If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s grounded in experience—not expectation—elope in Colorado Springs, where the landscape invites stillness, wonder, and intentional connection. This is a place that asks you to pause. To feel the red rock warm at sunrise, to breathe in pine-scented air that softens your shoulders, to choose a day that feels like yours from beginning to end.
Here, you’re free to skip the script. Planning an elopement is about crafting a day that’s deeply yours—wild, tender, playful, or peaceful. As a Colorado elopement photographer, my passion is creating more than just images: I’m here to guide you through every step, from choosing the perfect location to designing a timeline that lets you truly be present.
Here, you’re free to skip the script. Planning an elopement is about crafting a day that’s deeply yours—wild, tender, playful, or peaceful. As a Colorado elopement photographer, my passion is creating more than just images: I’m here to guide you through every step, from choosing the perfect location to designing a timeline that lets you truly be present.
Why Elope in Colorado Springs?
To elope in Colorado Springs is to say yes to wild landscapes, diverse experiences, and endless possibilities for how your day can look and feel. You get:
•Striking settings within minutes of downtown
•Year-round access, with seasons that create distinct moods
•Easy logistics and airport access, minus high-altitude headaches
•Proximity to adventure and modern comforts—a city where mountain and art, history and food, nightlife and quiet stargazing all meet in one place
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with guests, or want to hike out just the two of you, Colorado Springs makes it possible.
Where to Elope in Colorado Springs (with Real Pros & Cons)
These spaces aren’t just “pretty backdrops.” I’ll help you find the spot that lets your story breathe, not just pose.
Garden of the Gods — Epic Scenery, Effortless Access
Red rocks spires, mountain views, and trails made for wandering. Garden of the Gods is the most iconic place to elope in Colorado Springs—and for good reason.
Pros:
•No permit or fees
•Dog-friendly
•Wheelchair-accessible paths, excellent for guests
•Year-round access, gorgeous at sunrise or after fresh snow
•Sweeping views and that unreal, otherworldly rock
Cons:
•Extremely popular—expect visitors, especially midday (even midmorning) and weekends
•Limited privacy for ceremonies, and your spot is first-come, first-served
•Parking can be tough during peak hours
•Designated ceremony spots only; most couples end up in the same areas
Personal Note:
If you want that Garden of the Gods magic in peace, I guide my couples to sunrise, blue-hour, and weekday experiences. Think quiet vows in golden light, laughter echoing off the rocks, and portraits that feel like you were the only two people in the world.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park — Waterfalls, Pines, and Seclusion
Cascading streams, forest trails, and deep shade make North Cheyenne Cañon a dream if you crave cozy, tucked-away moments.
Pros:
•Feels hidden and adventurous
•Variety: waterfalls (Helen Hunt Falls), bridges, wildflower meadows
•Lower crowd density, especially off main trailheads
•Dog-friendly
•Plenty of places for a picnic or post-vow hike
Cons:
•No mountain views like Garden of the Gods
•Some areas may require light hiking or sturdy shoes
•No formal ceremony spaces: best for extra-intimate celebrations
Personal Note:
This is where I take couples who want to escape the obvious and linger. You can breathe, explore, read letters by the creek, and let the day unfold at your pace.
Palmer Park — Underrated With Sweeping Vistas
Overlook the city from wind-carved ridges and wander through unexpected quiet. Palmer Park is the secret spot with big views and open skies.
Pros:
•Incredibly central, but way less crowded than Garden of the Gods
•Expansive overlooks and easy, flat trails
•Diverse backdrops: wooded paths, meadows, rocky bluffs
•Ideal for sunset and city lights, or for adventurous short hikes
•Leashed dogs welcome
Cons:
•No dramatic red rocks (more neutral, golden terrain)
•Minimal facilities—plan for a simple, DIY day
•Not as well-known, so some info is limited
Personal Note:
Couples here tend to want unhurried connection—a handwritten vow, a spontaneous first dance under the sky, or a cozy sit on a sandstone boulder to watch the sun dip behind Pikes Peak.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space — Earthy, Artsy, and Less Traveled
Red Rock Canyon mimics Garden of the Gods in its geology, but feels less like a postcard and more like a playground.
Pros:
•Similar red rock formations, but fewer crowds
•Endless trails for portraits and wandering
•Open space for creative ceremony spots
•Dog-friendly with off-leash areas
Cons:
•Fewer “iconic” landmark shots
•Can get muddy after rain
•Not every corner is set up for guests or groups
Personal Note:
This is for couples who want to move, explore, and maybe even get a little dust on their wedding clothes. Your gallery will look adventurous and totally unique.
Pikes Peak — Epic Altitude, Iconic Views, and a Sky-High Ceremony
If you’re craving an elopement with 360-degree mountain views, alpine energy, and the feeling of standing at the top of the world, you can elope on Pikes Peak—Colorado Springs’ most iconic summit at 14,115 feet.
You can drive, hike, or take the cog railway to the top, making this location as adventurous (or relaxed) as you need it to be. To have a legal ceremony at the summit or Crystal Reservoir area, you generally need to submit a special request or permit through the managing authorities. This ensures ceremonies respect the natural environment and safety considerations at high elevation.
For those who want a less formal ceremony or symbolic elopement, there are also many beautiful spots along the Pikes Peak Highway and in nearby Pike National Forest that feel remote and private without the administrative requirements of the summit itself.
For those who want a less formal ceremony or symbolic elopement, there are also many beautiful spots along the Pikes Peak Highway and in nearby Pike National Forest that feel remote and private without the administrative requirements of the summit itself.
Pros:
•One of the most breathtaking views in all of Colorado
•Accessible by car, train, or trail
•Adds a real sense of epic scale and quiet significance
•Plenty of pull-offs and scenic options if the summit feels too intense
•Available nearly year-round (weather permitting)
Cons:
•High elevation: thin air, cold temps, and wind possible even in summer
•Summit can be crowded, especially midday or on weekends
•Permit required, especially for ceremonies or photographer setups
•Parking at the summit is limited; advance planning is essential
•Weather changes fast—backup plans are a must
Personal Note:
Pikes Peak is one of the few Colorado 14ers where you can elope above 14,000 feet—without the 13-mile hike. It’s perfect for couples who want epic views, peaceful moments, and a high-altitude experience that’s easy to reach and impossible to forget.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park — Surreal Beauty, Strict Rules
Otherworldly colors and hoodoo formations set the Paint Mines apart—perfect for artful portraits and a totally different elopement feel.
Pros:
•Striking, colorful landscape unlike anywhere else
•Magical golden hour for portraits
•Quiet, ethereal feel when timed right
Cons:
•No ceremonies allowed (photos only, per current rules)
•Permits required for photography; strict Leave No Trace ethic
•Stay on trails at all times—no off-trail or climbing on formations
•No amenities nearby and remote location
•Best for couples who want an extra photo adventure, not a full-day event
Personal Note:
If you want jaw-dropping, fine art vibes you can’t find anywhere else, let’s add a session here. I’ll handle the permits and make sure we leave nothing but footprints (if even those). This spot is sacred—let’s treat it that way.
“More Hidden Spaces” — By Invitation Only
My favorite places in Colorado Springs can’t be found on AllTrails or Instagram. I match each couple with the right trail, overlook, or pocket meadow based on what you genuinely want—from easy access to secret wildflower patches. If you want a spot that’s “just yours,” let’s talk.
Beyond the Vows: Crafting a Whole-Hearted Colorado Springs Elopement Experience
Eloping in Colorado Springs isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about savoring the entire experience, from sunrise breathwork to late-night laughter. Here’s how to make your day truly unforgettable.
Sample Full-Day Elopement Timeline
Planning out your elopement day helps you move with intention and actually soak in every moment. Here’s what a relaxed Colorado Springs elopement can look like:
•6:00 AM: Sip coffee together and journal or read vows privately at your Airbnb.
•6:45 AM: Head out for a sunrise ceremony at Garden of the Gods, surrounded by glowing red rocks.
•7:30 AM: Wander the trails for candid portraits and quiet moments.
•9:00 AM: Picnic breakfast overlooking the city or lakeshore.
•10:30 AM: Hike or explore secluded paths in North Cheyenne Cañon.
•12:30 PM: Rest, nap, or enjoy a soak back at your rental.
•2:30 PM: Visit Palmer Park or Red Rock Canyon for playful photos or a short hike.
•4:30 PM: Sunset toast at a scenic overlook or with your feet in the grass.
•6:00 PM: Celebrate with dinner at a favorite spot in town.
•8:30 PM: Stargaze together, letting the day’s magic settle in.
Tip: Build your timeline with meaningful breaks and unscripted time—it transforms your elopement from a checklist to a true adventure.
Local Date-Night and Celebration Spots
After your ceremony, keep the celebration going! Colorado Springs offers unique and romantic spots for a post-elopement meal or toast:
•The Rabbit Hole: A quirky underground speakeasy for creative cocktails and late-night bites.
•Shuga’s: Eclectic small plates and a vibrant, cozy atmosphere downtown.
•Pizzeria Rustica: Candlelit pizza and wine in historic Old Colorado City.
•Broadmoor Hotel: Classic luxury for an elegant dinner or post-elopement spa session.
•Cafe Alchemy: For couple’s coffee dates and sweet treats after an adventurous day.
Choose places that speak to your rhythm—whether that’s lively or low-key.
How to Create Intentional Flow on Your Elopement Day
Your elopement in Colorado Springs should be more than just a ceremony and a photo session. Here’s how to set the tone for a day filled with connection and presence:
1.Start slow: Ease into your morning with music, journaling, or a sunrise walk—don’t rush into “getting ready.”
2.Personalize your rituals: Read letters from loved ones, exchange gifts, or do a first look before your vows.
3.Leave space: Schedule downtime or open blocks between activities to let inspiration—and genuine emotion—breathe.
4.Celebrate your way: Finish your day with experiences you’ll remember—picnics under the stars, craft beers by the fire, or simply holding hands on your porch.
5.Document the whole journey: Hire a experienced and thoughtful elopement photographer to capture candid photographs not only at the ceremony, but during the quiet, goofy, emotional in-between moments, too.
When to Elope in Colorado Springs
Spring
Wildflowers, gentle mornings, occasional snowflakes. New growth and hope.
Summer
Long days, warm evenings, lush pine. Best for sunrise or late sunset adventures.
Fall
Golden aspens, glowing sandstone, cozy post-ceremony gatherings—peak color runs mid-September to mid-October.
Winter
Quiet parks, possible snowy drama, and the magic of having red rocks all to yourselves. Cold but vibrant, especially after a snowstorm.
I help my couples plan for weather, light, and privacy—so timing always fits your vision.
How I Photograph Your Colorado Springs Elopement
Candid, connected, and completely present. My approach centers on real emotion and honest moments—the way you look at each other when no one else sees, the wind in your hair, laughter echoing off canyon walls, the quiet after all the vows are spoken.
I’m here to help you savor, not hurry—so your photos tell the real story, not just the highlight reel.
Logistics, Permits, and Travel
•Garden of the Gods requires no permit for elopements
•North Cheyenne Cañon, Red Rock Canyon, and Palmer Park: generally no permit for small events, but always double-check
•Paint Mines: permit required for photography, NO ceremonies
•Pikes Peak: Permits are required on a case-by-case basis for ceremonies at the summit or certain areas, so you’ll need to contact the managing authorities or your photographer for guidance.
•All spots: Dogs are welcome (on leash, with responsible clean-up!)
•Weather shifts fast: Always have backup plans, jackets, and flexibility
A Few Things to Consider Before You Elope in Colorado Springs
While eloping in Colorado Springs can be incredibly beautiful and accessible, it may not be the perfect fit for every couple. Here are a few things to consider as you decide if this is your ideal location:
Popularity = Crowds
Many of Colorado Springs’ most scenic spots—like Garden of the Gods—are free and easy to access, which also makes them busy, especially on weekends or holidays. Privacy can be a challenge, though timing and smart location choices can help.
Less “Wild” Than Deep Colorado Backcountry
Although there are quiet corners and beautiful trails, Colorado Springs still has a city vibe. If you’re dreaming of complete seclusion or a 3-mile alpine lake hike to say your vows, this may not deliver that “off-grid” feeling.
Watch for Permit Nuances
While many locations don’t require permits for small elopements, rules vary by park and activity—especially if you plan on decorations, guests, or using a professional photographer. Always double-check or work with a local pro (like me!) who’s familiar with current regulations.
Altitude—Without the Drama (Mostly)
Compared to mountain towns like Telluride or Silverton, Colorado Springs is easier on the lungs—but nearby spots like Pikes Peak still sit at over 14,000 feet. If you’re planning to elope at high elevation, come prepared and allow time to adjust.
Want Something More Remote?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “We want something more wild, more rugged, more off-the-map,” you might fall in love with Colorado’s southwest. From alpine lakes to towering peaks and quiet valleys, the San Juan Mountains offer some of the most stunning and secluded elopement spots in the state. Check out my guide to eloping in the San Juan Mountains for a wild Colorado elopement.
Let’s Elope in Colorado Springs—Your Way
The real gift of choosing to elope in Colorado Springs is that your day doesn’t have to follow any script but your own. Whether it’s wild and windswept on a mountaintop, quietly grounded in the forest, filled with loved ones, or just the two of you under golden light—your elopement can reflect who you are at your core.
As your Colorado elopement photographer and guide, I help you do more than just plan a pretty location or pose for photos. I help you co-create an experience that’s built around your connection—a day filled with breath, movement, intention, and meaning. From helping you choose the right time of day to avoid crowds, to suggesting slow, heart-centered ways to stretch your day beyond the vows, you’ll have a partner who holds space for what matters most.
