Mallory & Caylee’s Dreamy Elopement at Garden of the Gods in Colorado

Mallory & Caylee are a high school romance that worked its way into forever love. Their decision to elope was more organic as they just knew it was time to get married. They were wowed by the breathtaking views at Garden of the Gods in Colorado. There were a few nerves, but when it came time for their ceremony, they were excited! Mallory & Caylee exchanged vows on a lookout over the red rock landscape of the park. It could not have been more perfect. Read more to find out how Simply Eloped helped this couple have the stress-free elopement of their dreams.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Mallory: We met back in our freshman year of high school. We played basketball against each other for a couple of years before we met, so I guess more like 7th grade. I was very meek and quiet back then, and she was the exact opposite, shy but definitely would win a popularity contest. We started talking and kind of just clicked. We were interested in a majority of the same things and hit it off.

How did you propose or accept the proposal? 

Mallory: There was no actual proposal. I think we both just kind of knew back in December like, if we do this, if we get back together, that’s it for us. A few months later, we sat on the living room floor looking at the elopement site and putting a deposit down for Simply Eloped in Garden of the Gods, Colorado.

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Mallory: We chose Garden of the Gods because as I was looking through all of the possible elopement locations in Colorado, it was the only one that we both actually agreed on right off the bat. It had bright red from the red rocks, hints of little white blooms, and deep greens everywhere you looked. It was perfect. 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there? 

Mallory: The overlook that we chose was our photographer’s pick, and let me tell you, he could not have chosen a more perfect location. We got everything we had initially wanted, everything you could ever imagine. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Mallory: Garden of the Gods is truly breathtaking. There’s nothing that will ever compare to it. If you’re looking for something moody yet inviting and fun, it’s a perfect choice. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Mallory: Before the wedding, we woke up and had breakfast with each other, watched a movie or two, and just relaxed. It was our day, and we could do whatever we wanted. My wife actually took a nap as I was getting ready because it took me so long.  I was a little nervous. Eventually, I finished getting ready, and we sat down and talked a bit and headed out. We were both extremely excited, like the kind of excitement where you’re cheeks hurt, and you can’t catch your breath. It was all WELL worth it. 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Mallory: It was amazing! We struggled with keeping in touch because my wife and I had A LOT going on while planning this, but the team was so great and understanding. I definitely recommend Simply Eloped to anyone who is thinking about eloping.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Mallory: We took about five days off and stayed in Colorado and went up to Pikes Peak and kind of just relaxed. We didn’t plan an elaborate vacation timeline or anything. We just let ourselves wake up and decide. That way, there was zero room for any added stress or anything like that. 

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Mallory: Just go on and do it. If you’re waiting to get married because of money reasons or because not everyone would be able to be there or things like that, just put yourselves first and go get married! There’s always time for parties and celebrations afterward!

Officiation by: Amy Wikstrom
Photography by: Noah Berg
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Martha Stewart, Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.