Tips and Tricks for Eloping at the Garden of the Gods

• Permits: No permits needed for elopements and micro weddings under 50 people. It is a first come first serve basis.
• Marriage license are very easy to obtain. You can pick it up, sign it and turn it in all within 24 hours if you so chose. There is no waiting period but they must be used within 35 days of the issued date in Colorado. Cost is $30-some counties may only accept cash so check ahead of time on their payment methods. You don’t have to get your marriage license in El Paso County. You can get it anywhere as long as it is in CO. Must be filed in person or by mail in the county it was issued.
• Restrictions: No amplified sound, decorations, or structures (like arches) are allowed.
• Stay on Trails: Protect the fragile ecosystem by sticking to designated paths and areas. Practice leave no trace.

Choosing The Perfect Location

Garden of the Gods offers numerous stunning locations. Whether you are wanting to elope or need to think of others in your micro wedding. There is a spot for you.

Jaycee Plaza; AKA Chuckwagon Pavilion

Group Size Limit: 50 People

Accessibility: 5 minute paved walk from the main big parking lot at the start of Juniper Loop

This location is great for having a micro wedding. The big open circular space offers red brick to stand around or sit down. It creates a natural ceremony site for having an isle and the circular formation for everyone to gather around. This location is great for children and elderly. It is easy to get to and you can sit down if needed. The main trail walks right past this Plaze. While, you hold your ceremony and exchange vows the rest of the traffic flow will pass you. Most people are respectful when they see a ceremony going on and go about their business quietly. Some may stop and ooo and awww. Jaycee Plaza is backed by big red rock formations. It is right off the main paved trail, you cannot miss it!

Kissing Camels Overlook

A romantic and iconic viewpoint with sweeping vistas.

South Gateway Rock

Close to the main parking area. About 2-3 minute walk in. This spot offers dramatic red rock formations.

High Point Overlook:

This is the number once choice for elopements, micro weddings, photoshoots and all around touristy area with the panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. Great for watching the sunrise and sunset. If you are wanting more of a private ceremony consider the locations along the trail and not just stopping at high point. Yes, you can still take pictures at High Point. Depending on the time, day and season will determine the amount of people you will encounter. If you want more privacy I know locations nearby that can do the trick. It may just take some walking. Nothing strenuous! The picture below is an example from a trail that still gets epic views but more privacy.

This picture was taken facing east for the sunrise. The sun illuminated the Gardens and touches it with light. Creating a stunning shot as you bask in the sunshine.

Group Size Limit: 50 People

Accessibility: Right off the parking lot. Parking can get full quickly.

Three Graces Plaza

Group Size: 25 People

Accessibility: 7 minute walk from the parking lot. There are two different parking lots you can access this from.

This is at the heart of the park. Surrounded by the red rock formations there are many options to say your vows from standing on the rocks or not. It all depends on your preference and if you have guests or not. Note that since this is the heart of the park there will be people walking by and possibly climbing on the rocks next to you. There are two ways into this location. The main way off the paved sidewalk or people will climb up on you from the back trail.

Sentinel Plaza

Another location that is at the heart of the Garden of the Gods and being surrounded by towering red rock formations. There is a paved path that circles the Sentinel Plaza. On occasion you will find climbers there as well scaling the formation.

Group Size Limit: 25 people

Accessibility: 5 minute walk from the main parking lot.

Scotsman Picnic Area

Are you looking for a ceremony and a place to hold a reception? This would be the place! This is one of the few places you can bring food…hence the name..! Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.. Alternatively, you can exchange vows anywhere in the park and can meet back here to join the rest of your party for refreshments if you don’t chose a nearby local restaurant.

South Spring Canyon Area

Great location to get married and celebrate afterwards. Nesteld with trees and the red sandstone formations You can bring up to 50 loved ones.

South Garden

Great location to get the red and white rock formations in the backdrop with the lush greenery. This is where I will see big horned sheep from the road. SUPER COOL! This can be more secluded and an open area to get the meadows, trees and rock formations. This is a great spot to take photos, especially for sunset.

Planing for Timing and Lighting

• Consider a weekday: The last few years I have watched the Garden of the Gods get more attention as the years go on. Weekday mornings are your best best to encounter less people. Weekends are busy and parking can be a pain. There is a big main parking lot at the beginning and even that on occasions has been a game to find a parking spot. Consider car pulling if you are planning on having guests.
• Best Time of Day: You can take great photos throughout the day at the Garden of the Gods. The biggest thing is timing which locations you want to hit and I can plan around the time of day to make sure we optimize the lightening in the best way to capture the essence perfectly.
• Seasonal Considerations: The busiest seasons will be summer and fall. This is when most of the tourists are coming to enjoy the beauty of Colorado. Colorado has beauty to offer in every season. Prepare for the weather. Colorado weather is unpredictable. For the rainy seasons prepare with an umbrella and a jacket. For the winter prepare with good warm shoes such as snow boots or water proof shoes. Layer up, you want to be warm and can take off your jacket in between shots.

WINTER; December-April:

Spring: May-June

This is the season everything starts to turn green again through the moisture & our snow melt, afternoon rain showers and possibly even snow. In early spring it is wise to have a plan B or just all around be prepared for shifts in the weather. You will still get stunning photos with any rain showers. They don’t usually last long and makes for epic photos with the newly saturated ground.

Summer: July- August;

• Summer, can never go wrong with all that liveliness it has to offer. I would advise for the best lightening of photos and to save yourself from the heat you want to start early for sunrise or in the evening. Colorado is known for its afternoon or evening showers. Just be prepared, plan accordingly. There will be people! Suns out, people out!
• Too check out Hayley & Dustins wedding gallery where we took photos at Sunrise and at Sunset. Sunrise was in her black dress and all elopement vibes but by sunset her family and loved ones joined us for their micro wedding. After the ceremony it did start to train and we took more newly weds in the rain.

• Fall: September-October. This is the busiest season all around CO. Warm weather, beautiful fall foliage and everyone wanting to be as active as possible before winter hits. You will see many tourists, possibly other couples getting married, family portraits happening and just all around busy season.
• Check out Brooke & Jake’s sunrise elopement in October. Afterwards we grabbed some drinks and breakfast in town! Perfect way to start off the morning!

Celebrate Nearby

After your ceremony, consider celebrating at one of Colorado Springs’ many charming restaurants or breweries. For a luxurious experience, book a suite at The Broadmoor or a cozy cabin in the nearby mountains.