How to Plan a Meaningful & Stress-Free Colorado Springs Elopement

1. Choose the Vibe Before the Location

Before picking a spot, ask yourselves:

• Do we want mountains or red rocks?
• Something adventurous or something easy-access?
• Sunrise or sunset?
• A quiet, woodsy feel or big, sweeping views?

Your vibe shapes everything else.

If you want:

Adventure → Pikes Peak, North Cheyenne Canyon

Romantic red rocks → Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon

Privacy + intimacy → Palmer Park, quiet overlooks

Cinematic scenery → High-elevation lakes or ridges

Your “why” always leads you to the perfect place.

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2. Decide on Sunrise or Sunset

Colorado Springs is stunning at both.

Sunrise:

• Quieter
• Soft pastel skies
• Cooler temperatures
• Perfect for Garden of the Gods (avoids crowds!)

Sunset:

• Warmer colors
• Soft golden light
• Dreamy glow on the rocks and mountains

Your photographer (hey, that’s me 👋) will help you choose based on lighting, crowds, and your location.

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3. Add Simple, Meaningful Touches

Eloping doesn’t mean “less special”—it means more intentional.

You can include:

• Private vow books
• A champagne toast
• A picnic spread
• A first dance on a cliff or overlook
• A prayer or blessing
• A symbolic ritual (unity braid, sand, or handfasting)

Sometimes the simplest moments become the most emotional ones.

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4. Bring the Right Gear Without Overpacking

You don’t need much, but here’s what helps:

• Comfortable shoes (you can change at the ceremony spot)
• Layers—Colorado weather changes fast
• Water + snacks
• A bouquet that can handle wind + heat
• Sunscreen + lip balm
• A blanket for sitting on rocks
• Clear umbrellas (for epic rainy-day photos!)

And don’t forget: the wind is your friend. It makes dresses flow, hair move, and photos look cinematic.

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5. Build a Timeline That Feels Like… You

Elopements don’t follow traditional rules.
Your timeline can be:

• Slow and cozy
• Fast and adventurous
• All-day or just a few hours

A sample sunset elopement might look like:

• 4:30 PM — Meet at trailhead
• 5:00 PM — Explore, warm up with fun photos
• 5:45 PM — Private vow exchange
• 6:15 PM — Portraits at golden hour
• 7:00 PM — Champagne toast
• 7:10 PM — Blue hour portraits (dreamy and cinematic)

The whole day flows around your heart, not around a schedule.

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6. Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Area

Colorado Springs has stunning light—but also tricky shadows, reflective rocks, occasional crowds, and sensitive areas.

A photographer who understands:

• Local lighting
• Wind patterns
• Best photo spots
• Hidden gems
• Backup options
• How to pose couples naturally
• How to shoot big landscapes + intimacy

…will ensure your photos feel emotional, intentional, and stunning.

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Final Thoughts

A Colorado Springs elopement is more than just a ceremony—it’s an experience. A moment where time slows down, the mountains hold your story, and you begin your marriage in the most grounded, beautiful way.

If you want your elopement documented with intention, warmth, and a feeling of deep connection, I’d love to be part of your day.

— Elopement Photographer, Keshia Pietz