A Summer Documentary Wedding at the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, CO
The Surf Hotel holds a special place in my heart as my favorite wedding venue in Colorado. It's breathtaking views, the hidden gem feel, and overall timeless ambiance makes me feel like I'm traveling out of state.
This recent wedding not only took place at my favorite wedding venue, but also stole my heart with their genuine excitement and love. One of my favorite things is witnessing couples who CANNOT wait to marry their other half. The ski shots with their parents also was a great highlight.
Venue Overview: The Surf Hotel exudes a charming European flair with cozy mountain town vibes. This wedding venue offers endless possibilities for your special day with several space options, like their stunning outdoor courtyard or a versatile ballroom. All this in a boutique style hotel in the middle of the mountains!
Location: Located in Buena Vista, CO (about 2.5 hours from Denver, almost 2 hours from Colorado Springs)
Website: https://surfhotel.com/weddings/
Booking Info: https://surfhotelandchateau.tripleseat.com/booking_request/27965
Pricing: Anywhere from under 10k to 80k+ depending on space, date, and other factors. Please reach out to them directly for most up-to-date information.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly? Yes, but it's important to check with the venue as management and staff often change.
Native Land? Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute)
Size: Their different spaces can fit 30 to 250 people, however after 130ish guests (depending on the season) a hotel buyout is required.
Features: At the Surf Hotel, they treat you like the star of the show by booking only one wedding per night! You'll have your pick of three beautiful outdoor ceremony spots and a cozy suite for two nights to get ready. They've got everything covered, from tables and chairs to place settings and linens, for up to 180 of your closest friends and family.
Main Pros: The Surf Hotel is a cozy and luxurious mountain retreat filled with character and breathtaking views. Each corner is designed to make you feel right at home, but also providing a touch of elegance you can't always find elsewhere. You really can't go wrong with any of their wedding space options!
Main Cons: If your guest list exceeds 130-180 people, you'll need to reserve the entire venue at the Surf Hotel. While the Surf Hotel's location provides a picturesque backdrop to your big day, it is a 2.5 hour drive from Denver which may inconvenience some guests. Additionally, accommodations outside the hotel may be limited, so careful planning is essential to ensure all guests have a place to stay.
Congestion Level: If you plan on parking at the hotel, congestion level is minimal. The town of Buena Vista itself isn't too big.
Ease of Parking: The hotel itself has a parking lot you and your guests may park in or there is nearby street parking. This area of Buena Vista is also highly walkable to hiking, other accommodations, and food and drink spots.
Best time of year? Honestly, you cannot go wrong at ANY time of year
Multiple Locations for photos? yes! It depends on the area you rent out, but you'll get waterfront access no matter what space you choose that is incredible
Cell Service? Yes!
Extra CNP Tip: Book this location during the fall while the leaves are changing on the aspen trees!
This wedding day was so, so sweet. The day had a continual buzz of excitement and ecstatic joy. I loved watching our groom was waiting to see his bride. I didn’t know what to expect my first time meeting him, but I was met with a man so overjoyed and overflowing with emotions, unable to wait one more minute to see his favorite human and forever partner.
Being there during the getting ready moments allows me to capture special moments like the ski shot photo. It's not just about capturing your hair being styled or whiskey toasts - although those are important too - but this time is really for capturing the relationships you have with your loved ones.
I care deeply about capturing the story of your relationship and your life together. That's why booking more hours with me means a lower hourly rate - I want to make sure it's accessible for you.
For the Surf Hotel, I recommend The Ivy Ballroom + Private Courtyard + Wesley & Rose option. This gives you access to all three of these incredible spaces and endless photography options!
When it comes to wedding photography, you've got choices with me. Whether you opt for hourly packages (I suggest at least 8 hours for this venue) or the All Day package, you'll get a blend of stunning portraits and candid moments captured in a documentary style. I'll be there to preserve all the joy, authenticity, and timelessness of your special day in photos you'll cherish forever.
Catherine Norwood Photo is proudly LGBTQIA+ owned and inclusive of all stories.
