Surf Hotel Wedding | Colorado Wedding Photographers

As a wedding photographer in Colorado, I have the privilege of working at some stunning venues, but there’s something uniquely magical about The Surf Hotel in Buena Vista. Nestled in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, this venue offers the perfect mix of rustic charm and mountain elegance. For Annalise and Ryan’s summer wedding, it felt like the entire universe (and most importantly, their rockstar wedding planner – Payton from Promise Events) conspired to make their day unforgettable.

From the moment I arrived , it was clear that their wedding would be a celebration of not just love, but of everything that makes weddings in the mountains so special. Annalise looked absolutely radiant in her flowing, lace gown as she prepared for the ceremony. Her calm yet excited energy was contagious, and it set the tone for the entire day. Ryan, on the other hand, was the picture of dapper elegance, smiling ear to ear as he awaited the love of his life. The two opted to see eachother for the first time at the aisle

The ceremony took place in the hotel’s beautiful private outdoor cove, in the Surf Chateau . Annalise and Ryan opted to wait and see each other for the first time at the aisle and every eye was filled with happy tears as they shared this moment. As the couple exchanged vows, their best friend/officiant surprised them with their marriage license which she had their sweet pups paw print as their marriage witness. I couldn’t help but feel honored to capture such an emotional and beautiful moment.

After the vows, the couple and their guests mingled and celebrated with cocktails + apps in the tented courtyard. As the night unfolded, the dance floor was alive with laughter, dancing and that start of summer energy. Their reception was filled with heartfelt toasts, amazing food, and the kind of joy that only a close-knit group of family and friends can bring. It was a true honor to be part of Annalise and Ryan’s unforgettable wedding day, and I’ll always remember how perfectly their love and the beauty of Colorado came together at The Surf Hotel.