Ultimate garden of the gods Wedding & elopement Guide & Packages
Ultimate Guide to Your Garden of the Gods Wedding & Elopement
A Garden of the Gods wedding or elopement is one of the best elopement locations in Colorado. Located in Colorado Springs, just over an hour from Denver, this park feels like you’ve been transported to another world. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Garden of the Gods features towering red rock formations and incredible views of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Pike’s Peak.
It’s also one of my personal favorite places for elopements, so I put together this guide to share all the best tips to help you plan your own Garden of the Gods elopement. I’ll share all the details you need to know, including basic info and rules, how to get there, where and when to elope within the park, and the best places to stay nearby. Let’s dive in!
What Is An Elopement?
Let’s start with a short definition of what it means to elope.
An elopement is a uniquely crafted day that is focused on just the wedding couple. The couple determines the structure and what to include. It can be as adventurous or low-key as the couple desires.
Elopements Include:
This structure almost never changes, and the biggest difference between a traditional wedding and other forms is the guest counts. Traditional weddings have no upper limit to guest counts, meaning you can have 300, 400, 500, 600, or even 1,000 guests.
Why Elope?
If you want a day just focused on you and your partner, doing exactly what you want how you want, then an elopement is for you. When you elope you get to craft your own day, meaning you do your own activities and celebrate however you want. It’s total flexibility. Want to know more? Check out these top reasons to elope!
Why Have a Garden of the Gods Wedding or Elopement?
One of the best things about Garden of the Gods (aside from the absolutely stunning scenery) is that a wedding or elopement here is FREE. That’s right, there are zero costs for parking, small wedding ceremonies, or wedding photos at Garden of the Gods. Not having to secure a permit in advance makes it easy to realize your elopement dreams without a ton of advance planning.
Convenience and accessibility are other reasons to elope at Garden of the Gods. Unlike some of the other top elopement locations in Colorado, getting to this site is fairly easy. Many of the best spots within the park are just a short walk from the parking lot. This is a huge draw if you’re short on time or if accessibility is a consideration for you or your guests.
Garden of the Gods is also open year round, which makes it a great choice for any season. (More on that below!)
How to Get to your Garden of the Gods Wedding or Elopement
Garden of the Gods is easily accessible from I-25 at 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO.
From I-25:
- Take Exit #146 (Garden of the Gods Road)
- Go West (towards the mountains) for 2.5 miles
- Turn Left onto 30th Street
- The Visitor & Nature Center will be on the left (a little over a mile)
The closest airport is right in Colorado Springs, which offers direct flights from locations throughout the US. For more flight options, you can also fly into Denver Airport, just over an hour away.
Where to have your Garden of the Gods Wedding or Elopement
There are many spots throughout the park that are ideal to have a very small elopement without guests. An experienced elopement photographer can help you find those hidden gems to truly customize your day!
Garden of the Gods Wedding and elopement ceremonies with guests are limited to 6 locations within the park. All are on a first come first served basis, and no permits are required (provided you follow all regulations and capacity limits). These locations are generally pretty popular, so if you want to avoid crowds you may want to consider a sunrise and/or midweek elopement.
- Jaycee Plaza (Limit: 50 people)
- Sentinal Plaza (Limit: 25 people)
- Three Graces Plaza (Limit: 25 people)
- High Point (Limit: 50 people)
- Scotsman Picnic Area (Limit: 25 people)
- South Spring Canyon Area (Limit: 50 people)
Where to Stay for Your Garden of the Gods Wedding or Elopement
Due to its central location, there are multiple great lodging options close to Garden of the Gods. From luxury resorts to cozy Airbnbs, the Colorado Springs area has something for everyone. Here are some to check out:
Hotels
This full-service resort located just outside the park offers both traditional rooms and cottages in a breathtaking location. This can also serve as a perfect reception venue if guests will join you during or after your elopement.
Historic 1870’s Inn located in Manitou Springs, just minutes from Garden of the Gods.
Iconic luxury resort in Colorado Springs.
AirBnbs
Renting a place through Airbnb is a fantastic option for elopements, especially if your accommodations will double as a location for your getting ready photos or an after-party. You can find a variety of options in every size and price range. Here are a few gems in the area to get you started:
Garden of the Gods Wedding & Elopement Rules
Although you do not need a permit, there are rules that couples must follow to have a Garden of the Gods wedding and elopement in the park. It’s important that we all do our part to ensure that this incredible spot is open and available to visit for years to come!
- Garden of the Gods Weddings and elopements must be kept small (under the capacity limits noted above) and as brief as possible.
- Receptions are not allowed in the park unless you are having a picnic at the Scotsman or South Spring Canyon Picnic areas.
- Absolutely no alcoholic beverages are allowed.
- Only bring in chairs for elderly or disabled guests.
- Do not bring in any tables, tents, arches, trellises, etc.
- Do not release birds, butterflies, balloons, throw rice or confetti.
- No decorations are allowed.
- Blocking off areas, including parking, is not permitted.
- Please stay on established trails and do not disturb the tundra.
- Tourists and other groups may be at the same site. Please be respectful of other park users.
- Drone photography is not permitted in the park or at the Visitor Center, without proper permitting and insurance. For more information about commercial permits Click Here.
Note that these are rules specific to garden of the gods weddings and elopements – please also see these general rules for all visitors to the park..
When to have your Garden of the Gods Wedding or Elopement
Garden of the Gods is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Garden of the Gods is a very popular and busy place, especially since it’s free. Your ideal season will depend on the activities you want to do, and what type of photos and experience you want.
The busy season runs from spring through fall. I recommend getting there early to ensure you get a parking space. You could also consider a midweek elopement to help avoid the crowds.
Winter is much quieter and is a great option if you want to avoid the crowds. Much of the park is still accessible in the winter months and you’ll have snow-capped mountain views as your backdrop!
How to Get Married in Colorado
Eloping in Colorado is fairly easy, with no special requirements for couples residing outside the state. Just follow these steps:
Get Your Marriage License
Colorado requires a marriage license to consider your wedding legal. You can apply for your license at any county clerk’s office (each county has one). Generally, no appointment is necessary, but check with the office to confirm. You can get your license right away once you fill out the paperwork.
Complete and Sign Your Marriage License
Self-Solemnize
One of the great things about eloping in Colorado is that you don’t need an officiant. If you prefer that your day is just the two of you (and your awesome photographer ? ) you can just sign the thing yourself. You do NOT need an officiant, judge, or any witnesses.
Your Furbaby Can Be A Witness
That’s right! In Colorado you can have your dog, cat, or other furry family member sign your marriage license. Just bring an ink pad along to help them stamp their paw on the dotted line.
File Your Marriage License and Celebrate!
Once you’ve signed your license you can return it to the office where you got it or mail it in.
