Garden of the Gods Elopement Guide: How to Plan an Unforgettable Day in Colorado Springs

I’ve lived half an hour (or less) from Garden of the Gods for the past 5+ years – which means I’ve had more time than most to fall completely in love with it as an elopement location. Honestly, I fell for it long before I ever lived here on a trip when I was just visiting.

I’ve hiked the most popular trails and found my favorites off the beaten path, spent afternoons climbing, picnicking, and wandering just for the joy of it, and photographed Garden of the Gods elopements here across every season. There’s really nowhere else like it – the way the red rocks and the mountains exist together in the same frame, this collision of two completely different landscapes that somehow makes perfect sense.

After five years of knowing exactly where to go, I’ve learned how to find the quiet corners of a busy park that most people walk right past. With easy access right in Colorado Springs, it’s also one of the most beautiful and surprisingly accessible places to elope in Colorado – which means less time figuring out logistics, and more time actually being present in your day.

If you’re dreaming of a Garden of the Gods elopement, this guide is everything I know about making it yours – the six designated ceremony spots and what they actually feel like to stand in, the best time of day and year to plan for, where to stay, and how to build a day that feels unhurried and completely intentional.

Updated for 2026 with current permit info, locations, and planning tips

A couple sits on a rock at Garden of the Gods during their elopement

Why Garden of the Gods is One of the Best Elopement Locations in Colorado

There are a lot of beautiful places to elope in Colorado – but Garden of the Gods has something most of them don’t. Here’s why it keeps making the list, and why I keep bringing couples back here year after year.

1. It’s Completely Free (No Permits or Reservations Required)

This is one of the things I love telling couples when they first start researching Garden of the Gods elopements – there is no permit required. It’s first come, first served, which means you need a little flexibility, but it also means one less thing to navigate in the planning process. You just show up, find your spot, and let the day unfold.

2. Easy to Get To – Without Sacrificing the Views

A lot of Colorado elopement locations require long hikes or hard-to-reach trailheads. Garden of the Gods isn’t one of them. It’s minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, about a half hour from my own front door, and less than an hour and a half from Denver International Airport. Most ceremony spots are a short walk from the parking area with minimal elevation gain – which means your grandmother can be there, your dog can be there, and you don’t have to spend half your elopement day hiking in a wedding dress.

A couple holds their dog at High Point during their Garden of the Gods elopement

3. Perfect for Just-You-Two or a Small Group

Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your favorite people, this park accommodates both without feeling like a compromise. The spots are accessible enough for guests, but quiet enough – especially at sunrise – to feel completely private. And your furry friends are allowed at Garden of the Gods too, so if you’re looking for a dog-friendly elopement location, this is a great one to consider!

4. The Views Are Unlike Anywhere Else in Colorado

I said it in the intro and I’ll say it again – there is truly nowhere else like this. The red rocks and the mountains in the same frame, Pikes Peak rising behind the formations, the way the landscape shifts depending on where you’re standing. You don’t have to hike miles to find it either. Some of the most breathtaking views in the park are steps from the parking lot.

5. It’s Beautiful in Every Single Season

This place shows up. Snow dusting the red rocks in January, wildflowers pushing through in May, golden hour light turning everything warm and cinematic in October – every season here has its own personality. Colorado weather can be unpredictable, but at Garden of the Gods that often works in your favor. Some of my favorite elopement photos from this park have come from days that didn’t go exactly according to plan.

A couple walking down a trail during their Garden of the Gods elopement

The Best Garden of the Gods Elopement and Wedding Locations

There are six designated ceremony spots inside Garden of the Gods – each one feels completely different depending on your vision, your guest count, and how much of the landscape you want surrounding you. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet moment with just the two of you (and your pup!) or inviting a small circle of loved ones to witness your vows, one of these spots will feel like it was made for your day.

One thing worth knowing: full receptions aren’t permitted inside the park, but a low-key picnic in a designated area is totally fair game. And since you’re just minutes from Colorado Springs, celebrating afterward is easy – dinner, champagne, a nearby venue for a small gathering. The park is for the ceremony, and the rest of the day is yours.

When choosing your spot, double-check capacity limits and remember to include yourselves and any vendors in your headcount.

Jaycee Plaza Garden of the Gods wedding ceremony location

Jaycee Plaza

Capacity: 50 people 

If you’re planning to include guests in your Garden of the Gods elopement, Jaycee Plaza is one of the most practical choices in the park. It has actual seating, a wide open area, and easy access right from the parking lot – which makes logistics genuinely simple for a larger group.

The tradeoff is that proximity to the parking lot cuts both ways. Yes, it’s easy to get to – but it also means curious tourists wandering through your background is a real possibility. The views are still beautiful, but if you’re dreaming of wide, uninterrupted landscape shots it can feel a little busy. My recommendation: aim for early morning or golden hour when the crowds thin out, and you’ll get the accessibility without the audience.

Sentinel Plaza

Capacity: 25 people

Sentinel Plaza is genuinely beautiful – tucked a little further in than Jaycee, with towering red rocks surrounding you and that feeling of being inside the landscape rather than just next to it.

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

Three Graces Plaza

Capacity: 25 people

Three Graces is honestly one of my favorite spots in the park – probably my second favorite overall. The rock formations here are some of the most iconic in Garden of the Gods, and the variety of angles for portraits is genuinely unmatched. You can wander, explore, climb a little – there’s always something interesting to work with photographically.

My honest take: it can get busy. I wouldn’t recommend filling it to capacity – a smaller group is going to have a much better experience here than trying to squeeze 25 people in when tourists are wandering through. But for an intimate elopement or a tiny gathering of your closest people, the scenery makes it completely worth it. Aim for early morning or golden hour and it feels like a completely different place.

Garden of the Gods elopement at High Point

High Point

Capacity: 50 people

This is my personal favorite ceremony spot in the entire park – and once you see it, you’ll understand why. High Point lives up to its name: elevated, open, and completely stunning, with Pikes Peak, the red rock formations, and Cheyenne Mountain all visible from one vantage point. It’s the kind of view that makes people stop mid-sentence.

There’s no seating here, so it works best for couples who are keeping things intimate or are okay with standing guests. But the rocks make a genuinely incredible backdrop for portraits after your ceremony – we never run out of options here.

One thing to know: crowds tend to come in waves since it’s so popular. It’s just steps from the parking lot which makes it incredibly accessible, but arriving early or at golden hour means it’ll be a lot more quiet!

Scotsman Picnic Area

Capacity: 25 people

Scotsman is the most relaxed spot on this list – and I mean that in the best way. It’s shaded, has seating, and has a green, peaceful feel that’s different from the dramatic red rock settings of the other ceremony spots. It’s not the most scenic option for photos, but if you’re planning a laid-back ceremony followed by a picnic with your closest people, it’s a really sweet choice. Think less “epic landscape” and more “quiet, intimate gathering in nature.”

South Spring Canyon Area

Capacity: 50 people

South Spring Canyon is the most off-the-beaten-path option on this list – it sees fewer crowds than the other spots and has a spacious, open feel with Pikes Peak visible in the background. It’s not somewhere I’ve personally photographed an elopement, but for couples who want more space, a relaxed atmosphere, and a little more privacy than the busier spots offer, it’s worth considering. Like Scotsman, it lends itself well to a casual ceremony followed by a picnic celebration.

Planning Tips for Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

This is where knowing the park the way I do actually comes in handy. Garden of the Gods is one of the most visited parks in Colorado – but most tourists stick to the same paths, the same viewpoints, and the same times of day. With the right timing and the right spots, your elopement can feel completely private even in a busy park.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your day feel effortless.

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

The light, the crowds, and the overall feeling of the park change dramatically depending on when you show up. Here’s my honest take on both:

Sunrise is quieter, more intimate, and the light is soft and glowy in a way that’s genuinely beautiful for portraits. You’ll mostly avoid the tourist crowds at this hour – but sunrise has become the go-to time for elopements here, so depending on the day, you may find another couple doing exactly what you’re doing a few spots over. It’s worth knowing going in. Bring layers – mornings can be chilly even in summer.

Sunset is actually my personal favorite, and I don’t think it gets enough credit. The golden hour light coming over the mountains and hitting the red rocks is cinematic in a way that sunrise just isn’t. Yes, the park will have more visitors by then – but you’re far less likely to see other eloping couples, which means your ceremony can feel surprisingly private even later in the day. Arrive a little early and aim to be flexible.

Best Seasons for a Garden of the Gods Elopement

The best time really depends on the vibe you’re looking for – and the good news is there’s no wrong answer here.

Spring (March–May): Springtime in Colorado Springs is magical. The mountains are still snow-capped, and the park starts to warm up with fresh blooms and vibrant greenery pushing through. My favorite month is May – earlier in the season can be unpredictable, with muddy trails or a lingering winter chill that catches people off guard.

Summer (June–August): If you’re dreaming of sunshine, warmth, and that deep blue Colorado sky, this is your season. The red rocks against lush summer greenery make for stunning photos – but late summer can get hot, so plan your timing accordingly. Sunrise ceremonies are especially worth it in summer if you want the park to yourselves.

Fall (September–November): Crisp air, golden light, and that cozy feeling that makes everything feel a little more intentional. The contrast of warm-toned foliage against the red rocks is genuinely incredible, and the mountains start showing early snow by October – which makes for a dramatic, ever-changing backdrop depending on the day.

Winter (December–February): This is the season I think most couples overlook, and honestly that’s a shame. Colorado Springs winters are milder than people expect – a 50-degree sunny day in January is completely normal here. And when it does snow, the red rocks dusted in white are some of the most quietly beautiful conditions I’ve ever photographed in.

The best season is really just the one that feels most like you.

What to Bring for Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

Whether you’re planning a sunrise elopement, a small wedding, or a full celebration, here are a few things worth tucking into your bag before you head out:

Packing List:

  • Wedding outfits: dress, suit, or whatever makes you feel like you
  • Comfortable shoes for walking the trails
  • Layers: jacket, sweater, or wrap for cooler mornings or evenings
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Water bottles (the altitude and dry air will sneak up on you)
  • Your vows
  • Rings + ring box
  • Small bouquet or floral accents
  • Snacks or picnic items
  • Blanket for warmth or cozy photos
  • Small backpack or tote to carry everything
  • Floral collars or leashes if your pup is attending
  • Extra hair ties or touch-up kit

And if you want a full list of the best elopement day details read: What to Bring to Your Elopement: Details that Make the Day Feel Like You.

Where to Stay for Your Garden of the Gods Elopement:

Choosing the right place to stay can make your Garden of the Gods elopement feel even more seamless and special. Whether you want a cozy cabin, a boutique hotel, or a luxury suite, Colorado Springs and nearby Manitou Springs have options for every vibe. My ultimate favorite area for couples is Cascade or Green Mountain Falls – just outside of town. It feels like a hidden forest retreat, but you’re still only 15 minutes from downtown, making it perfect for an elopement or small wedding at Garden of the Gods.

Here are some of my favorite spots to stay for your Garden of the Gods elopement:

Hotels:

Kinship Landing
The Mining Exchange

Airbnbs:

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

Tips for Picking an Airbnb for Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

When I’m helping couples find the perfect place to stay, I’m always looking for a few things: lots of natural light and open layouts that make getting-ready photos feel airy and effortless, spaces with enough character to actually photograph beautifully – think interesting architectural details, cozy nooks, unique design choices – and outdoor spaces like a porch, patio, or wooded area where you can steal quiet moments between adventures. The listings I linked above are ones I’ve personally vetted and loved. My favorite area to stay? Cascade or Green Mountain Falls – just 15 minutes from downtown but feels like a completely different world.

A couple embraces while enjoying the views of Pikes Peak in the background at Garden of the Gods for their elopement
A couple walks down a trail while they elope at Garden of the Gods

See more of this Dreamy Colorado Springs Elopement at Garden of the Gods here.

Find Incredible Vendors: 

The right vendors make all the difference. Here are some of my favorites in the Colorado Springs area:

Hair & Makeup:

Indie Bridal Co
Brie Miller Hair
Jessica Faye Beauty

Florists:

Kind Floral
Parsley & Valentine

A couple walking through a meadow after their Garden of the Gods elopement

Explore Colorado Springs During Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

Living in Colorado Springs for the past 5+ years has given me the inside scoop on some of the city’s best hidden gems. Whether you’re celebrating your Garden of the Gods elopement or wedding or just planning a mini getaway around it, there’s so much to see, taste, and experience.

From cozy coffee shops to scenic trails and unforgettable dining experiences, here are some of my favorite local spots to check out during your stay:

Coffee – My husband used to be a barista, so my coffee standards are genuinely high – and these places clear the bar. Whether you’re after a perfectly pulled espresso or something a little more creative, these are my Colorado Springs favorites:

Food & Drinks I’ll be honest – Colorado Springs isn’t exactly a culinary destination. But the places on this list are genuinely great and worth planning around. Dos Santos is a non-negotiable for me personally – get the blood orange margarita, trust me on this one:

Activities & Adventures – There’s so much more to do here than just Garden of the Gods – and if you’re spending a few days in Colorado Springs, these are the things I’d tell any couple to add to their list:

Hidden Gems & Shopping – For a slower morning or an afternoon between adventures, these are some of my favorite local spots to wander:

Garden of the gods elopement celebrations at White Pie pizza downtown

Creating an Intentional Elopement Experience at Garden of the Gods

The best elopement days aren’t just beautiful – they’re fully felt. Like the two of you, fully present, in a place that means something, saying words that actually mean something. Here’s how I help couples build a Garden of the Gods elopement day that goes beyond the photos.

Begin the Day Slowly and Intentionally

Some of my favorite elopement mornings have nothing to do with the ceremony itself. Couples snuggled up together, making coffee, writing their vows into their vow books while the light comes through the windows – those quiet moments before the day really begins set the tone for everything that follows. There’s no rushing, no wedding party logistics, no timeline stress. Just the two of you, present with each other before the rest of the day unfolds. It photographs beautifully too.

Write Your Vows as Part of the Experience

If you haven’t written your vows yet, your elopement morning is the perfect time. Finding a quiet spot – whether that’s your Airbnb or a tucked-away corner of the park – and writing to each other in real time is one of the most intimate things I’ve watched couples do. It makes the ceremony feel like a continuation of something that already started, rather than the main event you’ve been rushing toward.

Make It Unmistakably You

This is the part I love most. I’ve photographed couples who were baristas and made each other coffee as part of their ceremony, musicians who played during their vows, readers who spent some time together with their favorite books before heading to the park. Your elopement day doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s – and the details that reflect your actual relationship are always the ones that make the photos feel irreplaceable.

A couple walking in front of Siamese Twins during their Garden of the Gods Elopement

See more of this Heartfelt Garden of the Gods Micro Wedding here.

Garden of the Gods Elopement Packages

Being a local here means I can help you dream up a day that’s completely yours – not a template, not a standard timeline, but something built around who you actually are as a couple. I know this park in every season, at every time of day, in every kind of weather. I know where to go when it’s busy and where to find the quiet.

And honestly? The epic views are just the backdrop. The moments I treasure most from every Garden of the Gods elopement I’ve photographed are the quiet ones – the way you look at each other before the vows start, a hand squeeze, a laugh that catches you both off guard. Those are the moments that stay with you forever, and those are the ones I’m always watching for.

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

  • 2+ 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 $3,200 – view pricing guide here

Ready to Elope at Garden of the Gods?

If your heart is saying yes – let’s make it happen. Your Garden of the Gods 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 it – fully present, fully loved, fully alive.

Let’s make it happen.

And if you’re looking for more helpful resources on eloping in Colorado, check out these posts:

Best Colorado Springs Elopement Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Colorado Elopement Guide: Best Places, Packages & Expert Tips for Your Day

Start Planning Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

September 4, 2020

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