Do You Have to Hike to Elope at Garden of the Gods?

This is one of the most common questions couples ask when they start looking into eloping in Colorado.

Do you have to hike to elope at Garden of the Gods?

The short answer is no.

The longer answer is that Garden of the Gods is one of the most accessible and flexible elopement locations in the state.

And that surprises a lot of people.

Why couples assume elopements require hiking

When people think of Colorado elopements, they often picture long hikes, steep trails, heavy packs, and adventurous climbs just to reach a ceremony spot.

While that style of elopement exists, it is not the only option.

Garden of the Gods is unique because it offers dramatic scenery without requiring physical endurance. That makes it an incredible choice for couples who want beauty without the pressure of a hike.

Do you have to hike to elope at Garden of the Gods?

No. You truly do not.

Many of the most iconic views in the park are accessible within a short walk from parking areas. Some ceremony locations require only a few minutes of walking on well maintained paths.

This is exactly why Garden of the Gods works so well for:

• Couples who do not want to hike

• Couples wearing formal or non traditional attire

• Couples with injuries or mobility concerns

• Couples who want a calm, relaxed experience

• Couples who want to focus on the moment, not the effort

This elopement is a perfect example. Just the two of them. No rush. No strenuous walking. No stress. Everything they needed was right there.

What “accessible” actually means at Garden of the Gods

Accessibility does not mean sacrificing beauty.

At Garden of the Gods, accessibility often looks like:

• Paved or compact trails

• Short walks from parking pull offs

• Scenic overlooks without elevation gain

• Wide open spaces that do not require climbing

This allows couples to stay present and comfortable throughout their elopement instead of worrying about footing, distance, or fatigue.

If you want a breakdown of ceremony locations and access points, my ➜ Garden of the Gods elopement guide covers those details.

Why this matters more than couples realize

Many couples rule out eloping before they even explore it because they assume it will be physically demanding.

That assumption stops:

• Older couples

• Pregnant couples

• Couples with disabilities

• Couples who simply do not enjoy hiking

from considering elopement at all.

The truth is that elopements can be adventurous or accessible. Garden of the Gods allows you to choose what fits your life and your comfort level.

Can you still have a meaningful elopement without hiking?

Absolutely.

Meaning does not come from how far you walk. It comes from intention.

This elopement was deeply personal because it was simple. No crowd. No physical exhaustion. No distractions. Just two people focusing on each other in a place that felt special to them.

That is what many couples are actually searching for.

How I help couples plan accessible elopements

As a local elopement photographer, part of my job is helping couples choose locations and timelines that work for their bodies, not against them.

That includes:

• Recommending accessible ceremony spots

• Planning realistic timelines

• Avoiding unnecessary walking

• Choosing areas that feel private without being remote

You do not need to push yourself to have a meaningful elopement.

If you are exploring elopement styles across the state, my ➜ Colorado elopement guide walks through different options in detail.

Who Garden of the Gods is perfect for

Garden of the Gods is a great elopement location if:

• You want dramatic scenery without hiking

• You value accessibility and ease

• You want flexibility with attire and movement

• You want a calm, grounded experience

It is one of the few places in Colorado where you can truly have both beauty and accessibility.

Final thoughts

So, do you have to hike to elope at Garden of the Gods?

No. And you should not feel pressured to.

Elopements are about choosing what supports you, your relationship, and your experience. Garden of the Gods makes that possible without asking you to push past your limits.

📩 If you want help planning an elopement that feels beautiful and accessible, you can ➜ reach out to me here. I would love to help you create something that feels right.