If you’ve never been to Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs, Colorado, be prepared to be amazed. The stunning red rock formations are huge and easy to explore! While this isn’t a national park or a state park, it’s one of the most popular in Colorado. Great for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, Garden of the Gods park in Colorado is 1,400 acres of spectacular scenery…and perfect for a spring elopement!

Besides hiking and climbing all over the red rocks in Garden of the Gods, there’s a whole area to explore in Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs is a beautiful mountain town full of restaurants, unique shops, and entertainment. A few miles down the road is the iconic Pikes Peak mountain, Crystal Creek + North Catamount Reservoirs, which are gorgeous blue mountain lakes that are great for kayaking, camping, and fishing. It’s an area that’s perfect for two or a family to have fun and explore!

When Emma and Evan told me they wanted to elope in Garden of the Gods park, my heart jumped for joy! This is an area from my childhood, I know it so well and it’s always so much fun to go exploring. Emma dreamed of getting married in the mountains surrounded by red rocks. Garden of the Gods was the perfect fit. They wanted their families and closest friends to be part of their day. So they planned some beautiful, traditional elements. They decided to get ready in two different Airbnb’s so they wouldn’t see each other. Emma, along with both mom’s and all her bridesmaids were together for hair and makeup. When it came time for Emma to put on her dress, the bridesmaids went into a different room so she could have a special moment with her mom. After the first look with the bridesmaids, they all gathered for a prayer and lots of hugs! After Evan and the groomsmen all got dressed, they surrounded him and prayed together too.

These are just a few of the traditional elements, see more of the story looking through the photos of this incredible day!