Caz and Nate eloped at Turtle Rock in Buena Vista, Colorado the mountain town they call home. Surrounded by rescue dogs, burros, family, and sweeping views of Mount Princeton in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, their September elopement was intimate, artistic, and completely rooted in the high desert landscape they love. From handwritten vows to sunset portraits at the Midland Tunnels, their wedding day honored their animals, their ranch life, and the rugged beauty of the Arkansas River Valley that they call home.

Caz and Nate at Turtle Rock in Buena Vista, Colorado with Mount Princeton at sunset

Why They Chose to Elope at Turtle Rock in Buena Vista

Caz and Nate didn’t want a venue. They wanted home.

After meeting on chairlift 151 at Keystone in 2013 and building a life together centered around art, animals, and mountain living, Buena Vista became their place. They built a ranch here, filled it with rescue dogs, burros, horses, chickens, and love. Turtle Rock was where they camped, explored, and spent quiet evenings with their animals over the years.

Eloping there wasn’t about the scenery alone, it was about grounding their vows and their commitment to love in the land that shaped their life together.

Caz and Nate eloping at Turtle Rock in Buena Vista, Colorado high desert landscape

Wide view of Turtle Rock elopement location in Buena Vista, Colorado with Sawatch Range

A High Desert Bridal Suite & Beers Behind the Rocks

The afternoon began slowly to catch the warm glow of sunset over the Sawatch Range.

Caz created her own bridal suite among the high desert rocks. She had a rug laid out on the stone, a mirror propped against boulders, amd golden desert flora surrounding her. It felt editorial but wild. Intentional, but unpolished in the best way. Vibey, yet true to the natural scenery still.

Nearby, Nate got ready with a friend behind a cluster of rocks, sharing beers and fun while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

It was understated. Relaxed. Completely them.

Bride getting ready at Turtle Rock elopement with mirror and rug in Buena Vista Colorado

Bridal details and high desert textures at Turtle Rock in Buena Vista, Colorado

Candid elopement getting ready moment in Buena Vista Colorado with high desert backdrop

Groom getting ready with friend before Turtle Rock elopement in Buena Vista Colorado

A Furry Family Ceremony with Mount Princeton as Witness

Their ceremony backdrop was a single rock overlooking Mount Princeton.

Nate walked down first, flanked by two of their rescue dogs. Then Caz appeared, walking toward him with their third dog. It was a full furry family procession across the high desert terrain.

In front of parents and a close friend officiating, they shared handwritten vows and a cocktail they had been aging specifically for this moment. It was quiet, emotional, and deeply personal.

When they sealed it with a kiss, everyone threw their arms in the air in celebration while burros and dogs watched on.

It was wild. It was intimate. It was sacred.

🎥 Watch Caz & Nate’s Buena Vista Elopement Film Below!

Champagne & Burros in the High Desert

After the ceremony, we explored the rocky terrain with champagne in hand and burros in tow. The Arkansas River Valley stretched wide below, and the fading sun wrapped the high desert mountain tones in warmth.

Because I had scouted earlier in the day, we knew exactly where the light would fall as sunset approached allowing space for both spontaneous movement and composed, art-forward portraits.

The combination of animals, mountains, and open high desert made every frame feel distinctly Colorado.

Intimate elopement portraits in Buena Vista Colorado with Sawatch Range views

Champagne celebration after Turtle Rock elopement in Buena Vista Colorado high desert scenery

Elopement portraits with burros at Turtle Rock in Buena Vista Colorado near Mount Princeton

Couple walking with rescue animals during Buena Vista Colorado elopement at Turtle Rock

Vintage Car Magic at the Midland Tunnels

As the sun dipped behind Princeton, we drove to the Midland Tunnels — carved directly into the rock face outside Buena Vista.

A friend brought their vintage car, complete with longhorn horns mounted to the front, adding a surreal, western-meets-editorial energy to the evening. Inside the tunnels, the light shifted dramatically — moody, dramatic, cinematic.

They ran, laughed, and danced through the tunnels while we captured movement-driven compositions that felt playful and bold.

It was the perfect final chapter to a day that honored everything they love: art, animals, mountains, and each other.

Vintage car portraits at the Midland Tunnels during Buena Vista Colorado elopement

Couple kissing near the Midland Tunnels in Buena Vista Colorado with cinematic evening light

Couple running through the Midland Tunnels in Buena Vista Colorado elopement portraits

Silhouette elopement portraits inside the Midland Tunnels near Buena Vista Colorado

Documenting an Elopement in Buena Vista, Colorado

Because Caz and Nate are both Senior Art Directors, visual storytelling mattered deeply to them. They wanted something moody, dramatic, and fun yet grounded in nature and filled with personality.

Scouting earlier in the day allowed us to move fluidly between Turtle Rock and the Midland Tunnels while maximizing light and composition. With photography, videography, and aerial drone coverage, their elopement story reflects not just the beauty of Buena Vista, but the creative energy that defines who they are.

High desert elopement portraits near the Arkansas River Valley

Planning an Elopement in Buena Vista or the Arkansas River Valley?

Buena Vista offers a uniquely rugged Colorado elopement experience — high desert textures, sweeping mountain views, and access to hidden locations like Turtle Rock and the Midland Tunnels.

For couples who value animals, land, artistry, and intentional celebration, it’s hard to imagine a better setting.

If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement in Buena Vista or anywhere in the Colorado high country, I’d love to help you document it.