How to Plan a Garden of the Gods Elopement That Doesn’t Feel Touristy

Garden of the Gods is one of the most iconic locations in Colorado. Towering red rock formations. Pikes Peak rising in the distance. Golden sunset light that hits the sandstone just right.

It is breathtaking.

But almost every couple asks me the same question.

“Will it feel crowded?”

The truth is this. A garden of the gods elopement can either feel like a tourist stop or like the most intimate moment of your life. The difference comes down to strategy, timing, and knowing the park beyond the main viewpoints.

Jeremy and Maya wanted something simple. No big production. No distractions. Just the two of them and the Colorado landscape. And that is exactly what we created.

Let’s break down how.

Why a Garden of the Gods Elopement Can Feel Crowded

Garden of the Gods is free to enter. It is easy to access. It is one of the most visited places in Colorado Springs.

Midday in the summer can absolutely feel busy.

Most visitors park at the main lots, walk the central paved loop, take photos at the most obvious formations, and leave. If you plan your ceremony in the middle of that traffic flow, yes, it can feel overwhelming.

But the park is much larger than most people realize.

There are quiet pockets. There are lesser-used formations. There are angles that still give you epic red rock backdrops without standing in the center of the tourist path.

If you are still exploring whether eloping is right for you, my full Colorado elopement guide walks through how to choose locations that match your personality and comfort level.

The Real Secret to a Private Garden of the Gods Elopement

Privacy at Garden of the Gods is about three main things.

1. Choosing the right time of day

2. Choosing the right ceremony spot

3. Building a flexible timeline

For Jeremy and Maya, we chose a weekday evening. We started about an hour before sunset. By the time they exchanged vows, the larger crowds had thinned out.

We avoided the main paved walkways and stepped into a quieter area with incredible views of the red rock formations and Pikes Peak.

It felt calm. Intentional. Grounded.

If you are traveling from out of state, this kind of planning becomes even more important. I break down how to coordinate timing, seasons, and logistics inside my guide on planning your Colorado engagement session from out of state.

Best Time of Day for a Garden of the Gods Elopement

If your priority is intimacy, here is what I recommend.

Sunrise

Fewer visitors. Soft pastel light. Cooler temperatures. A quiet energy that feels almost sacred.

Sunset

Golden light hitting the red rocks. Dramatic skies. A romantic atmosphere once the daytime crowds begin leaving.

Midday between 10am and 3pm is typically the busiest. That window is great for tourists. It is not ideal for a ceremony.

For couples who love the red rock landscape but want to compare other scenic options, you can explore my curated list of the Best Places to Elope in Colorado.

Choosing Ceremony Spots Most Tourists Never See

The biggest mistake couples make is assuming the obvious viewpoint is the only option.

Over the years, I have scouted quieter corners of the park that:

• Feel tucked away

• Offer dramatic backdrops

• Allow space for private vows

• Respect Leave No Trace principles

If you are including your dog or keeping things relaxed and adventurous, you might also love this real example of a dog friendly elopement at Garden of the Gods.

Understanding the flow of the park makes all the difference.

You can also review official park rules directly through the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to stay aligned with guidelines.

What a Simple Garden of the Gods Elopement Actually Looks Like

Jeremy and Maya’s day was beautifully uncomplicated.

No large guest list.

No strict production schedule.

No stress.

They shared private vows. We explored nearby formations for portraits as the light shifted from gold to deep amber. The entire experience lasted around two to three hours.

That is the beauty of a garden of the gods elopement. It does not need to be elaborate to be meaningful.

If you want to see how I structure coverage and support planning from start to finish, you can explore my Colorado elopement packages.

Why Garden of the Gods Is Still One of the Best Places to Elope

Even with its popularity, Garden of the Gods remains one of the most visually powerful places in Colorado.

You get:

• Red rock formations

• Mountain views

• Easy access

• Minimal hiking

• No ceremony permit required for small groups

It gives you dramatic scenery without demanding an extreme adventure.

If you want a deeper breakdown of logistics, ceremony ideas, and flow, I also created a full Garden of the Gods elopement guide dedicated specifically to this location.

Ready to Plan Your Garden of the Gods Elopement?

The key is not avoiding popular places.

The key is knowing how to use them differently.

A garden of the gods elopement can feel intimate, grounded, and deeply personal when it is planned with intention.

If that sounds like your vision, I would love to help you create it.

📩 Reach out to me here and let’s start planning something that feels like you.