When it comes to choosing the perfect backdrop for a wedding, it’s hard to beat the natural beauty and scenery of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Fall brings cooler weather, less crowds making the earthy tones of the red rock formations a breathtaking setting for any couple’s big day. So when it came time to decide on elopement location for Megan and Austin, it’s no surprise they decided on a sunset under the view of Pikes Peak at the Garden of the Gods.
One of the many perks of a micro wedding is the flexibility to do things your way and have more time to relax and take in the day. Megan+Austin opted to rent a home near Garden of the Gods park and share an intimate first look by their rental, ensuring their moment stayed private and without the eyes of onlookers before heading to Garden of the Gods to share vows.
While it's true that you do not need an officiant in the state of Colorado, Megan and Austin decided to opt in for having someone guide their ceremony at High Point Overlook. One of the most popular reasons couples decide to have an officiant is so they can really lean into being fully present and relaxing during their day, knowing that a pro will guide them through it all. Not only are they expert in the flow of a ceremony, a great officiant will help add sentimental, meaningful touches to make your ceremony personalized for the two of you. An experienced officiant will know everything about how to fill out your marriage license and can help with unity ceremonies such as hand fasting, scripture readings and more.
Eloping without guests can feel tough, we always love to see sentimental personal touches that couples decide on to make their friends and family feel close and part of their celebration.
Without the stress of a ton of planned events, family photo groupings and a large crowd, Megan and Austin allowed themselves time to roam around the park after their ceremony and have plenty of time for photos around the area. Remember: Your wedding is not just a photo session, you should have time to breathe and take in your surroundings as newlyweds!
Beyond the stunning red rock formations and epic mountain views making it a popular location all year long, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is an easy choice for many couples looking for an accessible location for their elopement or micro wedding. If Garden of the Gods looks like the perfect setting for your vow exchange, there’s things you should know and consider, first! We’ve answered a ton of frequently asked questions to review to ensure this is the best place for you to say “I do!”.
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
Click here to learn more about Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages!
Our Favorite Things About Getting Married at Garden of the Gods:
-No Permit needed for small groups
-Accesibility- some locations in the park are even wheelchair accessible!
-Dogs Allowed
-Multiple Ceremony Areas
-Close to City- Garden of the Gods is nestled right inside Colorado Springs making lodging, food, activity and accommodation for your trip plentiful.
-Close to Airport- Only 20 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport and 90 minutes from Denver International Airport
Our Not-So favorite Thing About Getting Married at Garden of the Gods:
-Heavy Foot Traffic/Tourism: We aren’t kidding- There can be dozens of weddings happening in an afternoon on peak weekends and evenings.
When is the best time to get married at Garden of the Gods?
The best time to get married at Garden of the Gods depends on your ideal atmosphere and wedding day priorities. Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:
Spring (April - June): With more mild temperatures spring is one of the most beautiful times to get married at Garden of the Gods. The park is generally less crowded in the early spring. Keep in mind that it is not unusual to have days of snow during the Spring.
Summer (July - August): The summer months bring warm weather and potential afternoon thunderstorms but it’s also the busiest time of the year for the park. Expect larger crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want a summer wedding, we strongly recommend a sunrise ceremony to beat crowds and heat. The park does not offer a lot of coverage by trees, so one should keep in mind the impact the sun has at higher elevations.
Fall (September - November): Fall in Colorado is stunning, although you won't get a lot of changing foliage at this location. Because of this, this is an ideal time for a wedding with fewer tourists. Weekdays or sunrise are still best during this season.
Winter (December - March): Winter weddings at Garden of the Gods are magical, with potential snow dusting the red rocks and the mountains in the distance. The park is much quieter during the winter months, but keep in mind that temperatures can dip below freezing, snow is common. Be prepared for chilly conditions and dress accordingly.
Where to Stay:
Good news- because Garden of the Gods is located near the bustling city of Colorado Springs, there are plenty of options for accommodations. You’ll find a large selection of both hotels and private home rentals within 30 minutes of the park. We do highly suggest finding lodging close to your ceremony location to take the stress of long travel off your plate. If you are looking to get out of the city, we recommend looking around Manitou Springs which feels a lot more quaint!
We provide all our clients with a thorough list of recommendations, but here are a few favorites:
Broadmoor Resort:
For couples who really want to lean into royalty treatment on their wedding vacation The Broadmoor Resort is the perfect relaxation destination. Not only is this highly rated resort next to the incredible Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, it has everything you need on site to unwind! The Broadmoor has restaurants on site, golfing, swimming pools, a movie theater and more!
The Mining Exchange – Is accessibility and being in the heart of the city your priority? The Mining Exchange is perfect for couples who prefer a mix of modern elegance and historic charm. This downtown Colorado Springs hotel offers beautiful boutique rooms in a renovated historic building. Its prime location near restaurants and attractions makes it an ideal choice for couples looking to explore the city during their wedding stay!
Pikes Peak Paradise: Looking for more of a relaxed, mountain getaway? The Pikes Peak Paradise is a highly rated, homey bed and breakfast that offers pampering amenities such as jacuzzis, saunas, fire pits and stunning views.
Do I Need a Permit to Get Married at Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a rare public location that does not require a wedding permit for smaller groups.
How Many Guests Can I Have at My Garden of the Gods Wedding?
Technically, Garden of the Gods allows up to 25-50 guests for a wedding ceremony depending on the ceremony site. Due to the limited parking and high volume of traffic at the park, we highly recommend you keep your group as small as possible for the best experience. We have found from visiting, experiencing and working at the park, that most places are not suitable for more than 10 guests. If you’re planning a larger celebration, we can help you look into additional venues or spaces nearby.
Can We Drink Alcohol at Garden of the Gods?
You’ll have to celebrate via libations elsewhere! Absolutely no alcohol is permitted at the park.
Can our dog sign our marriage license?
Unfortunately, El Paso County no longer allows dog paw prints to be on your marriage license. We recommend retaining an extra copy for your marriage license and having your dog print on that afterwards as a workaround!
Where can I get married at Garden of the Gods?
There are several great spots to get married at Garden of the Gods. We’d love to help you find the best spots dependent on your accessibility needs and aesthetic priorities. Keep in mind that none of the park is reservable for a wedding and all spots are first come first serve. Visitors are asked to stay on established trails. Arches, petals (even real petals!), confetti, tents are not permitted. Chairs can be used only for elderly and disabled. No special privileges are granted to wedding parties at Garden of the Gods.
We’ll work with you to help select the perfect spot that matches your vision and ensures a memorable ceremony.
Parking and Accessibility:
Parking: There are several parking lots around Garden of the Gods, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. For your wedding day, plan to arrive early to secure a spot close to your ceremony location. When possible, we highly recommend checking out the park prior to your wedding day to better understand how the park is laid out!
There is a parking lot at the Main Entrance, and a few additional lots near the North and South Entrances.
Accessibility: Most of the park is accessible by car, but if you’re planning a ceremony at a more remote location, you may need to walk or hike a short distance to get to your chosen spot. Consider the comfort of your guests when choosing a location. For couples with elderly guests or those with mobility issues, we recommend selecting a spot that is easily accessible by car or located near a main parking area.
How Busy is the Park?
It can get so, so very busy. Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado Springs’ most popular attractions, so it can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Here are some tips for navigating the crowds:
Sunrise: If you’re set on a weekend or holiday wedding or want to tie the knot during the busy summer months, consider booking your ceremony during the quiet of sunrise. Sunrise tends to be much quieter, and you’ll also get the benefit of the stunning sunrise lighting for beautiful photos.
Preparing for Your Garden of the Gods Wedding:
Weather Prep: Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so always have a backup plan in case of rain or snow. It’s a good idea to have a few umbrellas on hand just in case the weather takes a turn, which Colorado is known for!
Outfit Choices: Keep in mind the weather conditions when planning your outfit and that of your guests. Since it can get windy or chilly, especially in the spring and fall, layering is always a good idea. If you’re wearing heels, consider a more comfortable pair for walking around the park. In the Winter months, wool socks are a life saver. The more prepared and comfortable you are, the more likely you can be present in the moment for your day!
Visit the Park: While not always an option when coming from out of state, we find it helpful to stop by your location prior to your wedding date. If you have guests, this will help you guide them and be assured you know where you are going. If you’re unable, we will help and guide you every step of the way!
Hire Pro Vendors: Like us! Having a seasoned team of vendors will let you relax through this process knowing you are taken care of with people who know the area and have the experience to handle any hiccups of the day.
If you're ready to start planning your Colorado micro wedding, our team is here to help with every step—from permits to vetted, quality vendor lists and more. We’ll guide you through the entire process so you can focus on enjoying your special day!
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | LodgingClick here to learn more about Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages!
