By Linne Halpern

For Jane and Mark Morrison, an adventure-loving, Denver-based couple, it was always going to be Telluride. “From the very first time we visited, we were like ‘Oh, yeah, we’re definitely going to get married here someday’,” shares Jane. “So, when we got engaged a few years later, we didn’t even consider anywhere else.” 

Originally, the couple was drawn to the idea of eloping for the intimacy, ease and ability to be in nature. But, when they discovered the resort’s newest wedding venue, Palmyra Lookout, a stunning locale near the top of Lift 5 on the Telluride Ski Resort, they realized they’d found something even better — a space that would allow them all of those things while accommodating the presence of their loved ones. “Palmyra Lookout felt very secluded to us and really gave us the adventurous experience we wanted to create for our friends and family,” says Jane.  

They brought together 30 guests for an unforgettable weekend that also served as a special mountain getaway for many east coasters. A welcome party at Mountain Village’s La Piazza Del Villaggio restaurant kicked off the festivities. Meanwhile, the couple encouraged attendees to explore the town of Telluride, and even led a group hike down the Ridge Trail from San Sophia Station into the village center, giving their families a taste of their typical weekend activities. 

And by Sunday morning, it was wedding day. “More than anything, we really wanted to cherish the day together as much as we could,” says Mark. “Even though it’s nontraditional, we enjoyed our coffee together that morning and walked our dog, wanting to slow down before everything began.” From there, Jane retreated to the condo they’d rented to start getting ready alongside her mother, sister and closest friends, while Mark camped out at the house his family was staying at to partake in brunch with his brother and pals. 

Photographer Lisa Marie Wright suggested a gorgeous Aspen tree grove for the couple’s first look, perfectly capturing Telluride’s “gold season” just before its peak. “It was such a magical feeling, just staring off into the mountains and seeing Jane,” recalls Mark. The pair ventured to Palmyra Lookout together, reveling in a moment of calm, listening to the guitarist rehearse their requested songs before guests began to arrive. The ceremony was meaningfully officiated by Mark’s brother and the couple wrote their own personalized vows. “It really captured both our love and the love that we have for our families,” says Jane. 

Family photos and a cocktail hour were followed by a short ride on the Gondola back to Mountain Village, where the cohort headed to Ania’s Table at Lumière for a dinner and reception. Loving toasts and a delicious meal were the ideal way to cap off an evening focused on togetherness and gratitude. The couple hand-wrote notes for each of the guests that were left at their table settings, showing their appreciation for those making the trip. Afterwards, friends kept the party going into the night with dancing and celebrating at the famed Last Dollar Saloon. 

Jane praised the couple’s local team, including event coordinators K2 Event Co., Lisa Marie Wright Photography and Flowers by Ella. “We had so much confidence in our team that we didn’t have to worry about anything, which really allowed us to focus on time with friends and family in this beautiful place and enjoy the moment.”

Photo by Lisa Marie Wright Photography