"Bobak made our elopement session magical! My husband and I are from out of state, and he helped us every step of the way planning a time and place. He’s an excellent photographer and person!"
Emma
What you get with a garden of the gods elopement photographer who knows the park
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Location recommendations based on privacy, crowds, season, and accessibility
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Guidance on permits and ceremony logistics
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A simple timeline built around beautiful light, not stress
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Direction when you need it, and space when you don’t
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Backup options for wind, weather, and “Colorado doing Colorado things”
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Clean, natural, timeless editing that still looks like real life
If you want to see what coverage looks like, start here: Elopement packages and pricing
Why working with a local Garden of the Gods elopement photographer matters
Garden of the Gods isn’t just beautiful. It’s dynamic.
Wind patterns shift by location.
Crowds build quickly at certain entrances.
Light hits High Point differently than Sentinel Plaza.
Parking fills up faster than most couples expect.
Because I photograph here regularly, I know:
• Which ceremony sites feel busiest at sunset
• Which areas photograph best in winter snow
• How to pivot quickly if a location is unexpectedly crowded
• When the light turns harsh and when it turns magical
That experience protects your day and keeps things calm.
Experience at Garden of the Gods
• 400+ five-star reviews across Google and Airbnb
• Hundreds of sessions photographed inside Garden of the Gods
• Elopements captured across every season and lighting condition
• Familiar with all six official ceremony sites
When you hire a Garden of the Gods elopement photographer who understands the park deeply, you’re not guessing. You’re planning with clarity.
Why couples choose Garden of the Gods for their elopement
Garden of the Gods is iconic for a reason. It gives you dramatic red rocks, big sky, and a mountain backdrop, without needing a long hike.
Couples love it because you can have:
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Epic scenery with a short walk
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Multiple locations in one day, without driving far
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Sunrise options that feel quiet and intimate
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Golden hour glow that lights the rocks on fire
If you’re still comparing spots, this helps a ton: Best places to elope in Colorado
Best time of day for a Garden of the Gods elopement
This is one of the biggest “make or break” factors.
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Sunrise: quieter, softer light, more privacy
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Weekdays: usually less crowded than weekends
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Sunset: stunning glow, but often busier
If privacy matters to you, I’ll guide you toward the smartest time and location combo for your day.
Ceremony locations inside Garden of the Gods
There are a few areas that consistently work well depending on your guest count, mobility needs, and how private you want it to feel. I’ll help you choose the best fit, but here are the common favorites:
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High Point Overlook
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Sentinel Plaza
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Three Graces area
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Jaycee Plaza
If you want a deeper breakdown with photos and planning tips, start here: Garden of the Gods elopement guide
Permits and rules
If you’re having a ceremony at Garden of the Gods, you typically need a permit. Guest count and setup rules matter here, and they can affect which locations we choose.
I’ll help you plan within the guidelines so your day stays smooth and respectful.
For official rules and permit info, you can also reference: How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado Springs for Your Elopement
Sample elopement timelines at Garden of the Gods
Every day is different, but here are two common flows:
Simple sunrise elopement (quiet and intimate)
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Meet at a calm parking area
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Short walk to ceremony spot
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Vows and ceremony
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Portraits in one or two nearby areas
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Done before the crowds arrive
Golden hour elopement (more glow, more energy)
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Meet and warm-up portraits first
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Ceremony in the best light window
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Sunset portraits with glowing rocks
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Optional second spot for variety and privacy
Want something super simple? Great. Want more adventure and multiple spots? Also great. We build a plan around what feels like you.
"Bobak was excellent! He knows the location like the back of his hand and kept things interesting and fun! We would recommend Bobak to anyone in search of a fun, easy going and professional experience at one of the most beautiful landmarks in Colorado!"
Samuel
If you’re worried about hiking, crowds, or feeling awkward
You do not need a 5-mile hike to have an epic elopement day.
A lot of couples reach out saying:
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“We want it intimate, not crowded.”
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“We don’t want to hike in wedding clothes.”
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“We want epic photos, but we want the day to feel relaxed.”
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“We’re coming from out of state and need help planning.”
That’s exactly what I’m here for.
If you’re traveling in, start here: How to plan a Colorado elopement from out of state
If you want outfit help for wind, sun, and comfort, this is gold: What to wear for your Colorado elopement
Is this the right fit for you?
This is probably a great fit if:
• You want a calm, guided experience
• You care about light and timing
• You want real moments, not heavy posing
• You value Leave No Trace and respecting the park
This may not be the right fit if:
• You want elaborate décor or installations
• You expect exclusive use of public spaces
• You prefer a rushed, checklist-style experience
Garden of the Gods is public and wild. The beauty is real, but it requires flexibility and respect. If that resonates with you, we’ll work beautifully together.
Dogs, guests, and accessibility
Dogs: Yes, Garden of the Gods is dog-friendly in many areas. I’ll guide you on where it works best and how to keep it stress-free.
Guests: Many couples bring a few guests. Your guest count can shape location choice, timing, and how we move through the park.
Accessibility: There are great options that work for paved paths and short walks. If you have mobility needs, tell me and I’ll plan around that.
Leave No Trace and respecting the park
Garden of the Gods stays special when we take care of it.
I plan with the Leave No Trace principles in mind and I’ll guide you toward choices that protect the landscape while still giving you a beautiful experience.
Here’s the official source: Leave No Trace Seven Principles
How the process works
1. You reach out
Share your date range, guest count (if any), and the vibe you want. Then reach out here.
2. We choose the best location for your priorities
Privacy, light, parking, accessibility, season, permits.
3. I build a simple timeline
No complicated planning doc. Just a smooth flow.
4. You show up and be present
I’ll guide you when it’s helpful and step back when it matters.
5. You receive photos that feel like you
Honest, human, and timeless.
Frequently asked questions
Do you help us plan the elopement?
Yes. I’ll help you choose a ceremony spot, the best time of day, and a timeline that feels relaxed.
We’re coming from out of state. Is that common?
Very common. Start here: How to plan a Colorado elopement from out of state
Can we bring guests?
Yes. We’ll plan around guest count so the location and timing make sense.
What if the weather is bad?
We plan smart and stay flexible. I’ll build backup options so you’re not stressed.
Do you photograph proposals and engagement sessions at Garden of the Gods too?
Yes. If you’re planning a proposal, start here: Surprise proposal guide in Colorado
If you want engagement coverage, check out engagement & proposal packages
Do you photograph intimate weddings too?
Yes. If it’s slightly bigger than an elopement, start here: Wedding planning guide
Ready to elope at Garden of the Gods?
If you already know this is your location and you want a Garden of the Gods elopement photographer who understands the logistics, light, and flow of the park, let’s talk.
Tell me your date, your guest count, and what you’re envisioning. I’ll help you build a clear, relaxed plan around it.