Eloping at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Eloping at Garden of the Gods, Colorado: A Photographer's Guide
Are you dreaming of a Colorado elopement surrounded by massive red rock formations, stunning mountain views, and some of the most unique scenery in the state? Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs will blow your socks off as you exchange vows! I’d love to let you in on some tips as an expert at helping couples plan their perfect elopement photography experience. Let’s go over what you need to know about eloping at Garden of the Gods, from ceremony locations and permits to the best time of day, photography tips, and real elopement inspiration from my real-life couple Lily and Patrick.
Why Elope at Garden of the Gods?
One of the first times I visited Colorado as an adult, I went to Garden of the Gods and was taken aback by how different it looked from what I had heard about Colorado! I am from Arizona, and the giant red rocks actually reminded me more of Sedona than the mountainous evergreen-filled locations you always hear about for Colorado. This spot really demonstrates how we live in a high desert (hello little cacti!)
Located in Colorado Springs, about an hour south of Denver, Garden of the Gods offers an incredible variety of scenery without requiring a strenuous hike or a long trek into the mountains. You can find beautiful views just steps from the parking areas, making it an especially great option for couples who want an adventurous-looking elopement without an especially adventurous hike. Many of my couples are from out of state and especially appreciate this aspect.
And another appealing fact? You don't need a wedding permit or reservation to have a small ceremony at Garden of the Gods! Seriously. It's one of the most accessible and affordable (aka free) Colorado elopement locations.
The No Permit Thing, Explained
Small, brief wedding ceremonies at Garden of the Gods do not require a permit, reservation, or fee. The park has six designated ceremony areas that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A few important things to know:
Ceremony locations cannot be reserved in advance.
All areas remain open to the public, so you cannot block off a location or expect exclusive use.
Each designated ceremony area has a guest capacity.
Wedding arches, tents, tables, trellises, and decorations are not permitted.
Chairs are only allowed for elderly or disabled guests.
Alcohol, confetti, rice, and amplified sound are not permitted.
Professional wedding photography for clients' personal use is also allowed without a photography permit under the park's current guidelines. Commercial photography used to advertise or market a business is treated differently, so photographers should review the applicable rules.
Always check the official Garden of the Gods wedding guidelines before your date in case regulations change.
The Best Places to Elope at Garden of the Gods
One of the biggest advantages of Garden of the Gods is that there isn't just one beautiful spot. There are some designated ceremony areas, each offering a different perspective of the park.
A few of my favorite areas to consider include:
Three Graces Plaza: Beautiful red rock formations create an iconic Garden of the Gods backdrop. A great option for couples who want those classic Colorado elopement photographs.
Sentinel Plaza: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding rock formations and is a lovely setting for an intimate ceremony.
High Point Overlook: Located near Parking Lot 9, this area offers sweeping views of the park and the surrounding landscape. (pictured in this blog post!) This is one of my favs, but also can get quite busy.
Jaycee Plaza: A convenient ceremony location with impressive scenery and easy access.
I also know some lesser-known areas around the park that I share with my couples. I can show you full galleries and explain the logistics of each location, too! There are plenty of other scenic areas, trails, and overlooks throughout the park that make wonderful backdrops for couples' portraits.
When Is the Best Time to Elope at Garden of the Gods?
I'll be completely transparent: Garden of the Gods gets crowded. It's one of Colorado's most popular tourist destinations, and sometimes on weekends it feels like Disneyland (and not in the fun way.)
If having a little more privacy during your ceremony and portraits is important to you, I strongly recommend choosing a weekday at sunset, Monday-Thursday.
Here's why:
Fewer crowds: Weekday evenings generally offer a better chance of finding quieter areas and having fewer people walking through the background of your photographs. Not to mention, easier parking!
Beautiful lighting: The softer evening light is much more flattering than harsh midday sunshine, especially against the red sandstone formations.
A more relaxed experience: You'll have more flexibility to explore different areas without constantly navigating around other visitors.
Of course, no time guarantees an empty park. Even on weekdays, you'll encounter other visitors. The trick is knowing where to go, having some flexibility, and not letting a few people in the background ruin an otherwise beautiful experience!
What Season Is Best for a Garden of the Gods Elopement?
Garden of the Gods is beautiful year-round, and each season offers something a little different.
Spring: Green grasses, vegetation coming to life, and (usually) fewer tourists than during peak summer. Colorado weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for anything from sunshine to snow. Do not fear, I have a guide to get you ready for anything.
Summer: Long days and warm temperatures, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the park. It's also peak tourist season, so weekday evenings are especially important. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but that’s what clear umbrellas are for.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and beautiful changing colors in the surrounding landscape. September and October are some of my favorite elopement months.
Winter: A dusting of snow against the red rocks looks awesome. Just be prepared for cold (or warm) temperatures and potentially icy trails. Colorado weather is super weird and unpredictable these days!
Lily & Patrick's Garden of the Gods Elopement
One of my favorite ways to show couples what's possible when eloping at Garden of the Gods is through a real wedding day. Lily and Patrick's elopement is a perfect example of how you can take an iconic Colorado location and make the entire experience feel personal and completely your own.
We started by exploring the different ceremony location options throughout Garden of the Gods. After looking at the scenery and talking through the possibilities, I helped them choose a beautiful spot where they could exchange vows with the rocks surrounding them. There was no elaborate setup, just me helping Lily into her veil for the first look, and then handwritten vows.
After their ceremony, we spent time exploring the park and taking couples' portraits. This is always one of my favorite parts of an elopement! Rather than standing in one spot and taking a bunch of traditional poses, we moved around, explored different scenery, and had a lot of fun along the way. Their photographs were full of movement, genuine laughter, and those little in-between looks you give someone that you love.
But their day didn't end at Garden of the Gods.
We headed back to their Airbnb, where they signed their marriage license, popped some champagne, and celebrated being officially married. They even had a private first dance together in the meadow before ordering pizza to end the evening. THE BEST.
Why do elopements = the best? Because you get to decide what your day looks like, even if that means ending it with pizza and beer (love it.)
Looking for a Colorado Elopement Photographer?
I'm Madeleine, the photographer behind Mado Photo. I've been photographing weddings and elopements in Colorado for over 15 years, and helping couples plan unique wedding experiences is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
Beyond photographing your day, I help with location recommendations, timing, logistics, and building a photography timeline that makes the most of your celebration. If you're considering having a Colorado elopement, I’m the pro at making that happen.
I photograph elopements throughout Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder, the Rocky Mountains, and beyond.
Looking for an experienced Colorado elopement photographer to get this party started?
