How to Get Married in
Buena Vista, Colorado

Weather in BV is like … all weather in Colorado. Pack for every season. The change in elevation between town & mountain passes like Cottonwood make for some veryyyy different temperatures.

Spring (April - mid June): The valley starts to warm up, lower trails start to melt out, but you’ll still encounter snow up high. Spring is truly a you-never-know-what-youre-gonna-get situation.

Summer (mid June - mid September): Prime time baby! Warm sunny days in the 70’s to 90’s depending on the day and altitude. Late rainstorms are popular and you want to be off of the mountains by 2 pm to avoid storms and lightning.

Fall (mid September - October): Back to cooler temps but crisp and cozy and somehow still warm enough to hang out outside without loosing all the feeling in your fingers.

Winter (November - March): Colder temps (obviously) but don’t let that fool you! Winter is actually an incredible time of year to elope in Colorado IF you can be flexible with your date and your vendors (I am!). Sometimes you get a blizzard that shuts the freeway down. Sometimes you get a 40 degree day but at such a high altitude, you can wear a t-shirt and feel warm.

There’s really no wrong time to elope in BV, but each season brings its own adventure.

Spring (April–June): Things are just starting to wake up again — the river’s flowing fast, wildflowers are popping up, and the weather can feel like a little bit of everything. One day it’s 70 and sunny, the next it’s snowing on your picnic. Kinda chaotic, kinda charming. Great for couples who are chill with surprise weather and want those lush, fresh mountain vibes.

Summer (July–August): Long days, warm air, and that classic Colorado combo of sunshine followed by thunderstorm. Mornings are usually perfect for hiking, portraits, or vow exchanges — just be ready to duck for cover after 2pm if the skies decide to pop off. This is also when the wildflowers and alpine lakes are peak wow.

Fall (September–October): Aspens turning gold, crisp air, and quiet trails. If “cozy flannel and hot cider after your vows” sounds like a vibe, this is your time. I’ve had October days that felt like late summer and others where we got snowed on mid-ceremony. (Totally worth it.)

Winter (November–March): Moody skies, snow-dusted peaks, and a real chance at having the whole place to yourselves. If you’re into snowshoes, fuzzy boots, and cozying up post-ceremony with a drink by the fire — hiiiii, winter is calling. Just be ready to roll with the weather and leave room for road closures or alternate plans.

Flying: If you're coming from out of state, flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) is your best bet. From there, it's about a 2 ½ hour (very scenic!!) drive west on Interstate 70 and then south on Highway 285. Trust me, the views along the way are worth it!

Driving: Most place you fly into you’ll still need to drive a bit to BV so definitely be up for a road trip! The area into BV, whether you’re coming from the north, south, east, or west, it super scenic and beautiful.

Buena Vista is definitely a place where you can treat yourself without feeling like you’re gonna go broke.

Lodging: Whether you’re dreaming of a cute lil AirBNB, a riverside lodge, or a campsite - BV has all the options.

Food: Tasty breakfast burritos for under $10, food trucks galore, but also some sit down places with Colorado-inspired menus and cocktails. Personally, hitting up House Rock Kitchen for lunch after a morning hike is a tradition for me at this point. No matter where you choose though, BV is superrrrr laid back.

Activities: My personal favorite part of Buena Vista - the adventures. Hiking = free. Stargazing = free. River chillin’ = free. Besides the endless free options, there’s also hot springs, river rafting, paddle boarding rentals…tons of options without blowing a budget.