Garden of the Gods Elopement: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a Garden of the Gods elopement, look no further! As a Colorado elopement photographer, this is easily one of my favorite locations and most stunning places to say “I do.”

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about having a ceremony at Garden of the Gods, including pro tips, the best time to elope, and amazing locations inside the park.

Can you elope in the Garden of the Gods?

Yes, Garden of the Gods is one of the best places in Colorado to elope. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but there are also no fees or permits required to get married here. 

Why Elope at Garden of the Gods

As a Colorado elopement photographer, here are a few reasons I love capturing wedding ceremonies and adventures at Garden of the Gods:

• Its natural beauty is so breathtaking, it’s been named National Natural Landmark.
• There are many beautiful locations to explore and six main sites in the park to exchange your elopement vows.
• It’s conveniently located in Colorado Springs and is easy to access.
• The setting is unlike any other, with unique rock formations and sweeping mountain views.
• You can elope here on a budget since there are no fees, and the scenery is your decor.
• It’s the ideal place for an adventurous elopement, with hiking trails, horseback riding, and rock climbing. 

Do I need a permit to get married at the Garden of the Gods?

No, one of the best parts about a Garden of the Gods elopement is that permits aren’t required. 

Do you have to pay to get married at Garden of the Gods?

No, it’s hard to imagine that this stunning park is entirely free, but there aren’t any fees for getting married or entering the park.

Tips for Your Garden of the Gods Elopement

Having a dream elopement ceremony at the Garden of the Gods is easy. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have the best experience ever.

Choose the Perfect Ceremony Location

As I mentioned above, the park has six dedicated locations for elopements. I’ll share more details about each of these below, but they include magical views of Pikes Peak and incredible red rock formations.

I recommend choosing two or three locations, so you can be flexible on your elopement day. The park can get busy. And unfortunately, you can’t reserve your elopement spot.

That said, I work with couples on choosing an elopement day and time that’s not too chaotic. However, it’s always comforting to have a backup plan. And, honestly, no matter where you have your ceremony in the park, you’re sure to have an epic experience.

You can also explore the park on your elopement day to truly appreciate its beauty and take advantage of various photo ops.

Want to chat about finding your dream location?

Consider When to Have Your Elopement

Carefully timing your elopement is essential. Garden of the Gods is easily one of Colorado’s most breathtaking locations. In fact, about four million people visit each year.

I highly recommend eloping on a weekday instead of the weekend for fewer crowds. If you really want to have a weekend Garden of the Gods wedding, plan for sunrise.

As for what time of year to have your Garden of the Gods elopement – summer is my absolute favorite season to photograph there. From June through August, the warm sun shining on the red rocks is amazing, and the weather is BEAUTIFUL.

Fall and spring are also nice times of year to elope at the Garden of the Gods. On the other hand, winter can be challenging because of snow on the rocks, making it icy and difficult to navigate.

Keep Your Guest List Short (if you have one)

If you’re planning an elopement with just you and your love, FABULOUS!

However, if you’re hoping to have an intimate wedding, I recommend keeping your guest list to about 15 people or less. 

While some sites say you can have up to 50 people, this isn’t practical. Parking is limited, and it’s not easy to access a location that comfortably accommodates too many people.

Bring Your Pet

While there are many reasons I love Garden of the Gods for elopements, being able to have your pet with you is a top one.

If you’re a dog lover like me, this is the perfect location to have yours join you for your special day.

Note: Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash while in the park.

Opt for Minimalism

Although the Garden of the Gods doesn’t allow you to bring in any decor, you don’t need it. With the most picture-perfect scenery, minimalism is effortless! The natural decor is truly one-of-a-kind.

While couples can’t bring decorations into the park, chairs are allowed for elderly or disabled individuals.

A few ways you can add your own touch to your Garden of the Gods elopement without decorations are:

• Clothing and accessories
• A flower bouquet
• Signage
• Vow books

Plan a Reception

If you want to celebrate with loved ones after your elopement ceremony, you can either have a picnic at one of the picnic areas in the park or go somewhere nearby. 

I recommend having a reception outside of the park for more space. Downtown Colorado Springs is just a short drive away, and there are several restaurants and bars to have a celebration. 

Other Things to Know

Here are a few other essential tips and things to know about your wedding day at Garden of the Gods:

• Leave No Trace: The park follows the principle of Leave No Trace to conserve nature – dispose of all waste, leave what you find, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
• Altitude changes: The park is at a high elevation, so it’s essential to hydrate before and during your visit.
• Weather: Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, so consider packing a jacket and umbrella.
• Officiant: Fun fact – you don’t need an officiant for a Garden of the Gods wedding. However, if you want one, I’m ordained and can officiate for you if we work together!
• Marriage license: In Colorado, you can self-solemnize. So all you need to do for a marriage license is go to a County Clerk’s office with your photo ID and do the paperwork. You can also do the legal stuff in your home state to keep things super simple.
• Where to stay: Colorado Springs has many charming hotels and vacation rentals to choose from for your stay.

Garden of the Gods Elopement Locations

There are six main locations for an elopement ceremony at Garden of the Gods. They’re all first come, first served basis, so it’s important to have a couple in mind. 

These are the more established spots where you can also have a few guests if you’d like.

• Jaycee Plaza
• Three Graces Plaza
• High Point Overlook
• Sentinel Plaza
• Scotsman Picnic Area
• South Spring Canyon Picnic Area

If it’s just you and your love celebrating your special day, you can also get away from crowds and have your ceremony in more hidden areas throughout Garden of the Gods.

Jaycee Plaza

Jaycee Plaza is ideal for couples looking for the most accessible location. It’s close to the main parking area and is a flat area that’s easy to get to and navigate. There’s also room for a few guests if needed.

It’s important to note that because of its location, there’s a lot of foot traffic nearby, making it less private than others. Impressive red rock formations surround it, but there aren’t sweeping mountain views like you can see throughout most areas of the park.

Three Graces Plaza

Three Graces Plaza is also fairly accessible. It’s backed by towering red rock formations offering a stunning backdrop. You can also climb around the rocks for a fun experience of unique photo ops.

High Point Overlook

High Point Overlook is one of the most popular Garden of the Gods elopement locations. There’s a parking lot nearby for accessibility. It’s also surrounded by red rocks and picturesque views of the mountains.

Note: Although there is space for guests to join you at High Point Overlook, there’s no room for seating.

Sentinel Plaza

Sentinel Plaza is near several hiking trails, so it’s an excellent spot for adventurous couples. That said, there’s often foot traffic nearby, depending on when you have your elopement. Regardless, it’s a gorgeous spot to exchange your vows.

Scotsman Picnic Area

The Scotsman Picnic Area is a great option if you’re looking for seating at your ceremony location. It’s in the center of the park. Although it’s not backed by red rocks, you can find lush greenery most of the year and nature trails nearby.

South Spring Canyon Picnic Area

Similar to the Scotsman, South Spring Canyon Area is surrounded by greenery. It’s one of the more secluded areas of the park and offers beautiful mountain scenery.

Note: If you prefer to have your ceremony off one of the many trails and at less popular sites, consider working with a Colorado elopement photographer (like myself!) who can help you plan your dream day and an unforgettable adventure.

Garden of the Gods Elopement Packages

If you need help planning your Garden of the Gods elopement, Among the Pines Photography can help! Not only do I capture your special day, but I can also help you plan your dream wedding day.

My Colorado elopement packages include:

• An initial phone consultation
• Photography (hours vary depending on package)
• Location scouting, timeline planning, client guides, & vendor recommendations
• A value-packed 100-page Elopement Guide
• Custom online gallery with all edited high-resolution images
• Sneak peek photos
• Rights to printing