Colorado Destination Wedding Guide

Your Colorado Destination Wedding Starts Here

Your Guide to a Destination Wedding in Buena Vista, Colorado

Looking to combine breathtaking scenery, unforgettable guest experiences, and genuine Colorado charm?

Buena Vista is the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.

Whether you’re traveling from Texas, the Southwest, or anywhere in the country, this guide will help you plan an extraordinary Colorado mountain wedding.

Why Choose Buena Vista for Your Destination Wedding?

Authentic Colorado Meets Destination Convenience

Scenic but Accessible: Just two hours from Denver International Airport, Buena Vista offers a true mountain escape without the travel stress.
Sun-Drenched and Reliable: With over 300 days of sunshine each year and mild “banana belt” mountain weather, you can count on clear skies and comfortable conditions.
Multi-Day Celebration Potential: Destination weddings here naturally stretch across a weekend or week, creating space for meaningful guest bonding and shared memories.

The Location You've Been Searching For

What Makes Buena Vista a Top Colorado Wedding Destination?

Authentic Charm Without the Crowds

Buena Vista is a true mountain town with fewer than 3,000 residents, creating a warm and welcoming vibe that’s perfect for intimate celebrations. Guests can stroll historic Main Street, enjoy local breweries and shops, and experience a community that feels like home—not a tourist trap.

Epic Scenery in Every Direction

Buena Vista boasts the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the state, offering stunning views from every angle. Whether you're rafting the Arkansas River, hiking through alpine meadows, or watching the sun dip behind the mountains, your celebration will be surrounded by natural grandeur.

Year-Round Potential

With four distinct and beautiful seasons, Buena Vista makes an ideal wedding destination any time of year. Host a summer wedding with wildflower hikes, a fall event framed by golden aspens, a cozy winter ceremony followed by hot springs relaxation, or a spring celebration with blooming mountain meadows.

A Built-In Adventure Destination

This is Colorado’s outdoor playground—home to world-class whitewater rafting, scenic jeep tours, mountain biking, and hot springs. Your guests can turn your wedding into a mini vacation filled with shared adventures and unforgettable stories.

Making Your Big Day a Success

Planning Your Destination Wedding in Colorado: Timeline & Tips

12-18 Months Out

Reserve The Orpheum and secure key vendors
Research accommodations and send out save-the-dates
Start sketching out your extended wedding week itinerary

6-12 Months Out

Lock in guest lodging blocks and travel info
Begin planning welcome events, group activities, and transportation
Design welcome bags featuring local snacks and guides

3-6 Months Out

Finalize RSVPs and event-specific plans (dinners, excursions, etc.)
Confirm with vendors and communicate key logistics to guests
Prepare detailed timelines for your wedding party and vendors

Creating moments, crafting legacies

Logistics for a Smooth Celebration

Accommodations Strategy

Reserve blocks at 2–3 properties with a range of price points
Consider:
- Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort for luxury
- Vacation rentals for families or friend groups
- Downtown hotels for easy walkability

Transportation

Group shuttles from the airport or between venues
Ride-share info and parking tips included in guest communications

Legal Checklist

No residency requirement for Colorado marriage licenses
No waiting period; valid for 35 days
Easy to obtain in-person in Chaffee County or nearby counties

Buena Vista, Colorado's Premier Wedding Venue

The Orpheum: Your Colorado Destination Wedding Venue

A Venue Steeped in History

The Orpheum is a century-old landmark lovingly restored to host unforgettable celebrations. Its unique character—original wood beams, dramatic ceilings, and a rich past—creates a sense of romance and authenticity that modern venues simply can’t replicate.

Designed for the Flow of Your Celebration

With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces—including the Grand Hall, Moon Lounge, and rooftop decks—The Orpheum lets your wedding day unfold seamlessly. From the ceremony to cocktail hour to dancing, your celebration will feel cohesive, intimate, and effortlessly elegant.

Built for Destination Simplicity

Our downtown location puts your guests steps away from shops, restaurants, and lodging. There's no need for complex shuttles or rigid schedules—just a walkable, guest-friendly experience supported by our experienced team and built-in amenities.

More Than a Ceremony—A Week of Connection

Destination Weddings That Make a Lasting Impression

When your wedding becomes a destination celebration, the memories stretch far beyond the ceremony.

Guests will remember bonding over whitewater rafting, sipping craft beer with new friends, and sharing stories under Colorado’s starry skies. The Orpheum becomes the centerpiece of a week filled with adventure, laughter, and connection.

As for you—you’ll treasure more than just stunning wedding photos. You’ll look back on a celebration that captured your love story, reflected your values, and gave your closest people time to truly connect. It won’t just be a day to remember—it’ll be an experience to cherish for a lifetime.

Visit The Orpheum

We would be honored to show you our spaces in person and help you envision your event in this historic setting.

Tours are available by appointment.