Sam & Ben’s Intimate Garden of the Gods Elopement

Sam & Ben were meant to be. Sam took the chance and flew to Colorado to meet Ben in person, and sparks flew! They decided that since they had first met in person in Colorado that they should also marry there. They agreed on Garden of the God’s as their elopement venue because they loved the stunning views. They even went ahead of time to hike through the park and find the perfect place for their ceremony. We especially love Samantha & Benjamin’s wedding finery. Sam had a gorgeous gown, and her hair was very beautifully intricate. Proof positive that you can elope in high style – even on the top of mountains! This couple found that working with Simply Eloped created an intimate and meaningful elopement. Read more to find out why they feel that way.

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

Sam: I met Ben through a mutual friend. He moved to Ben’s hometown right before junior high school and then attended high school with Ben. Ben later found me on said mutual friend’s Facebook account and messaged me there. After talking for about six months via the phone and facetime, I flew to Denver, Colorado, and that’s where we first met. My first impression was that he was super tall and handsome, very easy to get along with, and super funny.

Ben: My first impression of Sam was that she was adventurous. After all, who flies from Texas to Colorado to meet someone? She had a really warm, inviting personality, and her eyes were stunning. 

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Ben: We actually had been talking about marriage for quite some time. We decided to go look (JUST LOOK) at engagement rings. Sam found one that fit her perfectly and that she absolutely loved. I bought it on the spot and asked her if she’d marry me.

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

Ben & Sam: We chose to elope in Garden of the Gods, in Colorado Springs. Mainly because we first met (in person) in Colorado. We hiked for two days and took just about every trail until we found the actual spot within the garden that we wanted our ceremony to be. It had the best views and was pretty private.

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

Sam: We looked at several different locations, and the huge red rocks and scenic mountain overlooks attracted us to Garden of the Gods. My favorite part about eloping was feeling the same way I did when Ii first met Ben. It was just him in sight and everything went into slow motion again. It was intimate and meaningful.

Ben: My favorite part about eloping was watching Sam offload the stresses of planning a traditional wedding. She still got the dress, her hair and makeup done, but you could tell when you saw her face at the ceremony, she wasn’t worried about anything else. That made me feel good. 

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

Ben & Sam: We’d both describe it as a jump worth going into with eyes wide open. Beautiful. Something you don’t get at a traditional wedding venue with the views and natural backdrops. The mountains were never-ending, and we chose to go closer to sunset, so nothing beat that view. 

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

Ben: We still decided to do the traditional bride/groom attire. So, Sam did go and try on and purchase a wedding dress and veil. And I got fitted for my coat and shirt. We stayed at an Airbnb, The Old Town Guesthouse. The owners provided Sam with a separate room the day of so she could get ready. We also decided not to see one another on the day of our wedding until the ceremony. I took the rental to the spot, and Sam got a ride with the owner, Kim. I think we can both agree we felt nervous and super excited. 

Sam: I was really nervous until I saw him with his back turned waiting for me. My heart kind of slowed down, and my soul was calm once I saw him. After all, he is my best friend. 

Ben: I was nervous. I sweated through my shirt i was so nervous. I had to look out at the mountains until she tapped me on the shoulder for our first look. I could hear her talking, and my heart was racing, but once I turned around and saw her, I knew I was where I needed to be. 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Ben & Sam: Wonderful! from the very beginning. The communication was great. No beats were missed. Everything was handled and taken care of, and if we needed to make adjustments, it wasn’t a problem. 10/10. I’ve already recommended Simply Eloped to one of my friends. 

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Ben & Sam: We celebrated our elopement with a week-long stay in Colorado Springs. We dined, shopped, relaxed in our hot tub on our balcony, and just enjoyed one another. 

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

Ben & Sam: Do it. Simply, just do it. You won’t regret it!

Officiant: Dan Gustad
Photography by: Danielle Tolson
Hair & Makeup: Emily Van Scoy
Florist: Ruffly Rose
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.