One of the best things about being a photographer based in Colorado Springs is the easy access to Garden of the Gods for all sorts of portrait sessions. The epic red rock back drop, the views of Pikes Peak, the way the sun peeks through the landscape. Ah. Just gorgeous at all times of year.

Sarah and Rex had a Catholic church ceremony and wanted to take their portraits at the Garden of the Gods before the reception at Wedgewood at Black Forest. Their bridal party and siblings and me, their fun-loving photographer, hopped into a party bus after the ceremony and headed to the Garden. When we got to the main entrance, it was closed! So we had to pivot and direct the bus driver to the back entrance, which ended up being fortuitous because it led us up to the highest point in the park. As we started taking photos, the colors in the sky began popping and by sunset they were bringing all the colorful drama. It was the perfect night for outdoor portraits.

The next set of bride and groom portraits are also from late in the year, this time December. Valerie and Nick reached out to me because they wanted more pictures in their wedding attire. They had been married the previous summer but didn’t get enough portraits of the two of them on their wedding day. I was happy to oblige and suggested the Garden of the Gods as the location for the photos. They brought along their sweet pup and we went to two locations in the park– the central garden and the high point overlook. Starting in the central garden, we got some beautiful individual photos of each of them and some of them together. Pup featured in a few of course too.

When we arrived at the high point overlook, the wind was fierce! We found some shelter walking down the path and got some great views of Pikes Peak. They brought champagne and glasses to do some sweet glass-clinking photos. Some of my favorites were in the full wind when it had picked up right near the end of the session. The wind can create such drama in photos!

Whether traveling to the Garden of the Gods on your wedding day to get bride and groom portraits or doing a standalone session, it’s a beautiful backdrop for timeless images of your love. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I am so grateful for this park, free and open to the public. Inquire today if you’re looking for a family session, engagement session, or wedding photographer!