Elope in Buena Vista, Colorado

Buena Vista

Buena Vista is a quaint mountain town nestled at the base of the Collegiate Peaks directly west of Colorado Springs. The locals pronounce it “Byoona Vista,” but I don’t think I can ever get behind that. Since the town is so close to the Collegiate Peak range, there is no shortage of great views in the area – including mountain top views, flowing rivers, alpine lakes and a charming downtown area.

The best months to elope in Buena Vista are June through October. By then, the snow has melted and more of the seasonal roads are accessible. Note: there still might be a substantial amount of snow at higher elevations and on trails. If you’re looking for wildflowers and lots of summer color, I’d recommend July and August. 

One of the best parts about choosing this area to elope is the fact that very few places require a permit. Most of the wilderness areas around Buena Vista are within national forest borders, which have very lenient laws for elopements.

Kelsi + Drew

When Kelsi and Drew first reached out, they had no idea where they wanted to elope. We talked quite a bit about potential locations. They loved to hike, so they knew they wanted to incorporate a little adventure into their wedding day. Since they lived in Denver, I was able to give them a few ideas and they checked out their top spots in their own time, which was really nice. Eventually they decided on the Buena Vista area. They found a DOPE airbnb dubbed “Casa del Rio.” The owners thought of everything – sauna, movie theater, hot tub – it’s a great place to keep your guests entertained.

If you could get permission from the owners, I think having a microwedding on property would be really neat. The house is situated right on the Arkansas river and has a beautiful yard with a staircase right into the river! 

Kelsi and Drew got ready at their casa with their closest friends and family. We had a chill morning while it drizzled outside. The sun would peek out every so often and dry the aspen leaves. When both parties were ready, Kelsi and Drew had the sweetest first look by the river, while rafters floated by shouting their “congratulations.” Still one of my favorite memories of their day. 

We hopped in the car and drove to the nearby mountains for their ceremony and celebration. Kelsi and Drew got married in mid-June, which means it was still very much spring up on the pass – chilly wind, stormy skies and a frozen pond. But that didn’t stop them! We found the perfect spot for them to say their vows and celebrate with their family. Somehow we lucked out – it didn’t rain the whole time we were up there. 

Since the conditions were still snowy on the pass and we were a little behind on the timeline, they chose to forgo the hike they had planned and just explore the pass a bit more. Note: I’m not really pushy about keeping a strict timeline during your elopement day because I want you to enjoy your day. We explored and took some portraits and then headed back to Casa del Rio to sign their marriage license and have their first dance. They danced on the riverfront as the skies darkened. It was the most perfect day!

Vendors:
Beauty: Face of Makeup Artistry
Cake: Cains Creative Cakes
Florals: The Petal Pusher Canon City

As a Colorado elopement photographer, I specialize in intimate and intentional wedding days. From suggestions during the planning process to documenting your elopement day, I’m here to help you create a unique wedding experience. If you love the idea of sharing an intimate and intentional elopement day with your partner, reach out and we’ll start the planning process. I would LOVE to help you dream up your perfect day!

Kelsi + Drew’s Elopement Gallery | Inquire About Elopement Photography