If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable elopement, look no further than Garden of the Gods in Colorado. This stunning park offers unparalleled natural beauty and a wealth of options for your ceremony.
Thanks to our expertise, we’re able to recommend some of the most scenic spots to exchange vows, suggest the best time of year for your elopement, and offer some tips on finding the perfect vendors for your big day.
We’ll also take you through the necessary legal steps to getting married at the Garden of the Gods. So whether you’re just starting to plan your elopement or you’re already well underway, read on for all the info you need!
Can You Elope In Garden of the Gods?
Yes, you can definitely celebrate your love through a Garden of the Gods elopement and the cool part is that they don’t even require permits. Read on to learn more about how you can make this dream a reality.
3 Best Places To Elope In Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a Colorado landmark that is renowned for its natural beauty. Many couples choose to elope here because of the unique scenery.
The red sandstone formations make for a dramatic backdrop, and the expansive views are sure to take your breath away. Here are three of our favorite scenic spots around the park:
1. Kissing Camels
Perhaps the most iconic, and definitely the most romantic, rock formation in Garden of the Gods. As the name suggests, this incredible natural structure looks exactly like two camels engaged in a kiss.
Positioned high along a red rock ridge, this formation is the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony. The Kissing Camels are exceptionally beautiful during sunset when the light hits them just right.
The Kissing Camels formation is located near the park’s main parking lot at the northern end of the Garden of the Gods. You can easily access the base of the Camels rock by taking a short walk along the Perkins Central Garden Trail.
2. Garden Overlook
To truly take in the beauty of the Garden of the Gods, you should definitely drive along the Juniper Way Loop. This is a 2.4-mile scenic drive that circles around the center of the park.
Be sure to stop off and take in the views at the Garden Overlook. This overlook is positioned at an iconic angle, along the northwest corner of the Juniper Way Loop.
Garden Overlook is the perfect spot for stunning elopement photos, and you can drive straight to it! The light is best during late afternoon or early morning, giving the Garden a truly magical glow.
3. The Siamese Twins
One of the most impressive rock formations in the Garden of the Gods. However, many first-time visitors miss out on the Siamese Twins, as they are nestled in the hills away from the central area of the park.
The Siamese Twins are two rocky towers that are joined at the bottom but open up to create a window in the middle. This window perfectly frames Pikes Peak in the distance.
The best time to plan an elopement at The Siamese Twins is in the morning, to capture the light on the rock formation and surrounding mountains. The Siamese Twins can be accessed from a one-mile loop trail, starting from the p14 parking lot.
Keep in mind that there are no dedicated facilities for weddings or receptions at Garden of the Gods. The park doesn’t offer any formal wedding packages either. – But don’t let that deter you from tying the knot at this magical place!
There are plenty of nearby hotels and restaurants that would be happy to help you celebrate your special day. And you can easily find local elopement photographers and videographers.
How Much Does It Cost To Elope At Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado for couples looking to elope. The picturesque setting, with its towering red rocks and stunning views, is the perfect backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
And best of all, Garden of the Gods is a free public park, so there are no fees associated with getting married here. Of course, there are still some costs to consider when planning an elopement at Garden of the Gods.
The cost will vary depending on your budget. For a simple ceremony, you can expect to spend around $300 on officiant fees, permits, and decorations.
If you’re looking for something a little more elaborate, you can expect to spend closer to $1,000. This will cover costs like photographers, videographers, flowers, and catering.
Note: The most important thing (your marriage license) costs $30 from El Paso County, Colorado.
Then depending on how many guests you want to invite, and how lavishly you want to wine and dine, obviously prices will increase. It really depends on what type of elopement you want.
And be sure to calculate travel and accommodation costs into your budget. If you’re traveling from out of state, the Garden of the Gods is a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Denver airport, or Colorado Springs airport is just 45 minutes away.
Whatever you decide, Garden of the Gods is sure to be a memorable place to start your life together.
What Do I Need To Elope At Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural landscape, and it’s no wonder that so many couples choose to elope here.
While it’s certainly possible to spontaneously run off and get married at the park, there are a few legalities to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the state of Colorado. You can do this online or in person at the El Paso County Clerk’s office.
Once you have your license, all that’s left to do is choose your officiant to perform your ceremony at your chosen special spot at Garden of the Gods.
You should definitely research and shortlist a few local officiants in the area. Then have a friendly conversation with each of them before making your selection. It’s crucial that your officiant shares your same vision for your big day.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you can even get married by a park ranger at Garden of the Gods! Just be sure to check with the park beforehand to make sure they’re available on your chosen date.
And that’s it! With a little advanced planning, eloping at Garden of the Gods is easy and stress-free.
Best Time To Elope At Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural backdrop for an elopement any time of year. However, there are some things to consider when choosing the season for your big day.
Assuming you want good weather for your outdoor ceremony, early summer and fall are both excellent choices. June and September offer mild temperatures and plenty of sunny days, making them ideal for an outdoor wedding.
However, if you’re looking for truly breathtaking views, there’s no better time than autumn. The changing leaves, especially the golden aspens, add a touch of magic to Garden of the Gods, making it an unforgettable place to say “I do.”
But if you’re looking to add a little adventure to your elopement, winter can be a magical time to tie the knot. Garden of the Gods is blanketed in snow, creating a romantic and otherworldly setting for your ceremony.
And if avoiding crowds is your main goal, then November tends to be the quietest month at Garden of the Gods, followed by the January to March period.
No matter what time of year you choose, Garden of the Gods is sure to make your elopement an event to remember.
Garden of the Gods Elopement Photographer + Videographer
If you’re planning on eloping in Garden of the Gods, you’ll need to hire an experienced photographer or videographer who can capture the magic of the moment.
Here are a few tips to help you find the right professional for your Colorado Springs elopement.
First, make sure you hire someone who has experience shooting in Garden of the Gods. This unique landscape requires a specific skill set, and you’ll want to make sure your photographer or videographer is up to the task.
Second, look for someone who is willing to be creative and adventurous. Your elopement will be anything but ordinary, so you’ll need a photographer or videographer who is willing to think outside the box.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for references. Any reputable photographer or videographer should be able to provide you with past clients who can vouch for their work.
👉 Do you need help finding a talented photographer or videographer for your Garden of the Gods elopement?
Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll hook you up with information about packages and more.
Where To Stay During Your Garden of the Gods Elopement
Since Garden of the Gods is situated just outside of Colorado Springs, there are plenty of great accommodation options to choose from. But here are four of the best places to stay:
➡️ Garden of the Gods Resort & Club: This one-of-a-kind resort is located in the heart of a stunning natural landscape, and offers its guests a variety of accommodation options to suit every need.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin for two or a luxurious suite with all the amenities, Garden of the Gods Club has something for everyone.
And when you’re not relaxing in your room, you can explore the many hiking trails, go horseback riding, take a dip in the pool, or simply enjoy the incredible views.
➡️ Garden of the Gods Recreation Area: This is a great option for couples who want to be close to nature. Nestled among the towering pines, Garden of the Gods Campground offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals.
The campground is very well-maintained and offers a variety of amenities, including showers, laundry facilities, and a hot tub. It’s also the perfect base camp for hiking and biking excursions.
Additionally, the campground staff is very friendly and helpful, and they go out of their way to make sure that guests have a great experience.
Conclusion: Garden of the Gods Elopement 2022
Garden of the Gods is an incredible place to elope. From the stunning views to the unique rock formations, there are endless photo opportunities. It’s no wonder that this place is such a popular choice for couples tying the knot.