Name: Garden of the Gods Wedding
Brand: Wedy
Rating: 5 (11 reviews)

Question 1

Do I need a permit to get married at Garden of the Gods?

Accepted Answer

Individual couples planning their own ceremony at Garden of the Gods do not need a permit — the park is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you hire a wedding planner or coordinator to run the event, they must obtain a Commercial Use Permit from the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services. Professional photographers shooting for personal-use (your wedding album) also do not need a permit. Your Wedy planning team handles all necessary coordination as part of the planning process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at a Garden of the Gods wedding?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary by ceremony spot. The High Point Overlook and South Spring Canyon Area allow up to 50 guests, while the Three Graces Plaza and Sentinel Plaza (Central Gardens) are capped at 25 — best for micro-ceremonies and elopements. The Jaycee Plaza (Kissing Camels) accommodates up to 50 guests. For larger weddings of 80–220 guests, the adjacent Garden of the Gods Resort & Club offers elevated resort-style ceremonies with panoramic views of the formations.

Question 3

When is the best time of year for a Garden of the Gods wedding?

Accepted Answer

September and October are the sweet spot — crisp air, golden foliage in the canyons, clear Pikes Peak views, fewer crowds than summer, and stable weather. June through August offers beautiful conditions but brings daily afternoon thunderstorms (typically 1–5pm) and heavy weekend crowds. Spring (May) and winter are uncrowded alternatives — winter snow on the red rocks creates a stunning red-and-white contrast. For any season, weekday mornings are dramatically less crowded than summer weekends.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license in Colorado Springs?

Accepted Answer

Apply for your El Paso County marriage license at the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, 1675 W Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. The license costs $30 (cash or card) and is valid immediately upon issue — there's no waiting period. It's valid for 35 days from the date of issue. Both parties must appear in person with a valid government-issued photo ID. Complete the online application at clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com before visiting. Office hours are Monday–Friday 8am–4:30pm; Saturday 8am–1pm at the North Office.

Question 5

How much does a Garden of the Gods wedding cost?

Accepted Answer

Ceremony costs at the public park are $0 for individual couples (no permit fee). Total elopement costs vary by what you include — photography, officiant, florals, and accommodations are the main factors. Wedy's all-inclusive packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals at different pricing tiers — check the listing for current package details. For private venue options, the Garden of the Gods Resort starts at $500+ ceremony fees, and The Broadmoor starts around $8,500 for packages. Accommodation near the park runs $100–$500+/night depending on property.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Garden of the Gods elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Garden of the Gods packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — check the listing for current package details and pricing. Your Wedy planning team handles logistics like ceremony spot timing, vendor coordination, and any required permits for hired vendors, so you can focus on your day.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Garden of the Gods elopement?

Accepted Answer

Most Garden of the Gods ceremony spots are on paved or hard-packed gravel paths, so block heels or flats work better than stilettos (which catch on gravel). If you're visiting North Cheyenne Canyon or Red Rock Canyon, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip. Bring layers in any season — even summer mornings can be 50°F at sunrise before temps rise. White gowns will pick up red dust on trains and hems near the rock formations, so consider a detachable train or shorter style. Be prepared for wind at High Point Overlook — loose veils and lightweight fabrics move dramatically.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Garden of the Gods ceremony?

Accepted Answer

The best time is early morning or 2 hours before sunset. The High Point Overlook faces west, so late afternoon light (2 hours before sunset) turns the red rock golden-orange — extraordinary for photos. Summer sunset is around 8:30 PM, with golden hour beginning around 6:30 PM; spring sunset is around 7:45 PM (golden hour ~5:45 PM); fall sunset is around 6:45 PM (golden hour ~4:45 PM); and winter sunset is around 4:45 PM. Summer sunrise is around 5:45 AM — the best option for avoiding crowds entirely. CRITICAL: avoid scheduling during summer afternoon thunderstorm hours (1–5pm) when lightning is a real hazard.

Question 9

Where should I stay near Garden of the Gods?

Accepted Answer

The Garden of the Gods Resort & Club ($$$) sits directly adjacent to the park with 57 rooms and cottages — the most convenient option. Manitou Springs (1 mile west) offers charming Victorian B&Bs and boutique hotels like the historic Cliff House. Old Colorado City has Airbnbs within 5 minutes of the park. Budget-friendly options include the Quality Inn Garden of the Gods (2 miles from park) and Kinship Landing boutique hotel downtown. For summer weekends (June–August), book 2–4 months in advance — the park-adjacent hotels fill up fast, especially on popular ceremony dates.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant to get married at Garden of the Gods?

Accepted Answer

Colorado is one of the few states that allows true self-solemnization — you and your partner can legally marry yourselves at Garden of the Gods with no officiant or witnesses required. Both parties simply sign the marriage license together at the ceremony. If you prefer a traditional officiant, Colorado accepts online-ordained ministers (Universal Life Church, etc.) without any additional licensing. Your Wedy package includes a professional licensed officiant if you'd like one, or your team can guide you through self-solemnization if you want the ultimate intimate experience.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Garden of the Gods wedding?

Accepted Answer

No — Colorado does not require any witnesses for a marriage ceremony. With self-solemnization, you and your partner sign the license yourselves with no third parties needed at all. If you'd like witnesses (a photographer, family member, or friend) to sign the license as a keepsake gesture, that's entirely optional. The officiant must return the completed, signed marriage license to the El Paso County Clerk's office within 63 days of the ceremony.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at Garden of the Gods?

Accepted Answer

Garden of the Gods has strict rules: no tables, tents, arches, trellises, or any structures; no amplified music or speakers (Noise Hardship Permits are not issued for weddings here); no flower petals, confetti, rice, birdseed, or anything thrown or released; no alcohol anywhere in the park; and no drones without prior written consent from park authorities. Ceremonies must be small and brief — the park recommends 15–20 minutes. The one exception: the South Spring Canyon Area permits a small post-ceremony picnic (no alcohol). Plan your champagne toast at your hotel or Airbnb.

Question 13

How do I get to Garden of the Gods for my ceremony?

Accepted Answer

The park is located at 1805 N 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. The closest airport is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), about 18 minutes away — it has direct flights from many major cities. Denver International Airport (DEN) is a 1.5–2.5 hour drive (85 miles south on I-25); a Bustang shuttle runs between Denver Airport and Colorado Springs for about $15. A rental car is recommended for ceremony-day flexibility, as rideshare availability decreases west of downtown Colorado Springs. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends — arrive before 8am.

Question 14

What if it rains or thunderstorms on my Garden of the Gods wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Summer afternoon thunderstorms are an almost-daily occurrence in Colorado Springs (June–August), typically rolling in between 1–5pm with lightning, hail, and heavy rain. Always have a specific indoor backup plan before your ceremony day — options include a nearby café, your hotel lobby, or booking a private venue like Craftwood Peak or Garden of the Gods Resort for indoor coverage. Schedule morning ceremonies (before noon) in summer to avoid the storm window entirely. Spring and fall bring occasional rain showers but lack the lightning intensity of summer. Your Wedy planning team can help you build a weather contingency plan.

Garden of the Gods Wedding

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Garden of the Gods Elopement — Classic

Garden of the Gods Micro Wedding — Classic

Garden of the Gods Micro Wedding — Premium

Garden of the Gods Elopement — Classic

Garden of the Gods Micro Wedding — Classic

Garden of the Gods Micro Wedding — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Garden of the Gods – High Point Overlook

Garden of the Gods – Jaycee Plaza (Chuckwagon Pavilion)

Garden of the Gods – Three Graces Plaza

Garden of the Gods – Sentinel Plaza (Central Gardens)

Garden of the Gods – High Point Overlook

Garden of the Gods – Jaycee Plaza (Chuckwagon Pavilion)

Garden of the Gods – Three Graces Plaza

Garden of the Gods – Sentinel Plaza (Central Gardens)

Garden of the Gods – High Point Overlook

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

Enhance YourExperience

Hair & Makeup

Videography

Cake & Desserts

Luxe Picnic

Furniture & Tabletop Rentals — Signature

FAQs

5

Taylor Hill

Theresa Hoang

Candra M

Kylie Flanagan

Taylor Hill

Kylie Flanagan

Rachel Fenimore

Kianna and Tyler

Taylor Hill

Kylie Flanagan

Rachel Fenimore

Kianna and Tyler

Theresa Hoang

Lindsie Almanza

Alanna & Austin

Theresa Hoang

Lindsie Almanza

Alanna & Austin

Candra M

Sophie Lobon

Lea and Crew

Candra M

Sophie Lobon

Lea and Crew

How It
Works

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience