How to Avoid Crowds at a Garden of the Gods Elopement

One of the biggest concerns couples have when planning an elopement at Garden of the Gods is privacy.

It is one of the most photographed and visited parks in Colorado, so the question comes up fast and often:

How do we elope here without feeling like we’re on display?

Sarah and Jake’s September sunset elopement is a real example of how this can be done thoughtfully, calmly, and without stress.

Is it actually possible to elope at Garden of the Gods without crowds?

Yes, but it requires intention.

Crowds at Garden of the Gods are not constant. They come in predictable waves. Late morning through mid afternoon is peak time, especially on weekends and during summer.

Sarah and Jake avoided that entirely by planning a weekday sunset elopement in September. By the time we arrived, day visitors were starting to clear out and the park naturally slowed down.

Avoiding crowds is less about luck and more about understanding flow.

How to avoid crowds at a Garden of the Gods elopement

If you want to know how to avoid crowds at a garden of the gods elopement, timing is the single biggest factor.

Here is what consistently works:

• Weekdays instead of weekends

• Sunrise or sunset instead of mid day

• Shoulder seasons like September instead of peak summer

This elopement took place at sunset, which meant warmer light, fewer people, and a more relaxed pace. No rushing. No waiting for space to open up.

Which parking areas help you avoid busy trails?

This is one of the most overlooked details.

Parking Lot #2 is one of the best starting points for couples who want beautiful scenery without stepping immediately into the most congested areas of the park.

Starting here allowed us to:

• Access stunning rock formations quickly

• Move with intention instead of reacting to crowds

• Create quiet moments naturally as the park settled

Small logistical choices like this have a huge impact on how the day feels.

Is sunrise or sunset better for crowd avoidance?

Both work, but they create different experiences.

Sunrise elopements

• Quietest option

• Very few people, especially on weekdays

• Cooler temperatures

Sunset elopements

• Fewer crowds than daytime

• Softer, warmer light

• More relaxed mornings for couples

Sarah and Jake chose sunset, and with the right timing and location choices, it never felt busy or distracting.

Why September is ideal for a quieter elopement experience

September is one of the most balanced months at Garden of the Gods.

Summer tourism slows down, temperatures become more comfortable, and the park feels calmer without losing its energy. This makes it easier to move slowly, adjust timelines, and stay present instead of managing logistics.

If you want a full breakdown of ceremony locations, permit rules, and year-round planning considerations, you can explore my Garden of the Gods elopement guide here: Garden of the Gods elopement guide

For couples comparing locations and seasons across the state, my Colorado elopement guide is also a helpful place to start: Colorado elopement guide

What actually makes a busy place feel intimate

Privacy is not about finding an empty park. It is about flow.

We planned around light, crowd patterns, and access points instead of forcing a rigid timeline. As the sun dropped, the park softened, foot traffic thinned, and the experience naturally slowed down.

That is how Sarah and Jake’s ceremony felt calm and personal, even in one of the most iconic locations in Colorado.

Planning tips to avoid crowds at Garden of the Gods

If you are planning your own elopement here, these tips matter:

• Choose weekdays whenever possible

• Avoid mid day entirely

• Plan for sunrise or sunset

• Use quieter access points like Parking Lot #2

• Keep timelines flexible and unforced

If you are looking at different levels of coverage and guidance, you can view my Colorado elopement packages here: Colorado elopement packages

Final thoughts on avoiding crowds at Garden of the Gods

Sarah and Jake’s September elopement shows that you do not have to sacrifice intimacy just because a location is popular.

With the right timing, access points, and expectations, it is absolutely possible to plan a quiet, meaningful elopement at Garden of the Gods.

If you are wondering how to avoid crowds at a garden of the gods elopement and want help planning based on real conditions, I would love to guide you.

📩 You can reach out through my contact page to start planning your day here: Contact Bobak