Plan a Garden of the Gods Elopement [Complete Guide]
Are you thinking of eloping in Colorado? If so, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a beautiful national park for an elopement. The park features towering red rock formations, epic ridgeline views, sprawling pastures, and awe-inspiring panoramic scenery.
It’s a stunning location for couples who want to plan a quick and easy elopement, fully immersed in a magnificent natural setting. Through the details below, you’ll find everything you need to know to help you plan a Garden of the Gods elopement.
Your Garden of the Gods Wedding Ceremony in Colorado Springs
A Garden of the Gods wedding or elopement is a ceremony-only experience. The park does not allow wedding receptions to take place unless you plan on having a picnic-style celebration at the Scotsman or South Spring Canyon Picnic areas.
For your wedding ceremony, there are 6 distinctive spaces where you can say I do. Each space within the park offers its own expansive views and unique experience.
However, it is important to know that these locations cannot be reserved in advance; they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. But if you are willing to arrive early and plan accordingly, you will most likely obtain your preferred location.
1. Jaycee Plaza
Jaycee Plaza is just steps away from the main parking lot and does see its fair share of foot traffic. However, it’s a beautiful natural amphitheater, with up close views of the stunning red rock formations.
Total Capacity
Jaycee Plaza can accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 50 guests in attendance.
2. High Point Overlook
High Point Overlook at Garden of the Gods is an open, smaller-sized pavilion with views of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. This area is somewhat off the beaten path and often skipped over by tourists, allowing you to host a more private wedding ceremony.
Total Capacity
High Point Overlook can accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 50 guests in attendance.
3. South Spring Canyon Area
Set against the sprawling pastures, South Spring Canyon is perhaps one of the most private areas for your Garden of the Gods elopement. The valley area of South Spring Canyon does not provide the same views as other areas of the park, but it does have access to ample parking and benches to host a picnic.
Total Capacity
South Spring Canyon can accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 50 guests in attendance.
4. Scotsman Picnic Area
As the name suggests, this location within the park is also a picnic area, with benches in your direct line of sight. Scotsman Picnic Area has its own brand of pastoral views and is ideal for your wedding ceremony if you’d like to host a picnic reception immediately following your vows.
Total Capacity
Scotsman Picnic Area can accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 50 guests in attendance.
5. Sentinel Plaza
Along with Jaycee Plaza, Sentinel Plaza is another favorite location among couples for a Garden of the Gods wedding. Located toward the center of the park, Sentinel Plaza will require some walking, but it is a bit more secluded. Your wedding ceremony here will be framed by up-close red rock formations.
Total Capacity
Sentinel Plaza can accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 25 guests in attendance.
6. Three Graces Plaza
Directly overlooking the main garden, Three Graces Plaza is also a highly sought-after location for a Garden of the Gods wedding ceremony. Additionally, this location is easily accessible via a short walk (from Camel’s Back), but the nearby parking is limited.
Total Capacity
Three Graces Plaza can accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 25 guests in attendance.
Garden of the Gods Elopement FAQs
Navigating the intricacies of a Garden of the Gods elopement, or a wedding at any national park, can often leave couples filled with many questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our couples often have about eloping at Garden of the Gods.
The park website said dogs are allowed. Can we bring our dog to our wedding?
Leashed pups are allowed at Garden of the Gods, and yes, you can bring your dog to your wedding! Including your dog in your ceremony or wedding photos is a wonderful way to honor their presence in your family. However, I would recommend that you have a guest or witness on hand who can look (and pick up) after your pup during your vows and those in-between moments.
When is the best time of year for a Garden of the Gods Colorado elopement?
Every couple's vision for a Garden of the Gods elopement is completely different. Some couples dream of snow-filled ridgeline views in the backdrop of their ceremony, while others can't wait to marvel at the beauty of the red rock formations with the sun overhead.
Winter
Perhaps the season that Colorado is best known for, winter is a vast landscape of snowfall with mountains full of skiers and snowboarders. Winter is the best time of year for your elopement if you’re ok with the frigid temperatures and dream of hitting the slopes after you say I do.
Spring
Spring at Garden of the Gods is a time of transition and can bring somewhat unpredictable weather. There may be unexpected snowstorms in early spring, but late spring brings stunning sunsets and blooming wildflowers.
Summer
Garden of the Gods is drenched in greenery during the summer. The skies are blue, and the views are clear, but the afternoon is hot and filled with thunderstorms, making it a season where a sunrise or sunset elopement is best.
Fall
Fall brings cooler temperatures and epic views to Garden of the Gods. The red rock formations are made all the more brilliant by the golden fall foliage. Keep in mind that the first snowfall of the season usually happens in late October.
What is the best time of day for a Garden of the Gods wedding?
As a National Park, Garden of the Gods attracts couples eloping, along with locals planning photoshoots and tourists exploring the park. It’s always filled with park goers, which presents a delicate balance of navigating parking and privacy for your wedding.
Undeniably, a sunrise Garden of the Gods wedding is the best time for a private ceremony. The added benefit of planning your wedding at this time is the gorgeous golden sun spilling over the park in the backdrop of your vows, all in all creating remarkable wedding photos of your elopement, along with an unforgettable experience.
The park opens year-round at 5 am daily, with sunrise times varying per season.
Sunrise times in Garden of the Gods
Winter - 7:00 am to 7:20 am
Spring - 5:30 am to 6:30 am
Summer - 5:30 am to 6:30 am
Fall - 6:30 am to 7:20 am
Sunset is an equally beautiful time of day for a Garden of the Gods elopement, but it does attract larger crowds.
The park closes at 9 pm from November 1st to April 30th, and at 10 pm from May 1st to October 31st, with sunset times varying per season.
Sunset times in Garden of the Gods
Winter - 5 pm to 6 pm
Spring - 7 pm to 8 pm
Summer - 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Fall - 6 pm to 7 pm
What is the total cost of hosting a Garden of the Gods wedding ceremony?
There is no fee (or permit requirement) associated with accessing Garden of the Gods for your wedding ceremony. It’s a stunning, free, outdoor wedding location in Colorado where couples can elope through a fun, laid-back experience. Keep in mind, you will still need to hire your officiant, photographer, florist, and other wedding professionals.
Is there anything else we should know about planning a Garden of the Gods elopement?
Yes, amplified music is not allowed within the park, even for a wedding. However, acoustic music is. If you wish to have an acoustic guitarist play for your ceremony, you totally can!
Are there any other restrictions at Garden of the Gods?
The park is a national natural landmark, so it’s important that all park goers are respectful of the environment. That means skipping any celebratory throws at the end of your ceremony, such as flower petals, rice, or confetti.
Elopement Packages Colorado
If you’re searching for all-inclusive elopement packages in Colorado, Elope Colorado has helped over 500 couples say I do at locations such as Garden of the Gods and beyond.
Our elopement packages start at $1300 and include:
Officiant (starting at $300)
Photography (starting at $500)
Videography (starting at $900)
Flowers (starting at $100)
Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
For more information, contact us here, or text “info” to 720-598-2862