Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs, Colorado, known for its towering red rock formations and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, it’s one of the most iconic landscapes in the state—drawing visitors from all over the world year-round. For couples who want dramatic Colorado scenery without hiking deep into the mountains, it offers an accessible and unforgettable place to exchange vows. Garden of the Gods allows small, brief wedding ceremonies at 6 designated locations within the park. This guide will walk you through how to get married at Garden of the gods!

Planning Your Garden of the gods Wedding

The biggest thing to know if you want to get married at Garden of the gods: Ceremonies are first-come, first-served. There are no reservations for small weddings, and no rental process like you’d see at a traditional venue or some other parks. If your group is small and you follow park guidelines, you’re welcome to hold your ceremony at one of the designated sites.

In addition to not needing a reservation, there is no required wedding permit for small, brief ceremonies at the designated locations. As a way to support the park, a $50 donation is encouraged to support its preservation, but is not mandatory.

Here are the key rules couples should know when planning for a wedding at Garden of the gods:

• Ceremonies must be small and brief
• Most sites technically allow up to 50 people, but in practice space and parking are limited, so groups of 10-20 are more realistic
• No arches, tables, tents, trellises, or decorations
• Chairs are not allowed (reach out to the park if they are needed for elderly or disabled guests)
• No amplified sound
• Stay on the trails at all times
• No alcohol anywhere in the park
• No confetti, rice, flower petals, balloons, bird or butterfly releases
• Drone use is prohibited without written consent
• Commercial planners must obtain a Commercial Use Permit
• No photography permit is needed

Because it’s a public park, you should be prepared for and expect other visitors nearby also enjoying the views. At Garden of the gods, you’re not renting a private space, but rather you’re sharing a beautiful one. If that feels okay to you, Garden of the gods is an incredibly meaningful (and beautiful) place to get married in Colorado Springs!

Garden of the Gods Ceremony Locations

Garden of the Gods has six designated ceremony sites within the park. These are the park-approved locations for small and brief weddings. Each location offers a slightly different backdrop and level of accessibility, so choosing the right one depends on your guest count, mobility needs, and the kind of scenery you’re drawn to.

Jaycee Plaza

This location features a circular stone plaza surrounded by greenery with the dramatic red rock formations rising behind it. The low stone walls create a defined ceremony space while still feeling open and connected to the landscape around you. It’s also wheelchair accessible, which makes it a thoughtful option if you’re inviting guests who need smooth, even ground.

Capacity: 50 people

Sentinel Plaza

Sentinel Plaza places you right among the towering red rock formations that make Garden of the Gods so iconic. The paved walkway is lined with low stone walls that provide some natural seating, and the surrounding rocks create a dramatic backdrop for your ceremony. It’s wheelchair accessible and a great fit for intimate gatherings with immediate family and close friends.

Capacity: 25 people

Three Graces Plaza

Three Graces Plaza is a paved ceremony site that brings you face-to-face with one of the park’s most striking rock formations — a tall, narrow red rock spire that feels both dramatic and unique. The backdrop here is bold and instantly recognizable. This location is also wheelchair accessible.

Capacity: 25 people

High Point

High Point (parking lot #9) is a scenic overlook with sweeping mountain views behind you. The ceremony space features four large rock pillars supporting a slatted roof structure, which adds architectural interest to the location.

Capacity: 50 people

Scotsman Picnic Area

Scotsman Picnic Area has a more casual, greenery-filled feel compared to some of the red rock overlook locations. It’s an unpaved picnic area with low shrubs, trees, picnic tables, and nearby facilities. This is one of the designated areas in the park where a casual picnic-style reception is permitted.

Capacity: 25 people

South Spring Canyon Area

South Spring Canyon Area is another picnic-style setting with more greenery and fewer visible red rock formations compared to the overlook locations. It feels more natural and less dramatic, which can be a good fit depending on your vision. Like Scotsman, this is one of the only other areas where a picnic-style reception is allowed.

Capacity: 50 people

Wedding Photo Locations in Garden of the gods

One of my favorite spots to take your wedding portraits in Garden of the gods is at Mesa Overlook! While it is NOT an approved ceremony site, we can venture here after your ceremony just for portraits. The photos in this blog post were captured at Mesa Overlook!

The Best Time of Day to Elope at Garden of the Gods

I truly believe we can make art at any time of day.

I photographed here in the middle of the day, and while it was bright, it was incredibly beautiful. The red rock reflects light in a way that keeps everything warm and dimensional, and you will be glowing in the abundant sunlight.

That said, if you’re hoping for soft, golden light, the best window is typically the 90 minutes before sunset. Sunrise can also be a great option if you want fewer crowds, especially in peak summer months.

Seasonal Considerations at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is one of the most visited parks in Colorado. Seasonality makes a big difference in your experience.

Summer

Summer is the busiest time of year and also the warmest! You should expect:

• Full parking lots
• Heavy foot traffic
• Tourists throughout the day

If you’re planning a summer elopement at Garden of the gods, I strongly recommend:

• Choosing a weekday
• Avoiding mid-day peak hours if possible
• Building extra time into your timeline
• Considering sunrise when it’s less busy

Spring & Fall

Spring and fall usually offer beautiful weather and slightly lighter crowds, though weekends still draw plenty of visitors. Like every other season, consider a weekday option and sunrise if you want the most privacy possible.

Winter

Winter is quieter at Garden of the gods and can feel more private, but you’ll need to prepare for:

• Snow or icy conditions
• Wind
• Colder temperatures at higher elevation

While winter months come with some risk, the red rocks against covered in snow can be absolutely breathtaking. If you’re planning to elope in the winter at Garden of the gods, I recommend having a backup date in case of a winter storm that makes travel impossible and/or a backup location that would be accessible if the park was not.

Where to Stay Near Garden of the Gods

If you’re planning to stay nearby, Colorado Springs has endless lodging options.

One standout location is The Broadmoor. It’s a stunning, historic resort with beautiful grounds, top-notch service, and elevated accommodations. It can be a wonderful place to get ready before your elopement or celebrate afterward. In a similar fashion, Garden of the gods Resort is one of the most iconic and immersive lodging locations in Colorado Springs! If you aren’t set on eloping at Garden of the gods and are still considering a more traditional wedding route too, definitely check out the wedding packages at Garden of the gods Resort for the same red rock views and a luxury experience!

Garden of the Gods Wedding Photographer

Meet Your Colorado Springs Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning to elope at Garden of the Gods, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life!

I’m Logan Ferree, a Colorado Springs wedding photographer, and I build custom photography timelines around what you actually want your day to look like—whether that’s just an intimate ceremony and portraits, or a full day documented start to finish. If Garden of the Gods feels like the place to say “I do” you can reach out to me here to officially get started! I can’t wait to chat with you!