The Best Guide for a Magical Garden of the Gods Wedding (Updated for 2025)

Eloping at Garden of the Gods: How to Celebrate Your Love with Intention, Awe, and Adventure

Let’s be real for a second—if you’ve found yourself staring at a growing guest list, worrying about centerpieces you don’t even care about, and wondering how your wedding day somehow turned into a performance for everyone but you… you’re not alone. So many couples start planning a traditional wedding only to realize it doesn’t feel like them. If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re craving something different. Something meaningful. Something intentional.

That’s exactly where the magic of eloping at Garden of the Gods comes in. Whether you’ve already decided to elope or you’re still exploring what that could look like for you, I’m here to tell you—your elopement can be every bit as beautiful, moving, and joy-filled as a big wedding… actually, even more so. Because it’s centered entirely around what you want.

Why Garden of the Gods is the Perfect Place to Elope in Colorado

Let’s start with the facts—and trust me, they’re good ones. Garden of the Gods is one of the most stunning, easily accessible, and budget-friendly places to elope in Colorado. It’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among couples who want a blend of natural beauty, convenience, and meaningful experiences. And throughout years of exploring all of Colorado’s magical elopement locations, Garden of the Gods has truly remained one of my all-time favorite spots!!

Here’s why it’s a dream location for your Colorado elopement:

1. It’s Free — No Permits, No Hidden Fees

Yep, you read that right. Garden of the Gods doesn’t require a permit for weddings or photography (as long as you’re not setting up large props or exclusive areas). That means you can keep things simple and save that extra money for a cozy Airbnb, a photographer you trust (wink, wink!), or a dreamy post-ceremony dinner under the stars. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to find a location this incredible with zero red tape.

2. Easily Accessible for You + Your Favorite People

One of the biggest pain points I hear from couples is the fear of making their elopement feel “too difficult” for family and friends to attend—if they choose to include them. Garden of the Gods is perfect because it’s just a short drive from Colorado Springs (about 15 minutes from downtown), and most of the scenic spots are accessible via short, well-maintained trails.

Want to invite your parents or grandparents? No problem. Want a quiet ceremony just the two of you, followed by a little picnic with your closest people? Totally doable. You’re not stuck choosing between a beautiful place or ease. This spot gives you both.

3. Dog-Friendly, Because Your Pup is Family Too

If your four-legged bestie is part of your love story, you’ll be happy to know that Garden of the Gods is dog-friendly. Your pup can trot along beside you as you say your vows or chase you across red rock trails in golden-hour light. (Pro tip: bring a cute floral collar or leash for those dreamy detail shots!)

4. Views That Take Your Breath Away

Imagine this: towering red rock formations rising out of the earth like ancient sculptures, framed by snow-capped peaks in the distance. The light here—especially around sunrise or sunset—glows in a way that feels otherworldly. Whether you want moody winter drama or golden summer sunshine, the landscape is always stunning.

And the best part? No matter what time of year you elope, you’ll have an unforgettable backdrop that looks like something out of a dream.

5. Year-Round Beauty

Whether you’re cozying up in a winter elopement wrapped in blankets with snowflakes falling, or running barefoot across sun-warmed rocks in the summer, Garden of the Gods is beautiful in every season. Colorado’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that just adds to the story—some of the most magical elopements I’ve photographed have happened on rainy days or with a sprinkle of unexpected snow.

Creating a Meaningful Elopement Day at Garden of the Gods

Now that you know the why, let’s talk about the how. Because your day should be more than just showing up and taking pretty pictures (although, trust me, there will be plenty of those).

If you’re the kind of couple who wants to feel connected, not just go through the motions, then your elopement should be filled with moments that reflect your relationship.

Here are a few ideas to help you create an intentional and memorable day:

✨ Start with a Slow Morning

Instead of rushing through hair, makeup, and logistics, begin your day with coffee together on the porch, reading letters to each other, or taking a sunrise walk through the park. The whole day is yours—no timelines, no pressure. Let it unfold slowly and meaningfully.

✨ Write Personal Vows in a Quiet Spot

There are dozens of little nooks in Garden of the Gods where you can share your vows without an audience. If you want to avoid the more touristy spots (which can get busy), I’ll help you scout out hidden gems where it’ll just be the two of you, your emotions, and the mountains echoing your promises.

✨ Celebrate in Your Own Way

After your ceremony, pop some champagne, go for a hike, have a picnic with charcuterie and cake, or dance barefoot under the setting sun. You don’t need to follow any rules. What makes your day meaningful is doing what feels right for you.

Planning Tips for Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen:

Best Time of Day to Elope at Garden of the Gods:

  • Sunrise: For peaceful, glowy light and fewer crowds. This is my personal recommendation for most of my couples who elope here!
  • Sunset: For dramatic golden-hour views and warmth in your photos. Sunset is beautiful if you’re envisioning the sun dipping behind the mountains later in the day.

Best Seasons to Elope at Garden of the Gods:

  • Spring: Springtime is absolutely beautiful in Colorado Springs. While the mountains are still snowy & wintery, the Springs starts to warm up. My favorite month for spring elopements at Garden of the Gods is May – earlier than this and the weather can be a little bit more unpredictable and potentially muddy on the trails.
  • Summer: If you’re dreaming of warmth, sunshine, and soaking in all the summertime activities, June-August will be absolutely perfect. Be prepared for heat if you’re looking at late summer, as it can definitely get hot, but the park will be filled with some beautiful greenery against the red rocks! 
  • Fall: Crisp air and golden tones will surround you in the fall at Garden of the Gods. It’s an absolutely beautiful time of year here and can still be warm as it starts to get cold & snowy in the mountains!
  • Winter: Moody vibes with snow-dusted rocks—absolutely stunning and romantic. Colorado Springs has relatively mild winters, so you could even luck out with a 50 degree day, but either way, you’re likely to soak in some sunshine.

Where to Stay:

Look into cute Airbnbs or boutique hotels in Colorado Springs or nearby Manitou Springs. You’ll have options for everything from cozy cabins to luxury suites, depending on your vibe. Here are some of my favorite spots to stay for your elopement at Garden of the Gods!

Airbnbs:
Riverhouse North Luxury Cabin
Modern Forest Cabin
Cabin in Cascade
Spanish Style Airbnb in Old Colorado City

Hotels:
Kinship Landing
The Mining Exchange

And if you look for Airbnbs on your own – here’s what I usually look for that photographs really well:

  • Natural light – lots of windows or open spaces that reflect a lot of light
  • Clean design – usually I’ll avoid anything that looks visually cluttered or is actually cluttered with things on the counters, etc. 
  • Unique design – I always love finding hidden gems that have a really unique design – these always photograph so well!
  • Outdoor spaces – depending on what you’re looking for, it’s usually nice to have some sort of outdoor space. Either a porch, nice woods around it, outdoor dining tables, etc. 
  • Indoor spaces – this varies a lot too, but having ample space where things aren’t super cramped is great.

Find Incredible Vendors: 

Hiring amazing vendors that you can trust will always make your elopement experience so much better! There are a ton of great options in Colorado Springs, but here are some of my favorite people to work with: 

Indie Bridal Co
Brie Miller Hair
Jessica Faye Beauty
Kind Floral
Parsley & Valentine

Explore Colorado Springs

Living in Colorado Springs for the past 5 years has allowed me to discover some of the best hidden gems in the area. If you’re ready to partake in delicious coffee and food, hike some of the best trails, and just have the most amazing time during your stay, here are some of my favorite things to do!

Hiking/Activities:

Food/Drinks/Coffee:

Garden of the Gods Elopement Locations

There are six designated ceremony spots inside Garden of the Gods—and each one offers something a little different depending on your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet moment with just the two of you and your pup, or inviting your inner circle to witness the vows, there’s a space here that will fit your day perfectly. Just keep in mind: while ceremonies are allowed, full-on receptions are not (unless you’re keeping it super low-key with a picnic in a designated area).

But the silver lining? You’re so close to Colorado Springs—so if you want to grab dinner, pop champagne with your people, or even rent a small venue for a celebration after, it’s all within easy reach.

When choosing your ceremony spot, be sure to double-check the capacity limits—because yes, you’ll need to include yourselves and your vendors in the headcount!

Jaycee Plaza

Capacity: 50 people 

If you’re planning to bring guests along for the ride, Jaycee Plaza is a great pick. It’s the most accessible option in the park, with actual seating and a wide open area to gather—so Grandma won’t have to climb any trails to get to your ceremony.

But keep in mind—it’s located right next to one of the main parking lots, which makes things easy logistically… but also means you might have a few curious tourists in the background. It’s still beautiful, no doubt, but if you’re dreaming of wide landscape shots without distractions, it might feel a bit busy from a photography perspective.

Sentinel Plaza

Capacity: 25 people

Sentinel Plaza is a lovely balance between accessibility and intimacy. It’s tucked a little further into the park, which means you’re closer to the red rocks and a bit more immersed in the natural beauty around you. This spot is ideal for smaller ceremonies where you want to feel like you’re in your own little world—but still not far from the parking lot.

a couple is surrounded by family during their elopement ceremony at garden of the gods in colorado springs

Three Graces Plaza

Capacity: 25 people

This one is a total favorite if you want those classic Garden of the Gods rock formations in your photos. Three Graces Plaza is vibrant, fun, and gives you room to explore a bit—with different angles and areas to climb or wander for your couple portraits. It’s not huge, but if you’re keeping things small, that actually works in your favor. Plus, the nearby parking options make it super guest-friendly without losing the magic of the scenery.

High Point

Capacity: 50 people

Want jaw-dropping views of the entire park and the mountains beyond? High Point is exactly what it sounds like—elevated, epic, and insanely beautiful. It’s one of the most loved ceremony spots for a reason. You’ll see Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Cheyenne Mountain all from one stunning spot. There’s no seating here, so it’s best for couples who are okay with standing guests—or planning something simple and heartfelt with just a few people. Bonus: the rocks here are perfect for post-ceremony portraits.

Scotsman Picnic Area

Capacity: 25 people

If you’re going for a relaxed, casual vibe with a place to sit and share a meal afterwards, Scotsman Picnic Area could be a great option. You won’t get as much of the dramatic red rock backdrop here, but you’ll be surrounded by greenery and it’s one of the more shaded, accessible spots in the park. This one is ideal for an informal elopement followed by a picnic lunch—but keep your plans flexible, as it is a public area and space might be shared with other park visitors.

South Spring Canyon Area

Capacity: 50 peopleLooking for something a little more off the beaten path? South Spring Canyon Area is a lesser-known spot that offers big views without the big crowds. While you won’t be nestled among the red rocks, you will get a beautiful shot of Pikes Peak as your backdrop. It’s spacious, quiet, and has plenty of room for a gathering or picnic afterward. Just be aware—there’s no shade, so if you’re planning a summer ceremony, bring water and maybe a cute parasol or two.

Rock formations frame a wedding couple at garden of the gods in colorado springs

Not Sure If Eloping is Right for You?

Here’s something I want you to know: so many of the couples I work with started out unsure. They were nervous about being in front of the camera. They weren’t sure if eloping would feel “special enough.” They felt torn between expectations and the quiet longing for a day that felt true to them.

And then they took the leap.

And the moment they stood among the red rocks, hands clasped, wind in their hair and tears in their eyes—they knew. This was what they had been dreaming of all along.

You deserve a wedding day that lets you breathe. That reminds you why you chose each other. That allows you to slow down, look into each other’s eyes, and feel every second.

If that resonates with you, I’d love to be the one to help you bring it to life. I’ll help you plan, find the perfect locations, navigate the details, and most of all—document your day in a way that reflects how it felt. Like artwork. Like you.

Garden of the Gods Elopement Packages

Hi, I’m Meagan! I’m an elopement photographer based in Colorado & help couples from all over the U.S. and beyond elope in their dream locations. 

I have a special elopement package exclusively for Garden of the Gods – inquire below for your elopement!

  • 4 hours of coverage
  • Polaroids of your day for a hint of nostalgia
  • Personalized location idea list
  • Vendor recommendations
  • Tips, tricks, logistics, & unlimited planning help
  • A custom timeline for the best experience and beautiful photos
  • Full resolution images with printing rights
  • Digital gallery to view, download, print, and share your images

Starting at $4,200 – view pricing guide here

Ready to Elope at Garden of the Gods?

If your heart is saying yes, don’t wait. Your elopement doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real. And trust me, the moment you’re standing on that red rock ridge, soaking in the views, whispering vows to each other, you won’t be thinking about what you “should” have done.

You’ll just be in the moment—fully present, fully loved, fully alive.

Let’s make it happen.

Start Planning Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

September 4, 2020