Jocelyn + Cody road-tripped alllll the way from Texas and stayed in an Airbnb in the mountains before celebrating a Garden of the Gods wedding. This desert elopement was absolutely stunning! They had a beautiful intimate ceremony with their closest family + friends. With Pikes Peak above us & the vibrance of the red rocks surrounding us, it felt like we were on our own little planet. 

Getting Ready

Everyone was SO dang excited as they all prepared for the day. Their kids were freakin’ adorable, peeking through the windows and playing with everyone!

Jocelyn got ready in the Airbnb too. Even before she put on her Aw Bridal dress, she was glowing. Everything about Jocelyn’s dress, from the long train, to the lace detail, and the sheer sleeves, was FLAWLESS. My fave part was definitely her flared heel boots from Boohoo. These shoes were created for a unique Garden of the Gods wedding! 

The sweetest part of the morning was when Jocelyn’s mom prayed over her after she got dressed. It was very intimate and special to witness!

And true story – while we were on the deck getting Cody dressed, a bear came down by the driveway… it was the first time I’ve seen a bear in the wild! Stuff like that is why I looove shooting in the mountains. You never know what the day will bring!

Cody’s bolo tie and hat were the perfect accessories for their desert wedding. His pocket handkerchief matched his pants and his grey, patterned jacket was a nice twist on the classic groom outfit.

Also, Cody gave his mom this sweet gift. I love how the intimacy of an elopement allows a couple’s family members to really soak in the day with them!

Jocelyn also gave out gifts, too. It meant a lot that their family could be there to celebrate their marriage, and they did such a good job showing that. 

Their first look was an intimate, romantic moment surrounded by the tall, mountain trees. These two are clearly so in love and I’m still baffled I got to be a part of such a beautiful day!

Garden of the Gods Wedding Ceremony

There’s no fee for eloping in Garden of the Gods, but you do have to do it at one of their designated ceremony areas. Look into the official Garden of the Gods website to learn more for yourself! 

There’s really not a bad time of day to elope at Garden of the Gods – the scenery is always pretty. But in my opinion, there’s a magical sort of glow that happens when the sun is setting. I meannn look at Jocelyn here! She’s a freakin’ desert goddess against these rocks.

From the kids sitting on the rocks to using a boulder to sign the certificate, everything felt so naturally beautiful. It was the most authentic type of ceremony out in the beauty of nature. 

Jocelyn + Cody’s Beautiful Garden of the Gods Elopement Video

I really enjoyed telling this family’s story through film, as well! It’s just another way to relive their once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you want to see their desert elopement video, check it out here:

Congratulations again to Jocelyn + Cody! In short, it was a joy and pleasure to capture your beautiful Garden of the Gods elopement. 

Garden of the Gods Wedding Vendors

Photo + Video – yours truly 😉

Florist – Misty Burross Freelance Design

Cake – AEB Bakery 

HMUA – Make Up by Yani 

Bridal Shop – Aw Bridal

Shoes – Boohoo

Jewelry – Clay and Fern Co  

Groom’s Ring – Woodlife Jewelry Paper Goods – Nikki Press designs