Western
Garden of the Gods Elopement
Jackie & Jacob's Western elopement at Garden of the Gods had stunning sunset lighting and perfect vibes. This sweet couple drove all the way from Texas to get married in front of the red rocks and mountain views (and they brought their cowboy boots with them, of course).
Hey there! I'm Sam, Your Garden of the Gods Elopement Photographer & Planner
I know and adore Garden of the Gods (in fact, it's right in my backyard!), and I would be thrilled to help make your elopement just as amazing as Jackie & Jacob's.
Destination Elopement
Jackie and Jacob wanted to elope in Colorado for a couple reasons: they loved the epic views of the mountains, and it's really easy to get married here!
Colorado is one of the only states that doesn't require an officiant or witnesses to get married – so you can elope pretty much wherever, with total privacy, and just sign your marriage license yourselves.
Red Rocks + Blue Sky
When Jackie and Jacob inquired with me about a Garden of the Gods elopement, the two locations they liked most also happened to be two of my favorite ceremony spots in the park: Three Graces Plaza and High Point Overlook.
So we kicked off their elopement timeline with some portraits at Three Graces. This area has the coolest red rock formations, and we got lucky with some pops of blue sky and moody clouds.
High Point at Sunset
We headed to High Point Overlook just before sunset for the couple's ceremony. Even though it was a weekday, the weather was great that evening, so the overlook was pretty busy at sunset.
Fortunately, I'm super familiar with Garden of the Gods, so I knew about a little nook down the way where the couple could still have a private ceremony.
This is one of the biggest advantages to hiring a local photographer for your Colorado elopement! We know about secret spots, ideal timing, and back-up plans, so you can have a private and totally stress-free elopement – no matter the crowds or weather.
Jackie and Jacob shared their personal vows, exchanged rings, and sealed their marriage with a kiss. Then they had a first dance on the red rocks as the sun began to set.
I like to give my couples some space and solitude for their elopement ceremony, so they can take full advantage of how easy Colorado makes it to have these moments totally to themselves. And I always encourage couples to spend a few minutes after their ceremony just taking in the beautiful place they just got married!
Colorful Western Elopement
Jackie and Jacob signed their marriage license, and we took a few more portraits at their ceremony spot. One of my favorites is of their hands and wedding rings in front of the mountains.
Then we headed back up to the busier part of High Point Overlook to watch the end of the sunset. I got some adorable photos of the couple hugging, laughing, and showing off their cool boots as the sky became a rainbow of pastel colors.
Blue Hour at Garden of the Gods
We wrapped up Jackie and Jacob's Western Garden of the Gods elopement with lantern photos during blue hour. I love sticking around for a little while after the sun actually sets because everyone else leaves! What was a busy overlook 15 minutes prior, became incredibly peaceful. And lantern photos are so fun!
Jackie + Jacob's Review
Sam was an incredible help from the beginning of planning to the day of our elopement. My husband and I contacted Sam with less than 6 weeks to our date and she was willing to help us crunch everything in such a short timeline. She didn’t just take amazing pictures but helped us with vendor recommendations and spots to go adventure.
Sam was very knowledgeable on the Garden of the Gods and was a great help in finding good spots for our photos and vow exchange.
Within an hour we were able to get so much done and get to experience the most beautiful sunset to end our night!
- J + J
