Your Guide to Eloping in Colorado Springs: Best Locations, Tips, and More

August 23, 2024

Colorado Springs, Elopement Guides, Elopements, Garden of the Gods, Woodland Park

Are you dreaming of an intimate, adventurous elopement in one of Colorado’s most stunning locations? Look no further than Colorado Springs! With its breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unique venues, Colorado Springs is the perfect backdrop for your elopement. This guide will walk you through the best spots to elope, fun elopement activities, and some local foodie favorites to make your elopement experience absolutely magical.

Amazing Colorado Photography | Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Why Elope in Colorado Springs?

Choosing to elope in Colorado Springs means opting for an adventure-filled, stress-free, and breathtakingly beautiful wedding day. Whether you’re envisioning a mountaintop ceremony or a romantic spot in a historic town, Colorado Springs offers a variety of locations that cater to your dreams.

The Top 12 Best Colorado Springs Elopement Locations

Garden of the Gods

It’s not going to be a true list of Colorado Springs elopement locations without Garden of the Gods! It’s a world-renowned location and my most popular elopement spot. With its dramatic red rock formations and sweeping vistas, this iconic park provides a stunning backdrop for your elopement photos. Whether you choose to exchange vows at the iconic Kissing Camels or the serene Siamese Twins, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views.

Check out my Garden of the Gods elopement guide, if you’d like to plan your big day here!

Glen Eyrie Castle

Glen Eyrie Castle, located in Colorado Springs, offers a magical and historic setting for an unforgettable elopement. Surrounded by breathtaking red rock formations and lush gardens, this enchanting venue combines timeless elegance with stunning natural beauty. Whether exchanging vows in the picturesque grounds or within the castle’s grand interiors, Glen Eyrie provides a unique and romantic backdrop for couples seeking a fairytale-like experience.

Manitou Lake

Manitou Lake, located near Woodland Park, offers a peaceful setting with calm waters, towering pines, and stunning mountain views. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet and romantic elopement.

Manitou Springs

For couples looking for a quirky, charming town setting, Manitou Springs is a perfect choice. Here you’ll find an amazing artistic community and natural mineral springs!

North Cheyenne Canon Park & Helen Hunt Falls

This lush, forested park is perfect for couples who love the great outdoors. With scenic waterfalls like Helen Hunt Falls and picturesque trails, North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers several secluded spots for your Colorado Springs elopement. Just note that the Cañon Road may experience temporary closures due to maximum capacity.

Old Colorado City

If you like a bit of history and old-timey architecture, consider Old Colorado City for your elopement. Here’s charming streets, historic buildings, and lovely parks – the Bancroft Park Pavilion is a popular choice because of it’s cute gazebo!

Palmer Park

Palmer Park in Colorado Springs offers sweeping city views, unique rock formations, and peaceful trails. Its diverse landscapes provide a stunning and intimate setting for an adventurous elopement.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Paint Mines Interpretive Park, located in Calhan, Colorado, features vibrant rock formations and unique geological landscapes. Its colorful spires and serene setting make it a one-of-a-kind spot for an unforgettable elopement.

Pike National Forest

Pike National Forest boasts breathtaking mountain vistas, dense forests, and endless natural beauty. Its diverse landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for a secluded and memorable elopement.

Pikes Peak

This is THE place for you if you’d like to exchange your vows at over 14,000 feet with panoramic views of Colorado’s majestic mountains. Pikes Peak offers an unparalleled elopement experience for adventurous couples. You can reach the summit by driving along the scenic highway or jumping onto the shuttle they offer!

The Broadmoor Hotel

If you’d like your elopement to have luxurious and elegant vibes, the Broadmoor Hotel is such a great option! This historic five-star resort offers beautifully manicured gardens, stunning lake views, and opulent interiors. And if you want the best of both worlds aka mix the luxury and outdoorsy they have wilderness experiences for you to try!

Ute Valley Park

Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs offers scenic trails, rugged rock formations, and sweeping mountain views. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal setting for an intimate elopement.

There are many, many more elopement location options here, and I’ve got some secret spots up my sleeve for you too! As your Colorado elopement photographer, I’ll happily help you find the perfect location for your big day!

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Colorado Springs?

Figuring out if your dream elopement location in Colorado Springs needs a permit can be a bit tricky. While not all locations require a permit, some sought-after spots do. Garden of the Gods is one of the locations that no permits are required!

Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs

I am a huge FOODIE so I hope you enjoy my personal 5 Star recommendations for restaurants! After your elopement, celebrate your love with a delicious meal at one of Colorado Springs’ top restaurants. Here are a few of my favorites and they are all so unique, unlike anywhere you’ve dined before!

Prime 25

For a luxurious dining experience, Prime 25 offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu featuring prime steaks and seafood. My favorite thing that Prime 25 offers is a variety of dipping sauces for your meal. It is perfect for a romantic post-ceremony dinner.

The Rabbit Hole

The Rabbit Hole is a unique, underground restaurant that serves up an eclectic menu in a whimsical setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland. It is a favorite amongst locals and is such a fun place to enjoy dinner!

The Melting Pot

Enjoy a cozy and intimate dining experience at The Melting Pot. Where you can enjoy a 4 course meal including salad, cheese fondue, entre with a variety of cooking styles, and chocolate fondue. You cook your food on a hot plate at the dining table which feels so immersive and fun to do with your significant other. This has been an all time favorite for Date night for my Husband and I for years!

Evergreen

Evergreen is a European cuisine has a cozy interior and an outdoor terrace. The food is to die for with gourmet cuisine and European desserts. The coffee and hot tea options bring the entire meal together. It is recommended to make reservations since there is limited seating.

The Airplane Restaurant

For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, visit The Airplane Restaurant. Dine inside a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker and enjoy steaks, burgers, sandwiches, pretty much any comfort food your hearts desire!

Sushi AI

I am a huge Sushi fan and I LOVE Sushi AI! Their sushi is always perfection and is priced out at a reasonable cost. Their atmosphere is a little more laid back and their staff is always so friendly. If you love sushi this might be the perfect spot for you!

Edelweiss German Restaurant

As the name suggests, the Edelweiss restaurant serves the best German cuisine. They have a charming, cozy setting and offer really hearty, traditional German food!

Bonny and Read

A recent new favorite of mine, Bonny and Read has an incredible menu for a high end dining experience you will LOVE! Enjoy fresh seafood and delectable steaks that brings the harbor to Colorado Springs. If you want a classy night out in downtown Colorado Springs, this is the place for you!

Other Colorado Springs Honorable Mentions

  • Fine Dining:
    • The Broadmoor’s Penrose Room: Offers an elegant dining experience with French-inspired cuisine.
    • Carlos’ Bistro: Known for its upscale American dishes and exceptional service.
  • Casual Dining:
    • Four by Brother Luck: Features innovative Southwestern cuisine.
    • Rasta Pasta: Offers a unique fusion of Caribbean and Italian flavors.
  • Breakfast and Brunch:
    • Urban Egg: A local favorite for delicious breakfast and brunch options.
    • Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe: Enjoy fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a cozy setting.

Colorado Springs Elopement Activities

If you want to do something more than just have a good meal at one of the above mentioned restaurants, there are plenty of activities here for you!

What Season is Best for Your Colorado Springs Elopement?

Colorado Springs is a great elopement location all year-round. Each season here offers a different atmosphere and things to do. Choosing the best time to elope in Colorado Spring will depend on what you envision your day to look like and what is priority to you and your partner! Let’s get into what each season has to offer.

Spring

Spring weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain, however, it’s so beautiful to witness the nature coming to life and wildflowers starting to bloom late spring. It’s a good season if you’d like more privacy, as the tourist spots are a bit less crowded this time of year.

Summer

Summer is such a great time, the weather is good (although it can get a bit too hot for some!) The days are longer, there’s plenty of wildflowers and there’s so many opportunities for adventure. It is more crowded here during summer, however, there are still plenty of secret spots if you’d like true privacy.

Fall 

Of course, fall is the season of beautiful foliage, painting the landscapes in golden yellows and burnt oranges. The weather is also still nice, however, it can get chilly mid-to-late fall with a potential of early snowstorms.

Winter

Winter is a nice option if you’re hoping to see snow-covered scenery and get that winter wonderland feel. Outdoor ceremonies can be a bit challenging due to low temps, so you definitely want to bundle up! 

How to Make it Official

Get Your Marriage License

  • If you want to get legally married in Colorado Springs, you’ll need to visit the El Paso County Clerk and Recording Office.
  • Licenses are valid when issued and must be used within 35 days in the State of Colorado. The fee for this is $30.00
  • Couples may solemnize their own marriage, witnesses are not required.
  • You do not need to get your license in the county where it’s used, but you will need to get it recorded in the county where it’s been issued.

The Seven Principles – Leave No Trace

As a Colorado Springs elopement photographer and avid outdoor lover, it’s incredibly important that we all follow The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in order to protect and preserve this beautiful land that we have access to.

The Seven Principles:

  1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Others

My Last Impressions into Your Lasting Memories

Colorado Springs is a truly magical place to elope, offering stunning scenery, a variety of activities, and wonderful dining options. Plan your special day in this remarkable setting and create memories that will last a lifetime.

I'm Amazing!

I have always loved love - I’m a hopeless romantic and guaranteed to cry at least once at every wedding. Getting to watch people find their soulmate brings me the most joy and is hands down the best part of my job. My goal for every session is to create a fun atmosphere with a romantic, creative, and authentic vibe not only for your photos, but for the experience itself.

I live for the emotional, candid moments – the closeness of a first dance, a couple tearing up during their vows by an alpine lake, the first time you see your person walking down the aisle, the intimacy of being with your partner surrounded by only the sound of nature, all of it! I understand how important this day is and the immense trust you place in your photographer which is why I am dedicated to not only capturing every magical moment, but ensuring that your wedding or elopement day is as beautiful, stress-free, and joy-filled as possible.

Your day isn’t just about saying “I do.” It’s about choosing a day that’s as breathtaking as your love story.
It means trading the ordinary for the extraordinary, the scripted for the spontaneous, and the expected for the unforgettable.

It’s about feeling the wind in your hair, standing on the edge of a mountain, wrapped in golden light, and knowing this moment is yours.
It’s about love without limits, adventure without compromise, and memories that will never fade.

Because your wedding/elopement day shouldn’t feel like just another day.
It should feel like the best day of your life.

And I'm here to capture every moment of it.

For the                                 and the 

Wild Hearts

Adventurous Souls

For the Wild Heart and the Adventurous Souls 

Get in Touch

Testimonials

"Amazing is just that, amazing! It was overwhelming to find the right photographer for our engagement session and wedding, but I’m so glad we found her! At the time, my husband and I were living overseas but Amazing kept constant communication with us even with the 8 hour time difference. When we finally got to meet her in person she was so sweet and made both us feel comfortable right away. When we got back our photos from the engagement session, we knew we made the right choice! On the day of the wedding, Amazing and her team were on time, professional, and we’re able to get the shots they needed even with our large bridal party. Our photos are absolutely perfect and we couldn’t be happier. I will always recommend her to anyone who’s looking for a photographer and I hope we can use her again for more photos in the future! Thank you Amazing."

-Lizette

Testimonials

"Her name defines her! She is an Amazing human and photographer She was everywhere we needed her to be on our wedding day. Her eye for the perfect background to compliment the shot matched her talent for producing a gallery of beautiful photographs and memories that will be treasured for the rest of our lives. If you want a worry free wedding day with a fun, professional photographer you can count on to deliver priceless wedding photos at a competitive price, Amazing is your gal!!"

-Robynne & Cheryl

Testimonials

"Amazing took our engagement photos and then our wedding photos about a year later. We couldn't be more thrilled with the results! Her work is truly an art form and it's so clear to see how much she loves her career. I chose Amazing over other photographers based on her vibes alone! Her personality is everything you could want in a wedding photographer. She's professional, but without being stuffy. She knows how to have fun, she's friendly, and easy to socialize with. She's trustworthy and reliable as she was always on time. She captured all the joy and beauty of our wedding day and we will cherish our pictures forever!"

-Katlyn

Testimonials

"There are not enough stars I could give, or positive words I could say. Amazing was an exceptional photographer for our wedding. She helped make the day as stress free as possible. She worked seamlessly with our coordinator to capture all the best moments. The weather was uncooperative for the entire day, but that didn’t slow her down, she rolled with it. She was out in the rain with my husband and I doing our first look, and then capturing some of the most beautiful before pics. She somehow managed to be both easy going and direct. She had great communication leading up to and during the wedding day. Honestly, if she lived near me I would have Amazing take all of my professional photos! Thank you for helping to make our day absolutely perfect!"

-Samantha

Testimonials

"Amazing and her second photographer did an absolute fabulous job at capturing our big day! We couldn’t be more pleased with how accommodating she was during the whole process. From our engagement pictures to our wedding pictures; all of it was stunning. I wish she lived closer so she could be our photographer for all life’s precious moments. She went above and beyond and delivered more pictures than ever expected. I would recommend her to anyone that ever needs a photographer. Thanks again Amazing, your name says it all :)"

-Brandi

Testimonials

"We booked Amazing for both our engagement photos, as well as our wedding. The pictures for both turned out absolutely incredible and she made sure to capture all of the special moments at our wedding. She is so much fun to work with and I would happily book with her again! Our wedding album was stunning and exceeded our expectations. The quality of the album was impressive and Amazing went above and beyond with this as well. Photos on her site are exactly what you can expect to receive back when you book her. You will not be disappointed!!"

-Alexa

Want to see more?

Check out our Google Reviews! 

SEE MORE