Buena Vista / Salida Wedding Guide 2021

buena vista & salida

Buena Vista and Salida are eclectic mountain towns best known for their bustling art scene and rich history. My first trip to Buena Vista was by chance, stopping for breakfast at one of their darling cafes, and I was blown away by the towering mountain peaks visible from town. These two mountain towns are quiet, quaint and some of the prettiest parts of Colorado to host a Rocky Mountain wedding.

This guide is filled to the brim with 100% local Colorado wedding inspiration. A styled shoot at the Surf Hotel that looks as if shot on one of Europe’s stunning beaches, a sweet Steamplant Event Center wedding and the best local vendors await to inspire your Buena Vista & Salida wedding. My hope is that this guide serves as a solid resource while you plan your wedding day and dream of a life with your spouse-to-be! Happy Planning!

buena vista & salida

Located in the heart of the Rockies along the Arkansas River and surrounded by the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo Mountain ranges sits the sleepy mountain towns of Buena Vista and Salida.

inside scoop

what to do, weather to expect & what to pack

FAST FACTS

• The driest month of the year is January, with the smallest chance of a wet day at 7% on January 12.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CITY

Buena Vista and Salida are the perfect mountain towns for the adventurous couple. Situated at 8,000’ and 7,000’ in elevation, these Rocky Mountain wedding destinations feature spectacular views of the highest mountain peaks in Colorado. Spend your wedding weekend exploring the Collegiate Peaks, whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River or learning of the rich history of Buena Vista and Salida.

• The wettest month of the year is August, with the chance of a wet day peaking at 31% on August 9.

• The warmest month of the year is July, with July 18 being the warmest day of the year. This date has an average high of 79°F and a low of 37°F.

• The coldest month of the year is December, with December 29 being the coldest day of the year. This date has an average low of 13°F and a high of 37°F.

• The most cloudy month of the year is May, with May 6 being the cloudiest day of the year.

• The clearest month of the year is September, with September 28 being the clearest day of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

DRIVING

From Denver: U.S. Route 285

From Colorado Springs: U.S. Route 24

From Gunnison or Colorado Springs: U.S. Route 50

From Denver or Grand Junction: I-70

FLYING

Denver International Airport www.flydenver.com

Colorado Springs Airport www.flycos.com

RMB Tip: The Rockies are known for their unpredictable weather. Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket for your visit - even if it’s summer!

WHAT TO DO

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUENA VISTA AND SALIDA, VISIT WWW.COLORFULCOLORADO.COM

ADVENTURE RELAXATION SHOPPING

MT. PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT www.mtprinceton.com

COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS INN & SPA www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com/colorado

THE YOGA TONIC www.theyogatonic.com

BUENA VISTA HERITAGE MUSEUM www.buenavistaheritage.org

THE SALIDA MUSEUM www.salidamuseum.org

SALIDA GOLF CLUB www.salidagolfclub.com

COLLEGIATE PEAKS GOLF COURSE www.collegiatepeaksgolf.com

WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER www.colorfulcolorado.com/vacation/ whitewater-rafting

BUENA VISTA MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES www.bvmountainadventures.com

MONARCH DOG SLED RIDES www.monarchdogsledrides.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN JEEP RENTALS www.rockymountainjeeprentals.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE RENTALS www.rmar1.com

ALL SEASONS ADVENTURES INC. www.allseasonrentals.com

THE TRAILHEAD www.thetrailheadco.com YOLO www.yolocolorado.com

RUSTIC WOODS www.facebook.com/RusticWoods

RIVETING EXPERIENCE JEWELRY www.rivetingexperiencejewelry.com

SALIDA SUNSHINE BOTANICALS www.salidasunshine.com

THE MAVERICK POTTER www.maverickpotter.com

EMBELLISHED ORGANICS www.embellishedorganics.com

hannah quintana photogrpahy

Make it official

Chaffee County Clerk

Chaffee County Courthouse 104 Crestone Ave, Salida

HEADS UP!

• The marriage license is good for 35 days from the date of purchase.

• Tell whether you are getting married in the State of Colorado (license only valid in this state).

• Tell whether you have been married before and if you are widowed or divorced and be able to provide the exact date and location of your divorce or spouse’s death. Both partners must be able to provide this information.

• If you are related by blood, be sure to state how you are related.

• Provide the names of both parents for each applicant.

• Provide the city and state where parents of both parties are currently located.

• Be able to answer how you are marrying. Judge? Religious? Self-solemnization?

• You must have $30.00 cash. Credit cards and checks are not accepted.

• You and your spouse-to-be must both provide proper forms of government-issued identification.

LOCAL WEDDING INSPIRATION

Alisa + Michael

Michael proposed to Alisa on July 12, 2020 while hiking at St. Mary’s Glacier outside of Idaho Springs, Colorado. Mary is Alisa’s dearly missed, late maternal grandmother’s name, and Michael’s paternal grandmother’s name, which also happens to be Alisa’s middle name. Michael’s thought and kindness that he put into his proposal made the day extremely special.

Proposal

While they were hiking, Michael found a private trail to take Alisa down. Catching Alisa completely off-guard, Michael got down on one knee and said, “It’s go time baby.” She nearly passed out from surprise and the rest is history!

Wedding

Michael and Alisa both played basketball in college, so they chose to incorporate March Madness into their bohemian summer wedding. Their day was filled with intimate details: a blind first look where they read private letters to each other, jumped the broom as a traditional act performed in African American ceremonies, and had their wedding party introduced as a basketball starting lineup for the reception.

WHY THE ROCKIES?

“Mike and I had never been to Buena Vista before and decided to randomly do a venue tour. We fell in love with Chalk Cliffs and the overall vibe of the small town!”

-VENDORS-

Ceremony

Deer Valley Ranch | www.deervalleyranch.com

Reception

Loft Orpheum Theater | www.loftmusicvenue.com

Florals

Vanilla Pines Floristry | www.vanillapinesfloristry.com

Planner Love in Mind Designs | @loveinminddesignsweddings

Photographer

Hannah Quintana Photography | www.hannahquintana.com

Videographer Pretty Films | www.prettyfilms.com

Catering/Cake

A Piece of Cake Catering | www.apieceofcakecatering.com

Desserts

Jayme’s Macarons | www.jaymesmacarons.com

Music/Entertainment

DJ Mango

Bridal Boutique d’Anelli Bridal | www.danellibridal.com

Dress Designer Calla Blanche | www.callablanche.com

Bride’s Shoes Kate Spade | www.katespade.com

Engagement Ring Shane Co. | www.shaneco.com

Wedding Band Sarah O Jewelry | www.sarahojewelry.com

Groom’s Suit Savile Row Company | www.savilerowco.com

Groom’s Shoes Steve Madden | www.stevemadden.com

Hair

Bottle & Brush | www.vsco.co/nancieaustin/gallery

Makeup Wyatt Christopherson

Rentals

Settings Event Rental | www.settingseventrental.com

Transportation Colorado Adventure Tours | www.coloradoadventuretours.com

Glitter Bombs

Art of Sucre | www.artofsucre.com

Seating Chart

McGrath + McKenna Design Group | www.mcgrathandmckenna.com

Bar

Peak Beverage | www.peakbev.com

Honeymoon

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort | www.amrcollection.com

Michelle + Aaron

Aaron and Michelle planned a casual wedding with a touch of elegance at The Salida SteamPlant. The primary goal of planning the wedding was to keep everything as simple and natural as possible. They knew they wanted to get married in the mountains, and The Salida SteamPlant was the first place they checked out.

They had been going to the Salida and Buena Vista area almost every year since they started dating and had a strong connection to it. In addition to being a beautiful venue, The Salida SteamPlant was easily accessible and was surrounded by accommodation options for their guests.

Aaron and Michelle are both creative and it was important to us to have handmade items for the wedding. They designed the save-the-dates and table numbers; Michelle made the centerpieces from thrifted glassware, wildflowers, and candles; her mom made flower crowns for the flower girls. It was also very important to them to not be wasteful, so they opted for electronic invitations to save paper. They worked better than expected!

Madison + Ryan

Madison and Ryan dated in high school and fell out of touch until 10 years later when Ryan’s brother reconnected the two. They started rock climbing together several days a week and three months later, they were in love!

They traveled to Costa Rica with their families just before COVID-19 hit. Madison talked about going on the bioluminescent algae kayak tour for months and booked a private tour for her and Ryan to spend some quality time together. They paddled around the pitch-black bay with only the algae and stars lighting their way when Madison pulled out a waterproof box. It was dark, but it was clear what was in the box - a gorgeous leather and rose gold watch. She popped the question and he started saying yes before she even finished the sentence. They hurried back to the beach where their families waited with a surprise engagement party. The pair planned a simple and elegant elopement at 13,000’ with only their family in attendance.

“Colorado is our home, and it has been for our entire lives. We live here. Our families and friends live here. Most of our memories are here...it didn’t really ever occur to us to tie the knot somewhere else. We always knew we wanted to get married IN the mountains, not just around them. That was one good thing about only having our

Callie + Craig

Craig proposed to Callie in Buena Vista along the river near the Surf Hotel, which is where they planned a September wedding one and half years later. Their day was filled with laughter, happy tears and celebration of their love.

One of their favorite moments of their wedding day was when they got to sneak away after the ceremony to have a few moments of alone time to reflect on the ceremony before it was time to party. Callie and Craig made sure to savor every moment of their wedding day by pausing at dinner to look out at all of their friends and family who made the journey to celebrate their wedding day with them.

WHY THE ROCKIES?

Buena Vista is where we took our first getaway as a couple, specifically to the Surf Chateau. Craig proposed there two years later and then we got married a year after that! Buena Vista is a special place to us.

Beachy European

elopement inspiration

This beachy, European elopement design was inspired by the Surf Hotel, a modern boutique hotel which sits on the beautiful Arkansas River of Buena Vista, Colorado. The design of the hotel is breathtaking from head to toe, while it lives right in the heart of one of the most laid back, adventure-driven mountain towns in the state.

The vendors built a custom ceremony backdrop to go with the theme, and neutral florals with black accents, which brought in a moody twist. They also built custom pedestals with this theme in mind, as well as had an incredible balloon installation done by local balloon artist Lucely Arjona.

“When it came to special details for this shoot, we considered Cassie & Shway’s overall fun & funky nature mixed with the architectural design of the hotel.”

- Flower Disco

creative team

Venue: Surf Hotel | www.surfhotel.com

Lead Photographer: Sunnie Heers | www.sunnieheers.com

Design/Styling/Florals: Flower Disco | www.velvetarmoire.com

Bridal Shop: a&bé Bridal Shop | www.aandbebridalshop.com

Dress Designer: Vagabond Bridal www.vagabondbridal.com

Beauty: WedLocks | www.wedlocksbridalhair.com

Cake: Cak the Bakery | www.cakthebakery.com

Stationary: Sundown Paper | www.sundownpaper.co.uk

Chairs: Wallflower Rentals | www.wallflowerrentals.com

Balloon Installation: Balloons by Lulu | @funballoons_

Models: Cassandra + Kyle

local vendors

ACCOMODATIONS

CREEKSIDE CHALETS

JOYFUL JOURNEY HOT SPRINGS & RESORT

MANHATTAN HOTEL

SURF HOTEL MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

ALCOHOL/BARTENDING OFFICIANTS

www.lunlibations.com www.luminousceremonies.com

www.riverandtree.com

www.creeksidechalets.com www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com www.manhattanhotelsalida.com www.surfhotel.com www.mtprinceton.com www.mountaingoatlodge.com www.stayamigo.com

www.vinosalida.com www.revforrestweddings.com

MOUNTAIN GOAT LODGE AMIGO MOTOR LODGE

HAIR & MAKEUP A VOW TO ARTISTRY FACE OF MAKEUP

RIVER + TREE INN www.avowtoartistry.com www.faceofmakeup.com

www.wildflowerbartending.com www.emilymarquis.com

buena vista / salida VENUES

100 elk outdoor center 18325 co rd 366 buena vista, colorado (888) 543-4849 www.100elk.org

a church 419 d street salida, colorado (719) 530-1296 www.achurchsalida.com

amigo motor lodge 7350 us-50 salida, colorado (719) 539-6733 www.stayamigo.com

buena vista heritage 506 e main street buena vista, colorado (719) 398-1682 www.buenavistaheritage.org

creekside chalets & cabins 16724 west, us-50 salida, colorado (719) 539-6953 www.creeksidechalets.com

eden west ranch 5968 co-69 cotopaxi, colorado (719) 942-3141 www.edenwestranch.com

everett ranch weddings 8955 co rd 166 salida, colorado (970) 531-2479 www.everettranchweddings.com

freight 320 e 9th street leadville, colorado (719) 293-1053 www.freightleadville.com

guyton ranch 35293 us hwy 285 jefferson, colorado (507) 202-6565 www.guytonranch.com

hutchinson ranch weddings & events 6700 old corral road salida, colorado (719) 221-4672 www.hutchranch.com

joyful journey hot springs spa 28640 county rd 58ee moffat, colorado (719) 256-4328 www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com

mount princeton hot springs resort 15870 co rd 162 nathrop, colorado (719) 395-2447 www.mtprinceton.com

mountain goat lodge 9582 us hwy 285 salida, colorado (719) 539-7173 www.mountaingoatlodge.com

rustic happenings westcliffe, colorado www.rustichappeningsllc.com

steamplant event center 220 w sackett avenue salida, colorado (719) 530-0933 www.salidasteamplant.com

stoney springs rustic retreats 10750 co rd 190 salida, colorado (719) 440-5477

surf hotel & chateau 1012 front loop buena vista, colorado (719) 966-7048 www.surfhotel.com

the barn at howard creek farm 356 co rd 4 howard, colorado (720) 937-1475 www.howardcreekfarm.com

the barn at sunset ranch 27650 co rd 337 buena vista, colorado (719) 688-8787 www.thebarnatsunsetranch.com

the loft orpheum theater 413 e main street buena vista, colorado (719) 266-3935 www.loftmusicvenue.com

three peaks ranch 701 co rd 120 westcliffe, colorado (970) 497-0021 www.threepeaksranch.com

willow vale events 59424 co-69 hillside, colorado (719) 371-4601 www.willowvaleevents.com

Buena Vista & Salida

FREIGHT

100 Elk Outdoor Center

The Loft Orpheum Theater Buena Vista Heritage

Surf Hotel & Chateau

Guyton Ranch

The Barn at Sunset Ranch

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Mountain Goat Lodge

Creekside Chalets & Cabins

Hutchinson Ranch Weddings & Events

Stoney Springs Rustic Retreats

Everett Ranch Weddings

Amigo Motor Lodge

SteamPlant Event Center

Salida

A Church

The Barn at Howard Creek Farm

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa

Eden West Ranch

Three Peaks Ranch

Willow Vale Events

steamplant event center

Venue Specs

The SteamPlant Event Center is a stylish, urban venue in downtown Salida, Colorado linked by a paved patio stretching to the banks of the Arkansas River, and surrounded by stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The SteamPlant is uniquely designed for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, art exhibits and entertainment. The renovated 1887 steam power plant offers a spacious ballroom with century-old, exposed brick walls for dining and receptions. It seats up to 180 guests, has full banquet facilities and overlooks our picturesque outdoor plaza and the Arkansas River. Our grounds also include a 200- seat theater, several art galleries, convention space and fully equipped conference rooms with high-speed internet access and complete presentation capabilities.

photos by: catehrine eichel photogrpahy, taylor jones photography, yellow feather photography

the barn at howard

farm

Venue Specs

The barn was built in 1861 in Northern Indiana, then moved and lovingly reassembled in its new Colorado home. It boasts a soaring open-raftered ceiling, Edison bulb string lighting, and a covered outdoor patio. With views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on one side and the Arkansas River on the other, our ceremony site is truly gorgeous. Want to make it even more unforgettable? Let the staff arrange for your arrival or departure via the river! We offer tons of great extras, including a dressing suite in our charming studio loft, handmade farm tables and mix-matched vintage wooden chairs for guest seating, and use of our cute antique red farm truck for your photos.

three peaks ranch

plan your escape!

rockymountainbride.com/travel

photo by: moments by madeleine honeymoon collective