We're talking about what Google leaves out: the crowds, the heat, the parking situation, and the fact that Colorado Springs is not the mountain town experience most couples are dreaming of. If you've been picturing a cool, quiet mountain elopement, this one might surprise you.

That said, Garden of the Gods is genuinely stunning. If those dramatic red rock formations are exactly what your heart is set on, it might still be your place. We just want you going in with realistic expectations and a solid plan.

In this episode we cover:

What Garden of the Gods actually is (and where it's located) Why crowds and parking can make or break the experience The honest truth about Colorado Springs as a destination Who this location is really a great fit for Tips for eloping there without the stress: weekdays, sunrise, small groups, and hiring someone local who knows the hidden spots

Here's the link to our full Garden of the Gods Elopement Planning Guide, which covers ceremony spots, vendor recommendations, and everything else you'd need to plan a day there. And if you're still figuring out whether it's the right fit or want suggestions that lean more mountainous, we'd genuinely love to help. Reach out anytime at wethelightphotography.com or email us at hello@wethelightphotography.com.

A few things to know that Google won't tell you: it gets busy on weekends, so weekdays are your best bet for real privacy. The altitude is serious, so come hydrated, acclimated, and fed. And keep your guest count small. This is fragile alpine tundra, not a venue, and it's best experienced as just the two of you or with a tight group of up to 10. Treat it well and it will absolutely deliver.

If you want to learn more about exactly how to elope at Loveland Pass and see real elopements there, view our Loveland Pass Elopement Guide.

If you're starting to think through your own Colorado elopement, our Elopement Planning Guide is a great place to start.

Crested Butte: The Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Peak bloom early July through early August. Go early in the morning and it will blow you away.

Ouray / Yankee Boy Basin: A dramatic hanging valley ringed by 13,000 foot peaks. You'll need a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle. Peak bloom mid-July to early August.

Summit County: Great accessibility and variety. Above treeline at Loveland Pass or tucked into the aspens. Wildflowers peak mid-July into August.

Boulder: The pick for May blooms when the mountains are still snowed in. Close to Denver and more accessible than most.

Not sure which one is right for you? Email us at hello@wethelightphotography.com or check out our Elopement Planning Guide to start planning.

Self-solemnizing means you don't need an officiant. In Colorado, you can legally marry yourselves, sign your own license, and that's it. No witnesses required. Want the full breakdown of how it works? We've got you covered.

We walk through what we call the four bones of any ceremony. The introduction, where you set the scene and say "okay, we're doing this." The vows, which have no rules except that you mean them. (We have a downloadable vow workbook to help you write something that actually sounds like you, link below.) The ring exchange, which is worth slowing down for even if nobody's watching. And the pronouncement, which can be three words, a kiss, or a "hell yeah" and a high five.

We also talk about how to make it feel like a ceremony and not just a Tuesday. Short answer: presence. Know the structure so you can stop managing the logistics and actually feel what's happening.

If you're in early planning mode, our Elopement Planning Guide is a solid place to start. If you don't know where to start with writing your vows, here's our Crafting Your Elopement Vows Workbook to get you un-stuck.  Ready to talk about your actual day? Check out our range of elopement package options.

Resources mentioned:

How to Self-Solemnize in Colorado

Crafting Your Elopement Vows Workbook

Elopement Planning Guide

Elopement Package

Larissa is making the case for them, but not for the reason you'd expect. It's not really about the photos at all. It's about what happens when your photographer gets to meet you before your ceremony instead of right at it. The comfort, the ease, the ability to actually be present when the big moment comes.

Plus, a reframe on what "getting ready" can actually look like on your elopement day. (Hint: Catan is fully on the table.)

In this episode we're talking about what we're leaving behind: overscheduled timelines, posing for the grid, picking vendors for the wrong reasons, and planning a day that ends up feeling more like everyone else's vision than yours. And what we're leaning into: chasing the experience over the aesthetic, all-in-one cabin days in the mountains, film photography, candid unposed moments, and locations that actually mean something to you.

If you're in the middle of planning and something feels a little off (like the day is slowly becoming something you didn't ask for) this one's for you. We're not here to tell you what your wedding should look like. We just want to help you find your way back to what actually feels right.

If you're considering eloping in Colorado and want to get a feel for your options here and first steps, download our Colorado Elopement Planning Guide.

If you're ready to drop the stress of trying to figure out how to elope in Colorado on your own, hop on a totally free brainstorming session with us so we can start making decisions and making this happen for you.

If you're considering eloping in Colorado and want to get a feel for your options here and first steps, download our Colorado Elopement Planning Guide.

If you're ready to drop the stress of trying to figure out how to elope in Colorado on your own, hop on a totally free brainstorming session with us so we can start making decisions and making this happen for you.