The White Rose Wedding Chapel - The Sweetest Little Wedding Chapel in the West

The top of Pikes Peak can be a special place for a wedding ceremony, but because of its altitude, there are some special cautions that you must be aware of, and there are some particular restrictions that apply if we are to perform a ceremony there. The months of June, July and August are the practical range for ceremonies at that location. We normally consider performing ceremonies on the Peak on Sundays only (never on Saturdays or holidays).

Pikes Peak is a large mountain. Its peak is 14,110 feet above sea level. The weather at the peak can change very suddenly, and is likely to be extreme. We have performed ceremonies there in the middle of the summer in which there was snow, sleet, hail, rain and sunshine — all during the ceremony. There is a building at the top which houses a busy restaurant and a congested gift shop, so the only reasonable place for a wedding ceremony is outdoors.

Please understand that it often snows in the city of Colorado Springs during the months of September through June. July and August are the only months during which snow is extremely unlikely in the city. On the Peak — which is 8000 feet higher — snow is possible, and probable, anytime.

The air is extremely thin at that altitude, and people from lower altitudes should be cautious about taking very young children or elderly guests to that altitude, or anyone who has health problems. Do not bring pregnant women or newborn infants to the top of the Peak! Even healthy, young people — even people who live in Colorado Springs, which is around 6200 feet — often get “altitude sickness” above 10,000 feet. Altitude sickness, which comes from having less oxygen to breathe, can cause serious and extremely debilitating nausea and headache in healthy people, and more serious symptoms in those with heart, lung or other health concerns.

Also, because of the thinner air, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are much more dangerous at high altitudes. Sun block (of a high protection level) should be used liberally, and hats or sun visors are advised.

Clothing should include layers as much as possible, because a summer trip to the Peak will likely encompass a wide range of temperatures — from hot to cold. A jacket is essential!

There is a highway to the top of the Peak, but we do not recommend that anyone unfamiliar with mountain driving attempt it. It is a narrow, sometimes extremely curvy road, with a loose-gravel surface at higher altitudes, and with extremely steep drop-offs. We no longer agree to ride to the top of the Peak on the highway under any circumstances — including a hired professional limo driver — as it is an extremely hazardous and exhausting road trip, intensified by the number of amateur drivers inexperienced with the special conditions and risks associated with high-altitude driving. Local mechanics say that driving up the Peak and back just once is the same as putting several years of wear and tear on a car, and the burning up of brakes on the descent is very common.

There is a cog railway that runs to the top and back (from Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs) several times a day. We require paid cog railway tickets in addition to our fee of $800. Please understand that the trip requires a half-day commitment on our part.

For schedule and fare information about the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad, please call (719) 685-5401, or visit their website at www.cograilway.com.

This information is intended to make sure that, if you have considered a wedding at the top of Pikes Peak, you know what you are getting into. It is not intended to discourage you from planning your ceremony there if you have carefully considered the conditions and limitations. For some people, under the right conditions, this location can be a wonderful experience and the memory of a lifetime. Under those conditions, and within the restrictions we have had to adopt for our own protection, we would be delighted and honored to officiate at your special "peak" experience!