Weddings at Garden of the Gods: A Couples Guide

Introduction

I have photographed 50+ weddings and elopements at Garden of the Gods and they make me awe-struck every time. As my couple exchanged vows with those massive crimson formations towering behind them. The setting sun casting a golden glow across everything, I realized some venues simply can’t be replicated. If you’ve recently said “yes” and are searching for a wedding location as unique as your love story. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado might just be your perfect match. This isn’t just a venue! It’s nature’s cathedral, where the majesty of 70-million-year-old rock formations create a majestic ridge outlining Pike’s Peak, America’s Mountain. Weddings at Garden of the Gods create a backdrop for memories that will last generations.

Related: Check out the best wedding venues in Colorado Springs.

Wedding Venue Options at Garden of the Gods

The beauty of Garden of the Gods lies not just in its dramatic landscapes but in its versatility. Whether you’re dreaming of a simple two-personal elopement or a wedding with a small gathering, there’s a space that feels tailor-made for your vision:

High Point Overlook- Garden of the Gods

• Capacity: Up to 50 guests
• Description: This site is about open, iconic views and close parking. It’s further than the other options with a parking lot right nearby so it makes for a crowded spot. It’s a strong choice for couples who want Pike’s Peak in the distance rather than a red rock wall.
• Website: https://gardenofgods.com/events/weddings/
• Address: 647 Ridge Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

The Jaycee Plaza- Garden of the Gods

• Capacity: 50 People
• Description: Where ease of access meets outdoor grandeur. The Jaycee Plaza features a wide open space right off the main garden lot. Your guests have easy access to bathrooms and an accessible walkway to this spot. On the way, you also pass the iconic Kissing Camels and the Tower of Babel. This locations also has more greenery and more shade so it’s perfect for a mid-day celebration.
• Website: https://gardenofgods.com/events/weddings/
• Address: 1423-1427 Juniper Way Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Three Graces Plaza- Garden of the Gods

• Capacity: 20 Guests
• Description: This plaza is named for the rock formation The Three Graces and is one of the more popular spots for ceremonies in the park. If you want to feel surrounded by the majesty of these ancient rock formations, this is the place to be. For guests who need wheelchair access, the recommended route is to park at the main lot and use the trails. It is a bit of a walk from the lot but it is accessible.
• Website: https://gardenofgods.com/events/weddings/
• Address: 1423-1427 Juniper Way Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

South Spring Canyon – Garden of the Gods

• Capacity: 50 Guests
• Description: This one is on the south end of the park near the Trading Post and it comes complete with picnic tables for a small picnic reception. There’s a large lot with a short walk to this ceremony site. There aren’t many red rock formations at this location so it’s usually less crowded than the other options. But it’s a good spot for a ceremony and then a short drive to many other cool locations in the park.
• Website: https://gardenofgods.com/events/weddings/
• Address: 1423-1427 Juniper Way Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Planning Your Wedding at Garden of the Gods

Booking and Availability

Weddings at Garden of the gods isn’t just a Colorado treasure. It’s a national destination wedding venue, which means availability can be as rare as the geological formations themselves. Also since this park is completely open to the public and free to get married in, all locations are first come, first serve. Crowds are thick during the summer and early fall, especially on the weekends. The golden rule here is to schedule your celebration off-season, during the week and/or at sunrise. Peak season is May through October and the park is extremely busy during those times.

General Rules in the Park

Some rules within the park (that are heavily enforced). No amplified music. No releasing of birds, butterflies, balloons, rice, or confetti . Chairs only for elderly or disabled guests. No tables, tants, arches or decorations. No blocking off areas or parking outside designated areas. No alcohol.

Recommended Vendors

One advantage of choosing Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods is that there are vendors who know the area intimately. For a full list of my personal recommended vendors or picnics, florals, tux rentals or hair and makeup, just send me an email! If you’re looking for wedding & elopement photography and videography, Crane Co Studios has been photographing and filming weddings at Garden of the Gods since 2023.

Wedding Cakes & Desserts

• Sugarplum Cake Shoppe
  • Website: https://sugarplumcakeshoppe.com/
  • Phone: (719) 930-3343
  • Address: 412 S 8th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
• Gigi’s Cupcakes
  • Website: www.gigiscupcakes.com
  • Phone: 303-777-0698
  • Personal Note: Their cupcake towers allow for creative displays that complement rather than compete with the natural surroundings.
• The Makery Cake Co.
  • Website: www.themakery.com
  • Phone: 720-270-4042
  • Address: 8203 S. Holly St. Centennial, CO 80122
  • Email: info@themakery.com
  • Personal Note: They excel at nature-inspired designs that seem to have been carved from the very rocks themselves.

For a comprehensive list of recommended vendors, including florists, photographers, and caterers, refer to Red Rocks’ Recommended Vendors page.

Additional Nearby Venues

The Red Rocks area offers several stunning alternatives. If your preferred date is unavailable or you’re looking for something complementary for rehearsal dinners or post-wedding brunches:

• Willow Ridge Manor
  • Location: Morrison, CO
  • Capacity: Up to 200 guests
  • Description: History meets natural beauty at this century-old manor. With its wraparound veranda offering panoramic views of the red rock formations, it’s like having Red Rocks as your neighbor. The contrast between the structured elegance of the manor and the wild beauty of the landscape creates a fascinating visual narrative in wedding albums.
  • Website: Willow Ridge Manor
  • Address: 4903 Willow Springs Rd., Morrison. CO 80465
  • Phone: (303)-697-6951
  • Email: info@willowridgemanor.com
• Red Rocks Country Club
  • Location: Morrison, CO
  • Capacity: Up to 150 guests
  • Description: Imagine saying your vows with the amphitheater visible in the distance, then celebrating with a menu crafted by award-winning chefs. The country club offers the perfect balance of natural wonder and refined luxury. The manicured grounds against the wild backdrop of the rocks create a beautiful metaphor for marriage itself, cultivated love against the enduring landscape of life.
  • Website: Red Rocks Country Club
  • Address:16235 W Belleview Ave, Morrison, CO 80465
  • Phone: 303-352-2030
  • Email: events@redrockscountryclub.org
• The Fort
  • Location: Morrison, CO
  • Capacity: Varies
  • Description: For couples drawn to Colorado’s rich history, The Fort offers a taste of the Old West with its adobe structure and regionally inspired cuisine. It’s rustic elegance at its finest, where candlelight flickers against earthen walls and the memory of frontier pioneers adds depth to your celebration of new beginnings.
  • Website: The Fort
  • Address: 19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465
  • Phone: 303-697-4771
  • Email: info@thefort.com

Expert Tips for a Memorable Garden of the Gods Wedding

As someone who has captured countless weddings at this iconic location. Here are some insights that go beyond the standard venue guidelines:

• Plan for Weather Variability: Colorado doesn’t just experience four seasons, it often experiences all four in a single day. I’ve seen summer snowstorms and winter heat waves. The wisest couples embrace this unpredictability as part of the adventure. Consider lightweight pashminas in your wedding colors for guests if evenings are cool. Always have a indoor contingency plan that you like just as much as your outdoor vision.
• Transportation Logistics: Garden of the Gods’s dramatic setting comes with equally dramatic topography. Many guests will be unfamiliar with mountain driving, and after-dark navigation can be challenging. Consider hiring shuttle services from major hotels, which allows everyone to relax and fully enjoy the celebration. These group arrivals make for wonderful candid photo opportunities of guests experiencing the venue for the first time.
• Guest Comfort: I always stress the importance of communicating venue details to guests. Suggest appropriate footwear for navigating natural terrain. Remind guests about Colorado’s higher altitude (which can affect alcohol tolerance and hydration needs). Also, consider providing welcome bags with sunscreen, lip balm, and water bottles. These thoughtful touches don’t just ensure comfort, they show your guests you’ve anticipated their needs.

Conclusion

There’s something profoundly meaningful about beginning your marriage at Garden of the gods. A place where human celebration and natural grandeur have coexisted for generations. The same formations that have weathered millions of years of geological forces stand witness to your commitment. Perhaps offering a silent testament to endurance, beauty, and the remarkable power of time.

Ready to Capture Your Red Rocks Wedding Story?

Having photographed numerous weddings at this extraordinary venue, Crane Co Studio understands how to work with Garden of the Gods’ unique lighting. We capture its dramatic scale while keeping you as the focal point, and preserve those fleeting and magical moments. We would be honored to discuss your wedding and how we can create a visual legacy.

If your looking for a Colorado Wedding Photographer (Crane Co Studios) click the link to see what makes us different.