Manitou Springs + Garden of the Gods Fall Elopement

Cody and Kaylee eloped at Garden of the Gods and had their two pups be their witnesses. They reached out to our talented videographer friends Acts of Adventure, who basically planned their entire elopement, and then they referred Cody and Kaylee to me.

We started off their elopement day at a cute Airbnb in Manitou Springs. They shared their first look by the river as the last leaves of the season began to fall, walked around Manitou Springs drinking natural spring water, and visiting the Mate Factor Cafe for some peach Yerba tea. It was a surprisingly warm November day, so the tea hit the spot. Since Kaylee and Cody are big video game fans (check out Kaylee’s wedding sneakers for proof) they wanted to visit the historic Manitou Penny Arcade! It’s full of vintage games where they competed against each other, played the Love Strength machine, and ended up at the Dance Dance Revolution for their first dance. I can truly say that this is the most unique first dance I’v ever seen!

Next up was their ceremony at Garden of the Gods. We found an empty location, and to figure out who had to say their vows first, they played Rock Paper Scissors. Kaylee lost and after a bunch of nervous giggles between them, they shared an intimate moment committing their lives to each other. Their dogs sat between their feet and had their paws stamped on their marriage certificate as the witnesses. Their portrait session was stunning with an epic sunset, and we ended it by popping a bottle of cider! (no alcohol allowed at Garden of the Gods)

I designed their reception spaced attached to their airbnb. A large tree stump remained, so I covered it with a linen runner, added a bunch of candles, a few rose buds, and lit up the place with loads of string lights. Kaylee and Cody wanted pizza and pancakes for their first meal together as husband and wife, so they ordered local pizza and made pancakes as their dessert. A final slow dance ended the night and that was a wrap on the most amazing elopement day!

I love that Kaylee and Cody did exactly what they love to do together, and chose to do them in a new location they can share together. Elopements/intimate weddings offer SO much more freedom to have your wedding day exactly as you want it, and you actually get to spend more time with the person you are marrying! I can’t wait to photograph more elopements, and I hope this one inspires you to step out to get married how you want to - no stress, adventurous, and fun!
Locations: Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs, Co // Photography: Century Tree Co. // Videography: Acts of Adventure // H&MU: The Day Colorado // Florist: Bloom Bar and Co //Wedding Dress: Savvy Bridal Boutique // Custom Wedding Jacket: Indochino

You can also watch their incredible wedding video, created by Acts of Adventure, jusr below.