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The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Colorado Springs

Published on March 5th, 2023


Mountain micro wedding in colorado springs

Eloping in Colorado Springs

So happy to hear that you are interested in eloping in Colorado Springs. I LOVE living here and getting to share my favorite places with couples like you. COS (as we locals call it) makes an incredible destination for an intimate wedding or elopement so let’s get to it!

Reasons to have a Colorado Springs Elopement or Intimate Wedding

  1. It’s gorgeous in every season
    Due to the type of vegetation COS has, it really doesn’t look much different in the Summer vs Winter. It obviously depends on the day and type of weather, but I love that it’s never ugly here.
  2. Elopement Locations are accessible year-round
    This wonderful news for people who want to elope in the Winter. Many mountain towns have very limited options in the winter due to passes and roads closing. Colorado Springs is much lower in elevation and we can access pretty much any place that I would suggest in the summer. Even Pikes Peak does it’s best to keep the highway open everyday.
  3. Elopement Locations are diverse. Many couples choose to elope in Colorado Springs because you can fit in some very different views all in one day. Garden of the Gods has some amazing red rocks and desert vibes, while COS also has forests, high alpine terrain, waterfalls, lakes, and big mountain views. It really has it all.
  4. Fun restaurants, bars, and breweries with outdoor seating. I love getting to incorporate places to just enjoy some good food or drinks. Especially if it keeps you outside!
  5. There are a lot of places that are perfect for an intimate wedding reception. Having a cool space that’s easy to rent out for a private dinner is such a fun way to celebrate with your closest family and friends. Colorado Springs has some really great options I’ll share later in this blog. 

Colorado Springs Elopement Locations

There are so many great options to choose from! And the best part is there is something for every type of adventurer. You and your crew don’t have to hike for miles to find a scenic and secluded spot to exchange your vows…unless you want to of course.

Garden of the Gods Elopements and Intimate Weddings

This is one of the best places to elope in Colorado Springs. It’s right in town, you have amazing views of Pikes Peak against all these amazing red rock formations, and it’s iconic. The only downside is this is a popular place to be, however, time of day and certain parts of the park help with this a lot. Especially if you are eloping just the two of you, it’s easy to find some privacy while still being in a gorgeous spot.

Can I have an Intimate Wedding at Garden of the Gods?

You absolutely can! Garden of the Gods has 6 areas that are good for a small ceremony that you don’t need a reservation or permit for. You might not have complete privacy for your ceremony, however we can go to other places in the park after and be places that are more secluded. Even though Garden of the Gods is a busy area, I still love this as an option for intimate weddings. It’s easy to get to, there is parking, and it’s a breath-taking place that your guests will love.  Here’s more information for having a wedding at Garden of the Gods.

Pikes Peak Elopements and Intimate Weddings

Up for more of a drive-able adventure? You can drive up the 14er in our backyard. The views up Pikes Peak are insane and I love that it gives us access to high alpine terrain. You can also go to the souvenir shop and grab some donuts. Hello adorable photos! There are several places along the Pikes Peak Highway that would make an amazing elopement site. As well as trails if you want to get privacy. There is a fee to drive up, but it’s totally worth it. If you are into summiting 14ers, we could even climb it and REALLY get to some amazing views.

Helen Hunt Falls Elopements and Intimate Weddings

Did I not promise you waterfalls? I actually love this whole canyon and it might be my personal favorite Colorado Springs elopement location. I love the lower elevation mountains, the hikes here, the forests, the rock tunnels, and getting to be somewhere a little more secluded. It’s not far from Downtown Colorado Springs either. All the Wins!

Where to have a private dinner in Colorado Springs

Having a private dinner with your crew after your ceremony is such a fun way to end the day. Here are my favorite places would be a perfect setting for a private celebration

The Kinship Landing and Homa Cafe Greenhouse.

  • This space has gorgeous plants hanging from the ceiling and they will block off the entire greenhouse for you. They also will work with you to come up with a custom menu. Trust me, this space is amazing.

The Bar or Courtyard at Alamagre 

  • I love their space. They host weddings and private events quite often and it would make a great place for a small gathering after an intimate wedding.

Phantom Canyon Brewery

  • Located right downtown. They have several options for an event. This one is nice if you want a restaurant atmosphere.

Neat Whiskey House

  • Some of the BEST cocktails in town. Location on the east side of COS with great views of the mountains. They have a food truck on site that is amazing and it’s also part of FH Beerworks if you are more into beer. A great option for something more casual, but so so good.

The Garden

  • Another great casual option. Not sure if you could do a whole dinner here, but it’s a beer garden with food trucks with indoor and outdoor seating.

Best places to stay in Colorado Springs

Again, the Kinship Landing is such a fun place to stay. The rooms are super cute, each one has a garage door that you can open up to a balcony. They want you to experience Colorado Springs like a local and promote all the goodness that COS has to offer. Think about how easy you could make your intimate wedding. Staying at the Kinship and having a private dinner with your guests in the greenhouse downstairs.  So simple to plan, SO amazing. 

If you are wanting something a little more upscale, the Broadmoor is gorgeous. I love historic places like this. This is a whole resort with a golf course, restaurants, pools, spa, and even adventures you can book through them. It’s pretty incredible. 

Want something a little more rustic? There are countless cabins in Woodland Park which is a very cute town not far from Colorado Springs. You could rent a cute Aframe like this, or host more of your guests in a large home. There are so many great options across the Pikes Peak Region. I personally like the Woodland Park area, the Old North End downtown COS, Manitou Springs, and the West Side. 

Things to do in Colorado Springs

One of the biggest reasons Colorado Springs is a great destination to elope is that there is so much to do. I try to get my couples to think about their trip as a whole when they are picking an elopement destination. Some of these you could even do on your elopement day!

  • Hiking. There are SO many trails with amazing views. From easy strolls though Garden of the the Gods to summiting Pikes Peak. There are so many ways to experience the beautiful outdoors here. Some local favorites (that you could also mountain bike are Red Rocks Open Space, Ute Valley Park, and Cheyenne Canon.
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. This is one of the best zoo’s in the country.
  • Cave of the winds
  • Manitou Springs is such a cute hippy town with lots of shops and restaurants
  • Penny Arcade
  • Sunwater Spa where you can book your own mineral water tub with views of Pikes Peak
  • Golfing at the Broadmoor or Flying Horse
  • Drive or take the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak
  • Fishing at Palmer Lake
  • Stand up paddle boarding at Rampart Reservoir
  • Breweries, cocktail bars, and allllll the amazing food.
  • Rockclimbing in Garden of the Gods or one of the Climbing gyms in town

Ready to elope in Colorado Springs?

Good News! You’ve already found the perfect Colorado Springs elopement photographer. I can help you enjoy this city with the best recommendations and know where all the best views are for your day. Let’s have an adventure!

Meet your Colorado Springs Elopement Photographer

Colorado Springs Elopement Photographer

Hey there! I’m probably a lot like you. An outdoorsy nerd that prefers the grandeur of the wild to almost anything indoors. Being out in nature, especially the mountains, is where I feel most alive and free to be myself. It’s no wonder why photographing adventure elopements comes so naturally to me. Getting to take adventure-seekers like yourselves to these awe-inspiring places AND helping you have an incredible wedding day experience is the best job I could ask for. Between my love for hiking and being a mom of 3 young boys, I was made for this. Prepared for anything, remaining calm, and overloaded with snacks! Let’s grab beer and start dreaming up your Colorado Springs elopement or intimate wedding