As the snow piles up in drifts and skiers make their way up to the mountains, many couples are dreaming of weddings in fields of wildflowers at the The Black Diamond Lodge. Formerly the Silverpick Lodge, the newly renovated Black Diamond Lodge, located north of Durango near Purgatory Ski Resort, features a year-round wedding experience that is truly set apart: an experience where couples can utilize the entire building for lodging over three days, creating an intimate and unique wedding experience for the bride and groom and their guests. The lodge can house up to 46 people in 12 ensuite bedrooms, with amenities such as a breakfast room, a sauna, steam room, and massage room with three hot tubs, a movie room, a game room, and a downstairs space that features an outdoor area. Couples can choose an all-inclusive or a more DIY approach to their event. The reception area seats up to 100, complete with bar and dance floor to dance the night away.
For bride Lauren and groom Sam, the decision to hold their wedding weekend at The Black Diamond Lodge was personal. The bride’s mother was also married at the Lodge, and the connection and feeling of home drew the bride and groom to the gorgeous mountain views, as well as the opportunity to work with local vendors. Emily Smith from Mountainesque Weddings & Elopements contributed to the design of the wedding. “She has been outstanding in helping us find the right vendors, the right look of things,” Lauren said. “The different components of the lodge are beautiful for certain aspects of the wedding, but for me, I wanted to be outside in the mountains as much as possible and give guests that experience too.”
The day arrives, and wedding guests settle onto seating in a meadow strewn with flowers. The Needle Mountains loom impressive against a backdrop of dazzling blue sky as the wedding party hides the bride amidst Aspen trees, fluffing her dress and diaphanous veil while Colt + Hannah’s cameras capture the perfect moments. The hush before the processional is punctuated with birdsong as the groom and his father quietly converse, arms draped over each other’s shoulders. The bride and groom’s dog trots down the aisle, adorned with a flower garland as the guests all share a smile.
Bouquets and flower arrangements of blush, maroon, and sage from April’s Garden sway delicately in the breeze as the bride and her father share a moment in the Aspens before gliding down the aisle, the romance of the meadow highlighting the heartfelt vows and connection the bride and groom share.
The staff of Black Diamond Lodge and coordination team at Durango Event Planners leave no detail unexplored during the weekend stay and the big day. Wedding guests returned from the meadow either by the meandering path or by lodge shuttle to a festive cocktail hour on the patio. Comfy suede seats and tables adorned with florals made the space feel elegant and cozy. Guitar music by Rob Webster wafted on the air as hors d’oeuvres circulated through the group of laughing, chatting guests. A bar in the lobby area of the lodge manned by bartenders from the Thirsty Rooster kept guests well hydrated, colorful signage and a creative seating chart with cocktail recipes from Knapp Design helped guests find their way and added elegant whimsy to the event.
After cocktail hour guests usher into the dining room, the space transformed by blushing flowers, flowing silk, and elegant table settings by Mountainesque, complete with a sweetheart table framed by April’s Garden florals and an Aspen grove backdrop. “The fresh air, the trees, it’s like a fairy tale up here,” one guest remarked. The evening summer light slanted through the floor-to-ceiling windows as guests were seated and Lauren and Sam shared a peaceful moment reflecting on the day.
Bride and groom made their way to their table amidst cheers and whoops, surrounded by the excitement and love of their friends and family. Laughter and cheers enveloped the couple and guests as they shared a meal from Durangourmet and then cut dozens of personal cakes, delightful confections made by local bakery WhiskIt. The rest of the evening was spent toasting, dancing and chatting, with enjoyment shared by all. Guests then reveled in an after-party in the lodge downstairs. Love and laughter lingered in the air as guests departed to their individual rooms and said goodnight to the bride and groom as wedding memories were made at The Black Diamond Lodge.
Romance, stunning mountain backdrops, skilled local vendors, and a chance to come together in a beautiful setting are just some of the reasons couples choose to have their big day here in Durango.
