How to Plan a Garden of the Gods Elopement: A Practical Colorado Guide
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Eloping in Colorado offers world-class mountain scenery, but few locations match the accessibility and striking geometry of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
This guide breaks down the essential logistics, permitting requirements, and timing strategies required for a seamless, stress-free elopement.
Why Choose Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a designated National Natural Landmark featuring towering 300-foot sandstone rock formations. Unlike high-altitude alpine passes that remain snowed-in until July, this park is accessible year-round and requires no strenuous hiking to reach the best overlooks. It provides an ideal balance of dramatic, desert-like terrain and distant views of Pikes Peak.
Essential Park Rules and Permitting
To keep your ceremony legal and stress-free, you must adhere to the City of Colorado Springs park guidelines:
No Permit Fees: Currently, Garden of the Gods does not charge a fee for wedding ceremonies, and reservations are not accepted. Overlooks operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Group Size Limits: Ceremonies must be brief and kept to small groups. Most designated areas accommodate fewer than 25 guests.
Strict Leave No Trace (LNT) Rules: Setting up chairs, arches, rugs, or throwing rice/petals is strictly prohibited. The environment must remain completely unaltered.
No Speakers
Choosing Your Elopement Officiant for your Garden of the Gods Elopement
While Colorado allows couples to self-unite (self-solemnize without a third party), partnering with a professional local officiant ensures your ceremony flows smoothly and keeps your timeline structured. For the elopement featured here, the couple worked with Brandon Baker, a highly respected local wedding officiant known for delivering grounded, personalized, and efficient ceremonies that honor the landscape without feeling over-scripted.
Optimal Timing to Avoid Crowds
Because the park is free and globally famous, it attracts heavy traffic. To secure a clear backdrop and the best lighting, timing is critical:
Sunrise vs. Sunset: Sunrise offers the quietest trails and soft, directional light that makes the red rocks glow. Sunset provides beautiful warm light but brings high tourist volume.
The Weekday Advantage: Always opt for a Monday through Thursday ceremony. Friday through Sunday crowds make intimate, documentary-style photography difficult.
The Checklist!
1. Legalities & Paperwork
Colorado Marriage License: You must pick this up in person from any Colorado County Clerk and Recorder’s office before the ceremony. The closest one is the El Paso County Clerk in Colorado Springs. It costs $30, requires valid IDs, and has no waiting period.
Self-Solemnization Plan: Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! You do not need an officiant or any witnesses to sign your license, though you can absolutely have them if you prefer.
No Permit (For Small Ceremonies): Unlike many parks, Garden of the Gods currently does not require a special use permit or fee for small, simple wedding ceremonies. However, this is only true if you follow the strict rules below.
2. Location & Logistics Selection
An Approved Site: Ceremonies are strictly limited to six specific, designated locations within the park on a first-come, first-served basis (you cannot reserve them).
Popular picks: Jaycee Plaza, Sentinel Plaza, or the High Point Overlook.
Guest Count Cap: Keep your total headcount small. The park allows up to 25 or 50 people depending on the specific designated site, but keeping it under 10-15 people makes navigating the spaces much easier.
Timing Strategy: Aim for a sunrise ceremony or a weekday. Parking lots fill up completely by mid-morning, and a sunset or weekend date will mean sharing your intimate moment with hundreds of tourists.
3. Gear & Attire (The "Practical" Pack)
Sturdy Footwear: The red dirt and sandstone rocks can be slick and uneven. Bring a pair of hiking boots or sturdy flats to walk around in, even if you change into formal shoes right before the camera starts clicking.
Weather Layers: Weather changes fast at 6,200 feet. Pack clear umbrellas, a warm jacket, or a stylish shawl to throw over your wedding attire between photo locations.
Leave No Trace (LNT) Ceremony Decor: The park strictly prohibits setting up chairs (except for elderly/disabled guests), arches, rugs, or throwing rice, confetti, and flower petals. Your "decor" is purely the natural scenery.
4. Vendor Team
Elopement Photographer/Videographer: Essential for capturing the stunning contrast of the red rocks against the mountains. Ensure they are familiar with the park's commercial photography guidelines.
Local Florist: A bouquet or boutonniere adds a beautiful touch, but ensure the florist knows not to include any invasive plant species or loose elements that might drop seeds into the park environment.
What to Wear and Bring
The terrain consists of packed dirt, gravel, and uneven sandstone. Thin High heels are impractical here; opt for stable hiking boots or flat, high-traction bridal shoes. Because weather shifts quickly in the foothills, pack light layers or a denim jacket to wear between photo locations.
Ready to plan your authentic Colorado elopement? Contact Colleen's Captures today to discuss scouting locations, custom timelines, and documentary-style photography packages.
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