Garden of the Gods Elopement Locations – Updated for 2024!

The Ultimate 2024 Garden of the Gods Elopement Locations Guide

Welcome to my 2024 Garden of the Gods elopement locations guide! After reading, you should be ready, set, and excited to plan an elopement here in any season. Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs, CO, and it’s well known for its sky high rock formations. The red “fins” come in shades of red, orange, and white and you have to see them in person to really get a sense of their scale. This is an extremely popular park, for good reason. If crowds aren’t your thing, try my other Colorado elopement guides.

2024 Garden of the Gods Elopement Location Guide

You can elope anywhere in Garden of the Gods park and it’s 100% free to do so. You don’t need a permit, you don’t need to reserve your date or location. This is pretty rare in Colorado, so you should take full advantage! If you’re coming in from out of state, you will want a local on your team to show you the best spots. There are 8 different parking lots and many more pull outs, so it’s important to get to the right one! I’d love to be your Garden of the Gods elopement guide, so get in touch with me for more information.

Chuckwagon Pavilion Elopement Location

One of 2 ADA Accessible elopement locations in Garden of the Gods, this paved circle is surrounded by a low wall and tall rocks.

Parking Lot: P2 / Main Lot
Bathrooms: Yes, at parking lot

Ridge Trail Loop Elopement Location

A short and easy hike up some dirt stairs leads to a beautiful fenced overlook that faces north.

Parking Lot: P10 / South Garden / Ute
Bathrooms: Yes, at parking lot

High Point Overlook Elopement Location

One of the best views of the park is from this explorable view point just south of the main loop. This spot is BUSY, so plan for sunrise.

Parking Lot: High Point
Bathrooms: Yes, at parking lot

Seven Sisters Plaza

A flat walk on a paved path takes you to this area where you can get up close to some of the tallest fins. A paved circle area nearby makes a great meet up spot. Ada Accessible & Busy.

Parking Lot: P7
Bathrooms: No

Strausenback Trail Elopement Location at Garden of the Gods

A moderate trail with hardly any crowds. Around every bend is another great view of Garden of the Gods.

Parking Lot: Horse Trailer Parking
Bathrooms: No

Juniper Overlook at Garden of the Gods

An unmarked parking lot that only holds 4 cars offers a walled view south over the rock fins. Better yet: Use the palmer trail to get these views to yourselves.

Parking Lot: Unmarked between P2 and P3
Bathrooms: No

Siamese Twins Elopement Location

A very short hike leads you to a twin shaped rock formation. The hole in the middle is big enough to sit in. Because there’s a short hike, it’s not as busy as other locations.

Parking Lot: Siamese Twins
Bathrooms: No

Garden of the Gods Visitor Center / Mesa Overlook Elopement Location

Looking due west from the Visitors Center or Mesa Overlook, you can see the 14,000′ Pike’s Peak towering over the red rock fins of Garden of the Gods.

Parking Lot: Visitors Center
Bathrooms: Yes, flushing

South Loop Overlook Elopement Location

A stair-heavy short hike that is hardly ever busy, and is on the west side of the rocks making it best in late afternoon. I recommend this location for couples who like to hike and crave privacy.

Parking Lot: P7
Bathrooms: No

Garden of the Gods Sign

Walk under the highway on the walk/bike path from the Visitor’s center and you’ll reach the beatiful Garden of the Gods stone sign.

Parking Lot: Visitors Center
Bathrooms: Yes, flushing

Garden of the Gods Club

A private venue overlooking both Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak offers a luxurious experience for couples looking for an epic microwedding location.

Bathrooms: Yes, flushing

Balanced Rock Elopement Location

One of the most crowded areas in the whole park, this tiny spot right on the road is good for a quick photo, but isn’t private enough for an elopement ceremony outside of sunrise.

Parking Lot: P14 / Balanced Rock
Bathrooms: None

How to Elope at Garden of the Gods in Colorado

Eloping in Colorado is super easy at Garden of the Gods. No permit is required, so you don’t have to do much paperwork before your elopement. However, there are some things to keep in mind.

  • If you are inviting guests, you will need to carpool. Parking fills up very quickly.
  • All dogs are welcome so long as they are kept on leash.
  • The main scenic loop is one way only. On a summer weekend, it may take an hour to drive it due to traffic.
  • No drones, arches, chairs, or thrown confetti of any kind is allowed.

Here is my Garden of the Gods elopement location map:

This map is like a virtual tour of the whole Garden of the Gods park with color photos I’ve taken of each place. So you can see all the great spots without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free!

See real sunrise elopement photos at Garden of the Gods

When to Elope at Garden of the Gods

Every season is a good time to elope here! Because the rocks are so iconic and colorful, even shoulder season months like April and November can be pretty here. That said, summer is a paradise because the greenery contrasts with the red rocks and distant blue mountain peaks. When the park is blanketed in snow, this is a one of a kind location! Read my tips for how to elope in winter for more on how to prepare.

Consider a morning Garden of the Gods Elopement

Because this park is so popular with hikers, tourists, and seemingly everyone else, you may want to consider eloping in the morning. Sunrises here are absolutely magical. The park opens at 5am and between sunrise and 9am is the best time to be in the park. If morning isn’t your thing, opt for a winter elopement!

2024 Garden of the Gods Elopement Packages

I offer Garden of the Gods elopement packages that include a full day of epic photography and detailed planning. As your planner, I provide insight on everything – from connecting you to great vendors to creating the entire blueprint of what your day could look like. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are for 2024.

All inclusive elopement packages start at $15,000

2 Day elopements in Garden of the Gods – $9900

1.5 Days of elopement photography – $7900

1 Full day adventure elopement in Garden of the Gods – $6900

Up to 4 hours elopement in Garden of the Gods – $5500 **Only available on select 2024 dates**

Can you bring dogs to Garden of the Gods?

YES, you can bring your dog to Garden of the Gods! Provided they stay on leash, that is. As always, we must leave no trace and stay on the trails. Nearby, there’s a dog park called Garden of the Dogs. You can read more of the park’s rules here.

About your Garden of the Gods elopement Photographer

I’m a colorful Garden of the Gods elopement photographer with an obsession for mountains, hiking, and my cats. My photography style emphasizes the epic landscape of your dreams and the authentic moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Garden of the Gods is one of my very favorite places to explore in Colorado- especially the lesser known areas! Maybe I’ll see you there!

Contact Me

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