Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

The Meadow at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Ceremony

The Pavilion Lawn at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Cocktail Hour

The Pavilion at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Reception

Our Wedding

Jess and Collin’s story starts long before either of them realized it had begun. Jess went to undergrad in Colorado and would often come back to visit friends, see live music, and spend time in the mountains she loved. At the time, she was finishing her master’s degree in Hawaii, but Colorado still felt like a second home. One New Year’s Eve, Jess flew back for a String Cheese Incident show with a group of friends. When she walked into the house before the concert, she saw Collin standing there in overalls and an outer space shirt, and for reasons she still can’t fully explain, she saw him in a completely new light. That night, in the middle of the music and the crowd, they kept finding their way back to each other. Collin lent Jess his gloves to keep her hands warm, and something about the whole evening felt different. Easy. Magnetic. Familiar. After the show, Jess started feeling intense pain in her stomach (spoiler: it was a kidney stone). While everyone, including Collin, confidently reassured her she’d be fine and that it was just gas, she was in too much pain to sleep. So Collin stayed up with her the entire night until the sun began to rise. They talked about music, life, science, design, travel, dreams, and everything in between. Somewhere in those quiet, late-night hours, a connection formed that neither of them expected, but both of them felt. The next morning, as Jess was about to leave, Collin sprinted outside before she got into the car and asked her on a date before she flew back to Hawaii. She said yes. What followed were five months of long-distance calls, texts, plane tickets, and adventures between the Colorado mountains and the Hawaiian islands. The distance wasn’t easy, but it made one thing very clear: this was something worth building. When Jess finished her master’s degree, she moved to Denver and moved in with Collin. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Our Story

Timeline and Events

The wedding is Sat 10/3/26, and we'll have an 'open to everyone welcome night' on Fri 10/2/26 from 5:30-8:30pm with a food truck and drinks at the hot springs infinity pool (they have a number of pools). A 'minimum' trip would be 10/2 - 10/4.

Location

The wedding will be held at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/wvGzQSAawTCv4hLr6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mt. Princeton Hot Springs</a> (<a href="https://mtprinceton.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">their website</a>) near <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/2fjdwNZgCE8xzfgH7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buena Vista, CO</a>, a super cute mountain town 10min up the road from the Hot Springs. Don't sleep on visiting Buena Vista even if you're doing a short trip as it's an awesome little place.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

The two major ways to fly in are from Denver International (2.5 hours drive) or Colorado Springs (2 hours drive). We highly recommend renting a car for your trip. The drive through the mountains is stunning and much easier with your own vehicle. Public transportation is available from Denver International Airport to Buena Vista, but the journey takes approximately 4–5 hours and still requires a 10-minute drive to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. A rental car gives you flexibility, comfort, and the ability to explore the area throughout the weekend. It'll be fall foliage season and the drive should be lovely. We've provided some fun things to check out in the area on the <a href="https://www.jessandcollin2026.com/us/jess-hankins-and-collin-brady-oct-2026/things-to-do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Explore the Rockies</a> page.

Hotel Blocks

Please see the document links below for information on how to book as well as how many available rooms/cabins of each type we have. There is a 3.99% processing fee for credit cards (the cause of some poor reviews). You can book and use debit, check, or cash once you arrive if you follow the instructions in the documents below (you may need to call to avoid paying until you arrive). There are plenty of 'standard' style rooms to pick from. For cabins, the rundown is Cabin Condo = 4 people, Full Cabin = 8 people, Large Cabin = 10 people. <a href="https://mtprinceton.com/resort-map/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The resort map</a> is helpful to see the layout against the block options (everything is a short walk or 2 min drive at most from the wedding 'Pavilion' seen in the lower left of the map where the event takes place). You can see <a href="https://mtprinceton.com/lodging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the room options</a> for more info/photos about them - Click the image at the top of each room type to see a lot more details. If you stay at Mt. Princeton, you'll get free access to the hot springs the day you check in through the end of the day you check out. Staying on site also gives you free towel rentals, complimentary fitness classes, tennis / basketball / pickleball courts, free mountain bike rentals, and 10% off spa treatments. If staying in Buena Vista, rates for the pools are $45, and $5 for towels per adult, per day. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZsZf5k0Ce69J0qJN7ArCh681_v0c5UwX/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LODGING BLOCK RESERVATION INSTRUCTIONS</a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-4uZfXIamqXODjGy6UpuCrXUPsGQ5pub/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LODGING BLOCK OPTIONS</a> Note: We ask that groups don't 'upsize' above their accommodation needs - there's a few sizes of cabins sleeping different amounts, and we do have some groups of friends and family that may stay together. Ultimately, if you want a cabin, please try to 'fill it' the best you can so that folks needing larger cabins that will fill them have the availability to do so. They're all amazing no matter the size, and there are more 'standard' hotel room blocks as well on the property.

Other Hotel Options

We also have a shared wedding block at the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/neQmVwwQPXt5uNS76" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Western Vista Inn</a> in Buena Vista. You must call them at (719) 395-8009 for booking with the promo code 'IDO' for a minimum of 2 nights and a maximum of 3 days at the discounted rate. Another option in Buena Vista is the fancy <a href="https://surfhotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Surf Hotel</a> - we don't have blocks for them as you only get them if your wedding is on-site. Salida is another town about 25 minutes south that will have a number of additional hotel options. They likely will run cheaper than those in Buena Vista if you're concerned about price! We'll be investigating a transportation system from Buena Vista &lt;&gt; Mt. Princeton Hot Springs if we find enough people are staying off resort (it may be a local river rafting school bus that's not being used in off season as getting a charter from Denver is the only other option - it'll bring a little charm to the adventure!).

The Event

Make the Drive Part of the Adventure

From Denver (≈ 2.5 hours): A Classic Rocky Mountain Route

You’ll travel through the Front Range foothills, over Kenosha Pass, across South Park’s wide alpine valley, and over Trout Creek Pass into the Arkansas River Valley. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/wwpryDgtBoMcpyFk6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Maps Directions</a> 🍁 Kenosha Pass Overlookon the way if taking 285 to the venueOne of Colorado’s most famous fall foliage viewpoints. A quick pull-off rewards you with sweeping views of South Park and glowing aspen hillsides. ☕ Fairplay, Coloradoon the way if taking 285 to the venueA quirky Old West mining town. Great stop for coffee or lunch at Brown Burro Cafe and a leg stretch along the historic main street. 📸 South Park Scenic Stretchon the way if taking 285 to the venueVast golden meadows framed by 14,000-foot peaks. This is the “sit back and enjoy the views" part of the drive. 🍺 Buena Vista Food &amp; Beer Stop+15 minIf you arrive early, grab a beer at The Slammer or some grub at Simple Eatery downtown before heading to the resort.

From Colorado Springs (≈ 2 hours): Canyons, Peaks & River Views

This route follows a dramatic river canyon and passes directly beneath some of Colorado’s most iconic mountains. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/LKmFT7pcXfbVgNT46" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Maps Directions</a> 🌄 Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)Small detour before leaving townTowering red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the background. Easy walking paths and unforgettable views. 🌉 Royal Gorge Bridge &amp; Park+45–75 minWalk across one of the highest suspension bridges in the U.S. at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, spanning the Arkansas River canyon. 🚗 Arkansas River Canyon DriveNo extra timeA stunning stretch of highway hugging cliffs and riverbanks - especially beautiful with fall color along the canyon walls. 🥗 Lunch in Buena Vista+20 minGreat casual options like Simple Eatery &amp; Spoon It Up for fresh, healthy fare.

If You’re Making a Trip Out of It

Buena Vista sits in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks, one of the most scenic mountain regions in the state. Within a few hours drive, you can experience some of Colorado’s very best.

🌼 Epic Fall Foliage & Scenic Locations

🍂 Cottonwood Pass20 min away • 1–2 hrsA breathtaking drive to the Continental Divide with endless aspen groves. 🏔 Independence Pass (toward Aspen)1.5 hrs away • Half dayOne of the most spectacular alpine roads in North America. 💧 Twin Lakes30 min away Glass-still lakes reflecting golden aspens and Colorado’s two tallest peaks. 🏘 Leadville1 hour away Explore the highest city in the US, rustic, historic mining charm in Leadville. 🏔 Ouray — “The Switzerland of America”3 hours away • Full day or overnightA dramatic box-canyon town surrounded by waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and glowing aspens. Pair it with a drive on the breathtaking Million Dollar Highway and a soak in the local hot springs. Our favorite CO town! 🌄 Telluride — A Legendary Mountain Town4 hours away • Overnight or 2 nightsA postcard-perfect mountain town tucked into a canyon of 13,000-foot peaks. Ride the free gondola for panoramic fall views and hike the San Juan Mountains that surround it!

🥾 Short Scenic Hikes

🌿 Clear Creek Trail (Buena Vista) • 30–45 min • In townPeaceful riverside walking with mountain views. 🪨 Browns Canyon Overlook • 20 min awayA short walk to a dramatic canyon viewpoint. 🍁 Cottonwood Lake Trail • 25 min awayEasy trail through aspens to a reflective alpine lake. 🌄 Midland Hill Overlook • 10 min awayQuick panoramic view over Buena Vista and the valley.

🌊 Adventure & Unique Colorado Experiences

♨️ Soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs • On site • As long as you likeExtend your trip using our wedding location as your base camp with its natural geothermal pools and mountain views - the perfect recovery on your trip. 🚙 Jeep / Off-Road Trails • Varies • NearbyRent a Jeep at your chosen airport and explore high alpine roads through the aspens. 🏚 St. Elmo Ghost Town • 30 min away A remarkably preserved 1880s mining town tucked in the mountains. 🏜 Explore Great Sand Dunes + Medano Creek • 2 hrs from Buena VistaWalk barefoot through Medano Creek at the base of the tallest dunes in North America, rent sandboards, and experience one of the strangest and most beautiful landscapes in Colorado at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 🚂 Ride the Historic Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad • 4 hrs from Buena VistaA bucket-list vintage steam train ride clinging to cliffs above the Animas River via the Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, absurdly scenic, especially with fall colors. 🧗 Via Ferrata in Telluride • 4 hrs from Buena VistaA protected cliffside climbing route with cables and iron rungs on the edge of the box canyon in Telluride, wildly exhilarating and uniquely Colorado. 🌋 Hike Wheeler Geologic Area (Colorado’s “mini Bryce Canyon”) • 2.5 hrs from Buena Vista + High Clearance Vehicle AccessOtherworldly volcanic hoodoos hidden deep in the La Garita Wilderness, remote, strange, and feels nothing like the Rockies people expect.

🍻 Great Food, Coffee & Mountain Town Vibes

🍺 The Slammer – Laidback saloon with craft beer and a great selection of whiskey 🥗 Simple Eatery &amp; Spoon It Up – fresh, healthy, casual ☕ The Blend – excellent coffee &amp; breakfast burritos 🛍 Buena Vista - Stroll the charming main street of downtown Buena Vista for shops, views, and relaxed mountain energy

Jess & Collin

Jess & Collin

J&C

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

4:30 PM–5:00 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–6:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

6:00 PM–11:30 PM

Reception