Rachel and Matt’s elopement at Garden of the Gods in Colorado was nothing short of magical, and it turned out absolutely beautiful. If you’re wondering what an intimate, meaningful wedding day looks like, their sunrise elopement at the iconic Three Graces Plaza is the perfect example. From getting ready in the early morning hours, to celebrating with their family, friends, and their adorable golden retriever Oslo, they captured the essence of what eloping is all about.
A Perfect Start to an Elopement Day
Rachel and Matt started their special day bright and early. They spent some time prepping in their vacation rental with their closest family and friends. I captured their getting ready photos and some emotional first looks along the way.
With Oslo, ready for his own important role in their elopement, they made their way to Garden of the Gods. Bringing along your dog is just one of the many perks of an elopement at this location. The park is dog-friendly as long as your pup is leashed, and Oslo was more than happy to serve as both a witness and a hiking buddy. Your dog is family, and when you elope, there are no rules against including them in your celebration. A pup adds another personal touch to your elopement. It’s so incredibly special…and cute!
The Magic of a Sunrise Elopement Ceremony
Arriving at Three Graces Plaza before sunrise is an experience in itself. Hidden inside the insanely beautiful red rock formations, this spot has privacy and quietness. The entire park glowed as the sun came up, and it made the perfect background for their elopement. Rachel and Matt exchanged vows with their closest family and friends beside them. The warm light brought a natural glow over them. The morning air was crisp, but warm. It really was the best morning for an elopement. Oslo sat nearby, and soaked it all up.
If you’ve never thought about eloping at sunrise, here’s why it’s worth considering. First, the park is very quiet. You skip the crowds often found later in the day, giving you total privacy to say your vows. Second, the light is unbeatable. Photographers call this the “golden hour” for a reason, the soft light is incredibly flattering and makes every photo glow. And third, starting your day with a sunrise ceremony leaves so much day ahead to create even more unforgettable memories.
Exploring Garden of the Gods
After their ceremony, Rachel and Matt took time to explore the park. They hiked the very accessible trails, stopping at iconic spots like Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels. These moments often create some of the best documentary photos from the day. Hiking together, holding hands, and stopping to see the views is what makes an elopement feel so connected.
They didn’t overcomplicate the day with a super strict itinerary. That’s the beauty of an elopement, especially one in a location as stunning as this. Garden of the Gods invites you to slow down and truly savor the moment. If you’re bringing your dog, like Rachel and Matt did, it’s a bonus! There are plenty of easy paved trails that are dog-friendly, so it’s the perfect setting for couples who want their furry companions to join in the adventure.
A Breakfast Reception
Once Rachel and Matt finished exploring, they headed back to celebrate with their family and friends. Instead of a traditional evening reception, they hosted a breakfast for their guests. This added such a cozy and unique touch to their day, especially since it was early!
The breakfast reception was filled with simple, heartfelt moments: first dances, heartfelt speeches, and a variety of breakfast food and cake. After breakfast, everyone enjoyed celebrating together, just as you would a traditional wedding. Rachel and Matt’s wedding day felt intentional from beginning to end. Perfectly planned, and perfectly balanced between the adventure and reception.
How to Get to Three Graces Plaza
For couples considering a sunrise elopement at Garden of the Gods, Three Graces Plaza is an incredibly easy and accessible location. The park, located in Colorado Springs, offers free admission and has a visitor center with helpful info and maps. The Three Graces area is close to the main parking lot, so it’s just a short walk to reach this epic spot. Keep in mind that popular locations can draw crowds later in the day, so an early start essentially guarantees you’ll have the space to yourself.
If you’re unsure about permits or rules for eloping at Garden of the Gods, don’t stress! It’s simpler than you think. You can find more details about How to Legally Get Married in Colorado in my blog, which breaks everything down step by step. Spoiler alert: Colorado is one of the easiest states to plan an elopement. You can even self-solemnize, which means no officiant is required!
Why Choose Sunrise for Your Elopement
Rachel and Matt’s day is a perfect example of why sunrise elopements are so special. While waking up early might not sound glamorous, trust me, it’s 100% worth it. Watching the day begin as you exchange vows feels incredibly intimate. There’s something about being up with the sun that makes everything feel especially meaningful.
Plus, eloping at sunrise gives you a head start on the day. You can explore, celebrate, and still have time to just soak it all in without feeling rushed. And from a photographer’s perspective? The light is unbeatable. Every photo looks soft, authentic, and full of life.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Your Elopement
If you’re dreaming of including your dog in your elopement, Garden of the Gods is an excellent choice. The park is dog-friendly and offers plenty of open space for your pup to enjoy. Just remember to bring a leash, some water, and maybe even a little bow tie or bandana to dress them up for the occasion! Oslo was the perfect companion for Rachel and Matt’s day, and having him there made the experience even more personal and fun.
What Does an Elopement Ceremony Look Like?
For those wondering what to expect from an elopement ceremony, Rachel and Matt’s day is a great example. It’s not about sticking to tradition or following a strict timeline. Instead, it’s about creating a ceremony that feels authentic to you. Whether that’s writing your own vows, including meaningful touches, or simply holding hands and speaking from the heart, your elopement can be whatever you want it to be. For more ideas, check out my blog on What Does an Elopement Ceremony Look Like for even more inspiration.
Book Your Garden of The Gods Elopement Photographer
Rachel and Matt’s sunrise elopement at Three Graces Plaza was a day filled with beauty, love, and fun. If their story inspires you to plan your own adventure, I’d love to help capture it. As your elopement photographer, I’ll not only document every special moment, but I’ll also help guide you through the planning process from finding the best sunrise locations to navigating Colorado marriage laws. Reach out today, by filling out my contact form, and let’s start planning your unforgettable day together!
