Pro Guide: How to Get Married at Garden of the Gods

No Permit Needed

One of the best things about eloping at Garden of the Gods is that you don’t need a permit. You can get married there completely free of charge. That said, you do need to stick to the designated ceremony locations, there are a handful throughout the park, and each has a max guest count to help manage the flow of visitors.

Here are the sites where you’re allowed to hold a wedding ceremony:

●  Jaycee Plaza – up to 50 people

●  Sentinel Plaza – up to 25 people

●  Three Graces Plaza – up to 25 people

●  High Point – up to 50 people (amazing views!)

●  Scotsman Picnic Area – up to 25 people

●  South Spring Canyon Area – up to 50 people

These spots are first-come, first-served, so you can’t “reserve” them, but if you show up early or plan wisely, you can usually find a good spot to gather with your crew.

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What to Know About Parking and Crowds

Garden of the Gods is always busy. Between tourists, engagement shoots, prom photos, and other weddings, it can feel like a bit of a madhouse, especially on weekends. Parking can be tricky in the main areas, and you might end up walking a bit to reach your spot.

If you want any kind of privacy, sunrise is your golden ticket. The park opens at 5 a.m., and if you can get there right when it opens, you’ll have the place mostly to yourself (plus that sunrise glow on the rocks is absolutely unreal). Sunset is also beautiful, but expect way more people around.

Best Time of Year to Elope

The sweet spot for weather is mid-June through mid-October. That’s when the skies are clear, the temperatures are comfortable, and the scenery is at its best. Winter elopements or micro-weddings are totally possible too. The park gets snow and can be really beautiful but you’ll want to be flexible with your timeline and bring lots of layers. Spring can be a little unpredictable with wind and random snowstorms, and early summer sometimes brings thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Best Time of Day to Elope

Sunrise or sunset, hands down. Midday is usually too harsh for photos and way too crowded. Sunrise gives you that soft morning light, cooler temps, and a good chance at having your ceremony spot to yourself. Sunset can be dreamy too, especially if you want to grab dinner afterward, but plan for some extra patience with people wandering around in the background of your photos.