Planning / best places to elope in colorado / Colorado Springs
Elope In Colorado Springs
Locations, photos, cost & Tips
Ultimate Guide To Eloping In Colorado Springs
Updated for 2026
Colorado Springs is one of the many places to elope in Colorado, featuring red rock formations and stunning mountains. As Colorado Springs elopement photographers, we’ll guide you through the best locations to elope in Colorado Springs, the best time of year for your elopement, nearby lodging and reception options, where to get your marriage license and more!
Savannah & Greg
the team behind authentic collective
Colorado Springs Elopement Experts
photo, video & planning
Hey, we’re Sav & Greg! As Colorado Springs elopement photographers, videographers, and planners, we know this incredible mountain town inside and out—including the best hidden spots for an unforgettable experience. We help couples go from feeling overwhelmed with planning to feeling completely confident and ready for their dream elopement.
Our passion is crafting and capturing unique mountain elopements in stunning locations, ensuring every moment is both seamless and meaningful. From scouting the perfect backdrop to creating a timeline that maximizes gorgeous lighting (and fun!), we handle all the details—so you can relax and fully soak in your best day ever.
100+ 5 star reviews
Why elope in colorado springs?
Considerations for choosing Colorado Springs for your wedding:
Variety of Landscapes
If you want epic views without having to hike or deal with remote mountain towns, Colorado Springs is hard to beat. You can go from red rock formations to alpine scenery in under 30 minutes, which means way more flexibility for your ceremony and photos.
A large town with lots to see and do
Colorado Springs is a big city, so you have tons of restaurant, lodging, and celebration options without feeling like you’re stuck in a tiny tourist town.
Close To Denver
Another huge perk is accessibility. Most couples fly into Denver, rent a car, and are in Colorado Springs in about an hour.
Lower elevation
The city also sits around 6,000 feet, which is much easier on your body than higher-elevation mountain towns – especially if you’re coming from out of state.
How To Plan An Colorado Springs Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Is this your first time trying to plan an elopement? Don’t worry- as Colorado Springs elopement photographers, we have quite a few of these under our belt and we’re here to help you through the whole process! Here’s a step by step guide on how to elope in Aspen:
1 HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER
Most couples hire us before they start planning anything! The reason for this is because we help our couples with logistics such as choosing the right date, which location(s) are perfect for them, navigating permits, finding local vendors, etc. You don’t have to do it all yourself, we’re here to help you.
2 CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION
After you’ve set a date with us you’ll gain access to our exclusive Colorado Springs location guide. You’ll easily be able to see which location(s) perfectly fit what you’re looking for and have all the info you’ll need to obtain any reservations or permits needed.
3 PLAN OUT THE DETAILS
Next, you’ll book your lodging, transportation and any additional vendors such as hair and makeup, a florist, officiant, etc. (don’t worry, we’ll send you ideas for all of these). We’ll collaborate on a timeline to fit in all the locations and activities you want while getting the best photos throughout the day! You’ll also get your marriage license prior to the wedding.
4 GET MARRIED!
You’ll have the best day ever and we’ll be there capturing every moment! Within a few days you’ll have sneak peek photos in your inbox, and the full gallery within 2-3 months. All that’s left is to choose which photos to print!
When To Elope In Colorado Springs
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Colorado Springs
When selecting your wedding date, it’s also important to know of any events in the area that might impact your elopement. For example, there are annual races, wine festivals, music festivals, hot air balloon festivals and so much more happening every year.
You can look at the Colorado Springs event calendar for more information!
We always recommend having your wedding on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) to minimize the amount of tourists that will be in the area. Sunrise or sunset is the best time of day to elope for the most privacy and best lighting!
Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in Colorado Springs, so you can choose which time of year you prefer for your wedding.
Spring Engagement Photos
April, May & start of june
Spring is known as “mud season” in Colorado, as the snow starts to melt and can cause muddy conditions of trails. The temperatures are mild, ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
The area is less crowded compared to the summer months, allowing for a more relaxed and serene experience. However, spring weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and late snowfalls, so it’s best to be prepared for varying conditions.
Summer Engagement Photos
End of june to mid-September
Summer is a popular time to visit Colorado Springs, with warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s Fahrenheit. This season offers the best conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the numerous parks.
The long days and abundant sunshine provide ample opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes. However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but they are usually brief and followed by clear skies.
Fall Engagement Photos
Mid-September and October
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Colorado Springs. The temperatures are cooler, ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it perfect for outdoor elopements. The changing foliage adds a vibrant array of reds, oranges, and yellows to the landscape, particularly in areas like North Cheyenne Cañon Park and along the Gold Belt Tour scenic byway.
The crowds begin to thin out after the summer, providing a more peaceful experience. However, temperatures can drop quickly in the evenings, so it’s wise to bring layers.
Winter Engagement Photos
November to march
Winter in Colorado Springs offers a different kind of beauty. Temperatures range from the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit, and snowfall is common, particularly in higher elevations. This season is ideal for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
The city and surrounding areas often look like a winter wonderland, with snow-covered peaks and serene, snowy landscapes. Winter is also the off-season for tourism, leading to fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodations. Be prepared for colder temperatures and potential road closures due to snow.
Where To Elope In Colorado Springs
Elopement Locations
0 to 10 guests
Eloping just the two of you, or inviting up to 10 guests? You can elope outdoors on public land such as National Forest locations.
Small Wedding Venues
10+ guests
If you have more than 10 guests, a small venue or reservable ceremony location is required for your group size.
AirBnB & VRBOs
elopements and small weddings
Consider a vacation rental for your venue, which varies depending on group size.
Colorado Springs Elopement Locations
There are endless places to elope in Colorado Springs, from mountain views to red rocks, waterfalls, lakes and even caves! Here are some of the most popular and scenic places to elope in Colorado Springs:
Garden of the gods
There are various designated ceremony locations that are first-come-first-serve which all have different views and group size capacities.
You can view those in our Garden Of The Gods elopement guide!Â
Location: Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809
Permit Cost: $15 per person
Guest Count: varies
Pikes peak
You can drive to the top of this 14’er in Colorado Springs! This means you can get married at the top of a 14,115′ mountain without needing to hike. There are various sites that allow ceremonies.Â
Location: Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809
Permit Cost: $15 per person
Guest Count: varies
Paint Mines
While ceremonies are no longer allowed at the Paint Mines, you can still take photos here! The Paint Mines are one of the most unique landscapes in all of Colorado, featuring
Location: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
Permit Cost: $100 (no ceremony)
Guest Count: none
Helen Hunt Falls
Helen Hunt Falls is a beautiful waterfall in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Colorado Springs, named after writer Helen Hunt Jackson. It’s easily accessible and popular for its scenic views.
Location: 3440 N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Permit Cost: None
Guest Count: Varies
North Cheyenne Canon
North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a beautiful natural area with dramatic canyons and cascading waterfalls. The park’s trails offer a variety of scenic views, from the towering rock walls of the canyons to the serene beauty of Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls.
Location: 3340 N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Permit Cost: None
Guest Count: Varies
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a beautiful natural area with striking red rock formations, scenic trails, and serene ponds. The park offers a variety of hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities, with trails that wind through canyons, ridges, and open meadows.
Location: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Permit Cost: None
Guest Count: Varies
Palmer Park
Located in the heart of Colorado Springs, Palmer Park offers a mix of rugged terrain, scenic overlooks, and lush vegetation. The Grandview Trail and Templeton Trail are particularly popular for their panoramic vistas and unique rock formations.
Location: 3344-3376 Paseo Rd, Colorado Springs, co
Permit Cost: None
Guest Count: Varies
Get access to the full location guide
You won’t find the best locations online. You need a photographer who has spent time hiking around and scouting these locations in person to help you plan your Colorado Springs elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Colorado Springs elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Small Venues In Colorado Springs
If you’re inviting 10+ guests, planning to set up chairs or an arch, or want the option of an indoor or covered space, a small wedding venue is usually the better fit. These venues give you more flexibility and privacy while still keeping everything intimate and low-stress for a micro wedding.
- Pikes Peak Ranch – A private mountain estate about an hour from Colorado Springs with sweeping views of Pikes Peak, on-site cabins, and both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. It’s a great fit for couples who want a secluded, weekend-long micro wedding in a true Colorado setting.
- Garden Of The Gods Resort – An upscale wedding venue with jaw-dropping views of Pikes Peak and the red rocks right from the property. With multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces plus on-site lodging, it’s a great option for couples who want a polished, all-in-one micro wedding experience in Colorado Springs.
VRBO & AirBnB Weddings In Colorado springs
If you’re searching for a beautiful estate or cozy home around Colorado Springs for your micro wedding – or a place to celebrate after your elopement – there are a few important things to know when booking on Airbnb or VRBO.
For anything with guests, we always recommend choosing a VRBO that explicitly allows events, while Airbnbs are usually best for just the two of you. You can check out our full guide to finding the perfect vacation rental wedding venue, or browse our favorite Colorado Springs area rentals below.
- The Summit (Events Allowed)
- 1C Barn (Events Allowed)
how to get your
Colorado Springs Marriage License
To get legally married in Colorado Springs you will need to obtain a Colorado marriage license. There are multiple County Clerk and Recorder offices to get your license from in Colorado Springs. The main El Paso County Office is located at 1675 W, 1675 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. However, you can get your license from any county in Colorado, it just has to be completed and returned to the same office you obtained it from.
You can elope in Colorado Springs and legally get married even if you live out of state. Plus, in Colorado you can self-solemnize (you don’t need an officiant or any witnesses) and you can even have your pet sign your marriage license!
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Save The Guide
Bookmark this page to come back to later by saving it to Pinterest! This way, you can reference this planning guide whenever you need to.
Colorado Springs Elopement Permits
It’s important to ensure you follow all regulations when eloping in Colorado Springs, and obtain any necessary permits. Luckily, Colorado Springs is one of the most relaxed locations in CO when it comes to permits!
Most locations in Colorado Springs, including the popular Garden Of The Gods, do not require a permit for an elopement or micro-wedding. However if you’re planning a large event on public land, a special use permit may be required. You can view a full breakdown of Colorado Springs permits here.
It’s important to hire a local Colorado Springs elopement photographer that can assist with finding what permits are necessary for your chosen locations.
How much does a colorado springs elopement cost?
The only true fixed cost to elope in Colorado Springs is your marriage license, which is $30 through El Paso County. Everything else depends on how you choose to experience your day.
Some couples elope with just the two of them, stay in a cozy Airbnb, and keep things simple. Others plan a full micro wedding with a venue, guests, catered dinner, and a weekend-long celebration. Most of our couples fall somewhere in between, investing in a beautiful experience, amazing photos, and a stress-free plan that lets them actually enjoy their day.
Elopements can be incredibly affordable or very elevated – the beauty is that you get to decide what matters most.
Colorado Springs Elopement FAQs
Colorado Springs Elopement Packages
It might seem counterintuitive to look for a photographer before you have an exact location and date set, but trust us on this one. If you’re looking for some help finding the perfect location, an elopement photographer who specializes in the area you’re considering will be a huge help to you.
Photography & Videography
Professional photography and optional videography services from an experienced husband/wife team who’ve photographed over 150 weddings together. Posing guidance and direction to make you feel and look great in front of the camera, no experience necessary.
Planning Guide
A 50+ page digital planning guide to help you through the whole elopement planning process. Including tips on booking travel and lodging, buying your attire, activity ideas, packing checklists, including family and more.
Custom Location Guide
A list of all the most beautiful locations in the area you choose based on scenery, accessibility, permits and logistics. We do the work so you don’t have to!
Timeline Creation
We’ll craft a timeline that fits all the locations, activities, and moments you have planned for your day as well as consider ideal lighting and making sure your whole experience is relaxed and stress free.
Vendor Recommendations
Looking for a florist, hair and makeup artist, or other vendors? We’ve got you covered with local recommendations.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Colorado Springs Elopement Photographers & videographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Colorado Springs. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
get the FREE
Colorado Elopement
planning guide
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