FAQs

Question

Can I bring a plus-one or my children?

Answer

Because we are hosting an exceptionally intimate ceremony with only 25 of our absolute closest family members, we are only able to accommodate the specific names listed on your wedding invitation envelope. We want to keep our mountain morning incredibly tight-knit and personal! However, please don't worry—we love our extended family and friends so much, and we will be hosting separate, casual celebrations back home in Texas later on so we can celebrate and catch up with everyone properly!

Question

What time should I arrive for the ceremony?

Answer

Because we are timing our ceremony exactly with the mountain sunrise, timing is incredibly important! We ask that all guests arrive at the designated Garden of the Gods location by 7:00 AM. This will give everyone plenty of time to park, gather, and get settled before the first morning light breaks. Trust us, the views will be well worth the early wake-up call!

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The dress code is Semi-Formal / Dressy Casual. However, because December mornings in Colorado are exceptionally crisp and cold, your warmth and comfort are our absolute highest priorities! Please dress in layers and wear your favorite heavy winter coats, scarves, and gloves directly over your wedding attire.

Question

Will the ceremony be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Our ceremony will be held entirely outdoors to capture the beautiful sunrise over the red rocks. Because of the crisp December temperatures, the ceremony will be short, sweet, and intimate (around 30~minutes). Afterward, we will send you off to warm up! While Jayden and I stay behind to take our wedding photos, you will have plenty of time to head back to your hotel room to thaw out, relax, and freshen up before we all gather for our indoor private brunch celebration.

Question

Will there be restrooms available at the ceremony site?

Answer

Because our ceremony is taking place at a natural overlook inside the park at sunrise, there are no public restrooms directly at our specific ceremony spot. The main Garden of the Gods Visitor Center does have full facilities, but it will not open until later in the morning. We highly recommend using the restroom at your hotel before heading out to join us at 7:00 AM! Full restrooms will, of course, be available once we head downtown for brunch.

Question

I’m traveling from Texas/out of state. How should I pack for Colorado in December?

Answer

Layers are going to be your absolute best friend! December mornings in the mountains are incredibly nippy, but once the high-altitude sun comes out, it can feel surprisingly warm. We highly recommend packing a heavy, insulated winter coat, warm sweaters, thermal base layers, thick socks, a beanie, and gloves. For footwear, we suggest flat, comfortable boots or closed-toe shoes with good traction, as walkways can occasionally be icy or snowy.

Question

Do I need to rent an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle?

Answer

If you are renting a car at the airport, we highly recommend requesting an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicle. While Colorado Springs roads are regularly plowed, winter weather in the mountains can change fast. Colorado actually enforces a strict "Traction Law" during snowstorms, which requires vehicles to have AWD/4WD or specialized winter tires to legally drive on certain roads. Booking an AWD rental ensures you can navigate the area safely and legally, no matter what beautiful winter weather rolls in!

Question

Any tips for adjusting to the Colorado altitude?

Answer

Yes! Colorado Springs sits at over 6,000 feet above sea level, and the air is much thinner and drier than it is in Texas. To prevent altitude sickness, the absolute best thing you can do is start drinking extra water a few days before you arrive and keep a water bottle with you at all times. We also recommend packing a good lip balm and heavy moisturizer, and taking it easy on the alcohol on Friday night, as drinks will hit you much faster up here!