A Spring Surf Hotel Wedding

Weddings

September 6, 2025

Mike and Liz’s surf hotel wedding felt more like a gathering of friends than a big display. Their story began online, like a lot of modern love stories do. But it didn’t take long for them to realize this was it. Within weeks, they knew they’d found their person.

Buena Vista and the Surf Hotel weren’t just random picks off a list of venues. The Surf was where they spent their very first Valentine’s Day together. So when it came time to choose a wedding spot, it was kind of a no-brainer.

From the beginning, their vision for the day was simple and very them: nothing overly staged—just a laid-back, documentary-style celebration with the people they love most.

Bride and groom kiss in front of the Surf Hotel

The Wedding Day Atmosphere

If I had to sum up Mike and Liz’s wedding day vibe in one word, it would be “intentional.”But not in that Pinterest-perfect, color-coded binder kind of way. More like, every choice they made was rooted in wanting to space to breathe, connect, and celebrate with their people.

Friends and family traveled in from all over—Chicago, Nebraska, and plenty of other places—to spend the weekend in Buena Vista. Having everyone stay at the Surf turned it into more than just a wedding day. It was a whole experience.

What stood out most was how centered everything was on community. The speeches were lovely. The laughter was constant. And once the band started, the dance floor energy was impossible to resist.

Bride and groom walk outside of the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista

Details & Personal Touches for Their Surf Hotel Wedding

This wedding had a great mix of intentional design and personal touches that made the day feel complete. Mike’s craftsmanship showed up in subtle but memorable ways in his woodworking. Pair that with the Surf Hotel’s own design—the stonework, warm lighting, and stylish vibe.

Entertainment wasn’t an afterthought either. They brought in White Water Ramble, a band that had everyone up and moving all night long. Just what Liz dreamed of! And while the band took care of the music, a live painter was capturing the night in brushstrokes. The guests loved watching throughout the night. And we can’t forget about the cocktail napkins with a nod to their pets.

A Perfect Buena Vista Wedding Weekend

One of the best parts about a Surf Hotel wedding is that it doesn’t stop at the ceremony or reception. Buena Vista itself makes the whole weekend feel like a getaway—for you and your guests. Between hot springs for soaking, hiking trails that start practically at your doorstep, rafting on the Arkansas, mountain biking, and ATV rentals, there’s no shortage of “Colorado things” to keep everyone busy. And when you’re ready to refuel, Buena Vista has a lineup of restaurants and breweries that will surprise you with how good small-town dining can be.

For couples who love the outdoors but still want a celebration that feels stylish and intentional, this town checks all the boxes. You can have a laid-back, adventurous weekend without giving up the comfort and character of a well-designed venue like the Surf.

Mike and Liz’s wedding is a perfect example of how it all comes together. Their priority was simple: keep it real. They wanted their photos to reflect what it actually felt like to be there.