Tucked in the heart of Colorado Springs, this iconic elopement location is a magical blend of dramatic sandstone spires, sweeping mountain views, and sun-drenched trails that feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s no wonder it has a name like Garden of the Gods!
Why you should elope at Garden of the Gods
Accessible year-round
No matter the season, you can have your wedding at Garden of the Gods. Due to its close proximity to Colorado Springs, this park sits in the foothills of the rockies. While Garden of the Gods may get snow in the winter, it won’t be nearly as cold as the mountains and the snow melts fast.
Epic red rock & mountain views
You don’t have to choose between getting epic red sandstone formations or gorgeous mountain views; eloping at Garden of the Gods means you get both gorgeous landscapes as your elopement backdrop! Usually, you’d have to travel to Utah to get those iconic red rock formations, so it’s a pretty unique spot in Colorado (plus Pike’s Peak is just 30 mins away). You can really feel the epic forces of nature that caused that formed the unique landscape of the park! Also, here’s a fun fact: a new species of dinosaurs was discover here in 1878!
Great for including your family
Garden of the Gods is great for “just us” elopements AND elopements with family. Three of the six ceremony sites can accommodate up to 50 people. So if you’re dreaming of an elopement with all of your loved ones and then want to go off adventuring just the two of you – it’s downright perfect!
Dog-friendly
You know what’s better than eloping in Garden of the Gods, eloping in Garden of the Gods with your dog! Yup, Garden of the Gods is a great dog-friendly elopement location. Just make sure to clean up after your dog and keep them on a leash.
Where is Garden of the Gods and how to get there
Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, just an hour from Denver, Garden of the Gods is super easy to access. Formed millions of years ago by glaciers and erosion, Garden of the Gods is now a National Natural Landmark and will always remain open and free to the public.
To get there, you can fly into either Denver International Airport and drive the hour and 30 minutes, or fly straight into Colorado Springs Airport.
Garden of the Gods can be explored by car, bike, or by hiking, which means it’s busy, especially on weekends. In that regard, parking at Garden of the Gods can be a challenge (honestly, it’s a headache). There are plenty of parking lots, but they fill up fast, so we recommend either parking at the “main” parking lot or the overflow lot just below the visitor center. Especially if you have a lot of guests, parking in the overflow lot is your best bet.
How to plan a Garden of the Gods Elopement: a step-by-step checklist
- Decide when you want to elope
- Hire a Garden of the Gods Elopement Photographer
- Choose your Garden of the Gods wedding ceremony location
- Book flights to Denver or Colorado Springs and rental car
- Book lodging for your elopement
- Book other vendors for your elopement: catering, hair and make-up, florist, videographer, etc
- Decide on what activities you would like to include on your day
- Get your Colorado Marriage License
- Have an epic Elopement day!
When to elope in Garden of the Gods
Spring (late March – May)
Flowers and plants bursting to life, spring in Garden of the Gods is our favorite season here! It’s way less busy than summer, but you’ll still get the warmer weather. March and April may bring a chance of late snowstorms, though, so it’s best to be prepared. May tends to be warmer, and more flowers are blooming, but it’ll be busier than April and March.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the busiest time of year at Garden of the Gods. Everyone and their friend is out and about exploring the park – which means you’ll want to avoid (at all costs, preferably) weekends for your Garden of the Gods elopement. However, during the weekdays you may find pockets of privacy in the park, especially at sunrise. Plus, it’s hot, so bring extra sunscreen and water.
Fall (September – November)
With golden leaves and red rocks, fall can be busy but beautiful. Although the park doesn’t have any aspens, it does have some gorgeous fall colors. Fall is another great time for your Garden of the Gods wedding – it’s cooler, less busy than summer, and so pretty! But just like Spring, Fall can be unpredictable weather-wise with the chance of early snowfall.
Winter (December – March)
Want a winter elopement without the winter? Garden of the Gods is perfect for that. Since it’s nestled in Colorado Springs along the foothills of the Rockies, it gets milder winters compared to locations in the mountains like Breckenridge or Rocky Mountain National Park. But on the days it does snow, it’s beyond magical – like something from a postcard – white snow drapes over the stark red sandstone spires.
Best time of day to elope in Garden of the Gods
We have mentioned before, but Garden of the Gods can be busy (really busy). So we’ve found that sunrise elopements have the most privacy, regardless of season. You get to start your day getting ready before anyone else is awake and share your vows listening to the birds, as the sun rises over the sandstone spires – pretty freaking epic!
Sunset is also another great time for your elopement at Garden of the Gods – while it’s busier than sunrise, there are fewer families out and about hiking in the park. So if you don’t want to brave a 5am wake-up time, opt for sunset.
Locations for your Garden of the Gods wedding
Jaycee Plaza
One of our favorite locations in the park for larger ceremonies. Sandstone formations tower above you – it’s truly epic! Jaycee Plaza is great for larger Garden of the Gods weddings, as the plaza has capacity for 50 people. It’s also close to the parking lot, ADA accessible, and close to the bathrooms. The plaza is set back from the main path so you won’t have people walking through your ceremony space; however, the path trails behind the plaza, so you may have people walking past behind you.
Capacity: 50 people
Distance from parking: 5 mins
Sentinel Plaza
A perfect blend of accessibility and views, Sentinel Plaza lies in the middle of the park and is just a 10-minute walk from the main parking lot. Sentinel Plaza is located right at the base of a massive sandstone formation, so it’s perfect for small, intimate elopements where you want the rock formations to be up close.
Capacity: 25 people
Distance from parking: 5-10 mins
Three Graces Plaza
Our favorite location for getting up close to those epic red rocks that feel like they’re towering above you. When this location is quiet, it’s breathtaking. During summer, this area can be busy with kids playing by the rocks, so we recommend having your ceremony here earlier or later in the day.
Capacity: 25 people
Distance from parking: 5-10 mins
High Point
Grand views of Pikes Peak, and epic views of the rock formations all around Garden of the Gods – this location is a dream, especially during golden hour and sunset! You can feel the rocks beneath your feet as you say your vows, while your family can look on from the pavilion close by. This pavilion can host up to 50 people, but it is best for standing guests as there are no seats. Honestly, this location is our favorite for couples portraits during sunset and small elopements.
Capacity: 50 people
Distance from parking: 0 mins
Scotsman Picnic Area
One of the less-used Garden of the Gods wedding locations. This area doesn’t have grand views of the red rocks, nor views of Pikes Peak. It is great for privacy, however. Picnics are allowed here.
Capacity: 25 people
Distance from parking: 0 mins
South Spring Canyon Area
Another location that isn’t used very often is the South Spring Canyon area. It also doesn’t have great views, but it can accommodate 50 people and offers privacy. There are six picnic tables at this wedding location.
Capacity: 50 people
Distance from parking: 0 mins
Garden of the Gods wedding permits and cost
Garden of the Gods wedding permits? You don’t need ‘em! Eloping at Garden of the Gods is free!
However, this does have a few drawbacks. You can’t reserve your ceremony site, so if there’s a wedding happening at your chosen ceremony site, you’ll have to wait or choose a different ceremony location. This means you’ll want to come up with a back-up plan, and be flexible with your day.
So, how much does it cost to plan a Garden of the Gods wedding? Well, it really depends. Every elopement is unique and special in their own way, so the cost can vary.
Costs range from just $30 for the marriage license to $20,000 if you include lodging for yourselves & guests, vendors, dinner, activities, and travel.
Getting your Colorado Marriage license
Getting married in Colorado is easy (I mean, really easy). In Colorado, you can self-solemnize, which means you don’t have to rely on anyone else to be legally married; just sign the paperwork together, and you’re done – no witnesses or officiants needed.
You may get your marriage license from anywhere in Colorado, not just El Paso County. This is especially great if you want your dog to sign your marriage license, as El Paso County does not allow pet paw prints on the license.
To get the marriage license for your Garden of the Gods elopement, you’ll need to head to the county’s Clerk & Recorder’s office and pay $30 to get your license. Both of you must be present and show a valid ID. For all of Colorado, there is no waiting period (which means you can use the license the same day), and you must use it within 35 days.
How to elope at Garden of the Gods
You may have already decided that you don’t want a large wedding, or maybe you’re still researching what an elopement could look like for the two of you. Either way, building out your wedding day in a way that you both love is so important. You don’t want this to pass you by like any other day – you want to create epic memories and celebrate your marriage!
So, how do you do that, you may be asking? Well, by including anything you two love to do together! That could be celebrating with family & friends, having a slow morning eating pancakes (yum!), hiking or rock-climbing after your ceremony, or taking it slow and watching the sunset over High Point. There are countless ways to make your Garden of the Gods elopement day special, so we left just a few ideas for the two of you below!
Activities
Hiking
Hiking is a favorite elopement day activity, and eloping at Garden of the Gods is no exception. You can hike along 21 miles of trails – everything from beginner to advanced trails. A few of our favorite trails include:
Upper Loop Trail: 0.3 miles RT, 62 ft elevation gain, a scenic trail that heads up the north face of Sleeping Giant, where you get to clamber on rocks!
Ridge loop Trail: 0.4 miles RT, 75 ft elevation gain, great views of Pikes Peak and rocky outcrops.
Scotsman Trail: 3.8 miles RT, 551 ft elevation gain, with epic views of Gray Rock, Keyhole Window, and Sleeping Giant.
Horseback Riding
A unique and relaxing way of exploring the park, horseback riding is a great activity to include in your day. Academy Riding Stables offers 1-2 hour rides through the park and on some lesser-known trails.
Off-roading
There are a few fun off-roading trails close by the Garden of the Gods, including Rampart Range Road, which ends up right in the park. Off-roading is a thrill, and is a great way to see views you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing during your elopement?! Dare we say more? Rock-climbing is one of those epic elopement day activities that will have you having so much fun you’ll wish the day could last forever! Front Range Climbing Company offers rock climbing, led by guides, in the park, with 2, 4, and 6 hour excursions. Climbing permits are free, but you may not use any chalk or chalk substitutes when climbing.
Other ideas
- Playing Games at the Penny Arcade
- Having a picnic in the Garden of the Gods
- Brewery hopping in Manitou Springs
- Taking a drive or hiking up to Pikes Peak
- Visiting Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Lodging
Since Garden of the Gods is nestled within Colorado Springs and only 5 minutes away from Manitou Springs, you will be able to stay relatively close-by, which cuts down on travel time.
Manitou Springs is a wonderful town outside of Colorado Springs with plenty to do, including touring 8 carbonated springs (one of which erupts every 7 minutes). It also has some great restaurants, shops, and events.
Entire cabin in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado – rustic cabin, 15 minutes away from Garden of the Gods
6 guests, 2 bed, 1 bath, $275/night
Cheyenne Canyon cabin – secluded forest cabin, 25 minutes from Garden of the Gods
4 guests, 2 bed, 2.5 bath, $189/night
Flagstone Hall! Family Home – Scenic Views, walkable distance to Garden of the Gods
6 guests, 3 bed, 1 bath, $89/night
Kiowa Studio! – Pet-Friendly Tiny home with BBQ & Fire Pit, best for a “just us” elopement, 5 minutes to Garden of the Gods
4 guests, 2 beds, 1 bath, $63/night
Colorado Springs Retreat Mansion – 6k sq/ft Mansion with epic views, Pool, Hot Tub, Game Room, and Theatre. Allows Events.
8 bed, 5 bath, sleeps 24 guests, $461/night
Restaurants, Breweries, and Coffee shops
Like we mentioned above, there are some great restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops surrounding Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs – great for after your Garden of the Gods elopement ceremony!
Example timeline for your elopement day
9:45 am: Meet at Airbnb, you spend some time having a cozy morning having coffee on the porch and chilling in the hot tub
11:00 am: Put finishing touches on vows and get ready
12:15 pm: Catered brunch at the Airbnb, head out to Garden of the Gods
2:00 pm: Elopement Ceremony at Sentinel Plaza
3:00 pm: Head out to brewery for drinks
3:45 pm: Head back to Garden of the gods for a hike or rock climbing
4:00 pm: Hike/rock climbing
6:30 pm: Golden hour photos at the keyhole, and then sunset photos at High Point Overlook
8:00 pm: Catered Dinner at Airbnb or dinner at restaurant
9:00 pm: First dance, have cake and drinks
Tips and other things to know for your Garden of the Gods Elopement
- No receptions are allowed in the park. You may have a picnic at Scotsman or South Spring Canyon Picnic areas.
- It will be busy, especially if you’re eloping on the weekend, during summer, or during midday
- Parking can be tricky, so if you have multiple cars, we recommend parking in the overflow lot.
- No alcoholic beverages allowed! Save the champagne for later in the day. This was actually one of the founding principles of this park.
- No blocking off areas
- Follow Leave No Trace rules. Please no trampling on flowers or vegetation – we want to protect these beautiful areas for years to come. This also means staying on established trails.
- Chairs are only allowed for the elderly and disabled
- No tables, tents, arches, trellises, or decorations.
- Don’t release birds, butterflies, balloons, throw rice or confetti.
- You are allowed live bouquets
Garden of the Gods Elopement Photography Packages
Hey there! We’re Lauren and Blake, local Colorado elopement photographers inspiring couples to have intentional and wild elopement experiences in breathtaking landscapes (and yep! You guessed it, Garden of the Gods is one of those breathtaking landscapes.)
We not only photograph your epic Garden of the Gods elopement, but we help you plan it too!
What’s included in our Garden of the Gods elopement packages:
- A husband and wife team of two photographers
- Personalized location, activity, lodging, and vendor recommendations
- Elopement planning guide: all the steps you need to start planning your dream elopement in Garden of the Gods
- Timeline creation
- A gallery full of colorful candid photos, and scenery of the day
- Polaroids and sneak peaks
- Constant support and planning help
And so, so much more! We’ll help you guys plan an epic Garden of the Gods elopement day filled with everything you two love!
Packages start at: $4400 for 4 hours. View Pricing.
Want to elope at Garden of the Gods?
If this guide made you want to elope at Garden of the Gods, then hell yeah, let’s do it!
Honestly, Garden of the Gods is so unique and great for so many reasons. If you’re ready to elope here, we’d love to help.
Book your free consultation call and let’s get started!
