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Helena & Mark's Intimate Winter Celebration
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime winter celebration at Dunton Hot Springs—a private historic ghost town transformed exclusively for our Valentine's Day weekend wedding.
Our Winter Weekend Together
We've curated a thoughtful four-day celebration allowing ample time for both connection and relaxation. The entire historic town will be exclusively ours—a rare opportunity to share this extraordinary place with those we love most.
1
Thursday, February 12
Arrivals throughout the day, with time to settle into your historic cabin. Join us for a welcome dinner as dusk falls over the mountains, followed by evening access to the natural hot springs under starry skies.
2
Friday, February 13
Enjoy a day of winter activities and mountain exploration at your leisure. In the evening, we'll gather for a Valentine's-themed rehearsal dinner featuring playful games and friendly competitions to warm the spirit.
3
Saturday, February 14
Our Valentine's Day ceremony will take place in the outdoor meadow (weather permitting) or the charming Dance Hall. Afterward, join us for cocktails at the historic Saloon and Bath House, followed by an intimate reception dinner and dancing.
4
Sunday, February 15
We'll gather one last time for a farewell brunch before departures. Cherish final moments in this magical setting before returning to the world beyond our mountain sanctuary.
Journey to Our Mountain Celebration
Arrival Details
Plan to arrive Thursday, February 12th between 1:00-2:30 PM at either Montrose Regional (MTJ) or Durango Regional (DRO) airports. Complimentary shuttles will depart both airports at 3:00 PM sharp.
As this is Presidents' Day weekend, we strongly recommend booking flights early to secure optimal times and favorable rates. The property sits at 8,600 feet elevation, so please plan accordingly for altitude acclimation.
Departure Information
Our celebration concludes Sunday, February 15th. Shuttles will depart Dunton around noon, arriving at airports by approximately 2:00 PM.

Sample Flight Options
From New York: 8:05 AM → 1:37 PM (MTJ, American)
From Los Angeles: 10:22 AM → 1:31 PM (MTJ, United)
From Miami: 9:17 AM → 1:37 PM (MTJ, American)
From San Francisco: 8:00 AM → 1:31 PM (MTJ, United)
Your Home in the Mountains
Throughout our celebration, you'll be nestled in one of thirteen meticulously restored historic cabins, each with its own unique character and modern comforts. These charming accommodations blend authentic 1880s architecture with luxurious amenities—creating the perfect balance of rustic elegance.
Cabin Details
Each cabin features authentic period furnishings, plush bedding, and modern bathrooms. Many include private hot spring tubs, fireplaces, and stunning mountain views.
Your Stay
Check-in: Thursday at 3:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday at 11:00 AM
All accommodations are included in your weekend contribution.
Assignments
Specific cabin assignments will be provided after your confirmation, carefully selected to accommodate your preferences and needs for a comfortable mountain stay.
An All-Inclusive Experience
We've designed this celebration to be completely worry-free. Your presence is truly all we desire, and we've arranged for every comfort and necessity to be provided throughout your stay.
Culinary Indulgence
Savor exquisite farm-to-table meals prepared by Dunton's renowned culinary team. All breakfast, lunch, and dinner experiences are included, featuring seasonal ingredients and artful presentations.
Premium Beverages
Enjoy a curated selection of wines, craft cocktails, and artisanal spirits throughout your stay. All beverages are included (excluding rare reserve selections).
Activities & Amenities
Access to the natural hot springs, winter equipment, and all resort facilities is included. The Dance Hall, Saloon, and other historic buildings will be exclusively ours for the duration of the celebration.
Winter Mountain Formal
Our celebration calls for an elegant dress code we're calling "Winter Mountain Formal"—a blend of traditional wedding formality adapted for our unique alpine setting. We invite you to embrace both sophistication and practicality as you dress for our Valentine's Day weekend.
Elegant Attire
Long dresses, tuxedos, and formal wear are welcome and encouraged. Consider rich textures like velvet, wool, and brocade that complement our winter setting. Deep jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, burgundy—will beautifully harmonize with our mountain palette.
Practical Considerations
Anticipate moving between buildings in snow. Elegant snow boots or weather-appropriate footwear is essential. For ladies, consider block heels or flats that navigate uneven historic floors gracefully. We'll provide elegant wraps for outdoor transitions.
Layering
Mountain evenings bring a distinct chill. Consider incorporating stylish layers—a velvet jacket, cashmere wrap, or elegant stole—that can be adjusted as you move between heated interiors and outdoor passages.
Packing Essentials
February in the Colorado mountains brings crisp days, snow-covered landscapes, and starry nights. Temperatures typically range from 10-30°F, requiring thoughtful packing to ensure your comfort throughout the celebration.
Snow Essentials
Insulated snow boots with good traction, warm coat, thermal layers, and waterproof gloves. Don't forget sunglasses—mountain sun reflecting off snow creates significant glare.
Hot Springs
Pack swimwear for enjoying Dunton's natural mineral hot springs. A plush robe will be provided in your cabin, but you may wish to bring a favorite cover-up for transitions.
No Gifts, Please
Your presence in this remote location is truly our greatest gift. We've arranged this all-inclusive experience to express our gratitude for your role in our lives.
Our Private Mountain Town
For our celebration weekend, we've secured a complete buyout of Dunton Hot Springs—a meticulously restored 1880s mining ghost town transformed into an exclusive luxury resort. This extraordinary setting offers the rare combination of authentic historical immersion with refined modern comforts.
Historic Charm
Wander through a perfectly preserved slice of Western history. Each building—from the Dance Hall to the Saloon—has been lovingly restored with period details while offering the finest contemporary amenities.
Natural Wonder
The property is centered around natural mineral hot springs with healing properties known for centuries. Surrounding the town are the majestic 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop for our celebration.
Complete Privacy
For these four magical days, this entire historic town belongs exclusively to our celebration. Every cabin, building, and pathway becomes part of our intimate gathering, creating an unparalleled sense of community and connection.
Important Considerations
To ensure your comfort during our mountain celebration, we want to share a few practical considerations that will help you prepare for this extraordinary weekend.
Connectivity
Embrace the opportunity to disconnect—cell service is limited throughout the property. WiFi is available in the main lodge, allowing you to check in when needed while encouraging presence in our shared experience.
Dietary Needs
All meals will accommodate dietary restrictions. Please communicate any specific requirements when confirming your attendance so the culinary team can prepare accordingly.
Altitude Awareness
At 8,600 feet elevation, some guests may experience mild altitude symptoms. Consider arriving a day early in Denver or Telluride if you're particularly sensitive. Stay hydrated and pace yourself during activities.
We Look Forward to Celebrating With You
This Valentine's Day weekend holds special significance for us, and we're profoundly grateful you'll be joining our intimate celebration. We've created this experience to share not just our wedding day, but a meaningful journey with our closest loved ones in an extraordinary setting.
Questions?
We're happy to help. Just reach out to either of us.