Eldorado Mine
The historic mine above the property is often included in portrait sessions. Old mining equipment, wooden structures, and sweeping views of the entire Dunton valley.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Dunton Hot Springs Weddings
Live Conditions
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – September
Peak season. Wildflowers throughout the valley, reliable weather, all outdoor ceremony options open. Most Dunton weddings happen July through early September.
Fall
Late September – October
The aspen groves around Dunton are extraordinary in late September. Cooler evenings but golden light and fewer guests staying at the property before it closes for winter.
Winter
December – March
Dunton in winter is magical — deep snow on the cabins, hot springs steaming in the cold air, and complete silence. Intimate smaller weddings work beautifully in this season.
Spring
April – May
Shoulder season with variable weather. Property is quieter, mountains still snow-capped. Good for couples who want the place mostly to themselves.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Dunton Hot Springs: What You Need to Know
Dunton Hot Springs is private property, which dramatically simplifies the permit process compared to National Forest or park ceremonies. The resort handles all on-property logistics, and their events team coordinates directly with your photographer. For any ceremonies that extend onto surrounding San Juan National Forest land (a backcountry portrait session, for example), standard Forest Service permits apply. I work closely with the Dunton events team and can coordinate all permitting as part of the planning process.
Common Questions
Dunton Hot Springs Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How do weddings work at Dunton Hot Springs?
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Dunton is available only via full-property buyout, which typically accommodates 40-65 guests. You rent the entire town — all 12 cabins, the saloon, the chapel, and exclusive use of the grounds — for 2-4 nights depending on the package. Minimum buyout rates start around $60,000-$100,000+ depending on season and length of stay, before catering, bar, and additional costs.
How much does a Dunton wedding photographer cost?
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Dunton wedding coverage typically runs $7,500-$12,000+ given the multi-day nature of the event. Packages include full-day primary coverage, often a second shooter, rehearsal dinner, and morning-after sessions. Every package includes planning consultation, color-enhanced digital files, and a private online gallery.
How do guests get to Dunton?
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The closest airport is Telluride Regional (TEX) at roughly 45 minutes away. Montrose Regional (MTJ) is about 2 hours. Most guests fly in, rent cars or use arranged shuttles, and arrive together at Dunton for the weekend. It's genuinely remote — plan extra travel time.
What's the weather like at Dunton?
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At 8,750 feet elevation in a San Juan valley, Dunton has true alpine weather. Summer days are warm (70s) with cool nights (40s-50s). Fall can swing between T-shirt weather and snow in the same weekend. Winter is cold and snowy. The hot springs are open year-round regardless.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony in any weather?
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We plan for it but prepare for alternatives. Summer ceremonies in the river meadow almost always go as planned. Shoulder-season weddings usually have a saloon or chapel backup plan in case of weather. The Dunton events team is excellent at reading weather patterns and pivoting when needed.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Dunton Hot Springs day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →Your Dunton Hot Springs Adventure
Planning a Dunton Hot Springs Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Dunton Hot Springs. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.